BMMS September 95

Fuad Nahdi, the editor of Q News, and Ahmed Versi, the editor of Muslim News, wrote a letter to The Guardian (20.09.95) giving the reasons why they would not be attending a meeting for "ethnic minority media editors" called by Herman Ouseley, the chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality. These reasons centre on the CRE's refusal to speak out against anti-Muslim discrimination and to recognise Muslims as a discrete group rather than forcing them to be identified by their ethnicity. A spokesman for the CRE told The Guardian that, "There is a problem here but it is one not just for the CRE. The terms of the Race Relations Act cover race not religion. This is a matter for Parliament to consider". In the review of the Race Relations Act in 1992, the CRE said that there should be a public debate on whether Britain should have a religious discrimination act. It also called for clear legislation to make incitement to religious hatred as well as racial hatred a criminal offence.

Herman Ouseley, the chairman of the CRE, replied to his critics in the same letter column the next day to the effect that he was bound to work within the law and had so far failed to convince the Home Secretary of the positions outlined above. He sympathised with the Muslim editors' position and recorded his support for Muslims who were discriminated against on racial grounds (The Guardian 21.09.95). The editors were supported by other Muslims writing to The Guardian (22.09.95) including Massoud Shadjareh, the chairman of the human rights committee of the Muslim Parliament, who reminded his readers that the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion. The leader of the Islamic Party of Britain, David Pidcock, took issue with the editors saying that a secular body like the CRE was wholly inappropriate to intervene in religious matters especially as Muslims practise loathsome forms of discrimination amongst themselves.

Q News (22.09.95) itself provided a little context for the letter explaining that the CRE had not used its full influence to press the Home Secretary for a change in the law, nor had it taken seriously its brief to gather information on religious discrimination as was evidenced by the launching of the referral period during Ramadan. It had also scheduled a major press conference on Eid ul-Adha which displayed a marked lack of sensitivity. The claim was made that for the editors "to have taken part in the meeting would have given credence to an organisation that is continuing to ignore the community's needs".

The editor of the English section of the Daily Jang, Shahed Sadullah, noted that his publication was not invited to attend the meeting on the mistaken supposition that it was not published in English even though it had been fully bilingual for ten months. The CRE press officer had told him that he had not seen a copy of the newspaper for about a year but that a second meeting was planned with representatives of the community-language media later in the year. Mr Sadullah conceded that the CRE was bound by law as regards religious discrimination but again questioned the pressure which it had failed to exert on government. He went on to question the representation of people from the Asian community on the board of commissioners and on the staff of the CRE. Working on a figure of 2.9% of the population being ethnically Asian and only 1.8% being Black, he argued that there ought to be 50% more Asians represented on CRE bodies than Blacks if they were to be faithful to their constituency. In fact, 43% of the commissioners are Asian as against 36% who are black, and 96.1 full-time equivalent Black people are employed by the CRE as opposed to 32.5 Asians. The latter figure should be 154.82 if the proportions were to be strictly upheld (Daily Jang 22.09.95).

Q News has now launched a campaign to raise funds to take the British government to the European Court of Human Rights for failing to uphold the freedom of religion of Muslims in this country. It has called on the CRE to join it in putting together a case. The newspaper is being supported by other Muslim groups such as the Association of Muslim Lawyers, the Muslim Parliament's human rights committee and the UKACIA (Q News 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 1/2]

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Bradford enquiry and trials

The three people who will make up the commission of enquiry into the disturbances in Bradford last June have been announced (see British Muslims Monthly Survey for June, July and August 1995). The commission of enquiry has been set up by the Bradford Congress with financial backing from Bradford University, Bradford City Council, Bradford College, the Rider group and the Diocese of Bradford. The three people nominated are John Barratt (chair), a solicitor and former deputy town clerk in Bradford before serving as chief executive to Cambridge County Council until his retirement in 1986; Professor Sheila Allen, a sociologist and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Bradford University; and Mohammed Taj, a trade unionist who served on the TGWU's national committee for race equality and is currently vice president of the Bradford TUC Council. The three members will be assisted by Allen Sykes, Bradford Council's director of legal services, and Elaine Applebee, an adviser to the Bishop of Bradford. A series of public meetings is planned when members of the public will be able to give evidence to the commission. It is expected that evidence will be gathered for the remainder of this year which will be followed by a period of further research and writing up (Bradford Telegraph & Argus 07.09.95). The commission has opened an office and formally requested people to write in with submissions and applications to appear before commission members (Bradford Telegraph & Argus 19.09.95).

The trial of two men and two youths who are alleged to have been at the core of the initial incident which sparked off the troubles began in Bradford Magistrates' Court on 25th September. The prosecution's case is that two police officers were patrolling the area in a car when they came upon a group of eight "Asian" men and youths. They were shouting and swearing at the police. One waved to the police car to stop and when it did so the youth kicked it. When the officers got out of the car to speak to the youth, they were threatened by the others. A man and a youth were arrested but escaped custody. A chase ensued in which the officers were repeatedly struck. Soon a crowd of some 100 people had gathered (Yorkshire Post 26.09.95). One of the policemen involved in the incident said that he was "in complete fear for my safety". He further denied pushing a woman inside the house in which one of the youths was hiding onto a settee and denied suggestions that he had taken the youth in a neck hold (Bradford Telegraph & Argus 26.09.95). The other policeman involved in the original incident said that one of the accused was "behaving like a wild animal" as he repeatedly struck his colleague on the chest (Bradford Telegraph & Argus 27.09.95).

One of the youths arraigned in the case has had the charges of using threatening behaviour and resisting arrest dropped. He remains charged with assaulting a police officer. A similar application on behalf of another of the accused was dismissed (Bradford Telegraph & Argus 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 2/3]

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Archbishop of Canterbury in the Sudan

The Archbishop of Canterbury has returned to the Sudan on an official visit following his unofficial one in January 1994 (see BMMS for January and February 1994). With reference to the visit, Dr Carey made some comments on 7th September to the effect that "Christians are under extreme pressure from a radical Islamic Government... Indeed a 'Fatwah' issued in 1992 appears to encourage the elimination of Christianity and, indeed, Judaism as well" (Muslim News 29.09.95). The same newspaper took exception to these remarks and noted, "The 'fatwah' in question is quoted by Dr Carey [sic] that the rebels are killing Muslims, desecrating mosques, burning and defiling Qur'an, raping Muslim women, encouraged by Zionists and Christians who provide them with weapons and therefore Islam allows to kill them". The Sudanese Embassy in London has rejected the Archbishop's comments saying, "Christians are treated well in Sudan and there are Christians in the government".

The Archbishop stopped over in Cairo on his way to the Sudan. Whilst there he gave a lecture at al-Azhar [the oldest and most prestigious Islamic university in the world] in which he said, "We shall only eradicate extremism which resorts to violence if there is respect for one another and awareness that, whether we like it or not, Islam and Christianity are not going to go away, neither is the power of religion for good or evil... Religious leaders carry a great responsibility for ensuring that understanding replaces ignorance in those countries which have been shaped by the cultures that bear the name of our faith... I remain utterly convinced that the role of religions is a vital ingredient in the search for peace, order and harmony among nations. That role will only become effective when leaders of all mainstream religions, particularly Islam and Christianity, show a willingness to forge new links with one another... For that to happen, we shall require a new generosity of spirit to those with whom we have disagreed in the past... Being the two largest faiths in the world ours have made undeniable contributions to human societies... By shaping societies we have nurtured millions from the cradle to the grave...The Crusades severely damaged both relationships between Christians and Muslims. There is much to apologise for" (Daily Jang 05.10.95).

Dr Carey acknowledged that Muslims in the West naturally called for the right as citizens to practise their faith freely and went on, "Likewise pleas reach my desk from minority Christian groups in many parts of the world asking for those same freedoms. This kind of reciprocity is a pattern which should provide a model" (Daily Jang 05.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 3/4]

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Muslims and Labour Party suspensions

Following the court ruling in favour of three Muslim men who were in dispute with the Labour Party over their eligibility to take part in the selection process for the candidate in Manchester Gorton (see BMMS for July, August, September and October 1994; May and August 1995), a further action has been brought before the High Court by Ahmed Shahzad, formerly a candidate for selection in that constituency, who was suspended from membership of the Labour Party along with others who took part in a BBC documentary programme about the alleged irregularities in drawing up membership lists. Mr Shahzad is alleging that the party is in breach of its own rules and in contravention of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights which covers freedom of speech (Daily Jang 26.09.95).

The Daily Jang staged a meeting of the "Jang Forum" on 27th September to discuss the conduct of the Labour Party in regard to its "Asian" supporters. The case against the party was led by Ken Livingstone MP together with a host of Asian party supporters. Mr Livingstone had been instrumental in setting up the Campaign for Action against Labour Party Suspensions. He said that some 5,000 members of the Labour Party, around 2%, were currently suspended. Around 90% of those suspended were either Black or Asian which accounted for nearly 25% of the total Black and Asian membership. Mr Livingstone posited the theory that there was a fear that Black and Asian members might be more radical and this is against the party's current drive to win the affections of the middle class. He questioned the extent to which Mr Blair is in touch with the minority communities given that 99.5% of his constituents are white. He lamented the fact that there are now less Black people and women in key posts within Labour structures.

Mr Livingstone was supported by Hassan Bokhari from Nottingham and Ahmed Shahzad from Brent, both of whom have experienced suspension from the party. All but one of the interventions from the floor were in support of their position. The lone voice speaking up for the party was Cllr Mushtaque Lasharie who felt that, whilst there was discrimination in the Labour Party, this is in common with all other spheres of society, and that the present campaign would harm the relationships between Labour and the Asian community (Daily Jang 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 4]

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Rushdie: actions and reactions

Salman Rushdie made his first publicised public appearances in London and Edinburgh to promote his new book The Moor's Last Sigh. About 500 people, including a couple of Muslim questioners, attended the London meeting in Westminster Central Hall (The Independent 08.09.95). Around fifty Muslims protested outside the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh when he appeared there. There was concern over the cost of security provided out of public funds at an estimated cost of £1,000 (Edinburgh Evening News 12.09.95). The new book has been criticised by members of the (Hindu) Shiv Sena Party in India because it allegedly caricatures Bal Thackeray, the leader of the party (Eastern Eye 08.09.95).

These public appearances prompted Dr Kalim Siddiqui of the Muslim Parliament to comment, "We must not forget about him [Mr Rushdie]. There is no erosion in the anger we have felt as a result of his blasphemous book. We are as angry today as at the beginning of the affair... The fact that we are not actively looking to put him away should not lead people to believe that our resolve has weakened. As subjects of this country we must obey its laws. But should Rushdie fall into our hands, let there be no mistake, he will be punished" (Q News 08.09.95). Rushdie himself has called for European Union penalties to be imposed on Iran for its failure to give a written commitment that the fatwa against him will not be implemented (Daily Jang 13.09.95).

Wayne X, the leader of the Nation of Islam in Britain, has distanced his group from the fatwa issued against Salman Rushdie. He said that the fatwa was not backed by the Qur'an which laid down that like is to be met with like. "If someone fights us we will fight back. If someone attacks us with words, as Rushdie has done, we should respond likewise and meet his argument with counter-argument". Mr X continued, "It gives the world the wrong idea of what true Islam is about. It makes Muslims seem as though we're stuck in the middle ages". The stance of the Nation of Islam was welcomed by Frances D'Souza of the International Rushdie Defence Committee, who said, "I wish more Muslims were as closer [sic] to the benevolent roots of Islam" (The Voice 10.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 5]

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Short Reports

HuT meeting cancelled

Brent Council cancelled a booking made for a "private prayer meeting" at Willesden Green Library when it discovered that leaflets were being distributed advertising the meeting as a demonstration (Q News 08.09.95). The leaflet said that the "Rally for Mohammed" was being organised by Hizb ut-Tahrir. A council spokesman explained that the meeting was cancelled as the booking had been made under false pretences (Jewish Chronicle 08.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 5]

Oldham extradition considered

The 22 year-old Pakistani woman who is in danger of being deported after she overstayed her visa to look after her 75 year-old ailing grandmother (see BMMS for July 1995) has been granted a stay of execution by the Home Office. They have told her that she will not be deported until after the full details of her case have been examined. Medical reports and care assessments for her grandmother have been requested so that her condition might be taken into account. The woman's advisers are reported to be "cautiously optimistic" that she will be allowed to remain in this country until her grandmother no longer needs her (Manchester Evening News 11.09.95).

The circumstances surrounding the case prompted Makbool Javaid, the Chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, to say, "There are thousands of cases like Atia's of people who have been deported even though many of them have genuine reasons for staying here. The law doesn't want to recognise the needs of different religious or cultural groups because that would conflict with the objective of immigration legislation which is to keep out non-white people... So it's not surprising to find the government wanting to spend a ridiculous amount to put Alam Bibi in a home when her granddaughter can look after her for a fraction of the amount. The whole system is geared towards keeping black people out. It's very racist." (Q News 08.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 5/6]

Sunrise Radio charity questioned

Following the fine which was imposed on Sunrise Radio by the Radio Authority for advertising an appeal by an unregistered charity calling itself "World Wide Muslim Aid" (see BMMS for June 1995), further investigations have been launched by the Bangladeshi Embassy to trace a sum of £63,000 collected by Sunrise Radio in 1991 to relieve the suffering of those caught up in a cyclone there. The money was reportedly spent on a community centre but documentary evidence is so far unobtainable. It is further rumoured that Scotland Yard are taking an interest in the charitable affairs associated with the company (Q News 08.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 6]

Internal divisions, Norwich

A number of Muslim men have continued to pray in the open-air after being denied access to the city's mosque by members of the Muslim Murabitoon community (see BMMS for August 1995). Those locked out claim that the mosque was given to all the city's Muslims by Sheikh Adel Al Azzam, from the Middle East, in the mid-1970s. It is rumoured that the Murabitoon are planning to sell the building, which was recently renovated at a cost of £20,000. The locked-out group have formed their own Ihsan Mosque Management Committee and are determined to regain access to the mosque by peaceful means (Eastern Daily Press 09.09.95).

As the dispute entered its sixth week, those locked out pinned onto the door the verse from the Qur'an which reads "And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah His name should be celebrated" (Norwich Evening News 23.09.95). The group now intends to take its campaign to London to have it publicised in the Arabic press so that the wider Muslim world will know what is happening (Eastern Daily Press 02.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 6]

Luton civic service in church

The Mayor of Luton, Councillor Mohammed Ashraf, decided to hold the town's annual civic service in the United Reformed Church in Bury Park, Luton on Sunday 10th September rather than in a mosque as it was "a mainly Christian service, with one or two readings from the English Koran" (Luton News 06.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 6]

Leicester Muslim exhibition

The Al-Hilal Muslim Association and Islamic Cultural Bookshop organised an exhibition of Islamic culture and art at the Highfields Library and Highfields Youth and Community Centre in Leicester. The exhibition contained items of architecture, costumes, literature and artefacts and included a seminar on Islamic history and culture (Leicester Mercury 13.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 7]

Disturbances in Nuneaton

Negotiations have continued in Nuneaton after local Muslim residents claimed that the residents of probation, bail and ex-offenders' hostels had been responsible for racist attacks (see BMMS for July and August 1995). So far, three options have been outlined for the future of the ex-offenders' hostel, all of which would either close it or reduce the number of residents. Discussions are still proceeding regarding the other two hostels. A local Muslim representative said, "What we are saying is that we accept the need for these hostels but why are they centred in one area? There are 30 bed spaces within a stones throw of each other. We are saying that society as a whole should share in the responsibility of having these hostels. It's not a case where we are totally against the idea of hostels, but we just don't want them all around here" (Heartland Evening News 09.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 7]

Islam Awareness Week

Various activities have been reported from around the country as part of the Islamic Society of Britain's Islam Awareness Week (see BMMS for July and August 1995). Exhibitions and displays were erected in various stores around the Greater Manchester area (Manchester Evening News 07.09.95). A full-page profile of the city's Muslim community with extensive interviews was published in the Gloucester Citizen (11.09.95). An exhibition was mounted in Walsall Town Hall (Walsall Express & Star 12.09.95). Concern was expressed in Glasgow that the council had broken with its rule of not giving money to religious organisations by granting £1,000 to the Islamic Society to help promote Islam Awareness Week (The Glaswegian 07.09.95).

Approximately 7500 people attended the Islamic Society of Britain's finale to Islam Awareness Week, a conference in the London Arena under the title The Islamic Convention '95. The general impression given by Muslim commentators was of an unfocused meeting with some repetitive speeches and some technical debates on politics. Particular mention was made of Sirah Wahhaj's speech which was warmly received (Q News 29.09.95). Chandra Muzaffer, the director of the Justice World Trust in Malaysia, spoke about the need to recognise that 400 million Muslims lived as minorities in many parts of the world. He spoke of the Charter of Medina as the guide for living in a plural society. He continued, "We, unfortunately, are converting our universal message into an exclusive, particularistic and parochial community based. Let us take our message of justice and compassion to all" (Daily Jang 26.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 7]

Relief work for Bosnia

After an earlier donation of £5,500, a fresh appeal over a period of two weeks at the Central Mosque, Birmingham realised the sum of £7,500 to send food to Bosnian refugees (Birmingham Evening Mail 07.09.95). Clothing manufacturers in the Manchester area have donated quantities of surplus clothing to Islamic Relief which will be sold in a grand bazaar in Blackburn on 1st October to raise money for Bosnian aid (Lancashire Evening Telegraph 13.09.95). Muslims in Gloucester raised £1,000 through staging a sale of work to help homeless children in Bosnia. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 7/8]

Slough mosque assault dismissed

The case of threatening behaviour against Tasadduq Hussain Shah of the Pakistan Welfare Association, Slough was dismissed after a trial of only twenty minutes when the prosecution dropped the charges after the first prosecution witness failed to give positive evidence against him (Slough & Langley Observer 08.09.95). The case stemmed from a "pitched battle" on 30 January 1995 as part of the long-running dispute between the PWA and the Slough Islamic Trust over the control of the Diamond Road Mosque (see BMMS for April, August, September, October and November 1994; January, February, March and April 1995). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 8]

Hoax letter: call to the colours

Muslims in Hyde, Manchester have been the subject of a fake letter hoax. Letters have been dropping through letterboxes ordering them to report to the Town Hall in preparation for being sent to Bosnia to fight. The letter bore the council's logo and included passages which read, "It is planned to start a call up with ethnic minorities in this area. This is not a request but a legal requirement and failure to attend will be subject to heavy penalties... Plans have been made to ship you to Tilbury Docks where you will be loaded into containers for transport to the Adriatic to land at Dubrovnik, then to be transported overland to Sarajevo where after a 24-hour rest you will be transported directly to the battlefields". Councillors have written to the local Muslim community telling them to ignore the letter (Q News 08.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 8]

Brent children's camp

Around 30 children from the London Borough of Brent were taken on a three-day camp in Hampshire by the An-Nisa Society. The camp was part of a four-week summer programme organised by Brent Council. An organiser commented, "Some of the children had never been to the country before. They really enjoyed hunting for wood but were terrified when they met some goats" (South Brent Observer 31.08.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 8]

Dispelling negative images, Southend

A newly-formed group in Southend, the Essex Islamic Forum, is to organise a series of meetings "to dispel negative media images of Islam" (Southend Evening Echo 07.09.95). The first talk took place on 9th September under the title: "Crime, rape and child abuse - the Islamic solution". [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 8]

Anti-Muslim fax

Massoud Shadjareh of the Muslim Parliament's Human Rights Committee is preparing a letter to the Attorney General after a fax which has been circulating anonymously which issues an ultimatum to Muslims to leave the country or face being deported. The fax describes the way in which the British were "kicked out" of India and the Serbs were forced out by Muslims wishing to establish an Islamic state in Bosnia. It includes the ultimatum, "Get out of our country you bastards or we will kick you out" (Q News 08.09.95). The fax encourages people to support the British National Party and the National Front (aka the British Democratic Party). A BNP spokesman denied issuing the fax but defended its contents, saying, "The multicultural situation in this country is one we were never asked to vote for. Multiculturalism is impossible. There has never been a truly successful, multicultural society".

Mr Shadjareh commented, "We have been watching Bosnia with a lot of anxiety and trying to assess whether it could happen in Britain. We are not going to wait around until it happens. We really want to stop these sick-minded people before they get powerful. Their ideas have to be destroyed before they take root in British society." Makbool Javaid, the Chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, noted that the fax could contravene race relations legislation and the Public Order Act. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 8/9]

Muslim news on Internet

A British-based communications agency, Shanti RTV, has set up a news and views service on the "Internet" to disseminate information on the Muslim world. The company will draw information from journalists, community leaders and university people in around 80 countries as well as from commercial news-gathering agencies. The company's editor-in-chief said, "The ability to cover breaking stories on the Internet as they are not covered by well funded Western media groups will bring a new level of excitement to Web users" (Daily Jang 14.09.95). The service can be accessed on: http://www.ummah.org.uk/ campaign/index.html. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 9]

Nation of Islam march

The Nation of Islam in Britain is reported to be planning a rally in support of their American brothers to coincide with the Million Man March on Washington DC on October 16th. The Washington march has been organised by all sections of the African-American population to draw attention to the needs of their communities. Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, is to address the Washington rally. Details of the British counterpart are yet to be finalised (The Voice 12.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 9]

Community centre for Luton

Luton Borough Council is to buy a bingo hall and turn it into a community centre for the town's minority communities. The council is to consult with community organisations to see which should be housed in the former Top Rank club, which was originally the Odeon cinema. The council is hoping to raise the money to purchase the building from the government's regeneration budget. Amongst other organisations which might use the building is the Milan care centre which serves elderly Muslims and Hindus in the Bury Park area (Luton on Sunday 03.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 9]

Women artists in Rotherham

Rotherham Art Gallery is to be the location of an exhibition of contemporary Pakistani art from 8th September to 21st October. The exhibition, entitled An Intelligent rebellion - Women Artists of Pakistan, contains the work of 25 Pakistani women artists and "challenges a number of stereotypes about art practised in a Muslim country" (Rotherham Advertiser 01.09.95). The exhibition was opened by the wife of the High Commissioner of Pakistan. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 9/10]

Profile of Imam Sajid

Imam Dr Abduljalil Sajid, the director of the Brighton Islamic Centre, was profiled in the Brighton Evening Argus (06.09.95). His early years as a student in Pakistan were recounted as well as his university career both there and in London. He has been involved in Brighton Islamic affairs since 1974 and was heavily involved in raising the necessary funds to build the new mosque and Islamic centre which he now heads. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 10]

Muslim cemetery for Sevenoaks?

Plans to build a crematorium and chapel of rest and to create a woodlands cemetery at Watercrofts Wood, Halstead, Sevenoaks were rejected by Sevenoaks District Council. The developers appealed to the Environment Secretary and permission was given for the cemetery and chapel of rest but not for the crematorium in spite of the fact that 80% of the people who die in the area are cremated. The developers then contacted various local authorities and religious groups to see who might be interested in using the site. A spokesman for the developers said, "We are actively talking to Muslim groups from Woolwich and one from North London" (Orpington & Petts Wood Times 14.09.95). The site runs to thirteen acres and would permit a total of 9,100 graves. The plans call for biodegradable coffins and for each grave to be marked by a newly planted tree which will carry a memorial plaque. "If the [Muslim] groups decided to use the site then the planned chapel of rest would be a mosque" (Kentish Times Leader 15.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 10]

Sikh/Muslim hate letters

In the light of the spate of "hate letters" circulating in various parts of Britain under the heading "Khilafa" (see BMMS for July and August 1995), there have been some suggestions that members of Hizb ut-Tahrir are involved although the organisation has strongly denied this (Eastern Eye 15.09.95). Farid Kassim, a spokesman for the group, said, "The person behind this leaflet has tried to create tension but they know nothing about Islamic ideas... This is crude propaganda against Islam. To give it an Islamic flavour is an appalling disgrace. The letter is a disgrace and I wholeheartedly condemn it" (Q News 22.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 10]

Delegations express concern for Bosnia

Two British Muslims, Iqbal Sacranie of the UKACIA and Tanzeem Wasti of the Muslim Solidarity Council, had a meeting with Bosnian president Alija Izetbegovic in London after he came from a meeting with the Prime Minister. He urged the two representatives to continue in their efforts to put pressure on the British government to work for a just solution to the crisis. Mr Wasti said, "We conveyed to the President the message that the Muslim community was fully behind the Bosnian struggle for independence and the lifting of the arms embargo" (Q News 29.09.95).

A delegation of Muslim leaders met with Nicholas Soames, the Armed Forces Minister, on 2nd October, to express their continuing concerns over the situation in Bosnia. The delegation comprised representatives of the UMO, UKACIA, FOSIS, Islamic Cultural Centre and the Al-Khoei Foundation. The delegation called for the lifting of the arms embargo, the observance of international law and the retention of Sarajevo as the capital of Bosnia (Daily Jang 05.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 10/11]

Bradford murder trial

Shabir Hussain, the brother-in-law of Mrs Tasleem Sadiq who was killed by being run over three times by a car in June (see BMMS for June 1995), returned to Britain voluntarily on 22nd September and was arrested by the police. He has been charged with murder and appeared before Bradford magistrates where he was remanded in custody for a week. He denies driving the car which was involved in the incident (Daily Mail 26.09.95). The murder is alleged to have been provoked by Tasleem walking out from an allegedly "forced" marriage. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 11]

Victim support, Swansea

West Glamorgan County Council is planning a scheme to assist the victims of racial harassment in the area. Police figures for racially motivated incidents rose 30% in 1994 to a total of 156. A full-time case worker will be appointed to deal with victims. Particular mention was made of the substantial Muslim communities in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and the Swansea Valley (The Western Mail 25.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 11]

Interfaith roundup

Bolton Interfaith Fellowship organised a meeting in a local chapel to discuss Hindu, Islamic and Parsi "Beliefs and Customs relating to the Dead". Mrs Amra Bone, a lecturer at Westhill College, Birmingham addressed a Society of Friends gathering in Walsall on the subject of women in Islam and the struggle for truth which is at the heart of the Islamic tradition (The Friend 15.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 11]

Muslims for Parliament

A new body has been established called the British Muslims Parliamentary Deputation Forum to organise and militate for Muslims to be elected to the House of Commons. The forum hopes to organise at constituency level in all those constituencies where there is the potential for a Muslim to be elected. A contact address has been given as: 4 St Georges Road, Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear, NE30 3JY (Muslim News 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 11]

UMO conference

The 25th annual conference of the Union of Muslim Organisations was held in London. It announced with pride that the number of affiliated organisations had now risen to 202. It stressed the importance of Muslim organisations joining together to form a single voice in Britain and Europe to forward Islamic concerns (Daily Jang 03.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 11]

French Zamzam water

The issue of the British company Mona Lisa marketing French bottled water under the trade name Zamzam (see BMMS for August 1993) has re-emerged after a Q News reporter found it on sale in a Halal Food Authority butcher's shop. This led the newspaper to investigate whether the pressures mentioned in 1993 had indeed been applied to the company. It found that no action had been taken by the International Muslims Organisation, which threatened to launch a prosecution, or the Saudi Arabian embassy, which had considered the legal position. The general opinion seemed to be that, although the use of the name was misleading and in poor taste, it would be hard to show it to be illegal. A cause for concern in the mind of the newspaper was that the word "French" was in much smaller print that the word Zamzam which might lead Muslims with poor English to think that they were drinking water from the holy well of that name in Mecca which is regarded as a praiseworthy act (Q News 22.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 11/12]

HuT and students

The Federation of Student Islamic Societies has accused the Union of Jewish Students of hypocrisy after its campaigns officer wrote an article singling out Muslims as the new threat on the campuses. The article in question was printed in the Jewish Chronicle and reportedly said, "...the growth of Muslim extremist activities over the last few years, particularly from the radical Hizb ut-Tahrir, has become a major problem" (Q News 22.09.95). The president of FOSIS commented, "To use phraseology like Muslim extremists whilst at the same time espousing improvement of race relations is hypocritical". [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 12]

Mosque secretary in court

The secretary of Enfield Mosque appeared before Enfield magistrates charged with violent disorder after an alleged racial clash in a recreation ground. He was bailed until 27th October when committal proceedings will take place (The Cheshunt & Waltham Telegraph 14.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 12]

Muslim Brotherhood information centre

The Muslim Brotherhood launched a global information centre in London on 28th September. A spokesman said, "The Centre will store and provide authentic information on Islam" (Muslim News 29.09.95). The centre will specialise in promoting the perspectives and stances of the Muslim Brotherhood and communicating between Islamic movements and the global mass media. The spokesman for the centre will be Dr Kamel el-Helbawy. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 12]

Marketing Sirah on CD

Yusuf Islam's CD recording of his The Life of the Last Prophet has been launched with considerable publicity in many parts of the country (see BMMS for August 1995). It is being produced and distributed by his own production company Mountain of Light which is seeking a marketing manager to promote this and subsequent recordings. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 12]

Islamic banking and finance

The Islamic Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Economics of Loughborough University of Technology, organised a two-day seminar on issues surrounding Islamic banking and finance at its Markfield conference centre on 27th and 28th September. Speakers were drawn from many countries including Eddie George, the Governor of the Bank of England, who stressed the important part played by Islamic banks all over the Muslim world. Mr George stated that he was a keen observer of Islamic financial institutions and expressed his hope that they would play a major role in Muslim countries as well as in the West. The conference called for the establishment of a permanent body to monitor and engage in dialogue between Islamic banking establishments and financial institutions in the West (Daily Jang 03.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 12/13]

Internal divisions, Halifax

Almost all the activities which formerly took place in the Islamic Cultural Community Centre, Halifax have been moved to other venues following its closure for extensive repairs (Halifax Evening Courier 27.09.95). The centre has been the focus of an extended dispute amongst local Muslims (see BMMS for December 1994; January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August 1995). Calderdale Council has reported on an interim audit into the accounts of the association which runs the centre. The reports show financial irregularities, some of which might be explained by poor accounting. In the light of this interim report, the council has decided not to provide any more funds to the association. The council's grant in 1994/95 was £42,000 (Halifax Evening Courier 28.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 13]

Bishop of London praised

The appointment of Richard Chartres as Bishop of London has caused some comment in the church press. Of particular note in the current context is a letter from a senior Anglican priest to the Church Times (15.09.95) recalling the Bishop's work in the East End of London with the Muslim communities. In particular, he won a considerable number of Muslim friends for his conduct at the time of the attack on Quddus Ali in 1993 and for his presence in Poplar in the run up to the May elections of 1994. The correspondent continued, "So we have, for the first time in living memory, a Bishop of London who, albeit for a short time, has had first-hand experience of urban racism and racial violence, and has been close to, and earned the respect of, a large Muslim community". [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 13]

US terrorist offences conviction

Dr Kalim Siddiqui of the Muslim Parliament commented on the conviction of Shaikh Omar Abdur Rahman for terrorist offences in the USA. He said that, "Egypt will be deprived of one of the foremost ulema of Islam in the modern world". He cast doubt on the involvement of the Shaikh in terrorist activities and suggested that he had merely been explaining the teachings of the Qur'an on jihad. He continued, "It is a basic right of Muslims living in the West to support the jihad now being carried out in Kashmir, Bosnia, Chechnya, Palestine, Algeria... British Muslims have always supported Islamic causes in many parts of the world and they will continue to do so. We have an important role to play in the global Islamic movement" (Daily Jang 05.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 13]

Treasures of Mughal India

The Institute of Asian Businesses in Birmingham joined in sponsoring an exhibition of the "Treasures from the Courts of Mughal India" throughout the summer in the city's Museum and Art Gallery. Hizb ut-Tahrir staged an exhibition of Islamic art and culture on 30th September in High Wycombe. An exhibition of Muslim beliefs and practices was organised at the Challney High School for Girls in Luton. An exhibition of Muslim life and culture will run from 23rd September until 29th February 1996 at the Grange Museum in Neasden, London under the general title The Golden Thread of Unity. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 13]

Women and domestic violence

The Belgrave Baheno Women's Organisation has launched the Manushi Report on Asian Women and Domestic Violence in Leicestershire. The report worked on a sample of 68 women in the county. It revealed that 75% of women do not receive the help they need and that 90% of Asian women who suffer from domestic violence endure it on a daily or weekly basis. According to the report, 67% of the women had contemplated suicide and 13% had actually attempted it. The report recommended a 24-hour multi-lingual helpline staffed by Asian women, more resources and training for support workers, a counselling service and a community campaign to raise awareness (Daily Jang 21.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 14]

Bradford NHS "insensitive"

A new report from the Kings Fund into health provision for Muslim patients in Bradford accuses the NHS of insensitivity to religious and cultural needs. Items such as the unavailability of prayer facilities and halal food were mentioned as was the lack of communication which prevented patients from making informed decisions about their treatment. The survey will continue into 1996 (Q News 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 14]

Bradford equal opportunities improvement

An official review of Bradford City Council reveals that the city is improving its equal opportunities performance. The number of industrial tribunal cases brought against the council in 1994/95 dropped by 50% on the year before. The improvement is attributed to the 1993 Carr Report which laid down guidelines for equalising opportunities. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 14]

Halal meat for Portsmouth NHS

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust has launched a new publicity drive to explain to Muslim patients that they can have halal meals provided in their hospitals upon prior request and that prayer facilities are available in all their hospitals (Muslim News 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 14]

Drugs awareness, Dundee

Muslim women in Dundee attended a meeting organised by the Tayside Asian Action Group to be informed about the prevalence of drugs in the community. They were told of the danger signs to look for in children and advised on the best ways to help their children avoid involvement in drug-taking (The Dundee Courier & Advertiser 18.09.95).[BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 14]

Walsall hospitals prayer facilities

Muslim patients in Walsall hospitals are to be provided with prayer mats, Qur'ans and tasbih [beads for counting prayers] as part of the hospital trust's endeavours to make better provision for patients from all religious backgrounds. They will also have an extensive bank of interpreters and staff will be given special awareness training. Cards are being produced with important phrases in different languages to help staff explain treatments to patients. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 14]

Kilroy-Silk on Slough Muslims

Robert Kilroy-Silk, writing in his weekly column in the Daily Express has angered Slough Muslims by suggesting that "obnoxious practices" are carried out on women in that town. He was commenting on Mrs Clinton's speech to the World Conference on Women and suggested that she would be better off paying a visit to Slough if she wanted to tackle instances where women's rights are ignored. His article mentioned such practices as killing female babies, women being burnt to death because their dowries were too small, female circumcision and women being sold into slavery and prostitution, he then went on to say that some British Asians were carrying out the same obnoxious practices. He said, "Instead of sending Bill to meddle in Ulster, perhaps Hilary could come here and sort out Bradford and Slough" (Slough & Langley Observer 15.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 14/15]

Calamus Foundation lectures

The Calamus Foundation, London has announced the seventh Calamus Distinguished Lecture which is to be given by George Joffe of SOAS, London University under the title Islam and the Culture of Modernism on 25th October at the Hotel Inter-Continental, London. The Foundation has also launched a series of lectures in co-operation with Leo Baeck College, London under the title Where Muslim and Jewish Civilisations meet. The lectures will be held in October and November in the Westminster Synagogue and the Ismaili Centre, London. Full details from the Calamus Foundation on 0171 235 0302. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 15]

Muslim women in Glasgow

A conference was organised in the City Chambers, Glasgow on 26th September to focus on the needs of Muslim women in the area. Council officials displayed the services which were already provided and discussed plans for the future. The conference was sponsored by the Strathclyde Regional Council, Glasgow District Council and the Greater Glasgow Health Board (Glasgow Evening Times 26.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 15]

Pornographic magazines campaign

A Muslim newspapershop owner in Stoke Newington, who is originally from Egypt, has been waging a campaign against the increased availability of "soft porn" magazines. He has refused to stock them for the past six years and has sent them back to suppliers. When promotional copies kept coming he stockpiled them and refused to either sell them or send them back. He is organising a petition to Parliament to have such magazines wrapped in plain paper so that only the name can be seen and to have shops licensed to sell them to persons over 16 years only (Islington Gazette & Stoke Newington Observer 14.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 15]

No circumcision on NHS

North Cumbria Health Authority has decided that it will not provide funding for circumcision operations for religious reasons. The Director of Public Health said that he did not feel that the procedure was medically necessary (North-West Evening Mail 20.09.95). He was further quoted as saying, "Some doctors and hospitals are willing to provide the service free of charge rather than risk the procedure being carried out in unhygienic circumstances" (Whitehaven News 21.09.95). There is some concern in the local community that the absence of circumcisions on the NHS will result in people resorting to religious leaders rather than medical practitioners (Cumbria News & Star 02.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 15]

FOSIS management training

The Federation of Student Islamic Societies held a management training camp in the Peak District. 120 students attended to take part in workshops and attend lectures given by Professor Rafik Bekun of Nevada University. An important focus of this camp was an exploration of the Information Superhighway. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 15/16]

Islam and the West seminar

A three day seminar on Islam and the West was held in Birmingham on 13th to 15th September organised by the Centre for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations under the title Perceptions and Realities of Plural Societies. Speakers came from Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Europe. Messages of support were sent by the Prince of Wales, Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. The seminar looked at the ways in which modern societies on both sides of the Mediterranean are dealing with ethnic and religious pluralism (Daily Jang 20.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 16]

Purchase of Coventry church

The Confederation of African and Caribbean Organisations in Coventry had made an informal agreement to buy the former Methodist Church on the corner of Stoney Stanton Road and Eagle Street for use as a leisure and arts complex for black youths in the city when a higher bid was received from the Islamic Brotherhood's Jamea Mosque on Eagle Street. The Muslim bid came after several voices were raised in protest at the alternative use and a petition of 579 names had been submitted. The Muslim group explained that they had been trying to buy the property for five years since it fell empty but the owners would not sell it to them. Now it is in the hands of liquidators and so they were able to make a bid. The future of the former church is now uncertain (Coventry Evening Telegraph 02.10.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 16]

Islam and modern politics

Academics from Britain and Sweden gathered in Dundee University to discuss the role which Islam plays in modern politics. An organiser explained, "We are trying to understand the relationship between Islam and politics in the modern world, the way in which Islam does or does not fit into modern politics" (The Dundee Courier & Advertiser 27.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 16]

Breast cancer awareness

Channel 4 television, in partnership with breast cancer charities and the press, will launch a special cancer awareness campaign in October. Special attention is to be paid to the Bradford Cancer Support Centre where women from the Asian community are given counsel and support when they face the possibility of cancer. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 16]

London art auctions

Islamic art week in the London auction houses will take place from 16th to 20th October with a major sale at Sotheby's including a life-sized portrait of Mughal Emperor Jahangir which is expected to fetch between £300,000 and £500,000. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 16]

Heckmondwicke community profile

The Pakistan and Muslim Welfare Society in Heckmondwike has established a reputation for excellence in local community relations. It was profiled in the Spenborough Guardian (22.09.95). The profile gave an account of the major teachings and practices of Islam as well as detailing the life of the community and activities in the mosque such as prayers and educational classes for children. The role of women within the Muslim community was especially highlighted. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 16]

Scottish woman convert profiled

The Scotsman (16.09.95) devoted three pages to an extensive profile of a Scottish woman who was brought up as a Christian but converted to Islam 13 years ago, since which time, she has been instrumental in many of her family and friends embracing Islam. She is married to a man of Pakistani heritage and they live with their children in the community where she grew up. She explored her life as a Muslim in some depth and gave particular attention to the elevated position of women in Islam. The serenity of her demeanour impressed one correspondent to the same newspaper (21.09.95) who went on to point out that not all Muslim women in the world enjoyed the same elevated status. He quoted Dr Shabbir Akhtar in his Be Careful with Mohammed where he says, "That Muslim women are, in fact, severely oppressed and often denied even basic rights in Muslim countries such as India and Pakistan is so blatantly obvious as to make all apologetic denial totally unconvincing". [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 17]

Bradford hospitals telephone information

Bradford hospitals have become the first in the country to launch telephone information lines in community languages. The Freephone service contains advice on being admitted to hospital, the admissions procedure and what they should bring with them when they come (Daily Jang 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 17]

Internal divisions, Aylesbury

The president of the Havelock Street mosque in Aylesbury and another member have been fined £90 with £100 compensation and £35 costs after being found guilty of assaulting an elderly member of the community who had published a letter in the Daily Jang alleging that there were power struggles and a lack of accountability in the mosque (The Bucks Herald 21.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 17]

TV programme: circumcision

Channel 4 television screened a programme in its War Cries series on 21st September on Jewish and Muslim circumcision. The programme filmed part of a Jewish circumcision openly with permission and a hidden camera recorded the remainder. The film's director set the tone of the programme when he commented, "The time has come to break the pattern of silence and trivialisation which has enabled the custom to continue through the generations unquestioned" (Wrexham Evening Leader 21.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 17]

French visit cancelled

A group of French school children from Feac, Charente who were due to make an exchange visit to a Gowrie primary school near Dundee have been told that they cannot now come because the French government has advised against school groups travelling through "fears of Islamic terrorist attacks" (The Dundee Courier & Advertiser 18.09.95). A spokeswoman for the French ministry of education indicated that no ban on the movement of pupils had been promulgated but a directive had been issued to headteachers of all schools urging them to take precautions and think carefully about travel arrangements. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 17]

No extra cost for Dudley graves

A recommendation has been made to the policy committee of Dudley Council to overturn the earlier decision of the environmental services committee to levy an extra £35 on Muslim burials to cover the additional work involved in digging a grave which could accommodate wooden planks above the coffin (see BMMS for May 1995). The recommendation is based on the apparent conflict between this provision and the requirements of the council's equal opportunities policy (Dudley Chronicle 22.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 17/18]

Islamic foundation course, Swansea

A West Glamorgan Council community education employee attended a basic course on the Muslim way of life at the Islamic Foundation, Leicester last year. The course proved to be most valuable and the question was raised as to whether more people should be sent this year at a cost of £195 per head. The officer who attended brought back substantial notes and so it was decided that it would be more cost-effective if they were to develop their own course in-house in partnership with the West Glamorgan Racial Equality Council. The course will be offered to councillors, the police, teachers, personnel managers and a host of people working in the caring professions (South Wales Evening Post 15.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 18]

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Updates

Education

Another Jewish school funded

The DfE has confirmed that the Secretary of State for Education is "minded to approve" an application for a Jewish voluntary aided school in the London Borough of Barnet. "This means that the Secretary of State has the intention to approve the application following further changes in the application", according to the DfE. Bearing in mind that the Islamia School in Brent was refused such status because of surplus places in the area, the same issue has been raised in this case, but with a different outcome. A spokesman for the borough said, "All together there would be places in other schools in the area... but it is important to consider the nature of the school... we supported the application because it fulfils a special need" (Muslim News 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 18]

Muslim schools to retain independence?

According to a report in the Daily Jang (15.09.95), Ibrahim Hewitt, the development officer of the Association of Muslim Schools, suggested that Muslim schools should avoid receiving funding from the government because this might mean the government imposing its own criteria on them. The AMS's general policy is that Muslim schools should retain the freedom to follow whatever path they wish in relation to remaining independent or seeking funding through voluntary-aided or grant-maintained status. Mr Hewitt was also reported as having encouraged Muslim students to learn more about Muslim history. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 18]

AMR success in Islamic Studies

The Association of Muslim Researchers organised GCSE Islamic Studies courses in London this year. Eight students took the exams, including four of mature age, and were rewarded with three passes at grade A and one at grade B. The association intends to add an A-level course to their provision this year. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 18]

Creative writing in Bradford

Bradford Libraries are organising a creative writing competition for pupils at middle and upper schools in the city. The competition is aimed at the city's many bilingual pupils and there will be classes for different age groups in Bengali, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. The overall theme for short stories and poems is "peace". [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 18/19]

Cambridge seeks minority students

Cambridge University has launched a new five-day intensive course aimed at students from the minority communities with a view to encouraging more of them to consider applying to study at this ancient university. Out of the university's 2,922 students, only 8.3% come from the Black, Asian or Chinese communities compared to a national average of 11.3%. A spokeswoman from the university said, "It was important not just to go for high achievers from good schools and middle-class backgrounds. We are trying to reach those who get straight A's from inner city comprehensives, but who may never have been given much encouragement to apply for Cambridge" (Q News 08.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 19]

Rochdale madrasah

A house in the Heybrook district of Rochdale is to be turned into a teaching centre where 15 to 20 children will be taught community languages. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 19]

Changes at Al-Khoei schools

Changes have been announced at the Al-Khoei Foundation schools in Brent. The schools have been heavily subsidised by the Foundation in a way which cannot be continued. To reduce some of the costs, it was decided to combine boys and girls in the lower classes and the possibility has been raised that such a combination will have to take place in the upper classes too. Fees were increased by 50% in July 1994 but they are still substantially less than the average for day schools in London. A special arrangement has been made to provide a significant number of bursaries for children from poorer families. Parents have complained that the recent amalgamation of the sexes took place without adequate warning or consultation but the management of the schools is standing firm. The parents committee has asked for more open accountability of the financial situation but this is not a request with which the Al-Khoei Foundation is minded to comply (Q News 29.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 19]

Al Jamia Al Islamia to expand

Rushcliffe Borough Council has given planning permission to the Muslim independent school Al Jamia Al Islamia in Flintham, Newark for them to convert and extend a garage block to create a new teaching area (Dukeries Advertiser 08.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 19]

Muslim boys' school planned

The Islamia Schools Trust has announced plans to open a boys' school to cater for pupils aged 12 to 16. The Brondesbury College is in need of £350,000 worth of modernisation for which an appeal has been launched. It is hoped that the school will open in September 1996. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 19]

GCSE at ten

A Muslim girl of just ten years gained a grade A in GCSE mathematics at Dulwich College this summer. Her parents tried to get her a place at the Islamia School in Brent but, "The Islamia school just sat on their hands and commended her achievements but could not help because they felt she did not have sufficient Qur'anic knowledge... Others were unresponsive because we did not belong to the correct sect" (Daily Jang 13.09.95). Her parents lamented the fact that she could not get a specialised education within an Islamic environment and are now suggesting that a fund should be created, "for all top grade British Muslim children so that they can at least get a smattering of what it is to be a Muslim instead of being highly educated and be totally unaware of their Muslim identity". The girl has now been awarded an assisted place at the James Allen Girls School in Dulwich Village where she will continue with maths at A-level and more general subjects. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 19/20]

Watford's success at GCSE

Watford Islamic School, which operates during evenings only, entered fifteen students for GCSE in Urdu and Islamic Studies this summer. Fourteen of the students passed their exams, with the youngest being a nine-year-old who gained a GCSE pass in Urdu. Several of the other pupils were aged between ten and thirteen (West Herts & Watford Observer 08.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 20]

Muslim day school for Rochdale?

Applications have been received from parents who wish to enrol their children at the proposed Muslim Girls' School to be housed in the Safara Community Centre, Spotland Road, Rochdale. If the school receives sufficient applications then it will begin immediately. The Rochdale Council leader recommended parents not to hand over any money until the school had been properly inspected and registered. The school fees are to be £200 per term and the school plans to offer the full National Curriculum. Rochdale education department claims to know nothing about the school and there are concerns for the health and safety of the girls not to mention adequate provision for their educational needs (Rochdale Observer 09.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 20]

Mosques

Bletchley

A planning application has been submitted to convert the former Kandy Foods factory on Osborn Street/Clifford Avenue, Bletchley into a mosque and Islamic centre. The plans have met with significant local opposition where a petition of 500 names has been submitted and several public meetings have taken place. The objections focus on increased noise and traffic congestion in the area. The application is due to be considered by Milton Keynes Borough Council on 11th October (Bletchley Herald 07.09.95).

Bolton

The local government ombudsman has agreed to investigate Bolton Council's handling of the hotly contested plans to build a mosque on Peace Street, Bolton (see BMMS for October and December 1994; January, February and March 1995).

Edinburgh

People in Edinburgh are being offered the opportunity to have a preview of the new Central Mosque which has been built at a cost of £3.5m. The project is nearing completion but the finishing touches will take some months more. The money for the mosque has largely been donated from Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

Ilford

A £1m mosque and education centre in Albert Road, Ilford has been given planning permission. The mosque will be constructed of red brick with a gold-coloured aluminium dome and a decorated front door. It will contain a multi-purpose basement, prayer hall and gallery for women. The building work has already begun and completion is expected by August 1996. A former retail shop in Belgrave Road, Ilford is also to be converted into a teaching centre for primary-age Muslim children in spite of local opposition based on additional noise and traffic congestion (Ilford Recorder 07.09.95).

Luton

Planning applications have been made to convert a disused factory in Leagrave Road, Luton into a mosque and education centre. The plans call for some demolition and conversion to provide adequate parking facilities, a prayer hall on the ground floor, a social area on the first floor and an education centre on the second floor. Only one objection has been received and the planning officers are recommending approval. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 20/21]

Peterborough

Muslim community leaders at the Hussaini Islamic Centre in Eastgate, Peterborough erected a metal security fence topped with razor wire around their mosque without planning permission. The council has now given them a formal warning that unless the fence is reduced to the statutory maximum of 2.5m within 21 days an enforcement order will be executed which could result in a fine of up to £20,000. The mosque leaders said that there had been a genuine misunderstanding and that the fence would be duly reduced by the removal of the razor wire and its supporting brackets. [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 21]

Sandwell

A new problem has arisen in regard to the controversial grant of planning permission to build a mosque on a site in Plant Street, Cradley Heath (see BMMS for June, July and August 1995). A local councillor has revealed that the borough's education committee had also made an offer for the site for the building of a nursery school as it is adjacent to the Corngreaves Primary School. Local residents have objected to the mosque decision and are appealing to the Local Government Ombudsman. Further developments are awaited (Black Country Evening Mail 06.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 21]

Walthamstow

A controversial plan to convert a disused storage building in Mansfield Road, Walthamstow into a mosque and education centre has been approved in spite of local opposition. Access for the new mosque will be via a driveway under a residential flat. There is room to park four cars only. Local residents have voiced concerns that the plans will cause additional noise and traffic congestion but the Muslim leadership has replied that most people will walk to the mosque. The planning committee decision was based on the casting vote of the committee chairwoman (Chingford Guardian 07.09.95). [BMMS September 1995 Vol. III, No. 9, p. 21]

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