BMMS May 1996

The Muslim Parliament has appointed a successor to Kalim Siddiqui who died in April (see British Muslims Monthly Survey for April 1996). The new leader is Dr Muhammad Ghayasuddin, aged 57 (Asian Age, 08.05.96, New Statesman Society, 10.05.96). The appointment was made by a closed session of parliamentary members on 6 May. Dr Ghayasuddin was one of the co-founders of the Muslim Institute and the Muslim Parliament. He was born in northern India, migrating to Pakistan during Partition in 1947. He studied for a PhD at Sheffield University in 1964. Before his appointment to leader he was the head of the Halal Food Authority, which was established by the Muslim Parliament (Q-News, 10.05.96).

Some Muslim leaders, however, have cast doubt on the future of the parliament (Eastern Eye, 17.05.96). It is believed that they do not have sufficient public or financial support to survive in the long term. Farooq Murad, vice president of the Islamic Society of Britain, is reported to have said: "Dr Siddiqui cornered himself and the Muslim Parliament into an awkward position with his outspoken views. It is a fresh start for the Muslim Parliament which has to shake off its reputation as a marginalised and unrepresentative organisation" (Eastern Eye, 17.05.96). Sahib Mustaqim Bleher, co-founder of the Islamic Party of Great Britain, is reported to have said: "[the Muslim Parliament] has used provocative methods to get into the limelight, but in the end it has been the Muslim community which has paid the price" (Eastern Eye, 17.05.96).

Since his appointment, Dr Ghayasuddin has already made controversial statements (The Daily Telegraph, 18.05.96, The Aberdeen Press and Journal, 18.05.96). It is reported that he has threatened to initiate a campaign of civil disobedience unless legislation was introduced to protect Muslims from inequalities. He is quoted as having stated that: "We are prepared to break the law to bring justice to our community and go to jail if necessary. So far, our commitment to remain the most law-abiding community has been taken as our weakness. Our essentially peaceful and co-operative nature has been taken advantage of to ensure that we remain downtrodden and disadvantaged. We have paid a high price for this attitude but we can no longer accept injustice and discrimination lying down. We are full members of British society" (Daily Telegraph, 18.05.96). These themes were discussed in more detail in his speech to mark the Islamic New Year, copies of which were obtained by the Bucks Examiner (24.05.96). In this speech, Dr Ghayasuddin expressed concern about: lack of state funding for Muslim schools; inadequate Islamic education in state schools; Muslim youth unemployment and other economic deprivation; and the absence of legal protection against discrimination. He believed that direct action such as civil disobedience was necessary: "What happened with the poll tax could happen among Muslims. The poll tax was an unjust law that needed to be changed. There is a tradition in this country that if a law is unjust it can be broken. In future, the Muslim community is not going to take injustice lying down" (Bucks Examiner, 24.05.96). Muslim News (31.05.96) in its reporting of speeches at the Muslim Parliament placed its emphasis on the calls for more unity amongst Muslims in Britain. It also reviews the document by Jahangir Mohammed of the Muslim Parliament, Home Office Strategy for Islam and Muslims in Britain.

Dr Muhammad Ghayasuddin has upheld the fatwa against the writer Salman Rushdie (The Times, 07.05.96, Financial Times, 07.05.96, Glasgow Herald, 07.05.96, Liverpool Daily Post, 07.05.96, The Western Morning News, 07.05.96, Dundee Courier, 07.05.96, Yorkshire Post, 07.05.96, The Scotsman, 07.05.96, Aberdeen Press and Journal, 07.05.96, , Bucks Free Press, 10.05.96), (see BMMS for March and April 1996). He is reported to have said: "The one thing we want to make absolutely clear is that there will be no joy for those who hoped for a fundamental change in our policy on this matter ... The entire Muslim Parliament is together on this matter. There will be no joy for him [Rushdie]". A supporter of Rushdie, the novelist Fay Weldon, is quoted as saying: "I suspect that the Muslim parliament is way out on a limb and that they are a great embarrassment to the Muslim community. It will make everybody think they are barbarians" (The Times, 07.05.96). Dr Ghayasuddin told the Bucks Examiner (17.05.96): "There is a legal position in Islamic law which is that death is the punishment for blasphemy... There is a bottom line when it comes to insults and abuse against the Prophet of Islam. This affects one of the basic tenets of our religion." The consensus on this issue claimed by Mr Ghayasuddin was not echoed by the assistant secretary of the High Wycombe Mosque, Gulzar Khan, who said: "It doesn’t necessarily represent our views...the fatwa was issued by the leader of another country and we have nothing to do with that (Bucks Free Press, 10.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 1/2]

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Muslims and the Labour Party

The relationship of the Labour Party to Muslims is still under discussion. In an article in Q-News, it was pointed out that the Labour Party is now being challenged by the Muslims in Britain asserting their views and interests. The challenges outlined included: breaking the perception that ‘ethnic minorities’ were a passive object of policies; the need to create genuine partnerships to develop and implement policies; acknowledging the views of Muslim constituencies and the avoidance of modifying them to fit left wing agendas; the need to learn about Islam; acknowledging the issues created by the differences and tensions between Muslims; debating with Muslim organisations and acknowledging their concerns (Q-News, 10.05.96).

A prospective MP for Oldham West, Gias Uddin Choudhury, has criticised a local paper which accused him of being a pawn of Arthur Scargill’s Socialist Labour Party, the party he represents (Daily Jang, 16.05.96). The Oldham Chronicle News editorial claimed the candidate had only been proposed to attract the Asian vote. Mr Choudhury had apparently been suspended form the Labour Party in 1995 for his "revolutionary" tendencies.

Muslims in Bradford are concerned following the announcement of the Bradford West Labour MP, Max Madden, that he was reconsidering his decision to retire (Yorkshire Post, 15.05.96). The selection of successor to stand in place of Mr Madden has been controversial as the Labour Party had identified it for a woman-only shortlist, which had proved unpopular with local party activists who had seen the seat as ideal for an Asian candidate. There are no Asian women at present active in the local party. The controversy was resolved when an industrial tribunal ruling stated that women-only shortlists were illegal. Candidates for the selection include the former mayor, Mohammad Ajeeb (see BMMS for February 1996).

In Glasgow, the controversy over the failure of prospective candidate Muhammad Sarwar to secure selection for Glasgow Govan continues (see BMMS for August and December 1995; January, February, March and April 1996). The Labour Party National Executive Committee announced in February that the winner of the contest, Mike Watson, would not be endorsed as the candidate for the seat. The NEC intends making a decision of how to resolve the dispute at a meeting on 22 May (Daily Jang, 15.05.96, Q-News, 10.05.96). Q-News (10.05.96) ran an interview with Muhammad Sarwar which outlines his background, his interest in politics, Islamophobia in Britain and how he would represent Muslims if he becomes the first Muslim MP in Parliament . On 22 May, Labour’s national executive voted in favour of a re-run of the selection ballot (Scotsman, 23.05.96, Muslim News, 31.05.96, Glasgow Herald, 23.05.96). Mr Sarwar said: "I am very glad about the decision...It is a party decision and this time they have to ensure that there is a fair and impartial ballot under tighter rules. I am reasonably confident I will win, but if Mr Watson wins I will work hard to secure his victory at the General Election" (Scottish Daily Mail, 23.05.96). Prominent Muslims interviewed by the Glasgow Herald, including Mohammad Ghayasuddin, leader of the Muslim Parliament, Jehangir Mohammad, its deputy leader, Professor Akbar Ahmed, and the editor of Muslim News, Ahmad Versi, were all sceptical as to whether, even if elected to parliament, Mr Sarwar could advance the interests of British Muslims. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 2]

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Short Reports

Glasgow "mosquing"

The new council in Glasgow was "mosqued" on 10 May at a ceremony, the first of its kind, held at the city’s central mosque (see BMMS for April 1996). Previously the ceremony, to bless the new council, had been confined to the Catholic and Protestant communities. The president of the Islamic centre told the councillors: "Your presence is eloquent proof of our multi-ethnic community which has become so much a part of Glasgow. This is a landmark in a proud history of friendship, kindness and tolerance" (The Scotsman, 11.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 3]

Atia Idrees deportation

Atia Idrees, aged 22, who has been fighting an effort to have her deported, was ordered by the Home Office to leave the country by 16 May (see BMMS for March 1996). She came to Britain from Pakistan to look after her grandmother, who lives in Oldham, in 1991. She was told to make other arrangements for the care of her grandmother, aged 77, who suffers from arthritis, cataracts and cannot speak English. Oldham Social Services apparently claim that they do not have the facilities to care for her (Oldham Advertiser, 02.05.96). A campaign to help Ms Idrees stay was not very successful. At a musical evening, arranged to raise funds, only £40 was collected from the 300 participants. The campaign group has reduced from 80 to four, only one of whom is a Muslim. Ms Idrees is reported as saying: "I’ve given up expecting anything from the [Muslim] community. To them it’s just another immigration problem" (Q-News, 10.05.96). Ms Idrees was subsequently granted a judicial review of her case. It could take up to ten months until the review is heard, during which time Ms Idrees can continue to stay and care for her grandmother, Alam Bibi. Ms Idrees believes her grandmother, who has no other carer in Britain, would be too ill to fly to Pakistan. She only wants to stay in Britain until Mrs Bibi dies (Manchester Evening News, 20.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 3]

Halifax catering expansion

A Halifax catering business is set to move to new premises and expand its workforce. The firm supplies shops and caters for special events. It also supplies hospital food which accord with halal requirements. A spokeswoman for the firm, East West Catering Ltd, said: "With the large ethnic population in the area there had to be some provision in hospital catering but patients weren’t eating the food provided because they didn’t believe it was Halal food. We were approached to make Halal and vegetarian meals and it’s grown from there" (Halifax Evening Courier, 03.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 3]

Local elections report

Despite an attempt to dissuade Muslims in Derby from voting in the local elections (see BMMS for April 1996), it is believed that the Muslim community turnout had not been noticeably affected by the campaign (Derby Telegraph, 03.05.96). In Birmingham, a record number of Pakistani councillors were voted to the city council. However, the elections campaigns were said to have been marred by ‘dirty tricks’ by some political party members using the ‘race card’ or propagating misinformation about opposition parties (Daily Jang, 09.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 3]

Hizb ut-Tahrir concern

The Home Secretary, Michael Howard, has announced that the Home Office were reviewing security measures to ensure the protection of Jewish and Israeli institutions in Britain. The remarks were made following threats by Hizbullah to attack Jewish targets abroad. Mr Howard is reported to have said that he understood Jewish concerns about extremist Muslim organisations in Britain, identifying Hizb ut-Tahrir in particular (Jewish Chronicle, 10.05.96), (see BMMS for October and December 1995; January, February and March 1996). The Inter-Parliamentary Council Against Anti-Semitism also stated that it intended to raise parliamentary awareness of the danger of extremist Muslim organisations (Jewish Chronicle, 03.05.96). Further accusations have been made concerning Hizb ut-Tahrir distributing racist and anti-homosexual leaflets on university campuses in Birmingham (Birmingham Evening Mail, 24.05.96). One of the leaflets said: "The only place for Muslims and Jews is the battlefield." The universities targeted have been Aston, Birmingham, and the University of Central England. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 3]

Muslim investment fund launched

On 20 May the investment bank Flemings re-launched its international Oasis equity fund in Britain, aiming to be attractive to Britain’s two million Muslims (see BMMS for January 1996). The fund is guided by its own shari’a board. The board disapproves of investment in debt, banks, insurance companies and companies which produce alcohol or involve gambling (Manchester Evening News, 15.05.96). The fund, named the Oasis Trust, has a minimum investment of $50,000 (£33, 000) (Daily Express, 18.05.96, Independent on Sundays, 05.05.96, Daily Jang, 22.05.96). It was originally launched in February to the international Islamic investment market, dominated by Saudi Arabia (The Times, 18.05.96). Shares cost $9.63 each, with a minimum investment of $50,000, although pooling arrangements are permitted (Asian Age, 27.05.96). The launching statement said: "The British Islamic community has grown four-fold since 1970. Worldwide, the Islamic investment market is estimated to be between $50 billion and $150 billion" (Reuters International Securities Report, 21.05.96). There is a supervisory board of three Islamic scholars. These are: Mr Justice Taqqi al-Usmani, former member of the Sharia Appellate Branch of the Pakistan Supreme Court and currently vice-chair of the Dar-ul-Uloom, Karachi; Dr Abdul Sattar Abu Gaddah and Dr Nazih Hammad, who are both associated with the Fiqh Academy in Jeddah (Asian Age, 27.05.96). Pharmaceuticals are acceptable investments, as are arms. The Yorkshire Post (21.05.96) comments that: "Arms-makers also get the nod because there can be such a thing as a Holy War". The Guardian (25.05.96) reports that, after selecting from the 2,600 companies which make up the Morgan Stanley Capital Index, about 300 will be left which fit the company’s Shari’a board’s rules and these will include Toyota, Cable & Wireless, and the drug company Roche. As regards how Flemings will deal with the issue of interest generated within the fund, they are quoted as saying: "Purification of the Fund by deduction of amounts representing interest received by companies in the portfolio will be carried out on a weekly basis" (Reuters, 21.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 4]

Waiter eye injury demonstration

A demonstration, outside Greater Manchester Police headquarters on 4 May, attracted over 100 people demanding the punishment of officers responsible for the blinding of a waiter, Amer Rafiq, during Eid ul-Fitr celebrations (Manchester Evening News, 06.05.96). The waiter was reportedly subjected to a beating following his arrest which left him with injuries necessitating the removal of his left eye (see BMMS for February, March and April 1996). The Police Complaints Authority are holding an inquiry into the incident (Q-News, 10.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 4]

Community threat leaflets

Police are investigating leaflets distributed to mosques and Muslim organisations in Britain purporting to be from the a group called the Kahane Chai branch of the Jewish Defence League. According to Dr Zaki Badawi, the leaflets had been sent to almost every mosque in the country. The leaflets, claiming to be a warning to the Muslim community, stated that: "We grow stronger as you Muslims grow weaker... Our revenge will be visited on your communities shortly" (Jewish Chronicle, 10.05.96). They also state: "Make peace now. Stop your activities on the university campuses. Stop your speakers now. Stop opposing us or the same as has happened to Lebanon will be visited on your mosques, your families, your leaders ... Our arm is long and if our people are attacked outside of Israel we will respond against the Muslim community around the world. Our units are already in place and trained. Be warned Muslims! Your lives are ours like sheep to the butcher" (Q-News, 10.05.96). The leaflets were signed "The Khane (sic) Chai and its fighters who protect the Jewish faith and people". The Jewish Defence League and Kahane Chai are, according to the Jewish Chronicle, run by followers of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane. The organisations are illegal in Israel. The Board of Deputies condemned the letters and suggested that they may be a hoax. A spokesperson said: "We don’t know who is behind this but it could well be a far-right group whose intention is to create ill-feeling between Muslims and Jews" (Jewish Chronicle, 10.05.96). The leaflets were believed to have originated in Birmingham and Special Branch are investigating. The Board of Deputies later commented that: "There is no evidence that the JDL exists in Britain despite numerous attempts to establish the organisation here over the past 25 years" (Muslim News, 31.05.96). In the US, members of Muslim and Arab-American communities have met with the FBI to discuss that agency’s investigation of the threatening letters, and infringements of Muslims’ civil rights in America. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 4/5]

High Wycombe seminar

The Wycombe Islamic Society was scheduled to hold a seminar to teach Christians about Islam, entitled ‘From Christianity to Islam’, on 4 May (Bucks Free Press, 03.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 5]

Walsall Bosnia trip

A Muslim leader from Walsall is to make his 11th and final mercy mission to Bosnia. Mohammed Aslam, chairman of the Union of Muslim Organisations in Walsall, is to travel to Zagreb in Croatia to join an aid lorry funded by donations from Walsall businesses and mosques (Walsall Express & Star, 03.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 5]

Imam found guilty

An imam at a mosque in East London has been accused of sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl. Southwark Crown Court was told by the girl that the imam assaulted her during a Qur’an lesson at the mosque when she was in his office alone. He made the girl swear on the Qur’an not to tell anybody of the assault. In his defence, the imam claims that the girl invented the story after he had told her off for writing love letters to a boy (Walsall Express & Star, 09.05.96 & 16.05.96, Shropshire Star, 16.05.96, Daily Jang, 09.05.96). The boy attended court as a defence witness and on stepping into the witness box, asked to speak to the police. He then explained that Subhan had ordered him to forge the love letters and to lie in court on his behalf. Sentencing will take place on 28 June (Daily Jang, 24.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 5]

Speakers’ Corner tensions

Speakers’ Corner has been the scene of violent incidents, some involving Muslims (Independent on Sunday, 12.05.96). Following the stabbing of a Lebanese Christian by an Iraqi speaker recently, the gates to Speakers’ Corner were locked for the first time in its 124 year history. An evangelical Christian who speaks at the location said: "This is not a tea party. It’s very serious. These people mean what they say about the death threats ... I have to say that most of the incidents now involve Muslims" (Evening Standard, 13.05.96). The Muslims involved in these incidents claim that any violence is in self-defence. A Muslim spokesperson said: "I do admit there are a lot of young, hot-headed Muslims who don’t understand how Speakers’ Corner works. Sometimes they might go too far. We are not violent. We talk about the Bible and Christianity when we have to but in return we get slander. The Christians deliberately commit blasphemy against the Prophet, the Prophet’s wives and the Koran" (Evening Standard, 13.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 5]

Walsall hospital provision

At Walsall’s Manor Hospital, there is a chaplaincy service with chaplains and holy books from the Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh faiths and the provision of menus which include vegetarian food. Prayer mats and prayer head caps have been provided. Interpreters have also been introduced, particularly in the coronary care units (Black Country Evening Mail, 16.05.96, The Birmingham Post, 16.05.96). These services, multicultural training for some hospital staff, and the provision of translated information material are a result of the work of the hospital’s Cultural Awareness Group. The chair of this group, Dr Rajul Singh, said: "We are doing our best to help all patients, whatever their culture or religion, to feel comfortable and confident when they use health care services" (Birmingham Express & Star, 18.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 5]

Muslim festivals celebrated

The first of Muharram, signifying the beginning of the new Muslim year of 1417, was celebrated during May (Glasgow Sunday Post, 19.05.96). In Peterborough, the city’s Shi’ite Muslim community planned a solemn procession to commemorate the death of the martyr, Imam Hussein, grandson of the Holy Prophet (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 29.05.96). In Birmingham there were commemorations of the Day of Ashura, for which the Clifton Road Mosque in Balsall Heath offered an open invitation on 28 May, and a procession planned for the following Sunday (Black Country Evening Mail, 28.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 5]

Hospital circumcision provision

Muslims in Bradford have welcomed the introduction of religious circumcision on the NHS but have condemned the £80 charge for the operation. The service has been introduced by the Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust as part of the Patient’s Charter (Asian Times, 16.05.96). Liaqat Hussain, spokesman for Bradford Council of Mosques, is reported to have said: "We have been campaigning for a free circumcision service at the BRI [Bradford Royal Infirmary] and we are very unhappy that the hospital is going to charge £80 per procedure. It will cost double the amount charged by some GPs and we feel it’s clear the hospital is being money grabbing in this case" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 09.05.96). In Bolton a circumcision service is to be launched to ensure that religious circumcisions are carried out safely. The service has been initiated by the joint efforts of the Muslim community, Community Healthcare Bolton NHS Trust, Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust and the Health Authority (Bolton Evening News, 14.05.96). It is not clear from the reports if a charge is being made for this service. Khadim Hussain, president of the Bradford Council for Mosques complained that: "It is far too much. The private GPs charge a lot less - £40 to £50. It should be free" (Muslim News, 31.05.96). The estimated number of male Muslim births in Bradford is around 1,000 a year. India Mail (24.05.96) stated that the cost of private circumcisions could be as much as £200, and quoted the general secretary of the Bradford Council for Mosques, Fakir Mohammed, as saying approvingly that: "The launch of hospital based circumcision meets a very real need in the local community and we are pleased that our initial approach to the Trust to introduce such a service has been tackled positively and turned into a reality." In Bolton the Wigan and Bolton Health authority has also introduced a subsidised circumcision service. Director of public health, Dr Peter Elton commented: "I support the right of parents to follow their religion and have their children circumcised and I am concerned that this can be done safely. This new programme will let this happen" (Bolton Metro News, 16.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 5/6]

Film protest

The opening of a film, Executive Decision, in the Warner West End cinema in Leicester Square was picketed by Muslims on 9 May. The 20 protestors, representing Muslim organisations, objected to the portrayal of Muslims in the film as terrorists (South Wales Echo, 11.05.96, Aberdeen Press & Journal, 11.05.96, Yorkshire Evening Post, 11.05.96, Shropshire Star, 11.05.96, Liverpool Daily Post, 11.05.96, Manchester Evening News, 11.05.96). The film has also provoked protests in the US (Q-News, 10.05.96), and a demand that it should be banned from circulation. Meetings have been held with the makers, Warner Brothers, who assured the American Muslim Council that in future they will consult Muslim representatives on films involving Islam and Muslims (Muslim News, 31.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 6]

Girl tricked by parents

A Muslim girl from Rochdale was able to avoid being tricked by her parents into an arranged marriage in Pakistan. She had understood that she was to marry her boyfriend but just before she boarded the airplane a friend informed her that her boyfriend was still in the UK and that her parents had arranged a marriage to a stranger (Manchester Evening News, 14.05.96). She sought refuge at a police station where she was collected by her boyfriend. Police said that no further action would be taken as no crime had been committed (Shropshire Star, 15.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 6]

TV programme on polygamy

A programme on polygamy has been broadcast on BBC2 television. The East programme entitled Happy Families? was broadcast on 22 May. In the programme an American professor argues that the practice would solve the problems associated with divorce and one-parent families (Asian Times, 16.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 6]

Kirklees interfaith council launched

After a year of preparation (see BMMS for February and April 1996), the North Kirklees Inter-Faith Council finally became a reality at a public meeting in May. Its launch was attended by about 100 people, and amongst the speakers were Elizabeth Peacock MP, Kirklees Council’s chief executive Robert Hughes, and Sher Azam from the Bradford Council for Mosques (Yorkshire Post, 20.05.96). Inderjit Bhogal, lecturer at the Urban Theology Unit at Sheffield, also spoke, giving a wider European perspective: "There is a move towards separatism and apartheid in the guise of freedom of choice and we must act now if we want to remove the fear of those who are different - we are, after all, sisters and brothers" (Batley News, 23.05.96). During its year of preparation, the Council has written letters deploring the vandalism of Muslim graves in Batley Cemetery and offering sympathy to the community of Dunblane. In future, the group hopes to encourage cross-community co-operation over issues such as poverty, unemployment, racism and homelessness. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 6/7]

Nigerian attack trial

A Nigerian student, Ayotunde Obanubi, 20, who was knifed through the heart by other students outside Newham College of Further Education, may have been killed in the name of religion, the Old Bailey heard (see BMMS for March 1996). Saeed Nur, 27, was jailed for life for murder and Umran Qadir, 18, was ordered to be detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure for his involvement in the killing. The jury were unable to reach a verdict on a third defendant, Yusuf Sofu, 20. The Crown Prosecution Service may order a retrial in respect of him. The court heard that there had been racial and religious tensions between students at the college which increased as Muslim students observed Ramadan. Mr Obanubi was cornered and attacked by a gang of 15 people armed with knives and hammers. The assistant faculty director, Frances Sander, waded into the gang but was unable to prevent the fatal stabbing (City of London Recorder, 24.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 7]

Bradford disturbances report condemned

The Police Complaints Authority’s (PCA) report on allegations of police misconduct during the Bradford disturbances in June 1995 (see BMMS for June, July, August, September, October 1995; February and April 1996) has been condemned by local Muslims as a whitewash (Muslim News, 31.05.96). There will be no disciplinary proceedings taken against any officer. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 7]

Slaughterhouse objections

Some people living near the North Camp slaughterhouse in Yorkshire were upset by its use for the slaughter of sheep for Eid-ul-Adha. Most objectors wished to remain anonymous. Their complaints apparently included: the killing of the animals taking place on a Sunday; seeing the carcasses coming out of the slaughterhouse and spilt blood; seeing some Muslims who had just killed their sheep in blood-spattered clothing; and that some of the sheep managed to escape into neighbouring streets. The one attributed complaint in the Ash Mail’s article (21.05.96) was from a driving instructor, Sally Burrowes, who was giving a lesson at the time the escaped sheep ran onto the road. She and some other residents called the police and the abattoir staff. The abattoir owner, Mark Newman said: "We operate a year-long slaughter service for Muslims. This festival is their equivalent of Christmas and we felt duty-bound to provide a service for them. These people buy their sheep and pay for them in full before they are slaughtered. The health and safety regulations were fully adhered to. What they do with them afterwards is nothing to do with me". [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 7]

Boxer at Muath Centre

The Muath Centre provides services for Birmingham’s Muslim community in general and for the Yemeni community in particular. Prince Naseem said in his speech during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations: "I love Islam. I am gonna keep the Muslim flag high and the Yemeni flag as well and let us not forget the British flag" (Muslim News, 31.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 7]

Akbar Ahmed sermon

Professor Akbar Ahmed, the Pakistani anthropologist and Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, gave a sermon in Selwyn Chapel in which he commented obliquely on the government’s asylum policy. Speaking of the flight of the early Muslims from oppression to seek refuge amongst the Christians of Ethiopia, he said: "It was fortunate there was in Ethiopia in those days no equivalent of Michael Howard" (Cambridge Evening News, 24.05.96). The speech brought criticism from some Muslims, for example, Pirzada Sardar Ahmed Qadri of the Manchester based International Muslim Federation (Daily Jang, 24.05.96), who felt that it was too conciliatory towards the West. The full text of Professor Ahmed’s speech appears in the Daily Jang (05.06.96). The Asian Times (23.05.96) quoted Professor Ahmed on the need to teach about Islam in schools: "Islam has much to offer a world saturated with disintegration, cynicism and loss of faith" and recalled that when Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan preached in an Anglican church there were protests by Christian evangelicals. The claim that this was the first time a Muslim had preached in an Anglican church in Cambridge was corrected by many letters to the press. One such was Bruce Kinsey’s, chaplain at Downing College, in the Independent (22.05.96), who wrote: "On 5 November 1995 Saba Risaluddin spoke at Evensong at Downing College, Cambridge. She is a founder-trustee of the Calamus Foundation, a registered UK charity dedicated to promoting a balanced image of Islam and to foster understanding between Muslims, Jews and Christians". [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 7/8]

Sikh/Muslim disturbance

Police believe that the unrest at the Lampton Park May Day Festival was caused by tensions between sections of the local Sikh and Muslim communities. During clashes between groups of youths at the Festival, over 30 needed to be treated by St John’s Ambulance volunteers, amongst whom were one person who had been stabbed and another hit over the head with a bottle. Local Sikh and Muslim community leaders have so far declined to comment (Hounslow Borough Chronicle, 16.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 8]

Peterborough mayor elected

Councillor Mohammed Choudhary was elected as Peterborough’s first Muslim Pakistani mayor on 20 May. Mr Choudhary is a Labour councillor who represents the Central Ward. He will be helped in his civil engagements by his wife, Khalida as mayoress, and his 16-year-old daughter, Nusrat. He is hoping to have a multi-religious service of investiture in Peterborough Cathedral. Mayor Choudhary said: "It is a great honour for me and my family and for my community of being Peterborough’s first Pakistani Muslim mayor" (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 21.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 8]

Deportation campaign continues

The campaign against the deportation of 65-year-old Mumtaz Begum of Swindon continues. Mrs Begum, a widow since her husband was murdered in Pakistan and who has no-one to care for her there, suffers from heart disease, diabetes, an ulcer and a skin condition, was due to be deported in May (Western Daily Press, 24.05.96). She has now gone into hiding. Shirley Matthias, a columnist in the Swindon Evening Advertiser, (17.05.96) comments: "A system which rules that a woman like this should be removed from her family and sent to live alone and without support in a country where she has no home - and where her husband was murdered - makes me ashamed to admit I am British. And Swindon MP Simon Coombs, whose efforts on Mrs Begum’s behalf amount to arranging for a woman doctor to be on the plane to ensure Mrs Begum doesn’t embarrass the Home Office by dying in mid-flight, should hang his head in shame". Another article in the same paper, however, quotes Mumtaz Begum Must Stay campaigner Eamon Traynor as saying of hopes of Mr Coombs’ activity on the family’s behalf that: "We hope he will swing back our way and support the campaign as he did last year". [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 8]

Lebanese child saved

A two year old child, Hussein Ali, was saved after the massacre at the Qana refugee camp in Lebanon when a nurse saw him trying to kick his way out of a body bag (Manchester Evening News, 25.05.96). He had been presumed dead and had been in the bag for three hours awaiting burial. He was brought to Britain for treatment to his badly shattered and infected leg by Shabir Hussain, a charity worker with UK Islamic Mission Relief, which is based in Alum Rock, Birmingham. Shabir Hussain has been awarded the Midland Diamond Award for his work in rescuing the victims of the bomb attack in Lebanon (Birmingham Evening Mail, 24.05.96). The Diamond Award is given to outstanding individuals in the Midlands and is sponsored by the Birmingham Evening Mail, the jewellers Rex Johnson and Sons, and M & B brewers. UK Islamic Mission Relief now faces a cash crisis as its funds stand at only £700. Although the medical treatment is given free by the Priory Hospital in Birmingham, the patients’ after-care needs to be paid for and the charity wants to make more life-saving trips. They are appealing for donations, especially to help the people of Lebanon. The address of UK Islamic Relief is: 401/403 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 3DT. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 8]

Football prayers in Bradford

Muslims and Christians have been praying together in Bradford for the success of their city’s football team. Bradford City’s football team chairman Geoffrey Richmond attended prayers at the Victor Street mosque and commented: "This marvellous gesture will do a lot for the players’ morale" (Guardian, 25.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 8]

Islamic clinic report

Various local health projects run for or by Muslims have been reported in local papers. The Inverness Courier (14.05.96) carried an article on the Highland Islamic Clinic, which was established in 1994 at Muir of Ord. The clinic’s medical team comprises a GP and herbalist, an acupuncturist and herbalist, and an existentialist psychotherapist. They believe that diseases and healing have to be viewed in a Qur’anic context. It is a part of the Highland BioMedical Research Foundation, which researches diseases such as allergies, ME and MS. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9]

Catholic Herald article

The Catholic Herald (03.05.96) has published two articles on Christian Muslim relations. One by Gerald Butt, Middle East affairs writer for the Daily Telegraph, takes as its starting point the Pope’s recent visit to Tunisia. It goes on to discuss wider questions of Arab Christian identity and concludes that: "In the ears of Arab Christians, appeals which might be appropriate in Europe could in the Middle East sound insensitive, unhelpful and ultimately damaging as Arab Christians struggle to survive in a region dominated by Islam, a religion to which they are curiously bound by cultural and historical ties". The second article, entitled In Britain, People of the Book learn together, reviews various interfaith initiatives involving Muslims and Christians, particularly Catholics, in Britain. Those specifically mentioned are Westminster, Leeds, and Bradford. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9]

Women’s clinic established

In Toxteth, Liverpool, a women-only clinic has been set up designed for Muslim women and those from minority groups at the Abercromy Health Centre on Monday afternoons (Liverpool Daily Post, 21.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9]

Bishop visit to mosque

The Heckmondwicke Herald (17.05.96) carries a feature article marking the occasion of the visit of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev David Konstant, to Heckmondwicke Mosque. The visit was a result of the strengthening of links which followed the reading of the Catholic church’s Eid greetings letter in the mosque. The feature not only describes David Konstant’s visit, but also devotes considerable space to the respect given to Jesus and Christians in the Qur’an. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9]

Health project visit, St Albans

In St. Albans, the Mayor and Mayoress visited a health project on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha. The project concentrates on advising Bangladeshi families on a healthy diet for their children and gives advice on other health matters, welfare benefits and housing and is a partnership between the local Muslim Bangladeshi community, the local authority and West Hertfordshire Community Health Trust. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9]

Zaki Badawi interview

The Jewish Chronicle (24.05.96) carries an interview with Dr Zaki Badawi, whom it describes as "one of Britain’s leading Islamic spokesmen", in which Dr Badawi expresses his belief that Jewish-Muslim relations are improving. Dr Badawi is a supporter of the Maimonides Foundation, a charity which seeks common ground amongst the two faith communities. Dr Badawi explained that much inter-faith work has a low profile: "The difficulty is that serious work is not for front-page news. Newspapers are normally interested in disasters. But a lot of good things are happening in Britain between the various communities". [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9]

Councillor hosts buffet

Newly elected councillor Ahmadul Haque hosted a buffet at the Tipton Muslim Centre as part of a getting to know his constituents session. Councillor Ahmadul Haque represents the Tipton Green ward (Lichfield & Tamworth Express & Star). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9]

Archbishop speech

Speaking in Los Angeles, where he is on a tour of the American Episcopal Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey said: "Whether the new millennium will be one of peace or war will depend to a large measure on the ability of the great religions, and Christianity in particular, to draw from within themselves all which makes for peace". His speech became potentially more controversial when he continued: "Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and others have equal rights to worship freely in the West. However, this must apply equally to the rights that Christians should have in places where they are a minority" (Independent, 25.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 9/10]

Newspaper apology

The Sunday Times has apologised to the occupants of a flat in Cricklewood, north west London, for alleging that they were supporters of Hamas (see BMMS for March and April 1996). The apology appeared in the 14 April issue of the paper, the original story having been published on 17 March. The Lebanese family in the top flat sued the newspaper and settled out of court. The other family living in the middle flat has not yet done so as they cannot afford to pay any legal costs (Muslim News, 31.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 10]

Youth survey results

A MORI (Market Opinion and Research International) survey commissioned by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA) to investigate moral questions has found that only 39% of respondents in the 15-24 age group rated religious leaders as setting a good moral example, which contrasts with 77% believing this to be true of teachers and 73% regarding athletes in this way (Muslim News, 31.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 10]

Prince Charles ‘defender of faiths’

In an interview conducted by Martin Bashir on the BBC2 programme East, John Major said that he found it "a little odd" if Prince Charles wanted to become defender of all religions (Daily Jang, 27.05.96). This was said in reply to a question put by a viewer, "Would you be happy for the Prince of Wales to be titled defender of faiths, rather than defender of the faith when he succeeds to the throne?" John Major’s response was seen as indicative of a difference of view-point between himself and the Prince. A spokes-person for Downing Street attempted to clarify the Prime Minister’s position: "Prince Charles has said that he would rather the title was seen as defending the whole concept of faith or belief, which is exactly in line with what the Prime Minister said about wanting as a government and as a country to defend the integrity of all faiths." Buckingham Palace also denied there was any difference of opinion on this matter between the Prince and the Prime Minister. Dr Zaki Badawi, principal of the Muslim college in London, described Mr Major’s statement as "strange": "Other faiths all owe their allegiance to the Crown and, in return, Charles wants to give them dignity and a sense of protection" (Daily Telegraph, 27.05.96). Mohammed Ghayasuddin, leader of the Muslim Parliament, was less welcoming of Prince Charles’ gesture. He commented: "We need to know more, but if he is seeking to turn Islam into something like the Church of England has become then the answer must be ‘thanks but no thanks’" (Asian Times, 30.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 10]

Election code of conduct agreed

Leaders of the five main British political parties have agreed upon a code of conduct, sponsored by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), for campaigning during the next general election (see BMMS for April 1996). The agreement resulting from the code is an under-taking not to do or say anything which would stir up racial hatred or lead to racial prejudice. However, it does not mention religious prejudice and hatred. When challenged on this point, Herman Ousely, head of the CRE, told Muslim News (31.05.96) that the CRE might revise the material before the next general election. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 10]

Industrial tribunal decision

An industrial tribunal decided that the Muslim head of a women’s refuge, Ireen Rehman, did racially discriminate against a Sikh worker. Surinder Dale, a childcare worker at the now defunct Bassera refuge for Asian women, won her case in Middlesborough on 23 May after a four-day hearing. The tribunal found unanimously in favour of Ms Dale, but in giving his judgement, the chairperson commented: "The respondent is carrying the can for the unsatisfactory way the refuge was managed and its overall direction of Bassera". Ms Rehman intends to appeal against the decision (Middlesborough Evening Gazette, 24.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 10]

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Updates

Education

Muslim schools science in-service

A special in-service training course was held for science teachers from Muslim schools around the UK. The course, held in Feversham College, Bradford, was organised by the Association of Muslim Schools. (Al-Madaris, Spring 1996). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 10]

RE withdrawal continues

At a conference organised by schools officials in Kirklees, parents involved in the RE withdrawal were urged to talk rather take action (see BMMS for January, February, March and April 1996). Akram Khan-Cheema, an adviser to the Schools Curriculum and Assessment Authority, was reported as having said that withdrawal from lessons was an easy option (Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 03.05.96). However, after an emergency meeting between Muslim leaders and Kirklees Council education officers, it emerged that the withdrawal could continue for up to a year. A joint statement from the authority and Muslims after the meeting said that the problem would have to be resolved at a national level (Mirfield Reporter, 03.05.96). An interfaith group, the North Kirklees Inter-Faith Council, are hoping that they may be able to assist in resolving the RE problem in the future (Yorkshire Post, 18.05.96). Qassim Afzal, chair of the Manchester Muslim Education Council, has predicted the withdrawal of thousands of Manchester Muslim schoolchildren from religious education classes. Mr Afzal objects to the new "agreed syllabus" because it devotes insufficient time to Islam: "The content is perfectly acceptable, but we oppose the syllabus on other grounds. The amount of material children are expected to learn is too great, and it would be impossible to find suitable teachers. We also believe the proportion of time allocated to Islam does not reflect the size of the city’s large Muslim community." City education chief Roy Jobson believed the new syllabus would be widely accepted: "...I would be very surprised if there is any widespread demand for withdrawal. This is a very tolerant city" (Manchester Evening News, 24.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 11]

Christian-Muslim forum to be established

A forum of Christians and Muslims is also being established to discuss educational issues at a national level. The group, which may be named The Council of Christians and Muslims in Education, is expected to be launched in the near future. The Muslim delegation includes Dr Zaki Badawi, Ibrahim Hewitt, Nazar Mustafa and Riad el Droubi (Church Times, 03.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 11]

School leaflet complaint

A parent has complained to Acland Burghley School in Kentish Town that when her daughter who is in the sixth-form came to classes wearing a mini-skirt, she was handed a leaflet by a member of staff which called for a "jihad" against non-Muslim blacks and denounced black women who wear Western dress. The headteacher, Philip O’Hear has started an investigation into the complaint. He said of school policy: "...the school believes that we should educate our students to confront difficult issues that they will encounter in society. The school, therefore, does explore issues such as racism and racial stereotypes with students. This must be done in a way that strengthens each student’s sense of confidence in his or her own sense of identity, and his or her positive respect for the identity of others. We will take effective action to correct any teaching, advice or discussion that has not met these standards" (Ham & High, 17.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 11]

UMIST controversy

Bill Williams, a teacher of Jewish history, claims that his proposal to teach a course on Anglo-Jewish history to overseas students at UMIST was rejected as inappropriate for Muslim students. Mr Williams claims that Ms Parkhurst-Djeddour, organiser of summer courses for UMIST’s English Language Centre, said that she was concerned about Muslim reaction to the subject he proposed to teach and wished to avoid conflict. Mr Williams said: "If there is prejudice against Jews, education about them is even more necessary. This is a form of severe discrimination. Part of the Muslim boycott is affecting education. I cannot believe she [Ms Parkhurst-Djeddour] said it". The president of the Board of Deputies, Aubrey Rose, has urged that the matter be investigated. He said: "I would have thought that the history of Anglo-Jewry, one of the oldest minorities in Britain, would have been of particular interest to Muslims, who are one of the newest...the Jewish experience in Great Britain has been of great interest to other minorities" (Manchester Jewish Telegraph, 17.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 11]

Islamic exhibition, Lanarkshire

The Lanarkshire Ethnic Link Group recently held an open day at the Holytown Community Education Centre which focused on Islamic culture and religion, which local participating schools found very enjoyable (Wishaw Press, 22.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 11]

Nottingham girls school bid

The Madni Trust, which runs a Muslim boys’ school in Flintham, is negotiating with the owners to buy a former health authority offices in Nottingham for use as a girls’ boarding school (Nottingham Evening Post, 23.05.96). Nottingham planning officers were likely to recommend the granting of planning permission at a council meeting on 29 May but various concerns about the suitability of the site had been raised by the Mapperley Park Residents’ Association (Nottingham Evening Post, 28.05.96). The Madni Trust has written to the residents defending its application choice of site and explaining its desire to conserve and maintain the buildings and grounds. the great grandson of Sir Thomas Birkin, the benefactor who donated the house to Nottingham in 1922, said his ancestor would not approve of this use. A spokesperson for the Madni Trust said in defence: "The school will be used for Nottingham residents - that’s what we are. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about education. Personally I think it is better to have single-sex schools." Deputy head of estates for the NHS Executive Trust, John Spencer, explained: "Forest House is now part of our housing stock and when it is sold the money will go back into the area for which it was intended" (Nottingham Evening Post, 31.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 11/12]

Mosques

Accrington

Permission has been applied for to turn the Islamic Centre in Higher Antley Street into a mosque, by adding two new storeys (Accrington Observer, 24.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 12]

Bradford

Bradford Council has received a petition with 1,470 signatures in favour of a new mosque at Upper Nidd Street, and two petitions totalling 830 signatures and seven letters against the scheme. Officers will recommend to councillors that the scheme be accepted in principle. In answer to objections about possible traffic problems, they point out that the site is served by public transport and people could also walk there (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 22.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 12]

Crewe

Residents have objected to the proposed renewal of planning permission for a mosque and study centre on Walthall Street, Crewe. The objections are centred around the issue of street congestion but a council spokesperson said: "There has been no evidence to suggest the use has caused harm to residential amenity. The objectors have made reference to traffic problems on the street but there is no hard evidence that the Islamic centre has made a contribution to them. Therefore, there is no reason why a permanent permission should not be granted" (Crewe Chronicle, 01.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 12]

Croydon

An application to convert a former private school into a cultural centre in Addiscombe Road, Croydon by Ismaili Muslims is now being considered by the council’s planning department (see BMMS for April 1996). In answer to opponents of the scheme, Karim Mohammed, a member of the management committee, said: "There are a lot of misconceptions about us and our plans...Our facilities would be for social, cultural and educational use, aiming to bring the minimum of disruption to local residents. It is very, very important to us to have good neighbourly relations. As for traffic problems, we’ll have plenty of on-site parking, while volunteers will act as traffic controllers when the need arises" (Croydon Advertiser, 10.05.96). Richard Ottoway MP, in a letter of support for the project to the Croydon Guardian (16.05.96), denied that the building would be a mosque. In his letter, he gives a brief account of the Ismaili community internationally, and locally and concludes: "Under the circumstances the residents of Croydon should consider it an honour and a privilege that the Ismailis should want to take some derelict buildings which are an eyesore and renovate them for the benefit of the local and wider communities". The Canning and Clyde Residents Association has been trying to persuade another local MP, David Congdon, to join their opposition to the scheme (Croydon Guardian, 16.05.96). Some members of the Muslim community were reported as being concerned about the details of the plans when it was discovered that much of the fabric of the school buildings is in a poor condition and one of the three buildings on the site would have to be demolished (Eastern Eye, 31.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 12]

Dewsbury

A former county cricket pitch in Savile Town, Dewsbury, is to be leased to the Makarzi Mosque for a nominal £1 fee. Trustees, acting for the landlord, the Savile Estate, have granted a 999 year lease to the mosque. Kirklees council will retain control over the use until its lease expires in 17 years. It had been hoped that the land would have been used for a multi-million pound sports complex. An editorial comment in the Dewsbury Reporter, claimed that the decision was political in nature due to the growing Asian vote in Dewsbury (Dewsbury Reporter, 03.05.96). The Dewsbury Reporter (17.05.96) interviewed some young Muslims of Asian origin who live near the ground, who all hoped that it would be continued to be used for sport and recreation. Shama Fayaz, 20, said: "I’m worried that if the holy men from the mosque are in charge they may not let girls on the field and a lot go for walks there at the moment".

The chair of the Savile Town Community Centre, Mohammed Afsar, commented: "The pitch should have gone to the community centre for the youth here - that would have been better. Feelings are running very high here". He was trying to arrange a meeting with the mosque management committee to discuss plans for the land. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 12/13]

Hackney

Work continues on the Suleymaniye Mosque in Kingsland Road, Hackney (see BMMS for November 1994 and December 1995). The six-storey mosque stands 218 feet tall and the minaret is 120 feet high. The basement is occupied by a car park, there are shops at ground level, then the mosque as such on the first and second floors. The remaining three floors above will be classrooms, living space, a library and conference room. The mosque will be a sister building to the UK Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre’s mosque in Stoke Newington (Hackney Gazette, 23.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 13]

Haringay

Haringay Council’s planning committee has agreed to proposals for a new, purpose-built mosque in Wightman Road (see BMMS for April 1996). The mosque will be a two-storey building accommodating 400 worshippers (Hornsey & Crouch End Journal, 16.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 13]

London

A mosque in flats on the Old Brompton Road has been ordered to close because it does not have planning permission. Complaints from some local residents that the flat was being used as a mosque began in February 1994. A spokesperson for the mosque’s management committee, Sala Saleh, said: "We asked the council for help, but they did nothing and we can’t afford to buy a building so we used the flat. We feel very let down by the council. The nearest mosque for us is Regent’s Park and that’s too far. Other religious organisations have premises in the borough, why not us? We feel we are being pushed out of the borough" (Chelsea News, 16.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 13]

Manor Park

A mosque official, secretary of the Anjuman-e-Islamia, Manor Park, accused people opposing mosque plans as racist during a public planning meeting (see BMMS for February and March 1996). The accusation was made as councillors were to consider the mosque’s alternative plans for a site in Wordsworth Avenue. The first plan was rejected as being too big. The new plan was smaller than the original but residents have still objected to the proposals on the grounds of parking problems and noise. The racism accusation apparently outraged a black member of the opposition group, complaining that the planning committee’s acting chair, Councillor Bashir ul-Hafeez, allowed the accusation to pass without comment. Councillor Hafeez later agreed that he should have intervened when the remark was made (Docklands Recorder, 08.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 13]

Norwich

Muslims in Norwich are considering court action to gain access to the mosque in Chapelfield East (see BMMS for August, September, October and November 1995; February, March and April 1996). The mosque has been controlled by the Murabitun group and have denied access to many Muslims wanting to use the building for prayer. It is reported that police were called to prevent a group of protestors from gaining access by force but all but three of them were prevented doing so (Eastern Daily Press, 20.05.96). Dr Raveend Khwaja, chairperson of the Save the Ihsan Mosque Committee, said of the actions of the Murabitun group who are controlling the mosque: "Although the building has been established as a mosque we are not allowed to pray there. This is wrong" (Norwich Evening News, 18.05.96). A subsequent article in the same paper (28.05.96) contained interviews with the co-directors of the Norwich mosque, Uthman Morrison and Abdalhaqq Bewley and trustee Ahmed Abdullah in which they put the Murabitun side of the dispute. They claim that the decision to close the mosque was initially viewed by them as a temporary expedient and that protesters, some of whom they allege are bussed in from the Midlands to take part in protests, want to take over the mosque. [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 13]

Nottingham

The Institute of Islamic Studies in Nottingham is planning a Muslim Education Centre, which will have space for teaching 50 children and for prayer (see BMMS for April 1996). The plans for conversion of a vacant building were due to be considered by the council on 30 May (Nottingham Evening Post, 29.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14]

Oldham

Permission to have a mosque at premises presently used by children’s language classes at Clydesdale Street has been refused. Oldham Environmental Services Committee received a 129-name petition in favour of the mosque and a 61-name petition, together with 53 letters, against the proposal. Objections had been on the grounds of traffic, parking problems and noise. Councillor Howard Sutcliffe, in support of the application, said there was no mosque in the St Paul’s ward and one was needed by the Muslim community to fulfil their religious, cultural and educational needs (Oldham Evening Chronicle, 23.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14]

Rhyl

A former Baptist chapel in Rhyl is now an Islamic Centre. The local Muslim community raised £23,000 to buy the chapel, which needs considerable renovation work. Dr Mohammed Fayaz, chair of the Rhyl Moslem Welfare Association, said: "there is a lot of work to be done on the building, including damp proofing and roof repairs. The full cost for refurbishment will be about £60,000 and we are hoping for grant aid from the council" (Rhyl Prestatyn & Abergele Journal, 22.05.96).

The chapel had been empty since 1990, due to there being only eight worshippers eventually. Geraint Jones, the former chapel secretary said: "Naturally we are very sad. But circumstances forced us to sell it. I’m sure it will be put to good use by these good people" (Daily Mail, 30.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14]

Stoke on Trent

Pir Wali Pandariman of Stoke-on-Trent has reapplied to increase the size of the Darbar Unique Centre in Oldfield Street, and to have longer hours of use. Councillors have been recommended by council officers to approve the extension of premises, but to keep the hours of use as they are. Approximately equal numbers of signatures for and against the plans have been received by the council. The latest plans for building works include improved parking facilities: parking was the main reason for the council’s refusal of plans put forward by Pir Wali Pandariman in 1995 (Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel, 29.05.96) [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14]

Trowbridge

Work is planned to start on a new Islamic centre in Trowbridge within a month. Trowbridge Islamic Association has been given permission for a single-storey building in Longfield Road. There have been plans to build a mosque for 20 years and planning permission was granted in 1993. It is hoped that the building will be complete by January 1997 (Wiltshire Times, 10.05.96). The cost of the building is expected to be £300,000 and will serve 450 Muslims, mainly Moroccans (Wiltshire Times, 03.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14]

Watford

At a meeting held to discuss the proposed north Watford mosque (see BMMS for March and April 1996), Watford Council leader, Vince Muspratt, faced questioning from residents who, it appears, feel that they have been ‘betrayed’ by the council. Approximately 400 residents visited the meeting during the evening to obtain information about the proposal. Residents claimed that they had not been given full information regarding the traffic and parking problems that could arise from the mosque and that the decision to build the mosque had been made before they had been consulted (West Herts & Watford Observer, 03.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14]

Burials

Blackburn

There have been denials by Blackburn Council that bank holiday burial provisions were for Muslims only. The council claims that the emergency service is available for all denominations but that it was mainly Muslims who used the facility (Blackburn Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 06.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14]

Burnley

Muslims in Burnley are requesting the council to provide facilities for burial within 24 hours of death, including at weekends, and to check that all graves can face Mecca. Other requests from the local Muslim community include that graves not be disturbed for at least 100 years and that brick vault-type graves be provided. Burnley’s Recreation and Leisure Committee are currently considering these proposals. Members of the council were asked to note the cost implications (Burnley Express & News, 29.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 14/15]

Oldham

Oldham council has promised to consult with local Muslims over a site for a community undertakers. This follows the rejection of an application to use the site of a public open space in Werneth Hall Road for such a purpose. Councillor Jawaid Iqbal said there was no Muslim undertakers in the area, despite a great need, but other councillors considered the plot of land should be retained as open space (Oldham Evening Chronicle, 30.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 15]

Portsmouth

A burial site for Muslims in Portsmouth is expected to be granted by Havant Borough Council following pressure from local Shi’a Muslims (Eastern Eye, 03.05.96, Asian Times, 09.05.96). [BMMS May 1996 Vol. IV, No. 5, p. 15]

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