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British Muslims Monthly Survey for January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1
Features National Lottery funding controversy Saudi dissident deportation threat Prince Charles and the Millennium Fund
Short Reports Hizb ut-Tahrir on university campuses Animal welfare bank account refused Immigration and Asylum Bill opposition Christian prayer book for Ramadan Islamic investment fund proposed Celebration and protest in Stoke Objections to proposed time changes Imran Khan hospital collection Muslim social welfare established School girl marriage in Turkey
Updates
Education Al Jamia Al Islamia planning application Zuhr prayers in Huddersfield school Few Muslims at morality meeting
Mosques
Features
National Lottery funding controversy The Sangat Centre in Keighley has been at the centre of a controversy following its award of a £375,091 grant from the National Lotteries Charities Board (The Times 13.01.96, Bradford Telegraph & Argus 13.01.96, Yorkshire Post 13.01.96, News of the World 14.01.96 & Glasgow Sunday Post 14.01.96).The centre will use the money to run projects for youth, women and the elderly and provide educational courses and advice forums for the area’s Muslim community (Eastern Eye 05.01.96). The Sangat Centre is based at premises owned by Keighley Muslim Association but is an independent organisation with its own management committee. However, there has been opposition by local Muslims to the centre accepting the money. They claim that to do so would be un-Islamic. A spokesperson for the Jama’at al Hadith mosque, who apparently donated cash to build the Centre, said, "No Islamic leader will ever say this money is acceptable" and that the money would have to be returned (Q News 19.01.95). A spokesperson for the Centre claimed that the money is received as funding and not as the result of gambling. He said, "We are not involved at any stage in any form of betting and our mind is quite clear that if we reject this money we have to reject all the social welfare benefits coming in our direction because breweries pay tax, casinos pay tax, which money can we call clean? Next year the schools will receive lottery handouts. Are you going to send your children to such places?" Calls have been made for the resignation of the town’s Racial Equality Officer because the Commission for Racial Equality has encouraged ethnic minorities to apply for National Lottery grants (Bradford Telegraph & Argus 12.01.96 & Derby Evening Telegraph 12.01.96). Gary Waller, Member of Parliament for Keighley, is reported to have said that it would be ‘tragic’ if the money was not accepted (Yorkshire Evening Post 13.01.96). Centre co-ordinator Ghulam Rabani said: "We believe that the issue has been exaggerated out of all proportion by a very few members of the community. Our objective is to use the funding in a positive way to fight poverty, unemployment and underachievement in education and training among the most disadvantaged group in the community. We state quite categorically that the funding will not be used for any religious-related activities" (Keighley News 19.01.96). A public meeting, planned to discuss whether to accept the money, was cancelled by managers at the centre who said that the money would be accepted although instead talks have been held between the objectors and the management committee (Yorkshire Post 15.01.96). The money will be paid over three years. The National Lottery Charities Board said that had the money not been accepted, it would have been re-allocated to other projects (see British Muslims Monthly Survey for October 1995 and November 1995). Grants have also been made to other groups sparking similar controversy. The Carmen Centre in Bradford has received £253,000, the Bangladeshi community in Bradford has received £98,000 and the Kashmir Pakistan community centre in Batley has received £95,000 which will go towards a new mini-bus and contribute to the cost of a new community centre (Awaaz 01.01.96). In relation to this, Sheikh Darsh, President of the UK Shari’a Council, is reported to have said, "There is a clear distinction between the people who profit from the lottery and those who allocate money for good causes. Like interest it is regarded as impure money so as long as it is not used for printing Qurans [sic] or in building or maintaining mosques it is alright. This has no bearing on the status of the lottery itself which remains haram [forbidden]". It is reported that Shaykh Muhammad Hussayn Fadlallah of Lebanon has stated that it is permissible for expatriates to buy lottery tickets for relatives. The ruling is based on Ayatollah al-Khoei’s ruling that playing the state lottery in Pahlavi Iran was acceptable if the intention was to support the welfare projects that the lottery helped finance (Q News 19.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 1/2]
Saudi dissident deportation threat The Saudi dissident, Muhammad al-Mas’ari was given until 19th January to appeal against the decision to deport him (see BMMS for December 1995). It is expected that he will go to the Caribbean island of Dominica (International Herald Tribune 05.01.96 & Daily Mail 05.01.96). The deportation order has provoked much opposition (Independent 05.01.96, Devon Western Morning News 05.01.96, Yorkshire Post 05.01.96, Manchester Evening News 06.01.96, Norwich Eastern Daily Press 05.01.96 & Church Times 12.01.96). The decision has also raised concerns amongst British Muslims, most of whom have apparently condemned the decision. A spokesperson for the Muslim Solidarity Committee said, "This case will send the signal to other dissidents that they must not overstep the boundary in criticising their governments [sic] fear of antagonising the host country" (Q News 05.01.96 & 12.01.96). A statement issued by the Muslim Parliament stated that, "the Muslim community in Britain will ensure that the work of the CDLR [Committee for Defence of Legitimate Rights] continues even if every member of the organisation is expelled. The toppling of the Saudi regime is a cause supported by many Muslims". However, other Muslim organisations have not aligned themselves with this condemnation. Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha of the Union of Muslim Organisations said, "We are here to promote the interests of the Muslim community in this country. We cannot interfere in other countries’ affairs. Nowhere is the situation satisfactory and if we were to start with one country, where would we stop?". The UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs are reported to have said that the deportation fell outside its brief. A spokesperson said, "We deal with issues which affect Muslim rights in this country, with the exception of Bosnia" (all Q News 12.01.96). According to a report in the Jewish Chronicle, Dr al-Mas’ari has ties with Hizb ut-Tahrir (Jewish Chronicle 12.01.96). Apparently Dr al-Mas’ari was billed to speak at a Hizb ut-Tahrir conference in London in 1994. He did not give the address but was on the platform at a press conference before the rally. He had apparently told the Jewish Chronicle that he was a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir and was introduced as a member at a press conference, according to the report. The expulsion order on Dr al-Mas’ari follows an influx into London of Islamist exiles over the past two years, from Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf (The Times 05.01.96). Following criticism from Arab governments, it is reported that the Prime Minister promised last year to take new measures against ‘militants’. In a report in The Times, a Saudi Arabian millionaire is suspected of channelling thousands of pounds to Muslim militants in London (The Times 05.01.96). The money, apparently intended to fund a radical Algerian newspaper, al-Ansar, is reported to have been given to Algerian groups. The newspaper is distributed in mosques in Britain, according to the report. The man, resident in Sudan, is suspected of having funded Iranians, Libyans and other Saudi dissidents. Al-Mas’ari lodged his appeal against the decision to deport him from Britain to Dominica (Financial Times, 17.01.96, Willesden and Brent Chronicle 18.01.96, Daily Jang 19.01.96, Muslim News 26.01.96). He has also initiated a judicial review of his case (Financial Times 17.01.96). Al-Mas’ari is reported to be in discussion with his lawyers about the possibility of moving to Germany or Japan, since he did not believe his security could be guaranteed on the island of Dominica (Daily Jang 19.01.96). In an interview with Muslim News (26.01.96), al-Mas’ari claimed that, if the CDLR comes to power in Saudi Arabia then religious minorities would have rights which they currently do not enjoy: "right of independent worship in their own churches, they have the right of a special judiciary for marriages, etc, to allow them to live their personal religious lives completely - Jews, Christians, Hindus...." Concern was reported amongst some British Muslims over an apparent inconsistency in al-Mas’ari’s treatment by the British government compared with that of Salman Rushdie. Fuad Nahdi, editor of Q News, was reported as saying: "Massari [sic] has not broken any law - why should he be sent anywhere? The interesting thing is that Britain has openly admitted they will lose defence contracts unless they get rid of him - but what about Rushdie - they lost money over that affair" (Wembley and Brent Times 11.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 2/3]
The Union of Muslim Organisations has issued a press release regarding the beginning of Ramadan (Daily Jang 11.01.96). It advised Muslims to try to sight the moon on 20th January but, if it cannot be seen, then it advised Muslims to begin Ramadan on 22nd January. The press release also states that Eid ul-Fitr will be on 20th February. Q News has published an article with regard to the calculation of the beginning and end of Ramadan (Q News 12.01.96). There is usually some disagreement between mosques as to the exact date of the start of Ramadan and the date of Eid ul-Fitr, as this is determined by the sighting of the moon which is often difficult in Western Europe due to cloud cover. The anomalies of fixing the date can lead to problems for Muslim employees who wish to celebrate the Eid. Sheikh Darsh states in the article, "It is not a legal requirement for Muslims to celebrate Eid on the same day. But it is important. The exigencies of living in a non-Muslim society required [sic] that timetables be compiled well in advance so that employers can be notified. We have all the scientific tools these days". During Ramadan, four 20- minute films have been shown on BBC1 TV (Q News 19.01.96). The programmes were presented by Rana Kabbani and cover aspects of Ramadan and what it means to be a British Muslim. The programmes were shown on Thursdays at 2355-0015 and repeated at 0540-0600 on Friday mornings, the time when Muslims were awake to commence the fast. Also during this holy month, BBC Radio Sheffield ran a special programme every week-day (Eastern Eye 12.01.96). The producer said, ".. the programme will contain news, interviews, recitation and translation of the Koran [sic], outside broadcasts, community participation, health issues, ‘naath’ [songs in honour of the Prophet Muhammad], topical question and answer sessions, discussion about Islam and education, advice and recitations from various texts". The programme ran for 3 hours each week-day and included news, debates, and recitations from the Qur’an (Rotheram Advertiser 19.01.96, Sheffield Weekly Gazette 25.01.96). Sabras Sound, an independent Asian radio, has been broadcasting a 24-hour Muslim radio service from Leicester (Leicestershire Herald 24.01.96). Several applications for temporary radio licences for the month of Ramadan were rejected by the Radio Authority. This has led to some organisations, one allegedly close to Hizb-ut-Tahir, setting up "pirate" radio stations in London (Q-News 26.01.96). Some schools and colleges in Britain were making adaptations so that fasting and praying in a country where Muslims are a minority is not unduly difficult. Students at Buckinghamshire College were given a room for prayers during Ramadan (Bucks Free Press 26.01.96). At Broadway School in Birmingham, where eighty percent of the students are Muslims, a larger prayer room than usual was made available, with separate space for girls and boys. Michael Worsley, the head at Broadway, commended students’ behaviour during Ramadan: "Children are engaged in something highly significant for them, and they have a different attitude to life during this time...They’re focused on right behaviour and there’s a greater effort to behave" (TES 19.02.96). Mr Worsley planned to keep the fast himself along with his Muslim students. Even pupils who are too young to fast every day were affected by the special timetable of Ramadan, as the headteacher at Belle Vue First School, Bradford, where all the pupils are Muslim, realises: "Things are different at home. Sleeping and eating patterns change as children get up before dawn with the rest of the family" (TES 19.01.96). One school in Rochdale, Heybrook Primary, banned all but the oldest children from fasting (Rochdale Observer 27.01.96). The head, Mrs Rowbotham said: "Parents have been very supportive. It’s the children themselves - the sooner they can do it the sooner they feel grown up." Abdul Hamid, of the Kashmir Youth Project, commented: "In terms of Islamic rule, it is not compulsory, but if children are choosing and willing to fast, then we should give them the opportunity." Not only should Muslims fast during Ramadan, but prayer becomes even more important during this time. In addition to the usual five daily prayers, there are additional evening ones, called tarawih. Free transport was provided on Fridays to Wandsworth residents by the local Community Transport, to go to the Colliers Wood Mosque (Asian Times 20.01.96, Wimbledon Guardian 18.01.96, Wandsworth & Putney Guardian 18.01.96, Wandsworth Borough News 19.01.96), and Fife’s Muslims were provided free transport to the local mosques, including the one in Kirkaldy (Glenrothes Gazette 25.01.96). Muslim residents in the area served by Derby Pride agency have asked for a postponement of elections to its stakeholders’ forum, which gives the community a say in how its £37.5m funding is spent. The elections take place at five evening meetings, when Muslims will be breaking their fast and then praying. Abdul Rahim, of the Jamia Mosque said: "You won’t have any Muslim representation. People are going to think they are being excluded." Derby Pride has now agreed to accept postal votes at the Normanton and Peartree meetings (Derby Evening Telegraph 17.1.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 3/4]
Muslim parents of over 1,500 children in some 40 schools within the Kirklees education authority area have requested that their children be withdrawn from Religious Education lessons (Awaaz 01.01.96, Muslim News 26.01.96). The action is a result of a campaign by local Muslim organisations to highlight the problems of RE in schools. The concern appears to be that teaching about Christianity will be given priority over Islam, even in schools where Muslim students form the majority. There is also concern over the accuracy of the teaching of Islam where suitably qualified teachers are unavailable. The Muslim Association of Batley has stated that, "The parents are exercising their right of withdrawal according to the 1988 Education Reform Act. The withdrawal is not meant to offend schools or the Local Education Authorities but is on purely religious grounds". The withdrawal began at the end of the last school term, with parents writing to the schools and exercising their right of withdrawal under the 1988 Education Act (Muslim News 26.01.96). More withdrawals followed in January. The Muslim community had held meetings on 22 November 1995 and 2 December 1995 and after consultations with the ‘ulama [religious scholars], mosques, parents and community organisations, it was decided to recommend withdrawal to parents. A letter from the Muslim Association of Batley, organisers of the boycott, said: "It is unacceptable for Muslim children to learn about other religions because there is a possibility of corrupting their basic belief from learning froma non-Muslim teacher and through comparative studies" (Weekly Telegraph 24.01.96). It may be that religious education and other activities, particularly in primary schools, leading up to Christmas, were a catalyst. Ahmed Versi, editor of the Muslim News, commented: "The situation is particularly confusing for younger children, who are introduced, by teachers they trust, to ideas which conflict with their own faith. The nativity story, for example, is a problem for our children because Islam teaches that God cannot be incarnated in human form" (Church Times 26.01.96). Schools in Kirklees are using an RE syllabus drawn up in 1969, although a new syllabus, the result of an all-faith working group, including Muslims, is due to come into operation shortly (Yorkshire Post 23.01.96). Concern that the schools’ RE boycott would cover the whole of the UK has been largely unfounded (Asian Times 03.02.96, Church Times 26.01.96, Yorkshire Post 24.01.96). Nearby Bradford, whose present RE syllabus dates from 1983, and where a new one will be introduced from the end of February, was praised by Ibrahim Hewitt, a supporter of the Batley boycott and spokesman of the Association of Muslim Schools: "Unfortunately, Bradford LEA’s determination to get a balance that everyone is happy with is not mirrored by every local authority...I think the only reason such a protest has not happened before is that Muslim parents did not realise that they are legally entitled to keep their children out of RE lessons...this is not a question of Muslim parents not wanting their children to tolerate other religions. Of course they do. It is a question of how they are taught. So until schools get a fair balance, Muslim children may be stopped attending" (Yorkshire Post 23.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 4/5]
Prince Charles and the Millennium Fund Prince Charles, writing in Perspectives in Architecture, has suggested that some money from the Millennium Fund, which comes from the National Lottery, should be used to finance "buildings of real quality" for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, "and the people of other major religions" (Birmingham Evening Mail 25.01.96). The Prince condemned existing plans to mark the Millennium [2000 years of the Christian Era] because there was "so little one could describe as transcending the merely material" and was critical that public discussion on the celebrations had "not focused on its spiritual importance and the potential it holds for personal and national renewal". Most British Muslims have not welcomed the Prince’s suggestion. Masood Shadjareh, of the Muslim Parliament, said: "Money which comes from gambling cannot be used to build mosques. There is a mass consensus on this among Muslims" (Asian Age 26.01.96). Fakir Mohammed, General Secretary of the Bradford Council of Mosques, expressed a similar view: "Obviously some Muslims who do play the lottery say that they should also benefit from the grants etc. This is up to the individual but according to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Holy Qur’an, gambling is haram [forbidden]" (Daily Jang 01.02.96). Another member of the same organisation, Sher Azam, commented, "We do not wish to be churlish. We are very grateful to Prince Charles for his interest and support...He has shown that there is a need for a spiritual dimension to the celebrations and that this has not been attended to. Our mosques are also central to our community life and any help with building them is warmly welcomed, but we cannot take money from gambling any more than we can from crime" (Guardian 26.01.96). There were other more conciliatory positions expressed. Abid Qureshy, secretary of the Hyderabad India Society, Nuneaton, said: "There is no harm at all if lottery money is spent on the Muslim community...I’m sure communities could accept the money if it was channelled through the National Heritage department (Nuneaton Telegraph 26.01.96). Dr Zaki Badawi, chairperson of the Imams and Mosques Council of Great Britain said that Prince Charles’ remarks "added to his reputation within the Muslim community and to his reputation in the UK as a whole as a bridge-builder between communities" (Asian Age 26.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 5]
Short Reports
Hizb ut-Tahrir on university campuses Hizb ut-Tahrir have been disaffiliated from the student unions of Middlesex University and University College London, following protests from Jews, Hindus and homosexuals concerning the alleged distribution of offensive literature (Jewish Chronicle 12.01.96, Financial Times 17.01.96, Camden & St. Pancras Chronicle). The group has also reportedly been barred from holding meetings at the School of African and Oriental Studies. A student officer at University College said, "Hizb ut-Tahrir has been disaffiliated from the student union for breaking the equal opportunities policy and inciting racial hatred on campus". At Middlesex University, the student president stated that, "they [Hizb ut-Tahir] posed the biggest single threat to students on campus." At UCL, Claudia Bailey, the union’s societies’ officer, said that she had received complaints about Hizb ut-Tahir from seven different religious, cultural and political societies. West Thames College in Isleworth is to ban political leafleting on school grounds, limit outside speakers to two a term, and to ensure that a member of staff is present at such meetings. The Principal, Mr O’Donnell, is reported as saying that he did not want to follow three London further education unions which had banned societies apparently involved with Hizb ut-Tahir. He said, "What we are saying is that the Islamic society is welcome, but it must keep within college regulations. Going around banning people actually creates a focus for making people feel they are oppressed" (Brentford, Chiswick & Isleworth Times 19.10.96). Concern that the banning of groups such as Hizb ut-Tahir was leading to the abandonment of student unions’ support for free speech was expressed in an article in The Times Higher Education Supplement (19.01.96). The writer, a student at Sussex University, stated that the National Union of Students had adopted a "no-platform" policy against Hizb ut-Tahir in 1994 (see BMMS for October 1995 and December 1995). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 5/6]
Animal welfare bank account refused An animal welfare campaigner has been refused a bank account for his campaign by Yorkshire Bank (Wakefield Express 05.01.96). The man, who has set up the International Standard for the Welfare of Animals at Slaughter, which campaigns against the killing of fully conscious animals according to Muslim and Jewish requirements, had his application to open an account refused. The bank, he claimed, was concerned that they might upset their Muslim and Jewish customers. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. ]
A restrictive covenant preventing the use of land at a Croydon cemetery has been lifted by the Lands Tribunal (Croydon Guardian 28.12.95 & Asian Times 06.01.96). The land, at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Warlingham, can now be used for Muslim burials (see BMMS for December 1995). Preparation work is already underway and negotiations are taking place with cemetery staff to enable funerals to be held on weekends when necessary. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 6]
Immigration and Asylum Bill opposition Opposition to the government’s Immigration and Asylum Bill continues (see BMMS for December 1995). A conference has been organised entitled ‘A Safe Heaven [sic] ?’, scheduled to be held at Church House in Westminster on 22nd January and organised by the Association of Local Government (Daily Jang 22.01.96). The conference, whose speakers include Diane Abbott MP and Simon Hughes MP, will examine how proposed changes to immigration control, housing entitlement and social security regulations will affect asylum seekers and the likely impact on race relations in the UK. In an attempt to justify the proposed new measures, the government apparently claims that only 4% of the applications for asylum processed in 1994 were deemed genuine refugees. In relation to the proposed introduction of new benefit rules withdrawing payments to refugees which will soon come into effect (Daily Jang 12.01.96), it appears that Muslim groups are making little provision for the welfare needs of those denied an income. The Red Cross, the Refugee Council, Salvation Army and some churches are preparing a ‘humanitarian aid network’ to assist the refugees denied housing benefit and income support. It has been calculated that Muslims form a significant proportion of the 13,000 refugees affected by the new rules. A spokesperson for Islamic Relief estimated that the majority of refugees are Muslims from Somalia, Algeria and Morocco. The charity runs soup kitchens for the homeless in seven French cities and deals with up to 60 refugee requests each week. The spokesperson said, "We respond to individual claims for blankets, medicines and clothing, but there is a lot more that needs to be done and there is a lot more the community can do. There is no reason why the mosques in this country could not arrange for people to come in and cook food on a permanent basis ..." (Q News 05.01.96). It appears that other Muslim organisations and mosques have no plans to respond to the increased demand for assistance. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 6]
Christian prayer book for Ramadan An international Christian organisation has for the third year running produced a prayer manual, to be used during the month of Ramadan, to pray for Muslims (Christian Herald 30.12.95). In Britain, 4,000 copies of the Thirty Days Muslim Prayer Focus have been made available, distributed by "Youth with a Mission". A children's version has been produced in addition to videos for adults and children. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 6]
A Service Above Self prize, in the gift of Aylesbury Rotary Club and Aylesbury College, was awarded to a student, Dahud Khan, for his work with the Muslim Society at the college (Bucks Herald 03.01.96). As part of his work with the society he organised daily prayers for Muslim students. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7]
Birmingham City Council are asking the Church of England to sell a church, in the process of being closed, to Muslims (Black Country Evening Mail 06.01.96). The church, St Oswald in Small Heath, is a Grade II listed church and over one hundred years old. Councillors are concerned about the future of the building, considered to be, "a very significant part of Birmingham’s cultural heritage". [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7]
Hartlepool People's Centre is holding classes in Urdu and Islamic culture for women (Hartlepool Mail 04.01.96). The classes consist of one hour learning Urdu and one hour looking at different aspects of Islamic culture, such as clothes, food and religion. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7]
A group of Muslim men protested outside Bournemouth Islamic Centre, in December 1995, regarding the wheel-clamping of a car (Bournemouth Evening Echo 30.12.95). The owner of the car had parked it in a yard next to the centre while he went to pray. On his return, he found the car clamped and a number of men from the centre gathered to demand its release. A number of police vehicles arrived at the incident but eventually the fee was paid and the group dispersed. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7]
A 19 year-old woman is to take a London consultancy firm to an industrial tribunal after she was allegedly dismissed for wearing hijab [head covering] because the managing director apparently considered that the hijab does not conform to the company’s ‘unwritten’ policy of wearing Western clothes (Q News 05.01.96). The company denies the accusations but claims that the woman was dismissed because of a change of attitude which corresponded with her commencing to wearing the hijab. The Commission for Racial Equality is backing the case as an example of indirect discrimination. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7]
Members of the Federation of Muslim Organisations (Leicestershire) have suggested that bins be provided for waste food which is currently thrown down in Leicester parks to be eaten by wild animals but which is attracting vermin (Leicester Mercury 05.01.96). The idea is to collect waste food at sites similar to bottle banks and distribute it in designated areas to feed wild animals and birds (see BMMS for July 1995). The chairperson of the federation said, "Many people, particularly Asians in the Highfields area are reluctant to throw away food. They think it is morally wrong. That is why they put it out for the birds". The suggestion was made after the city council issued a warning. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7]
Islamic investment fund proposed The merchant bank, Robert Fleming, is to launch an Islamic investment fund in February 1996 (The Sunday Times 07.01.96). The fund will be designed to allow Muslims to invest without contradicting Islamic economic principles concerning investment. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7]
Celebration and protest in Stoke A gathering was held at the Darbar Unique Centre in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent to celebrate a Festival of Light and the birthday of Pir Pandariman who is based there (Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel 05.01.96, 06.01.96 & 08.01.96). The festivities lasted three days. During the celebrations, it was reported that between 30 and 50 protestors from Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Sheffield, gathered claiming that the pir [spiritual guide] made a charge for giving a blessing. This was denied by representatives of the centre. The protesters were very disappointed that they could not get to see the pir and one of them said, "All we wanted to do was to question him in a peaceful manner". There was a police presence to ensure there was no confrontation between the two groups. A spokesperson for Pir Pandariman said, "These protesters are giving Islam a bad name. We are all Muslims together and we are holding a peaceful festival, but these protestors are creating extremism" (Stoke-on Trent Sentinel 06.01.96). The protest passed off peaceably. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7/8]
The celebration of Shabrat [night of prayer for forgiveness, about two weeks before the beginning of Ramadan] was held on the night of 5th January (Amersham & Chesham, Bucks Free Press 12.01.96). A special gathering took place at Jubilee Road Mosque, High Wycombe, where prayers were offered for family and friends. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8]
Objections to proposed time changes There was Muslim opposition to the failed proposed alignment of British time with the rest of Europe. The British Time (Extra Daylight) Bill would have increased daylight in the evening and thereby, according to motoring organisations, have prevented road traffic accidents. However, in the north of Britain in the summer, the salat al-maghrib [prayers performed after sunset] would have take place at almost 2300 and salat al-’isha [prayers performed in the evening] would have been after midnight. When Ramadan falls during the summer months, tarawih [extra prayers performed during Ramadan] would have taken place in the early hours of the morning. Of greater significance, the Friday juma’ [congregational] prayer would have no longer fallen during the lunch-time period and might have prevented many Muslim workers from attending the prayer. A spokesperson for the Muslim Parliament said, "In the summer months, it [juma’ prayer] will fall between two and three in the afternoon and we can foresee increasing tension between Muslims and employers. Even as it stands, Muslims aren’t protected against discrimination and to introduce a law which would generate more friction between workers and employers could be damaging" (Q News 19.01.95). Other Muslim organisations considered the proposed legislation as simply an inconvenience. Jewish groups also complained about the proposed changes (Sunday Telegraph 07.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8]
Imran Khan hospital collection Imran Khan, former captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, has launched a Masjid Campaign in Britain to raise money for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Lahore in Pakistan, founded in memory of his mother (Daily Jang 10.01.96). A collection was scheduled to be made from mosques around the UK on 26th January, the first Friday juma’ [congregational] prayer of Ramadan. He hopes to raise between £500 and £1,000 from each of the five hundred mosques approached by the Campaign office. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8]
The Union of Muslim Organisations has held its 23rd winter conference in Bristol (Daily Jang 15.01.96). Dr Syed Aziz Pasha said at the conference that the organisation had been established to promote unity among Britain’s Muslims. He stated that, "The time has come to rise to the challenge of projecting the true image of Islam". [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8]
Yusuf Islam has resigned as chairman of the charity, Muslim Aid (Q News 05.01.96). He says that he intends to concentrate on producing more teaching materials and compact discs. He founded the charity ten years ago. The new chairperson is Dr Suhaib Hasan and deputy chairperson is Iqbal Sacranie. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8]
Professor Akbar S. Ahmed, who made the BBC TV programme series Living Islam, has been asked to give the annual ‘Scholars Lecture’ at Rugby school (Daily Jang 17.01.96). The title of his lecture is to be ‘Islam and the West, consensus or conflict?’. Salman Rushdie was on the shortlist to give the lecture but was not chosen. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8]
Following a burglary at a mosque in Lincoln during July 1995, two men set fire to copies of the Qur’an, which set fire to the building (Lincolnshire Echo 09.01.96). It appears the intention was to destroy evidence. The two men were convicted of arson and burglary at Lincoln Crown Court (see BMMS for July 1995). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8]
Muslim social welfare established The Muslim Parliament-based charity, Bait al-Mal al-Islami, is hoping to create an alternative social welfare system for the Muslim community (Q News 19.01.96). The charity hopes to ensure that zakat [wealth tax] and sadaqa [voluntary giving] contributions are used for Muslims in the UK. Dr Mohammed Ghayasuddin, chairperson of the charity, states, "There is an Islamic rule which exhorts us to look after those who are near to us. If there is a need in Britain, it must take precedence ... what we are saying is that it is important that some resources are kept for creating an infrastructure in Britain ... Ninety percent or more of our resources go abroad". Projects already underway include an interest-free student loan scheme and supplementary classes for children. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 8/9]
Graves in Barkingside Cemetery, Ilford, are to be dug in such a way as to allow for four burials. At a public meeting, Cllr. Asaf Mirza explained that Muslim burials only permit one person per grave. Officers gave assurances that there was sufficient space for Muslim burials at Longwood Gardens for the next 15 to 20 years (Leader Ilford Barking Dagenham 26.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 9]
Burnley and Pendle Race Equality Council have investigated a complaint made to them that the meat served to Muslim patients at Burnley General Hospital was not genuinely halal (Barnoldswick & Earby Times 12.01.96). Some of the meat had no labelling to confirm that it was halal. Paul Fitzpatrick, assistant hotel services manager for catering at the Hospital said: "We are here to please. Some recommendations have been made and we are doing our best to help." [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 9]
School girl marriage in Turkey Sarah Cook, the 13 year-old girl from Braintree who married an 18 year-old Turk in south eastern Turkey according to Islamic tradition, has been made a ward of court and ordered to return to Britain. Turkish secular law has fixed the minimum age for marriage at sixteen, but in a concession to its Islamic heritage, exceptions can be made for people who have parental consent to marry earlier. Islamic law permits marriage contracts to be made any time from birth, but marriages can only be made valid on consummation, which in turn, can only occur if the parties have reached puberty. For girls, this is marked by the onset of menstruation (Q-News 26.01.96). The bridegroom, Musa Komeagae, was arrested by the Turkish authorities for "having sex with a minor". Humera Khan, of North London Al-Nisa Society commented: "If you’re old enough to have sex, you’re old enough to get married. Marriage is about responsibility and what gets me is that the boy could have had an affair, had sex without the responsibility and then walked away. At least this way he is making a commitment and the relationship is honourable" (Q-News 26.01.96). Qualified support for the couple also came from Libby Purves, who writes: "Some early commentators blamed Sarah’s situation on the ‘sexualisation’ of our children...But such attacks falter when you consider the strict social and religious code [Islam] this child has embraced..." (The Times 30.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 9]
The Dawoodi Bohra Mosque, Leicester, requested that 25 percent of the Wigston cemetery extension be set aside for Muslim burials. Councillors agreed further investigation was necessary, as burial space is short in the borough. If an exclusive site for Muslim burials were adopted, then a special code of practice would be introduced (Leicester Mercury 19.01.96 & 25.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 9]
The Commission for Racial Equality is investigating alleged attempts by the Labour Party to block Muslim representation in the Party and within parliament (Daily Jang 02.02.96). More than 4000 Asian members have been suspended from the party around the country, whilst in Birmingham, four constituencies, all of which have a high proportion of Muslim supporters and members, have been closed down. Former Brent councillor, Shazed Ahmed, is currently taking legal action against the Labour Party National Executive Council, who suspended him for taking part in the television programme East, which revealed that some Asians were being prevented from voting in the selection of their preferred candidate (Daily Jang 02.02.96). Another enquiry, by Unity Security Balloting Services, is being held concerning the Glasgow candidate for selection, Mohammad Sarwar, who lost the nomination for Glasgow Govan by just one vote (see BMMS for August 1995 and December 1995). This inquiry will concentrate on comparing signatures on application forms for postal votes with those on the confirmation slips which accompanied the ballot forms (Guardian 27.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 9/10]
Muslims in Bath are to be allocated a designated section of Haycombe Cemetery in Whiteway (Bath Chronicle 05.01.96). Following discussions with the city's Islamic Society, conventional burial procedures are to be relaxed to allow for single grave burial, the grave to be mounded to a height of 15" and the lid of the coffin to be removed before the grave is filled in. The council would not allow burial of a body in a shroud without a coffin. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10]
A Muslim Directory, giving information on businesses and services in the UK, has been produced. A spokesperson for the firm launching the directory said: "We have to plan now and start to co-operate with each other, both financially and socially. By becoming economically powerful we can have greater social and political influence. Then we can begin to integrate from a foundation of strength and on suitable terms" (Daily Jang 30.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10]
A meeting was held between the Parks service management, responsible for Burnley cemetery, and imams from local mosques. Problems had arisen with the Burnley provision and one imam had decided that a body should be taken to Blackburn for burial instead, as he was not happy with how the grave had been dug and the coffin laid (Lancashire Evening Telegraph 11.01.96 & Burnley Express 12.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10]
Updates
Education Al Jamia Al Islamia planning application The Muslim independent school Al Jamia Al Islamia, Flintham, Newark has submitted a planning application to Rushcliffe Borough Council to site three portable buildings to be used as classrooms at the Institute’s premises (South Notts Advertiser 29.12.95) (see BMMS for September 1995). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10] Zuhr prayers in Huddersfield school In Huddersfield, Fartown High School has introduced salat ul-zuhr [prayers in the middle of the day] for pupils (Awaaz 01.01.96). It is reported to be well attended. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10] Few Muslims at morality meeting Muslims were under-represented at a meeting, Education for Adult Life, organised by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority, which was intended to create a forum to devise practical measures to introduce morality into the National Curriculum. Only four Muslims attended out of a total of 244 delegates and there are concerns about the present government’s emphasis on Christian beliefs and values in education. A spokesperson for the Muslim Educational Trust stated that, "Children around the country are still saying prayers to Jesus, even in schools which are majority Muslim. The conference was useful in addressing the question of a shared morality and there are things all faith groups can agree on. But the problem arises when one tries to base this on increased spirituality. Which spiritual background do you give?" (Q News 19.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10]
The Education Secretary, Gillian Shephard, on a visit to the Al-Sadiq and Al-Hadra Schools in Kilburn, London, promised to consider fresh applications for Muslim schools to join the state system (The Times 17.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10]
Northampton’s Nene College’s Student union has been accused of prejudice against Muslims and racism (Northampton Chronicle 22.01.96). Nawaz Hussain, a law student, set up the Islamic society four months ago, said: "They [the Students’ Union] are quoting rules at me about setting up a society that have not applied to other new societies." The president of the union denied the accusation. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 10]
Students at Derby College, Wilmorton held a demonstration as part of their campaign for a permanent prayer room. At present, Muslim students are only allowed to use a classroom for prayers at lunchtimes, which they feel is particularly inadequate during Ramadan (Derby Evening Telegraph 24.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11] Research on Pakistani Muslim school students by Tahir Abbas, at the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations, University of Warwick, is challenging negative stereotypes and demonstrating the educational achievements of this community. He writes in the Asian Times that his research is demonstrating that: "Pakistanis have achieved far better than their teachers, schools or careers advisers came to believe...Our faith in Islam guides and protects...in society we must, at all levels, pursue our educational desires..." (Asian Times 03.01.96). Research in Nottingham on the same theme, conducted by Drs Haw and Griffiths (see BMMS for December 1995), has been condemned by the headteachers of the schools supposedly researched. They were not aware of the study until they read about it in the local papers: "The researchers seem already to have decided what the results of their research will be, by listing a series of negative findings, without so much as setting one foot inside our schools...We have clear evidence that over the past four years, our Pakistani Muslim children have made above average progress" (Nottingham Evening Post 19.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11] A group of 14-year-old Birmingham students, who are on a religious education course at the Calthorpe Road College, have been visiting places of worship of different faiths in the city, including the mosque of the Sparkbrook Islamic Association. Their teacher said: "The girls have been observing particular acts of worship, including an afternoon prayer gathering at the mosque. It has enabled them to see in action what they have only read about in school" (Birmingham Evening Mail 22.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11] The Islamia School in Brent has celebrated its twelfth anniversary. The school has been top of Brent’s school league tables for two consecutive years and plans to introduce an A’level syllabus from next year (Q-News 26.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11] The chair of governors of Feversham College (formerly Muslim Girls’ Community School) has resigned. Mr Khan-Cheema said, "My vision of what an Islamic school ought to be was not shared by others". He added that he would continue to "fight for legitimate rights of the British Muslim community to establish a voluntary aided school within the mainstream education system" (Muslim News 26.01.96). Feversham college has applied to become a voluntary-aided school (Eastern Eye 26.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11] Muslim children at Forest Fields Primary School, Nottingham, are being taught about their religion in special sessions at lunchtime (Nottingham Evening Post 31.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11] The deputy head of Denbigh High school in Luton has been accused of twice assaulting a pupil, once by tightening the hijab causing the girl to scream with pain and once forcing her to remove it. The teacher has denied the assault and the LEA is carrying out an investigation (Muslim News 26.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11] Lancaster’s Royal Albert Hospital has been bought to be turned into a Muslim girls’ boarding school, according to an anonymous informant to the local press. He said: "It is going to be a non-profit-making organisation run on donations and subscriptions. There is a need for a boarding school for Moslem [sic] girls in the North West otherwise we would not be purchasing the building" (Lancashire Evening Post 18.01.96). Some councillors had hoped the site could be used as a national sporting academy. Planning permission for a change of use from hospital to boarding school is not required (Lancaster Citizen 18.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11]
Mosques Council approval seems likely for permission to build a community centre next to the Mosque in Havelock Street. This would be used as an overspill to the Mosque and for weddings and funerals (Bucks Advertiser 19.01.96 & Bucks Herald 24.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 11]
The Cutchi Muslim Association, Blackburn, has applied for planning permission to build a two storey extension and a car parking area at its premises in Newton Street (Blackburn Telegraph 01.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] A mosque is being built in the centre of Chelmsford, at a cost of more than £100,000 (Essex Chronicle 19.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] Coventry planning officers are recommending the approval by the planning committee for additional facilities at the Islamic Brotherhood mosque on Eagle Street, Coventry (Rugby Evening Telegraph 03.01.96). The plans include a funeral preparation room, private meeting rooms and offices. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] A new community centre is going to be opened on the site of the former Islamic Community Centre. The old centre was closed in August after an inspection by fire and safety officers and the Association which ran the centre was wound up in November due to financial irregularities (Halifax Evening Courier 24.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] Muslim leaders have complained that Wycombe District Council has not given proper consideration to its funding bid for a £1.2 million Islamic centre in High Wycombe (Bucks Free Press 12.01.96 & 26.01.96). The proposed building would promote Islamic arts, culture and education. The project has already received planning approval. A councillor denied that there had been any discrimination and said that the council tried to work in partnership with the community. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] The Jamia Mosque Committee, Hyde, has requested permission to build a two storey extension at the rear of the Jackson Street mosque (North Cheshire Herald 28.12.95). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] Keighley Muslim Association has applied for planning permission for a kitchen extension to its premises (Keighley News 19.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12]
At a public meeting, held during January, to discuss plans for an Ahmadiyya Mosque on the site of the former Express Dairy, Morden (see BMMS for December 1995), residents objected that there would be traffic nuisance and that the site should be used for limited public housing, or for commercial purposes. Councillors will decide at a meeting on 8 February. If their plans are rejected, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association may appeal to the Secretary of State (Wimbledon News 12.01.96, 18.01.96 & 19.01.96, Wimbledon Guardian 25.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] A centre for the Ismaili community is opening on 21 January, at East Finchley. The centre, to be known as the Jamatkhana, will be used for cultural, educational and social purposes and as part of the Aga Khan Development Network (Hendon & Finchley Times 11.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] Local residents in Beckton, London have requested Newham council to refuse plans to convert a disused shop in Bradymead into an Islamic cultural centre. They claim that there would be disruption from noise and additional traffic (Docklands Express 13.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] The Islamic Trust, Maidenhead, has applied for planning permission for a first floor extension to Maidenhead Mosque (Maidenhead Advertiser 05.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] The Muslim Society, Nuneaton, has applied for planning permission to build a single storey extension to the side and rear of its premises in Edward Street. Improving facilities for cars is also planned (Nuneaton Evening News 06.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12] Planning permission has been refused to convert a corner shop and rooms above neighbouring premises into a mosque in Ronald Street, Oldham. 300 people signed a petition in favour of the mosque but 70 people wrote to the planning department objecting to the plans. The planning committee refused the application on highway grounds. The chairperson of the committee said: "It’s a very busy street and we were worried that kiddies attending religious education classes would be in danger from traffic" (Manchester Evening News 26.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 12/13] At Westwood, provisional approval has been given by planners to a scheme which would include a mosque, petrol station, supermarket, restaurant and school. The application is to be referred to the Environment Secretary (The Advertiser Oldham 18.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 13] Plans have been approved for a new, improved mosque and parking space for 31 cars at Newbold, Rochdale (Rochdale Observer 20.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 13] A lack of communication between planners and education officers of Sandwell Council is alleged to have caused the confusion over the allocation of land for a mosque and religious education centre, according to the local MP (Halesowen Chronicle 05.01.96). The site was purchased by Cradley Heath Muslim Association in November, however in December the council’s finance and resources department placed a compulsory purchase order on the land with the intention of building a nursery (see BMMS for June, July, August, September, October, November and December 1995). A file concerning the mosque application is apparently missing (Black Country Evening Mail 24.01.96 & 30.01.96). Council officials have written to Muslims offering them an alternative site. [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 13]
Permission has been granted to turn the former Islamic Centre, at St. Ninians, Stirling, which moved to new premises two years ago, into two cottages (Stirling Observer 24.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 13] Planning permission has been granted to use a former motor tax office in Stoke-on-Trent as a centre for the Ismaili Muslim community (Stoke-on-Trent Advertiser 04.01.96). The premises are expected to provide space for 40-50 people. There were no objections to the proposed centre from local residents. There are estimated to be approximately 60 Ismaili Muslims in North Staffordshire (Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel 05.01.96). [BMMS January 1996 Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 13]
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