Contents

Welcome 3

Prayer Facilities 4

Prayer Room: Rules and Regulations 5

Education and Da’wa 6

Charity 7

Events 8

Mentoring 10

The Committee 11

Who’s Who in the World of LSE ISoc? 12

A Day in the Life of A Random ISoc Brother… 14

The Students Union 15

Now the Important Stuff – FOOD! 16

Contact Us, Join Us! 19

 Welcome
Assalamu Alaikum - Peace be upon you all!

WELCOME
to the LSE Student Union Islamic Society!
(More commonly known as ISoc)

The award winning LSESU Islamic Society is one of the most active and
diverse societies. We offer a wide variety of services for Muslims and Non-
Muslims; from talks, socials and sports, to interfaith and charity events as
well as mentoring and spiritual activities. An opportunity is provided to gain
a greater knowledge and understanding on this much-discussed global
faith.

A Voice – Working For You

ISoc also aims to be the voice for the Muslim community of LSE. We work
closely with the Students Union and the School to ensure and that your
needs are met - whether they be prayer facilities, Halal food or that your
opinions are represented on the issues that matter to you.

We also strive to provide support to our members by facilitating a forum

whereby we can all engage with the teachings of Islam.

Our Members
Approximately 250 LSE Students sign up every year to be ISoc members and
we maintain strong ties to our alumni who often visit. Our international and
diverse membership means you will never be short of interesting friends!

Open
We operate an open-door policy with our facilities and activities regardless
of faith or non-faith.

So what are you waiting for…?

Come along - see what we are about for yourself!

 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10
4
Where are the prayer rooms?
The prayer rooms are located in the basement
of Lincoln’s Inn Chambers, across the street
from the Library entrance. The brother’s prayer
room is L08 and the sister’s is L09 (don’t worry,
there are plenty of signs to direct you-
otherwise, there are plenty of friendly ISocers
wondering around campus, who would only be
too happy to help!).
Where can I do wudhu’ (ablution)?
People give me strange looks when I wash
my feet in the Library bathrooms.
There are separate ablution facilities for both
brothers and sisters- waterproof sandals
included!
What are the prayer rooms like?
Student prayer rooms are always small and
dingy!
The prayer rooms (or PR for short), as you will
soon discover, are the hub of the ISoc. Newly
refurbished, they are spacious, clean and
peaceful, and often double up as a common
room or study area. Come down and have a
look for yourself - it’s a great way to meet
other ISocers!
Prayer Facilities
With an extensive library of Islamic literature
and academic books, as well as a CD collection
available for members’ usage, the PR is also an
ideal place for personal study and reflection.
The PR also plays host to the weekly circles,
Qur’an classes, as well as Iftar meals and the
Tarawih Prayers during Ramadan. The notice
boards in each of the rooms will help keep you
informed about upcoming events in ISoc and on
campus.
What about Jum’a (the Friday prayer)?
The Friday prayer is held in the LSE Badminton
Court (basement of Old Building) every Friday at
1.15pm. Brothers and sisters are all welcome to
offer their Friday prayers together.
Mosques close by include…
London Central Mosque, a short walk from
Baker Street Underground Station.
East London Mosque between Whitechapel and
Aldgate East stations, as well as
The Muslim World League near Goodge St
Station.
LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

Prayer Room: Rules and Regulations

Wait… “Rules?!”… Booooooring!

Okay, so being dictated a set of rules may seem
tyrannical, but we assure you, you’ll see the
need as you begin to spend more time in the PR
- it is the place to be. Where else could you
sink into a pile of cushions whilst reading up
on Islamic history or the latest copy of The
Beaver ?
Only 10 Golden Rules. So pretty please….
7. Shoes - go on the shoe racks.
Simple
as – no compromises!
8. Wudhu’ (ablution) area – Mop up
after yourself, the floor can get very
wet after heavy usage.
9. Door codes – Memorize them. They
are written in the PRs, or contact us.

1. BE QUIET WHEN SOMEONE IS 10. Security - The L Building main

PRAYING! – That includes being quite in
the corridor too. When others forget
kindly remind each other. The PR is first
and foremost a prayer room.
2. Rota – Maintaining the rooms is a
collective responsibility. Please find sign
up sheets in the PR, we would like
weekly volunteers to hoover and tidy up
the shelves. Easy!
3. Storage - Leaving something for a few
hours is fine, but any longer and the
room looks cluttered. Items will be
removed if they are left lying around for
too long. (If you need to store
something important, please contact
us).
entrance shuts at 6pm, after which
time you can only get in with a
validated card. Ask the security desk
in the LSE main building reception for
this. The PR is also used by office
workers and non-students. Please
stay vigilant and report anything
suspicious to LSE Estates / Security.
The PR is the heart of the Muslim
community at LSE - let’s treat it with
RESPECT!
'Surely God loves those who repent and He
loves those who are always clean and
pure.'
- (2:222)

4. Food - Providing no mess is left behind,

you are allowed to snack in the PRs.
Hoorah! But if we feel too much mess is
being made, we will ban food in the PR.
No one wants to make sujood
(prostration) on crumbs! (Brothers have
banned food completely).

5. Rubbish/Recycling - Always ensure

you take your rubbish with you. Waste
and recycling bins at the foot of the
stairs leave no excuse for not throwing
rubbish away on your way out.

6. Saving electricity - If you are the last

one out please switch off all plugs,
switch off all lights and make sure the
door is locked.
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

Education and Da’wa

Circles and Tarbiyyah

Seeking knowledge is a duty upon all Muslims,

so here at the LSE ISoc we encourage our
members to seek knowledge, teach and learn
from each other. Weekly brothers’ and sisters’
circles and the weekly tarbiyyah circle provide a
vehicle where the practices and principles of
Islam are taught and discussed in a welcoming,
friendly and understanding environment.

Tarbiyyah is held every week in the brother’s

prayer room, and both brothers and sisters are
welcome. If you’re lucky, you might get to
sample one of our ‘Tarbiyyah Breakfasts’- hot,
home cooked breakfasts courtesy of our
generous attendees! Some of the famous ones
included the American Breakfast, a Somali
Breakfast and a Bengali Breakfast to name but
few- mmmm.

Tarbiyyah circles are presented by fellow

undergraduate and postgraduate students who
have researched their topics thoroughly, taking
turns in leading topics which they find
particularly interesting. Circles are often given
by qualified students and they are posted up
on the
ISoc website so that people can consolidate
Da’wa
their notes or catch up on missed lessons.
As part of our aim to increase awareness about
the teachings of Islam and to help others gain a
greater understanding of Muslims, we host a
twice-weekly Da’wa (Outreach) Stall on
Houghton Street. As well as providing
introductory literature and free Qur’ans, the
Da’wa Stall aims to encourage dialogue between
Muslims and non-Muslims, and creates a means
through which we can answer people’s
questions regarding Islam.

In recent months, the Da’wa Stall has become

increasingly popular- almost legendary- for the
delicious coffee and free food we offer to our
patrons! So make sure you get there before it all
runs out!
LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

Charity

Giving sadaqah or charity is one of the most
important teachings in Islam and we at the ISoc
ensure that this is a priority. The majority of our
fundraising occurs during the Friday prayers, so
make sure you have your wallet with you!
Bissau Mosque Appeal: £1197.46
Darfur [Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid]: £696.68
Myanmar Cyclone [Muslim Aid]: £998.05

However, we often have themed Charity Weeks-
from our Build A Well Campaign, to taking part in
ULU Isoc Charity Week, and the LSE SU RAG
(Raising and Giving) Week, as well as hosting
charity auctions at some of our bigger events.
Bangladesh Flood Appeal [Oxfam, Muslim Aid]:
£991.91
Chechnya [Medical Aid and Relief for the Children
of Chechnya]: £775.15

Some of last year’s campaigns:

Pakistan Orphan Appeal [Muslim Aid]: £459.48
ULU ISoc Charity Week for Orphans around the
Bosnia Appeal [Muslim Aid]: £366.75
World [Islamic Relief]: £11,583.81
HIV/AIDS Million Penny Drive: £330.09
Gaza Appeal [Medical Aid for Palestinians]:
£1724.85 Show Box Appeal [Great Ormond St Hospital]:
£200
RAG WEEK [Joint fundraising with JSoc and
Christian Union]: £300 approx

Weekly Juma’ah Bucket collections

Grand Total - £27,076.69

ALHAMDULILLAH! (All praises be to

God)

Campaigns in previous years include:

Build A Well Campaign [Two wells in Cambodia

and Somalia; Muslim Aid]: £1749.06

Sponsor a Child [Jiborah Bicycle Campaign]:

£1248.07

Palestine Appeal [Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid,

Interpal, Medical Aid for Palestine]: £1845.77

Iraq Appeal [Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid]: £1540.96

Somalia Appeal [Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid,

Somalia SABAR Project, Hiran Community Project]: ‘Build a Well Campaign’
£1435.61
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

Events

The Islamic Society is one of the most active Some of our previous speakers have
societies on campus. Our committee and members included:
work tirelessly throughout the year to bring you a
range of events.
- Prof. Tariq Ramadan
Some of the highlights from last year’s events; - Prof. Norman Finklestein
- Rageh Omar
Annual Dinner – 110 ISocers dressed up to - Sarah Joseph
celebrate the end of another amazing ISoc - AbdurRahman Malik
year. A talk by Jamal Badawi, lively charity - Luqman Ali
auction and delicious Asian food made this a - Peter Sanders
night to remember! - Mizan Raja
- Imam Ajmal Masroor
‘The World Banking System in Disarray: - Dr. Jesser Auda
What does Islam have to say?’ – Beautiful - Zahid Abu Ghudda
Quranic recitation opened the packed event - Moez Masud
where Tarek El Diwany discussed the - Tarek El Diwany
alternative to the capitalist system that - Jamal Badawi
contributed to the economic crisis we are - Dr. Usama Hasan
now facing. - Dr. Kemal Helbawy
- Dr. Umar Abdullah
‘Soul Crunch’- Moez Masud talked to a fully - Shaykh Idris Tawfiq
packed audience about how building the - Shaykh Haitham Al-Haddad
right relationships can help you survive in - Shaykh Hasan Ali
troubled times. - Shaykh Hasan Al-Banna
- Shaykh Muhammad Al-Shareef
‘Discover Islam Week’- This annual week - Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
long event is an opportunity for non Muslims
and Muslims alike to find out more on Islam.
This years DIW featured talks on
contemporary Islam, calligraphy classes, a
mosque trip, hajj exhibition and a balloon
launch phew!!

Tarek el Diwany,
‘The World Banking system in Disarray’ Balloon launch- Discover Islam Week
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

Events (cont.)

Joint Events

We also do a variety of joint events with other

societies and SU themed weeks, whether they
be interfaith events with the Christian Union or
Jewish Society, or our recent ‘Islam and the
Environment – Faith in the Planet?’ event as
part of the SU Environment and Ethics week.

Socials

But it’s not all work and no play - even Muslims

like to relax with friends now and again! The
ISoc hosts some great social events, from
dinners and paintballing to Pro-Evo
tournaments and outdoor ice skating at
Somerset House.

Upcoming Events

The year begins with our own Al-Freshers

Week, where you’ll have ample Meet ‘N’
Greets. Our Al-freshers Welcome Dinner is
certainly not to be missed – just check your
weekly ISoc email for details. And be sure to Shaykh Faraz Rabbani (Toronto, Canada),
come to our AGM so you can vote for your new
‘Spiritual Awakening’
committee!

Needless to say, as a member of the ISoc you

will always find something interesting to get
involved in for the whole year!

Prof. Tariq Ramadan

(Oxford University),
‘Muhammad: The
Greatest Leader’
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

10

Mentoring

"Whosoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make a path to paradise easy for
him”
[Muslim]

Being at one of the best academic institutions in the world is a blessing from Allah that requires us
to be thankful and to make good use of this blessing - by excellence and hard work.

The ISoc mentoring scheme is here to help you fulfil your potential at LSE, by giving a ‘heads up’ on
the road ahead of your next 3 years here. We help you do your best by providing the information
and advice that you might otherwise not have had - and motivating you along the way too!

What we offer: 3) Mentoring Reminder E-mails

1) Mentoring Sessions
Whether regular weekly sessions or whenever
the Mentee requests them, these sessions are
given by experienced Mentors, to help, guide
and motivate the Mentee throughout the year
on their degree.
They are usually based on topics that the
Mentee requests and therefore offer a level of
flexibility.
Whether they be motivational reminder emails
or humorous ones, these are sent to all Mentors
and Mentees to keep them going throughout
the year.
4) An Opportunity
To make new friends on your course from all
years as well as the chance to gain advice and
support, which will inshaAllah help you have a
stable and enjoyable year!

2) Mentoring Events SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEL AT LSE!

Last year we had… Join now by emailing su.soc.islamic@lse.ac.uk

with your name, year, degree and modules to
Crash Course in IT – Doesn’t turn you into be studied.
a computer geek but does what it says on
the tin. Essential for every student wanting
to survive LSE – where everything runs by
e-mail and computer.

How To Write Good Essays – Does what it

says on the tin (de ja vu?)

The Buzan Et. Al Method Of Study – So

much to do, so little time…how do we
become efficient and studious? What is the
most effective way of studying? This event
reveals all.
LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10
The Committee
Headed by the ‘Executive Committee’, the ISoc
Committee is the engine that keeps the society
moving.
The ISoc Exec, elected at the AGM, steers the
society and are responsible for maintaining the
administrative side of the society.
Who does what?
President: The big cheese. If you manage to
track him down he should be busy steering the
ISoc ship, as he’s responsible for the overall
running of the society.
General Secretary: The Gen. Sec is the brains
behind this operation. Duties include managing
the day-to-day running of the ISoc, dealing
with all emails and keeping the other
Committee members on the straight and
narrow.
11
Treasurer: A true professional, the treasurer
finds creative ways to fund ISoc adventures and
charity projects. He/she is most often found
repeating the phrase, ‘No, we can’t possibly
afford that’, but has been known to put
together an Eid dinner on a shoe-string.
Head Sister: The role of the Head Sister is to
maintain the sisters’ prayer room, organize the
weekly sisters’ circles and socials and ensure
that the sisters’ needs are met!
The rest of the Committee
The Committee includes other important posts
(see diagram below).
We hold weekly Committee meetings where we
discuss our direction and events and ISoc
members are welcome and encouraged to make
suggestions to the committee.
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10
12
Who’s who in the World of
The Brothers
nd
Talha Ghannam, 2 Year, Maths and Economics
The Don - It’s the ISoc’s very own Mr. T Whether
it’s shooting a few hoops, attending NUS
conferences or being snapped up for interviews on
BBC News and Radio 4, you can bet this brother
does just about everything… and he still finds the
time to watch The Apprentice.
t.a.ghannam@lse.ac.uk
nd
Masood Ullah, 2 Year, Law
The Mullah - If you think you’re sociable, think again.
You don’t even know the meaning of the word till
you’ve met this brother. Tired? Uni stress getting to
you? Well, fear not for he is the bro who teaches
others how to chill, single-handedly preserving the
brotherhood. (Warning: side-effects of extensive
chilling include a severe reluctance to return to
lectures and an overwhelming urge to stop at
Chicken Cottage every time you pass.)
m.ullah@lse.ac.uk
nd
Imran Khan, 2 Year, Economics
The Prince - The guy who finds it impossible to tell a
good joke, but tries his best anyway. Often cited for
being excessively posh, he refuses to eat anything
unless presented with a 10-piece cutlery set. Also
known for his tendency to take forever when
choosing from a menu, you’d never guess he was
charged with co-heading the Annual Dinner last
year. Apparently knows tae-kwon-do but has never
known how to use it. i.a.khan1@lse.ac.uk
Dilwar Islam, Accounting and Finance
The Beefcake - Owner of the most sought-after
beard in the ISoc. Nothing gets this guy down. Why?
Because he’s a machine, waking up at the early
hours of the morning putting up posters and setting
up stalls. And if you’re fortunate enough to see that
academy-award-winning grin, you’ll agree that
Colgate ads really have been missing out.
d.islam@lse.ac.uk
LSE ISoc?
nd
Sarwar Zaman, 2 Year, Law
The Joker - The funniest guy in the ISoc. Period.
Don’t mess with this guy – he’s got a black-belt in
sending people into hysterics (just ask that brother
who ended up hospitalised last year.) Fondly
remembered from last year’s Annual Charity Dinner
as ‘The Auctioneer to end all auctioneers’, this guy
should seriously consider auditioning for Bargain
Hunt. s.zaman1@lse.ac.uk
rd
Adam Mustapha, 3 Year, Economics
The Malaysian Don - A.k.a. Mr Ex-Treasurer, a.k.a.
Mr Ex-ex-Annual-Dinner-Head ak.a ISoc veteran.
Legendary status within the ISoc for being one of
the many with an incredible Qur’an recitation, some
first years accidentally passed out when he spoke to
them for the first time. If you’re nice, he might even
get his housemates to cook up some irresistible
Malaysian cuisine. Our advice: be nice.
a.e.mustapha@lse.ac.uk
rd
Sayed Khan, 3 Year, Sociology
The Sage - Was considered for the main role in the
next Superman movie, but was deemed to be too
cool for the part. Revered for his seemingly limitless
array of talents, ranging from designing state-of-the-
art posters to bringing in world-famous speakers,
this Jack-of-all-Trades seems to never run out of
steam. s.a.khan1@lse.ac.uk
rd
Usman Qureshi, 3 Year, Maths and Economics
The Brainbox - If Einstein was around, let’s just say
he’d have some serious competition. Renowned for
his unparalleled mathematical abilities which were
shared when he was mentoring ISocers, he can
compute a restaurant bill faster than you can say ‘I
never ordered a moose!’ On top of that, his
mentoring expertise is unrivalled – you know you’re
covered when Usman Q’s in the house.
m.u.qureshi@lse.ac.uk
LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10
Who’s who in the World of
LSE ISoc?
The Sisters
rd
Shaheena Baig, 3 Year, Accounting and Finance
Continuing the cherished historical presence of
South London ISocers, Shaheena’s first ISoc year
was spent in the Annual Dinner Team and her
impressive organisational skills have enabled her to
fulfil her Gen Sec role during her second year.
Although now retiring to the ISoc Retirement home
other wise known as the PR or the library, she is still
a friendly face when you need one.
s.n.baig@lse.ac.uk
rd
Shahima Begum, 3 Year, Economic History
Hard-working with a big heart - last year Shahima
helped to raise thousands of pounds for various
charitable causes as Head of Charity. This sister’s
determination and passion enabled charities to
receive some big bucks (Alhamdulillah), while also
serving as great qualities to cheer a person up!
s.begum4@lse.ac.uk
nd
Mubbien Hayat, 2 year Social Policy
Rumoured to be a future Political Head honcho, this
girl is nothing of the stereotypical sort - rather she is
honest and clear. Mubbien spent her first year on the
Annual Dinner team, writing out the minutes. If that
was not enough, she is also on the C & S
(Constitution and Steering) Committee and a
member of the Beaver Marketing team. So if you
ever need any SU political know how or just a nice
chat, look no further than Miss Hayat.
m.s.hayat@lse.ac.uk
Farah Hossain, Economics
This Mancunian is one of the most approachable
people you can meet and be sure to find Farah
concentrating away over figures and curves.
Genuine, friendly and sociable when she is not
intellectually stimulating her mind, you will find her
counting out the bucks from the Friday Jum’a
collection and therefore fully engaging in numbers
once again.
f.n.hossain@lse.ac.uk
13
nd
Sultana Zesmin, 2 yr, Sociology
Sultana, another fellow Charity team member is just
as hardworking and persistent. If you ever need a
spiritual perk me up or even just a friendly face-
Sultana is the one to look out for. Quiet and reflective
she may be, but when Dawa Stall duty calls she’s
ready to talk!
s.zesmin@lse.ac.uk
nd
Tasnim Begum, 2 year Social Policy with
Government
This sister is guaranteed to have read all the books-
from Plato to Rawls, so if you are ever in need of a
quick history/ politics lesson recap, Tasnim is almost
always on campus…or the PR. Intelligent and
opinionated – you don’t want to mess with this girl!
Tasnim’s ISoc work from Charity to Events also
makes her an invaluable ISoc member and ISoc
jewel.
t.begum@lse.ac.uk
nd
Soraya Zahid, 2 yr, Government
One of the rare West Londoners in the ISoc family,
from the outset Soraya has coped fantastically well
with the pressure of LSE as within her first couple of
weeks she found herself being giving the esteemed
task of co-chairing the AD team. If ever advice is
required about performing under pressure then
Soraya no doubt will be able to give you a word or
probably even three of invaluable and practical
advice.
s.zahid1@lse.ac.uk
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10
14
A Day in the Life of a Random
ISoc Brother …
So by now you know how busy the ISoc is. So what
is life really like for a Muslim student on campus?
Dear Diary,
What a crazy day. It began rather
unceremoniously, with my face immersed in the
armpit of a middle-aged man for the greater part
of the morning rush hour tube journey to
Holborn- rats, that certainly spoilt my appetite for
Tarbiyyah breakfast. And today was Belgian
Waffles too!
As I was already late to Tarbiyyah, I tried to cause
as little distraction as possible when I walked into
the brothers prayer room. So, I took a seat at the
first empty space I could find. Excellent- subtle as
a ninja!
Unfortunately, the group of sisters next to me
seemed to feel that this position was not exactly
appropriate, and I was forced to scurry off into the
far corner of the prayer room while trying to
ignore the not-so-repressed snickers of everyone
else. The lecture actually proved to be very useful.
We learnt about the importance of supplication
and of the five daily prayers. In fact, I might be
one step closer to throwing out my copy of the
Pussycat Dolls’ new album.
A class and a hand cramp later, I was relieved to
be able to meet my Mentor Ziyaad – I mean, things
were simple in the first week then it all went
downhill! Sure, Ziyaad won’t ever give me the
answers, but he has some damn good advice -
over one heck of a cup of coffee too!
Then it was already time for Friday Jumu’ah
prayers. This meant anarchy in the prayer room
area, with about a million people wanting to do
ablution at the same time, whilst dozens of prayer
mats are being transported to the badminton
courts and soon enough I’m given the task of
carrying two huge prayer mat rolls. I attempted to
maintain a graceful yet masculine aura, yet
somehow ended up striking an innocent bystander
to the ground. Oops. I turned around to apologies,
only to realize that it was only Omar, the ISoc
President! He didn’t
look too happy, but he’s probably still annoyed
about his sore loss in the Pro Evo Competition last
week.
The badminton court was packed to the brim,
which provided perfect opportunity for the
speaker to talk some sense into all of us. He
talked about the importance of thanking God for
our immense blessings and His love for us. That
Pussycat Dolls album is definitely in the bin now…
heck, maybe next week I’ll burn my Spice Girls
poster too…
After prayers, it was time for lunch- perfect
timing, as my stomach was on the verge of
consuming itself. Some of the guys suggested the
Halal food in the Brunch Bowl, or the huge
portions available in the Underground Bar. But in
reality, there was only ever going to be one
outcome, and that was Chicken Cottage. The
greasiest, yet tastiest food in town, and all within
a five-minute walk from campus. Who could ask
for more?
As we made our way there, we passed the ISoc
da’wa and charity stalls, set up on their usual
place on Houghton Street. They’re a bit hard to
miss, seeing as they’re nearly always surrounded
by vast numbers of pashmina-clad Muslim girls.
They seem to be pulling in a good crowd- no
surprises there, since we’ve become one of the
most active societies on campus, and not to
mention in the Student Union.
Chicken Cottage was par excellence, which is
nothing out of the ordinary. The fifteen guys in
the small space behind the counter might not
have a Michelin Star between them, or a Visa for
that matter, but they have my respect.
On my way out I managed to have a short
encounter with a gaggle of glammed up girls on
their way to Fresh. My mate Johnny is with them,
and calls me over. He asks if I want to go with
them- d’oh! How can I get out of this one? I’ve
always managed to squeeze my way out of it
using the general excuses: ‘I’m allergic to sweat’
or ‘I have severe lactose intolerance which
accumulates and manifests itself specifically on
Friday nights’. Yeah I think I’ve been pretty
tactful. One of these days I’ll get around to telling
him about the evils of alcohol. Or maybe I’ll just
direct him towards the Da’wa stall.
Now I’m sitting outside the library, and all I have
lined up for the weekend was the weekly
shopping and laundry chores back in my halls.
Then again, I hear the ISoc are planning a
paintballing trip…muahaha- Omar, watch out!
LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10
The Student Union
The ISoc is one of the societies that make up
the larger Student Union (SU) body. The SU is a
fully democratic institution aimed
representing and advancing students’ interests,
welfare and social life. If you want to get
involved in student life, make changes and
voice your views, then the SU is where it’s at!
The SU holds a weekly UGM (Union General
Meeting) where students’ issues are discussed,
changes are proposed through ‘motions’ and
matters are voted on. All LSE students are
welcome, and everyone’s vote matters because
this is where SU policies and direction are
decided. The UGM takes place at 1pm in the
Old Theatre every Thursday.
The SU is run by four Sabbatical Officers and
ten Executive Officers. Sabbatical Officers are
elected each year in the Lent Term. They are
‘Voting at the UGM’
15
employed full time for a year to run the Union
on a day-to-day basis. Committee members
at are elected in week five of the Michaelmas
term. All representatives are either current or
former students, and some of the
representatives that were elected last year were
either ISoc committee members or highly-active
members of our ISoc.
The Beaver, a free weekly student newspaper, is
also run by the SU. It is produced by a collective
of students each term, and last year one of our
committee members gained a place on the
editorial staff! Copies of the newspaper can be
found in the LSE SU reception, on the 4th floor
of the Old Building restaurant, library foyer and
around campus.
For more information, visit the SU website:
www.lsesu.com
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

16
Now the Important
Stuff …

When our forefathers came to setup home in
London, fortunate for you and I, they brought with
them their kebab skewers, clay ovens, woks, spice
racks and butter chickens. Today, outside of the
Muslim World, London offers you the most extensive
restaurant choice for Halal eating. Since you might
want to eat some food whilst at LSE, we’ve complied
for you a quick restaurant guide.
KEY (for a main meal and drink)
£ = £5ish, ££=£10ish, £££= £10-15ish,
££££=£15+
On campus (all £ or below)
· Wrights Bar - Lovely folks, but watch how
they serve your chips, sometimes they mix
the utensils. Next to the Old Building main
entrance. And Hot Chocolate for 60p –
mmmm.
· Fourth Floor Restaurant – (Previously
known as the Brunch Bowl) - Newly
refurbished, spacious and clean, offers
some great tasting Halal and veggie options
- 4th floor, Old Building.
· Cafe Pepe - In Clement House (D building),
which serves up great Paninis.
· Quad Cafe - Basement of East Building,
host to good food and a great atmosphere.
And they do a mean Halal Caesar salad, as
well as some great veggie options, and
sushi!
· Garrick – one of the priciest places at LSE.
· Plaza Cafe – Some Halal options and
conveniently outside the library for those
studious postgrads (or undergrads)!
· located on High Holborn, opposite
Sainsbury’s. 10% discount for students! –
Just show your LSE ID card.
· Subway – Along Kingsway. Not Halal but
the tuna or veggie fillings are delicious.
· Sticklers - At the bottom end of Kingsway,
cross the road and walk briefly along
Aldwych to arrive. Halal samosas, pastries,
biryani and spring rolls- hot, cheap and
delightfully greasy.
· Café Amici - On the opposite side of
Kingsway to LSE. Not Halal but they serve
great Jacket potatoes and pasta but can be
a bit pricy at times.
· Ola Café and Bistro - Located at the end of
Shaftesbury Avenue and around the corner
from High Holborn halls. A bit pricier, but
good food.
· Sushi Hiroba- Located between LSE and
Holborn station, this place is good for a
change from the usual. They serve a variety
of sushi dishes and hand rolls

Walking distance from LSE (all £ or below)

· Chicken Cottage –A classic. “One who has
not eaten at the cottage has not lived “. It’s
your regular Halal fried chicken and chips

Two of your Isoc staples: legendry

chicken at the cottage…
LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

17

… FOOD!

Restaurants near LSE A bit further out by train…

· Bali Bali (High Holborn/Indonesian,
Edgware Rd - Also called “Little Arabia”, you can
Malaysian) ££
find many Halal Arabic and Persian restaurants.
· Sofra (Covent Garden/ Turkish) £££
It’s a short walk from Marble Arch station, on
· Just Falafs (Covent Garden/Veggie) £
the Central line, and a stone’s throw from the
· Scoop (Covent Garden/Italian Ice-cream) £
lively Oxford Street
· Souk Medina (Covent Garden/ Moroccan)
£££ !CAUTION! Avoid Friday evening
· Al Arez ££  Free baklava, excellent food
disturbing belly dancer
· Patogh ££  Big portions, decent priced
· Chutney Raj (Chancery Lane/Bangladeshi)
Iranian fare
£££
· Al Dar ££
· Melati (Piccadilly Circus/Malaysian) £££
· Beirut Express £ - excellent shawarma and
!STAR! Typical friendly Malaysian service &
always busy!
worth a visit just to see the nice bathroom.
· Abu Zaad - £ - lovely people, Syrian and
· Hair and Tortoise (Russell Sq/ Japanese) £
Moroccan dishes
!STAR! Wonderfully hearty portions
· Restaurant with the green neon lights ££
· Icco (Goodge St/Italian) £  Huge thin crust
- extremely cool interior, includes Egyptian
pizzas for a couple of quid
dishes!
· Tinsel Town (Farringdon/ American Style
Diner) ££  Two words: Oreo Milkshake
Bayswater
· Jerk City (Tottenham Court
· Lagenda (Malaysian) £££  Go eat some
Road/Caribbean) ££
food in Malaysia and then try Legenda, it’s
· Grand Bazaar (Bond St/Turkish) £££
almost as authentic! Buffet, Friday and
Saturday evenings
· Al-Waha (Lebanese) £££
· Alounak (Iranian) £££
· Khans (Indian) £££  Popular restaurant
with top reviews
· Ginger Restaurant (Bagladeshi) £££
· Oscars (Mexican) £££
· Nando’s * see below (Portugese) ££

Ladbroke Grove
· Maramia (Palestinian) ££ ½ It’s
Palestinian. Go give the brother some
business!

Shepherds Bush
· Abu Zaad (Syrian) ££  Some of the best
Arab food and tea in London
· Blue Ocean (Somali) ££  Quality Somali
fare, with even more legendary Somali tea!
· Red Sea (Somali/Yemeni/Eritrean/Ethiopian)
…and ‘Somali Tea’: Try make the ££  Same as above
resident Somali bring some in.
 LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

18

(and more) FOOD!

London Bridge Some websites which provide a list of halal

· Georgetown (Malaysian) £££ restaurants:
www.Toptable.co.uk
Camden www.Zabihah.com
· Anwar (Indian/ Warren St Station) ££ Cheap www.Londoneating.co.uk
Indian food, popular with students
· Zamzama (Indian/Euston Sq )

Hammersmith The Small Print

· Mehdi (Iranian) £££
Knightsbridge
· Masgouf ( Iraqi) ££££  Central London,
but not a bottle of wine in sight! Excellent
food and the mint tea will knock you out.
· Ishbilia (Lebanese) £££
East London - There are lots of Halal Indian
Restaurants and fried chicken shops, and it is
very cheap as well! All you need to do is hop on
the District line at Temple station to
Whitechapel or take the Bus No.25 from High
Holborn.
· Note on Subway: Various Halal Subways
have also opened shop (Edgware
Road/Walthamstow...)
· * = Contact Nandos and their suppliers to
find out which branches serve Halal meat.
· Please note we are in no way suggesting the
restaurants themselves are “Halal”, just that
they do serve some Halal meat options
· General Note: Always ask beforehand if the
meat is Halal. In some of the restaurants
only a few selected meat dishes on the
menu will be Halal.
· Say Bismillah (In The Name of Allah), and
tuck in.

· Brick Lane - Take your pick from a host of

curry houses (Cafe Naz is quite popular) but
our faves are two restaurants a few roads
away from Brick lane...
· Tayyabs (Indian) ££  Arguably some of
the best curry in London, decently priced
· Maida Grill (Turkish) £££  You actually
feel as if you’re in Turkey, before the
secularist fundamentalists came in, and
spacious cubicles for private dining
· Maida (Asian) ££
· Baraka (Indian) £££

Stoke Newington:
· Yum Yum (Tai) ££££  So this place is
nowhere near LSE, but for special occasions,
few restaurants can beat its decor and
cuisine!
LSE SU Islamic Society Freshers’ Booklet 09/10

19
Contact Us, Join Us!

Without your help, the ISoc would not be able to

convey the message of Islam, cater for LSE
Muslims’ needs or be an active contributor to
LSE student life!

How do I get involved?

1) Vote for your representatives at the

AGM.
2) Become a volunteer – join our
volunteers’ mailing list to find out how
you can help - from events and publicity
to da‘wa and charity.
3) Contact any of the ISoc representatives
to make suggestions – we read ALL the
emails we receive!

If you have any ideas or wish to get involved,

please contact: su.soc.islamic@lse.ac.uk

Or have a look at our website, lseisoc.com for

more information about the ISoc, upcoming
events, prayer times and more!

So Join Us!

In joining the Islamic

Society you will be
introduced to many positive
and welcoming people from
all around the world, make
many fulfilling friendships
and learn new and exciting
things, essentially what the
university experience is all
about! So enrich your
student life by joining us!