Anam Cara Open Circle

CONTACT DETAILS

07736 551 650
zeshanakhter@aol.com
LOCALITY

information DESCRIPTION

The Anam Cara Open Circle sprung from the need within the Muslim Community to have a place where people could socialise outside of the Mosque, in a safe and non-judgmental manner. To share thoughts and feelings about themselves and their community in an environment where everybody is heard with a sense of mutual support and care.

The name of the group Anam Cara Open Circle was the name voted for by the regular attendees through a voting system lasting several months, the idea being that the group should take ownership by naming it themselves. Despite the attendees coming from a wide diversity of ethnic origins and "home" countries (Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, North African), including many Scottish people who have embraced Islam, they chose a Gaelic name for their group, taking on the hue of Scotland's people and reflecting the culture and heritage of the country in which we live.

Anam Cara in Gaelic means soul mate/friend. It is genderless. As John O'Donohue has put it: "The anam cara was a person to whom you could reveal the hidden intimacies of your life. This friendship was an act of recognition and belonging. When you had an anam cara, your friendship cut across all convention and category. You were joined in an ancient and eternal way with the friend of your soul."

This meaning found resonance with those who voted: one of the central characteristics of the group is that members choose to interact with each other in a non judgemental way - it is safe and enough to be who you are without fear.

The Anam Cara Open Circle gatherings are not segregated - however a natural modesty tends to operate with men congregating together and also women in the same way. After the meal, discussions take place on matters that are of interest to the group and the contributions can be made by anybody regardless of gender. These are very valuable for the exchange of knowledge.

The nature of the gathering is simply to come to know one another better as a community, with the hope that it will become the beginnings of a social network for people in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

Special invitation is given to converts to Islam who are encouraged to attend. We hope that it will be an opportunity for converts to share their experiences and also an opportunity to build new friendships.

The day is usually divided into two halves. The first begins with a shared meal – normally this is ‘finger food’, given the nature of the venue. Attendees are asked to bring a dish if they are able, but this is not compulsory.

The second half moves onto slightly more formal conversation and discussion, where people are free to speak to one another, get to know each other and create a space for dialogue, questions and answers on issues affecting us all.

It is not uncommon for one of the young Imams of a local Mosque to attend and help out with some more specific questions.

On special occasions an outing is sometimes organised to a particularly nice local setting. So far the Redhall Walled Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens have been used as a venue for our Eid Gatherings.

We hope to see you there sometime soon.

ORGANISATION ACTIVITIES

Black/Minority/Ethnic Faith/Religion/Belief Sport/Leisure/Recreation

Copyright © 2024 EVOC is a company limited by guarantee No. SC173582 and is registered Scottish charity No. SC009944.
Registered Office: 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH5 2FF