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British Muslims Monthly Survey for February 1997 Vol. V No. 2
Features
Reports
Community Yusuf Islam social services gift Sheffield centre investigation Tunisian fraudster still sought Cambridge Islam Aware-ness Week Nuneaton resource centre opened
Education Jewish cultural understanding, Manchester English in Muslim supplementary schools Music in Muslim schools: correction
Politics Rochdale campaigner in election
Racism
Women
Youth
Interfaith Bishop to read Qur’an for Lent
Halal Volunteers required for meal packing Success for school halal campaign
Health
Employment
Mosques & Burials Bishops Stortford, Hockerill Street Burnley, Montrose St, Brierfield London, Streatham, Mitcham Lane
Features A great many newspapers, both national and local, report on estimates that, by the year 2,000 there will be a hundred new mosques built in Britain, bringing the total to over 1,000. The International Herald Tribune (04.02.97) headed their piece ‘Mosques sprout in Britain’. The Independent (07.02.97) includes within its feature article an interview with Atba al-Samarraie, an architect and engineer with the firm of Bullen Consultants, who is currently working on the designs for at least 10 new mosques to be built in various places in the north of England, including the Bilal mosque in Leeds, of which he said: "You’ll want to see that.We’re particularly proud of it.We’ve been working here in Bradford on the design of mosques for some years and I think the standard is rising with the expectations of the Muslim community."Atba al-Samarraie pointed out that many different styles of mosques could be seen in Britain, but all must have certain features in common:"There are, however, four elements that every mosque must have and without them they cannot go by the name.These are the dome, minaret, the grand entrance and the mihrab [a niche marking the direction of Mecca]."In the Yorkshire Post (10.02.97), Mr al-Samarraie explains how the toilets in the new Harefields, Leeds, mosquehave been imported from Pakistan but in talking about sanitary facilities at another mosque recounts:"We did one mosque and put Eastern-style toilets in it and then we had to change some of them because the children hadn’t been brought up to use them.It didn’t go down well with the elders but they had to do it." Gulzar Ahmed, director of Mansfield Construction, a London-based company also specialising in mosques pointed out that:"The architectural wonder of mosques adds to the physical landscape and reflects the multicultural fabric of modern society" (Asian Times, 06.02.97). Khaddim Hussain of the Bradford Council of Mosques confirmed there was a trend towards purpose-built mosques, as there were problems with those in converted churches, factories and warehouses:"It costs abomb to maintain and convert them.We also try to face Mecca which can be a problem if a mosque is not purpose-built.The Muslim community is telling people building mosques that, if there’s a need for a new one, they should buy the land and build it so it will be there for future generations" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 06.02.97). Several papers, including the Independent (04.02.97),Daily Telegraph,(03.02.97),Sunday Telegraph, (09.02.97), and the South Wales Echo (08.02.97) contrast the increase in mosques and Muslim worshippers with the decline in church attendance and membership, particularly in the Church of England and to a lesser extent in the Roman Catholic Church.In contrast, writes Dan O’Neill in the South Wales Echo (08.02.97): "Thousands of British men and women convert to Islam each year, the 7,000 strong Muslim community in South Wales is growing at a pace as well, the transformation from church to mosque on Crwys Road a visible symbol of change.By the time of the Millennium there could be as many as two million Muslims in this country. Events this week suggest that Islam could be a potent political force".The Tablet (08.02.97) notes that each of the proposed mosques will cost between £1 million and £3 million, the majority of the money coming from donations from individuals, and that 20 of the 100 mosques will be in London. Viscount Mersey, a Conservative peer, noting Muslim plans to build 100 mosques by the millennium, urged the government to support the building of a Christian cathedral.In a question directed at the junior National Heritage Minister, Lord Inglewood, he suggested:"Should we not abandon this dome that we are building at Greenwich and build instead a large and lasting religious monument that would see us through to the next millennium?" (Aberdeen Press & Journal, Walsall Express & Star, 18.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 1]
The Runnymede Trust published a consultation paper, on 27 February, on Islamophobia (see British Muslims Monthly Survey for July, August and December 1996).The paper called for changes in attitudes and behaviour from the media, politicians and community leaders to fight discrimination against Muslims.The report, Islamophobia – Its Features and Dangers, is in favour of legislation to protect against religious discrimination (Guardian, 28.02.97). The members of the trust’s Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia include the chair, Professor Gordon Conway, vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex; the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres; Rabbi Julia Neuberger; Professor Akbar Ahmed; Dr Richard Stone, chair of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality; and Ian Hargreaves, editor of News Statesman (Independent, 21.02.97).The issue is not in relation to criticising Muslim beliefs, law or practice, the paper states: "It [may be] legitimate to criticise policies and practices of Muslim states and regimes, especially when their governments do not subscribe to internationally recognised human rights and freedoms, or to democratic procedures.Debates, arguments and disagreements on these issues take place just as much amongst Muslims" (Church Times, 28.02.97) It is the stereotyping of Muslim cultures as intolerant and threatening, especially in connection with the Rushdie affair (see BMMS for March, April, May, July, October and November 1996).The paper continues: "It is no accident, as some commentators have suggested, that the recent demonising of Islam began at much the same time that the ‘evil empire’ of communism receded as a real threat" (Church Times, 28.02.97) The paper suggests also that there need to be guidelines established on the reporting of Muslim affairs.A further report with concrete proposals is planned for publication in the Autumn.The Commission for Racial Equality had already suggested laws against religious discrimination (see BMMS for March and June 1996). The paper identifies seven features of Islamophobia: seeing Muslim cultures as monolithic; claiming Muslim cultures are wholly different from others; seeing Islam as implacably threatening; claiming Muslims use faith for mainly political or military ends; rejecting Muslim critiques of the West; confusing fear of Islam with ‘racist hostility to immigration’; and assuming that Islamophobia is ‘natural and unproblematic’ (Daily Mail, 27.02.97; The Times, 28.02.97). However, there has been criticism of the paper.The Revd Patrick Sookhdeo of the ISIC said: "The paper is exceedingly weak for a major report of this kind, and leaves much to be desired.It does not distinguish tightly enough between ethnicity and religion. The worry I have is that any legitimate criticism anyone makes about Islam or of Middle Eastern governments will now be deemed Islamophobia.Yet in Britain anyone can take a hatchet to Christianity" (Church Times, 28.02.97).Peregrine Worsthorne in an article entitled ‘I believe in Islamophobia’, in the Daily Telegraph (01.03.97) states: "But Islam is at present returning to an ugly militant phase Christendom left behind in the Middle Ages.Allah cannot be blamed for this, or the Koran, or Mohammedanism.One can find in the Mohammedan religion as many appeals for universal love and compassion as in the Christian religion.To blame Mohammadanism for Islam’s militancy therefore makes no more sense than to blame the Sermon on the Mount for the atrocities of the IRA.Sadly, however, that does not make contemporary Islam on the side of the angels.It is a truly frightening force".Fay Weldon, named in the report for being allegedly guilty of Islamophobia, states in the Independent on Sunday (02.03.97), "If being an Islamophobe means you express anger when your good friend and colleague is sentenced to death, then I suppose I must qualify To adopt the attitudes of this report will have the effect of stifling reasonable comments as well as turbulent views.It is just too easy.For example, I dislike the Christians who bomb abortion clinics in America and shoot doctors, but that does not make me a Christophobe" Bradford is expected to become a major focus of the final report.The commission plans to examine how Bradford is dealing with the challenges posed by the issues highlighted in the paper, particularly in relation to the disturbances in the city in 1995 (see BMMS for June, July, August, September, October 1995; February, April, May, November and December 1996).Philip Lewis, the Bishop of Bradford’s advisor on inter-faith issues and member of the commission, said: "The Bradford experience, both positive and negative, will be looked at in detail.Bradford has struggled honestly with the issues and has learned some valuable lessons" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 22.02.97). The paper Islamophobia – Its Features and Dangers is available free from the Trust at 133 Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4JA. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 1/2]
The Council of Mosques is producing guidelines to be issued in March to Muslims on issues they should take into account when voting at the general election (see BMMS for January 1997).The Weekly Telegraph (05.02.97) reports:"The intervention by the Council of Mosques will fuel the row over the right of religious leaders to interfere in politics, coming just months after a Roman Catholic Church document which gave implied support to the Labour Party with endorsement ofthe minimum wage and a positive approach to Europe.The Muslim document, being drawn up by a committee headed by Zaki Badawi, one of the Prince of Wales’s Islamic advisers and leader of the Council of Mosques, will be particularly worrying to politicians who have been trying to woo the ‘Asian vote’". Caroline Daniel, writing in the New Statesman (14.02.97) maintains that:"Among those trying to influence the outcome of the general election, religious groups are surprisingly active.It’s a sign of the times".Her article mentions several Muslim organisations and leaders, including Massoud Shadjeareh of the Muslim Parliament, Iqbal Sacranie, joint convenor of the UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs, and Zaki Badawi, chair of the council of Imams and Mosques, who between them have a range of positions on the political duties of Muslims in the event of a general election.She also quotes Fuad Nahdi, editor of Q-News, who says:"I do not think any of these documents will influence the way people vote.But they are a sign that the community is maturing and wants to be taken seriously." The UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs (UKACIA) has called on British Muslims to lobby at the next election to encourage political parties to consider Muslim issues in a document ‘Election ‘97 and British Muslims’ (reproduced in Muslim News, 28.02.97).Iqbal Sacranie, joint convenor of UKACIA, stated: "We are encouraging Muslims to participate fully in the election.We are not making a statement to vote for a particular party.But we want voters to openly discuss the issueswith the candidates and the parties and to address their questions to them" (East, 28.02.97).One of the twelve points in the UKACIA document concerns Islamophobia, regarding which Mr Sacranie says: "Muslims are treated unfairly.It is not illegal to discriminate against the Muslims on religion We would like to see the adoption of a code of practice that will make the expression of anti-Muslim sentiment as obnoxious as anti-Semitism" (East, 28.02.97).The document encourages Muslims to work through the political system within mainstream political parties.Mohammad Sarwar, Labour Party candidate for Glasgow Govan (see BMMS for August and December 1995; January, February, March, April, May and June 1996), is reported to have said: "It’s good advice As far as representation is concerned, Muslims can reasonably feel aggrieved that they don’t have on MP in Parliament and their voice is not being heard" (East, 28.02.97).One of the aims of the document is to encourage Muslims to play a positive role in society and prevent them from becoming and alienated underclass (Asian Times, 27.02.97, Guardian, 21.02.97). Al-Muhajiroun group, however, has stated that Muslims should not vote in elections (Daily Telegraph, 24.02.97). Both Hizb ut-Tahrir and Al-Muhajiroun have opposed the call for Muslims to involve themselves in mainstream politics (Asian Age, 25.02.97) Omar Bakri Mohammed stated: "Calling on Muslims to vote in the forthcoming elections is asking Muslims to do what Allah has prohibited" (Asian Times, 27.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 2/3]
Reports Community Just as the fasting of Ramadan attracted the attention of the British press, so have the celebrations of Eid. In Walsall, the Lord Mayor, Richard Worrall, commissioned Eid cards made by a women’s co-operative in rural Bangladesh, from Intermediate Technology, the Rugby-based charity (Walsall Advertiser, 30.01.97). Bury Asian Women’s Project organised a women-only Eid party (Bury Times, 31.01.97, Bury Journal, 06.02.97) as did Reading Muslim Women’s Association (Reading Evening Post, 06.02.97). In Leicester, a night of music and dancing was planned for 23 February, featuring the Orchestra Bombay Beats Hits, Anwar and Sanjay, and other singers, dancers and musicians (Leicester Mercury, 04.02.97). The St John’s area of Halifax (Halifax Evening Courier, 05.02.97), Soho Road in Handsworth, Birmingham (Sandwell Express & Star, 07.02.97, Black Country Evening Mail, 13.02.97) and Stoney Stanton Road in Coventry (Coventry Evening Telegraph, Rugby Evening Telegraph, 05.02.97) were illuminated with Eid festive lights.Raja Amin Dad, in his column in the Bucks Free Press (07.02.97), gives an explanation of the significance of Eid and information about Eid prayer times. The Bradford Telegraph & Argus (07.02.97) carried an advertisement feature marking the occasion of Eid. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 3]
[Due to a printing error, the first few lines of this item were omitted from the previous issue. We are therefore reproducing the whole item below] Muslim News (24.01.97) has an obituary of Khurram Murad, who died aged 64 on 19 December in Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital after a long illness.Khurram Murad was born in Bhopal, India, in 1932 and migrated to Pakistan in 1948.He studied engineering at the University of Karachi and subsequently at the University of Minnesota.He joined the Jamiat-e-Islami in Bhopal as a student and on arrival in Karachi joined the student section of the movement, the Islami Jamiat-e-Taleba.He remained a leader in this Islamic movement throughout his life and became the head of its training department, which involved him in the promotion of Islam worldwide.He was the author of over thirty works in Urdu and English.He was also the translator of Mawlana Abdul A’la Mawdudi, the founder of the Jamiat-e-Islami, including such famous works as Let us be Muslims.He edited Mawlana Abul Hasan Ali Navdi’s Muslims in the West:The Message and the Mission, wrote books for children, directed a video on the life of the Prophet Mohammed, and was constantly involved in da’wah and interfaith dialogue.Muslim News estimates that there are over 400 audio and video cassettes in circulation of Khurram Murad in Pakistan and elsewhere in the Muslim world.As a leader of the Islamic Movement of Pakistan, he was detained without trial in Dhaka for three months in 1964 and was a prisoner of war in India for three years after December 1971.Khurram Murad leaves a wife and six children. Q-News (07.02.97) has two obituaries to Khurram Murad.One is by Professor Khurshid Ahmad, the Director General of the Islamic Foundation, and the other by Khurram Murad’s son, Farooq Murad.Professor Ahmad writes that:"Khurram Murad was involved in Islamic da’wah [spreading the message of Islam] and inter-faith dialogue in the West for the last twenty years.In this connection, he addressed dozens of conferences and seminars.His contributions in initiating and promoting strategic thinking on da’wah issues in Muslim countries as well as in countries where Muslims are in a minority have been immense". Farooq Murad writes that, in his last instructions to his family, Khurram Murad "tells us to make one thing the principle for life; never to cause any harm or hurt to another being through any of our actions, whether by hand or tongue. Then he says that this is the essence of all rules and regulations, does and don’ts in Shari’a". [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 3]
Muslims in Surrey Heath now have a centre where they can worship and obtain advice and information.The Camberley Islamic Centre is on the old St Gregory’s school site in London Road, and can be contacted on 01276 670717 (Farnborough News, 30.01.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 4]
Yusuf Islam social services gift Yusuf Islam has donated £10,000 to Brent Social Services for their bathing service in order to reduce the borough’s waiting list of elderly and frail residents who need assistance in this way. Councillor Asif Amman, chair of the borough’s social services committee said:"Yusuf Islam is making a charitable donation towards the bathing service.He considers bathing to be a basic necessity in a civilised society" (Kilburn Times, 30.01.97).Yusuf Islam explained:"Cleanliness is a very basic need and I thank the Almighty that I am able to help in this way.The end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid marks a time when those Muslims who can afford, give to good causes.I am glad that Councillor Amman told me about this local cause" (Daily Jang, 17.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 4]
The Wycombe Islamic Mission and Mosque Trust has had its offer accepted to purchase the remaining 66 years of lease of the regional headquarters of the GMB Union’s building in Totteridge Road,High Wycombe.Abdul Rashid, chair of the trustees, told the Bucks Free Press (31.01.97) that the trust plans to use the building for mother tongue teaching and the religious education of children who attend the local mosque.They also hope to use the centre for religious and social gatherings.He said that following a site visit by planning officials, it seemed they were likely to approve the change of use.Wycombe TUC, who will have the use of the building until the end of February, are now looking for an alternative venues for their meetings. Possibilities include the Trades and Social Club, the Multi-Racial Centre, and the Friends Meeting House. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 4]
Plans by the Muslim Welfare Trust to build a centre on land which is currently used as a wildlife haven and allotments look likely to be rejected for the third time.The two previous proposals were rejected as being too large for the site.The trust has now scaled down its proposals in the hope of gaining planning consent.However, objections have been raised by the Leicestershire Mental Health Service whose patients use the allotments as therapy, and members of the development control sub-committee will be told that there are still objections regarding the loss of open space, potential nuisance from traffic and noise, and disturbance to surrounding homes (Leicester Mercury, 31.01.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 4]
Awaaz (01.02.97) prints a discussion on the expansion of the Indian Muslim Welfare Society’s(IMWS) activities in Batley and its projected move to larger premises at Hyrstlands House, which it has been enabled to do by receiving funding from the European Union and by selling its old building, the Taylor Street Community Centre. This discussion, which has widerrelevance than the IMWScase alone, is in the form of a debate between the writer ofan anonymous letter on the one hand, and Aziz Daji, chair of the IMWS, on the other.The main objection of the letter writer appears to be that:"...European funding can be obtained for social/cultural and I stress NOT RELIGIOUS purposes.Is not this the case with this bid?I believe the public should be able to scrutinise these matters, before it gets too far, for the main purpose for the formation of IMWS was mainly to propagate Islam, and to make life for the Muslim community (with reference to religion) a lot easier".Aziz Daji, in his response, gives considerable detail regarding the decision-making process in the IMWS.He concludes by putting the present situation, of changing needs of the community, into an historical context and argues:"The roots of the IMWS goback to the early days of Indian Muslim settlement in the area in the late 1950’s.Prime concern at that time was to establish facilities for prayers, and later as families arrived, for the Islamic education of children.The hard work and dedication of the community then ensured that those needs were met.Whilst the masjids and madressas which now exist remain a priority it is a fact that the local Muslim community is having to deal with severe social and economic disadvantages which threaten its future.Organisations like the IMWS have a responsibility to work with the community and others towards alleviating these problems with that same hard work and commitment; safeguarding the future by building on the achievements of the past". [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 4]
The United Bank of Kuwait has developed a scheme ofinterest free payments for house purchase, since Islam forbids the borrowing or lending of money at interest.Instead of lendingmoney to a purchaser, the bank buys the house itself and then sells it on at a profit.The bank’s customer then buys the house back from the bank.The Sunday Times (02.02.97) explains:"The deal is really a fixed-rate mortgage, but legally the contract is quite different from an ordinary mortgage.It falls under the terms of a traditional Islamic arrangement known as morabaha". [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 4]
Aftab and Nagina Ali of Walsall have asked the Halifax Building Society not to pay them interest on their accounts.Mr Ali explained that to accept interest was against Islam:"In the Holy Koran Allah says ‘Fear Allah and stop what remains of usury, if you are believers’.Usury means interest.When you accept interest from a savings account, you’re accepting payment from a loan, and we can’t do that.I want Muslim people to know that you can get these interest-free accounts" (Shropshire Star, 19.02.97).The building society spokeswoman, Joyce Grummitt, said:"I have never heard of anything like it before - but it’s something we’re happyto do to accommodate our customers.It’s technically not a difficult thing for us to do.Their Edgbaston branch just sets the rate to zero."Mohammed Aslam, chair of the Union of Muslim Organisations in Walsall confirmed that interest was banned in Islam:"But an awful lot of people take no notice.I have one savings account and pay all my interest to charity.But things get a little difficult when it comes to mortgages.I’m not sure what people do for that" (Shropshire Star, 19.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 4/5]
Nearly a year after a potentially damaging smear campaign, ending in an investigation by the Charity Commission which cleared the charity of any mismanagement, Interpal (see BMMS for March, April and June 1996) has received praise for its activities by a fact-finding delegation who toured their projects in Palestine.In January, a delegation of 16 businessmen and religious leaders visited the charity’s projects in Jerusalem, Hebron, Nablus, and Gaza City.Farook al-Faqih, a businessman from Leicester explained how the need for support in Palestine is as great as ever:"There is a misconception that the so-called peace has resolved the problems of Palestine.In actual fact, the economic situation has worsened since Oslo to the extent that Gaza has an unemployment rate of 80 per cent and access to work inside Israel is limited to a few Palestinians.In Gaza, the children still play in streets exposed to running sewage.Malnutrition has become a danger for children whose families have lost their means of support."Another delegate, Iqbal Hussein from Dundee, was impressed by the commitment of local relief workers: "There are doctors, nurses and other highly qualified people sacrificing a great deal to improve the lot of the poor and needy.Often they are working under atrocious conditions for little or no material reward" (Q-News, 07.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 5]
An Afro-Caribbean paper, the New Nation, has been accused by Q-News (07.02.97) of denigrating the Prophet Mohammed.The piece which has caused offence appeared in the 13 January edition of the black paper, in an article on epilepsy:"Mohammed had epilepsy, and was said to be possessed by ‘fits, hallucinations and religious visions’.His seizures were often likened to heavenly trips although many would equate them to malignant forces".The Muslim reader from Watford who brought the article to the attention of Q-News,Abdur Raheem Khalifa, felt that ignorance was no excuse: "The writer could have gone to any number of experts on Islam instead of consulting some yellowing book in a library.We have been getting the paper in the office ever since it came out but I most certainly will not be buying it again" (Q-News, 07.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 5]
South Wales police are launching a recruitment drive to attract members of the area’s ethnic minorities, using mosques and temples.The 3,000 force has only 10 Asian officers.Acting Assistant Chief Constable David Francis said:"We are certainly not rife with racism and bullying.Swansea and Cardiff both have large ethnic minorities and we want them with us" (East, 07.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 5]
Ebrahim Mohammed, aged 21, was arrested on 8 February for attempting to take his baby son Adam out of the country without the mother’s consent.Mr Mohammed has now been released on bail pending police enquiries. Police said that Mr Mohammed took the baby from his mother, Corinna Hanson, following a row over whether the baby should be brought up in the United Arab Emirates, Mr Mohammed’s country, or in Britain (Daily Jang, 10.02.97).After Mr Mohammed took the child, he phoned Corinna’s sister to say he was in a hotel in Manchester, but dialling 1471 revealed that in fact, he was at the Queensgate Hotel in London.Corinna Hanson, who lives at Weston Rhyn near Oswestry is now applying for an injunction to prevent a recurrence.Her father, Ernest Hanson, said:"It has not been a happy marriage.She had no money and no freedom.But the worst thing about it was he was violent towards her.He told me he hit her because she answered back.He wanted her to go out covered up and cursed her when she had her hair cut shorter.There was always a threat he would grab the baby" (Oswestry & Border Counties Advertiser, 12.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 5]
Prince Charles has given his name to a fellowship for the study of Islam at Oxford University.The fellowship is linked to the post of Director of the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, of which the Prince is a Vice-Patron (Oxford Mail, 12.02.97, Evening Standard, 11.02.97).Dr David Browning, registrar at the Centre, denied that the fellowship was controversial:"Everything the Prince of Wales has said has been simply to encourage us to learn more about each other and each other’s religions" (Evening Standard, 11.02.97, Times, 11.02.97, East, 21.02.97).The Daily Jang (12.02.97) quotes from the speech the Prince made in 1993 at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and confirms the first holder of the prince of Wales fellowship as Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami, a historian educated at Aligarh Muslim university, India, and at Wadham College, Oxford. Whilst on a visit to Chiddingstone, near Tonbridge, Prince Charles was approached by two women from a Sufi group, who presented him with a book on the millennium and mysticism (Plymouth Evening Herald, Grimsby Evening Telegraph, Hull Daily Mail, 12.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 5]
An extension to an injunction brought by Imam Dr Abdaljalil Sajid, director of the Brighton Mosque to prevent four men harassing him was granted by Brighton County Court on 12 February.Maria Hancock, representing Dr Sajid, told the court her client was in genuine fear of his safety.She said:"Dr Sajid is being prevented from doing his administrative duties and leading prayers.He is a man who wants to go about his business without being threatened or assaulted."The underlying dispute was over the management of the mosque and Muslim centre. Defendants Abubakar Aldigies, Aasim Altkriti, Mohamad Elshibli and Abu Zaid were granted an identical injunction against Dr Sajid. The hearing was adjourned until 3 March(Brighton Evening Argus, 12.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 5/6]
Yusuf Islam, formerly the singer Cat Stevens and now head of the Islamia Schools,was due to perform at a Muslim festival on 16 February.Children’s entertainment, exhibitions, and international Muslim music, food and fashion are planned for the afternoon at this Brent Eid Festival (Wembley Observer, 13.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 6]
Fighting broke out at the North London Mosque in Finsbury Park.Police were called to break up the scuffle which involved about 40 people.It is thought that the dispute was over whether English or Urdu should be used (Islington Gazette, 13.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 6]
A review has appeared in the Wanstead & Woodford Redbridge Guardian (13.02.97) of the playEast is East.The reviewer writes:"...the cultures of east and west begin to collide as the children [of an intercultural marriage] begin to grow up...But this bitter-sweet comedy, set in 1970, is never allowed to get too grim, remaining both shocking and funny.East is East arrives fresh from a successful season in the West End at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs..." [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 6]
Muslims in Leicester are protesting about possible cuts of council funding to their community organisations. Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations of Leicester said:"The city council labour group is meeting tonight to consider withdrawing our funding.We held an emergency meeting last night.We are the least financed of all the ethnic minority groups in the city, and we find this unacceptable"(Leicester Mercury, 13.02.97).Muslim leaders lobbied the council, pointing out that the £27,500 is given to an umbrella organisation comprising 65 groups, who use the money for social services, leisure, youth activities, giving legal advice, and the rent of premises where these activities are carried out.The organisation’s vice-chairman, Enayat Pathan, said:"We feel that £27,500 is just peanuts in any case.We are being thrown scraps, and now they are planning to take the scraps away as well.If the worst comes to the worst and we have to disband the federation, a lot of people will suffer, especially youth organisations" (Leicester Mercury, 14.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 6]
The charity Muslim Hands has made a special Ramadan appeal by means of which it hopes to raise between £160,000 and £175,000 from individuals and businesses, both non-Muslim and Muslim. They have sent 150,000 letters appealing to people to make donations.Fund raiser, Shahid Bashir, said: "We aim to help people help themselves by providing them with education and training, and we also run our own health-care programmes" (East, 28.02.97).The charity supports education, training and health projects in 21 countries, including India and Kashmir.Muslim Hands can be contacted on 0115 9704490. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 6]
Sheffield centre investigation Sheffield MPs Clive Betts and Richard Caborn have written to Sheffield’s city treasurer demanding an independent investigation into the financial affairs of the Pakistan Muslim Centre, which incorporates the Pakistan Enterprise Centre.One point which the MPs want investigating is the rise in salary of the centre’s chief executive, Shahid Malik.Mr Malik’s salary rose from £22,000 to £32,000 in three years (Barnsley Star,15.02.97).At a meeting to discuss the handling of the budget of the Pakistan Welfare Centreheld at Sheffield’s City hall in order to accommodate the 500 people who attended, fighting broke out and police had to be called.There were no arrests, but seating was damaged and unofficial reports said two people were injured.Nissar Jaffar, an ex-PMC management committee member, said the meeting should not have gone ahead because audited accounts were not made available to the organisation’s members before the meeting (Barnsley Star, Sheffield Star, 17.02.97).Both the Sheffield Star (17.02.97) and the Barnsley Star (17.02.97) carry editorials which argue that the present situation cannot continue and:"The council needs to get its officials in there now - and sort things out to the satisfaction of all of us". It appears, however, that the centre has refused an offer of £10,000 to help solve the management problems.The money, offered by the city council, was refused apparently because the centre management were not happy about the running of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (Sheffield Star, 18.02.97).However, the council claims that "difficulties within the community" had caused the money to be withdrawn. Mohammed Jaffer, chairman of the Pakistan Enterprise Centre, a subsidiary of the Pakistan Muslim Centre, was removed from office by the executive committee of the centre, apparently because of statements he had made in relation to the row concerning the running of the centre (Yorkshire Post, 22.02.97).Mr Jaffer claimed: "They’ve done it because I’ve been asking questions and they don’t want anybody to ask questions.I’m 100 per cent behind the request of the MPs for an auditor to go in and look at the books.People need to know exactly what is happening" (Sheffield Star, 25.02.97). However the chief executive of the centre stated: "We are deeply concerned at the baseless allegations and the effect they are having on the community.We have absolutely nothing to hide and I hope that once we are given a clean bill of health I will be allowed to continue to serve the community by developing training and creating employment opportunities" (Sheffield Star, 01.03.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 6]
The News of the World (16.02.97) claims to have exposed a fraud concerning the manufactureof counterfeit designer label jeans, by means of undercover investigative journalism.The factoryin Blackburn allegedly employs illegal workers who are paid only £15 a day.The News of the World reports that :"Last week manager Iqbal Master offered to sell our undercover reporter 2,200 pairs of assorted jeans for £18,700.The genuine article would fetch £250,000".The owner,Maulana Mohammed, was quoted as saying:"We are religious people and prayer is important.By the grace of God, we are good at what we do.I make sure all the brothers and sisters working here pray - and it helps us to work better and harder". The designs faked are reported to be copies of Versace, Armani, Calvin Klein, and Levi and the paper alleges they are bought by wholesalers who know them to be fakes for £8.50 each. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 6/7]
Max Madden, MP for Bradford West, has asked the city’s coroner, Roger Whittacker, to minimise the delay in issuing the necessary paperwork to permit the speedy release of bodies which Muslim families want to transport overseas, usually to Pakistan or Bangladesh.Mr Madden said many families in his constituency had experienced problems, adding:"In cases where a death certificate has been issued, there is no need for a post mortem or other enquiries and it must be possible to avoid the sort of delays that have been happening.I hope mutually convenient arrangements can be agreed at minimum cost to enable the documentation to be processed quickly.This will be welcomed by Muslims and those of other faiths in Bradford" (Yorkshire Post, 17.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 7]
Yusuf Islam recently led a delegation to the Foreign Office of representatives from the UK Action Committee for Islamic Affairs, the Muslim Solidarity Committee and the Islamic Council, to protest against a recent invasion of the country’s borders by Ethiopia, Eritrea and Uganda, which the protest group say is aimed at destabilising the country in preparation for its partition. The group claimed that: "There are clear indications that the campaign against Sudan is being supported and blessed by the United States of America and also by the United Kingdom" (East 21.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 7]
Awaaz (01.02.97) has conducted an interview with Mohammed Taj, the member of the commission which looked into the Bradford disturbances who refused to put his name to the commission’s report (see BMMS for June, July, August, September, October 1995; February, April, May, November and December 1996).Mr Taj has now written his own dissenting report, which calls for more resources in education, training, employment generation and for the teaching of English to children from an early age. He also criticised Asian and Muslim communities in the city for being too fragmented, with a multiplicity of often overlapping community organisations.he added that he wanted to see more young people becoming involved in politics. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 7]
Tunisian fraudster still sought Sammi Lofti (see BMMS for August, November and December 1995; February and July 1996), the man who allegedly conned Muslims out of over £300,000 by pretending that he needed money to visit a sick relative and is wanted by Nottingham police for this and other suspected frauds is now believed to be in Ireland.DC Mick Fretwell, of Arnold police division, said:"Lofti called a friend in this country and said he was in Ireland and was intending to go on to Spain.He said he had got himself a false ID.He is already wanted in the Republic of Ireland for allegedly duping banks and a phone company".The Nottingham police have been searching for Sammi Lofti for the past eighteen months.DC Fretwell added:"We will get him in the end" (Nottingham Evening Post, 04.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 7]
The reward for killing the British writer Salman Rushdie (see BMMS for March, April, May, July, October and November 1996) has been increased to £1.5 million (Daily Jang, Birmingham Post, Times, 13.02.97).The increased bounty is being offered by the 15th Khordad Foundation, whose head, Hassan Saneie, was quoted by the Jomhuri Islami newspaper in Tehran as saying:"Nothing is more important for the foundation...than carrying out the historic edict against Salman Rushdie.The prize for executing Salman Rushdie is not limited to Muslims.Anybody - Muslim or non-Muslim and even his (Rushdie’s) bodyguards - who carries it out will receive the prize" (Daily Jang, 13.03.97).Iran’s President Rafsanjani said that Mr Saneie’s comments did not reflect official Iranian policy:"The foundation is a non-governmental foundation and their decisions are not related to government policies" (Birmingham Post, 13.02.97).An editorial in the Times (13.02.97) pointed out that 14 February would be the eighth anniversary of the fatwa against Salman Rushdie and called for economic sanctions against Iran until the fatwa is unequivocally lifted, in line with those at present enforced by the United States:"When the new American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, visits London next week, it would be a welcome gesture for Mr Rifkind to announce that selective sanctions against Iran were being actively considered.Europe is no longer pursuing a credible policy on the Rushdie affair.Nor is it likely to do so unless Britain offers to take a lead". [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 7]
Muslims are being credited with having started patrols to rid Balsall Heath of kerb crawlers, pimps and prostitutes.Such campaigns have apparently had some success, as the Guardian (14.02.97) reports that the number of prostitutes working in Balsall Heath has fallen from 450 to less than a hundred and the patrols have spread all over the area.Sergeant Steve Bruton, West Midlands police community liaison officer, reportedly linked the fall in muggings on the Benmore estate in Balsall Heath to the existence of anti-prostitution patrols in the area (Guardian, 14.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 7]
The Chingford Guardian (20.02.97) has an article concerning the Muslim community in Waltham Forest.The borough has 20,000 Muslims living there with seven mosques and other smaller prayer houses.Choudhry Anwar, co-ordinating officer of the Waltham Forest Islamic Association, said in the article: "The Muslim population is growing in Waltham Forest The mosque provides identity for the local community and if they have an identity they can progress within the society much better".Councillor Mohammed Nasim said: "There are Muslims from so many different parts of the world, and there are so many different schools of thought, and each community congregates separately".Muslims in Waltham Forest include Turks, Punjabis, Gujaratis, Bangladeshis and Somalis. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
Muslim leaders are complaining to Tesco claiming that its shopping bags are offensive.The bags feature a drawing of a pig.Apparently, some children have been using the bags to take books, including the Qur’an, into the mosque.Mohammed Hanif, secretary of a local mosque committee, said: "During Ramadan, they were brought to the mosque.Not many people realised at first what was happening.We will be writing to the supermarket chain to express concern at the company’s insensitivity" (Bucks Free Press, 21.02.97).A spokesperson for Tesco said: "The bag advertises our Club Card Plan.In no way was it intended to cause offence" (Bucks Free Press, 21.02.97). It is unlikely that the bags will be withdrawn (Manchester Evening News, 27.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association is organising a charity marathon walk in celebration of Bradford’s Centenary.The plan is to raise money fora number of charities including Save the Children (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 21.02.97).The association has collected more than £115,000 since it started the event in 1985.This year they hope to raise £20,000 (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 25.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
Muslims have censored a poster of actress Pamela Anderson, advertising Virgin Cola, which is situated near a mosque in High Wycombe.The protesters used tape to cover up areas of the poster that they considered too explicit (Bucks Free Press, 21.02.97).The poster was eventually taken down. A spokesperson for Virgin said: "We always try to be cheeky, but we would not like to cause offence.We will take it down ourselves if necessary" (Bucks Free Press, 25.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
An official complaint has been made to the Luton police authority concerning a Muslim prisoner at Luton Police Station who was not given appropriate food during the ‘Ramadan festival’ (Luton on Sunday, 23.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
A £400,000 multicultural centre has been opened in Leeds.The Woodsley Road Multicultural Centre aims to provide facilities for the areas of Burnley and Woodhouse.The centre was built by the city council in partnership with the Leeds Muslim Council.It will be run by a management committee consisting of local groups (Yorkshire Evening Post, 27.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
Nearly 60 Muslims, from two mosques, in Gloucester have indicated that they wish to go on Hajj this April.The Muslim community is made up mainly of Gujaratis from India with some English converts.The community opened a Muslim girls’ school in 1994 (Gloucester Citizen, 28.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
Cambridge Islam Aware-ness Week A talk by Yusuf Islam was planned to take place on 2nd March at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.The talk is part of the university’s Islamic Society’s Islam Awareness Week which include an exhibition about Islamic beliefs, art and culture (Cambridge Evening News, 28.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
Nuneaton resource centre opened The Muslim Community Hall in Nuneaton has reopened following a facelift costing £73,000.Part of the cost, £53,000, was provided by Warkwickshire County Council social services with the remaining £20,000 provided by Nuneaton’s Muslim community.Nuneaton Muslim Society’s president Mohammed Norat said: "Along with the new sports and leisure activities programmed in we expect the centre to be used extensively by all groups.We also have plans to further extend the building so that we can offer more comprehensive advice and training facilities especially for the unemployed" (Nuneaton Heartland Evening News, 01.03.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8]
Education Awaaz (01.02.97), commenting on the prospect that the Islamia primary school (see BMMS for December 1995; June, July and November 1996 and January 1997) in Brent may be the first Muslim school in the country to receive state funding, says:"There are after all 4,800 Church of England schools, 2,100 Roman Catholic and 22 Jewish schools in England alone which receive state funding.Not one of the fifty Muslim schools receives any significant public money at all.Funding one of the fifty, although welcome, isn’t much to get excited about". The Birmingham Post (11.02.97) prints a comment article by James Hutchings occasioned by Birmingham’s Al-Furqan School’s application for state funding (see BMMS for November 1996 and January 1997).Opposing separate schools for Muslims, he concludes his article by saying:"Think of what separate schooling has achieved in Ulster.We must not take the first fatal step in that direction". The MP for Batley and Spen, Elizabeth Peacock, led a delegationof governors from Zakaria Muslim Girls High School, Batley, to see Robin Squire, the schools’ minister to discuss public funding for the school.Zakaria school unsuccessfully applied for voluntary aided status in 1989.One of the governors, Shabbir Daji, claimed that Mr Squire was impressed with the school’s results.The DfEE apparently suggested that the school apply for Grant Maintained Status and work with the Funding Agency for Schools to make an appropriate application (Muslim News, 28.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 8/9]
Awaaz (01.02.97) reports on continuing tension at Howden Clough Girls School in Batley where a teacher singled out Asian Muslim girls as being the likely culprits of the theft of a white girl’s purse and another teacher made remarks which the students saw as disparaging to Islam and Muslims in an RE lesson (see BMMS for January 1997).Awaaz reports that shortly after the incidents the students are complaining of, Fast FM in Heckmondwicke [a radio station with a temporary license for Ramadan] received a stream of phone calls from Howden Clough students protesting about the situation at the school.The LEA is to carry out an independent investigation and report back to the governors with recommendations for appropriate action. The teacher who accused the group of Muslim girls, has apparently apologised to three of the girls for the incident and has been disciplined by the head teacher.However, the 39 girls concerned do not believe the apology to be adequate and have vowed to take action until the teacher apologises to them collectively and is reprimanded.A spokesperson for Kirklees Education authority is reported to have said: "We feel the school dealt with it correctly and taken appropriate action The teacher has apologised for any misunderstanding and any phrases he used were inappropriate.The Headteacher has disciplined the teacher and made unreserved apology to the students" (Muslim News, 28.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 9]
Jewish cultural understanding, Manchester The Spiro Institute, which provides adult education courses in Jewish history and culture, has developed a project especially for Manchester Schools. The exhibition and other materials have been piloted at Levenshulme High School for Girls and the Spiro Institute has been invited to return this year.Charlotte Gringas, the project co-ordinator, explained: "Normally the Spiro Institute does work with sixth forms and in adult education so we created this specially for young people after meeting Levenshulme High School staff.The school is multi-ethnic with about 50 per cent Muslim pupils.Our only mistake was to offer the children doughnuts when it was Ramadan, but we’ve been asked back so it can’t have caused too much offence"(Manchester Evening News, 31.01.97). The head of the school is very pleased with its success and hopes that it will become an annual event.She said: "It was absolutely brilliant and even better than last year.About 160 of our 14 and 15 year-olds enjoyed it so much that we’re hoping to ask them back next year".The project co-ordinator, Charlotte Gringas, said: "We were very impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the school and all the girls took a genuine interest in the exhibition which we now hope to take to other schools" (Manchester Evening News, 21.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 9]
A language teaching and community centre is likely to be set up in west Reading, to teach between 15 to 25 children.The centre could also be used for women’s and pensioners’ activities.Reading Borough Council’s planning committee was due to discuss the proposal at their meeting on 5 February (Reading Evening Post, 04.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 9]
English in Muslim supplementary schools Volunteer teachers are to be recruited to teach English, particularly writing skills, in 10 out of the 42 schools in Bradford where children are taught Islam after school. The idea has received the support of the Bradford Council of Mosques, whose spokesperson Faqir Mohammed said:"I think something must be done to improve the education of our children because they are the future generation."Bradford West MP Max Madden said:"We think it’s important that we use every opportunity to try to help children speak, write and understand English."Education committee chair Councillor John Ryan stressed that the scheme was a pilot one and later thecouncil would see how the project could improve the standards of English in all schools.He said:"Gaining a command in written and spoken English is not just an issue for the people of Manningham but for the whole community" (Yorkshire Post, 05.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 9]
Opposition to their children having lessons which deal with sexual relationships has come from some Muslims in Nottingham.Maqsood Chawdhery, chair of the Institute of Islamic Studies in the city said:"I think this is nonsense and totally offensive.Children should be given advice on these matters, but not openly ina classroom.It should be done individually in their own homes.I would advise parents not to let their children sit in these classes" (Nottingham Evening Post, 12.02.97, Daily Jang, 13.02.97, Times, 13.02.97).The lessons in relationships are an attempt to cut the divorce rate and are part of a pilot project supported by the Department of Health.Director of Nottinghamshire Relate, Ros Bourne, commented:"If the Muslim community chooses not to attend, they have a right and a choice to withdraw their children" (Nottingham Evening Post, 12.02.97, Daily Jang, 13.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 9]
The Islamic Society at Nab Wood Grammar School, led by Year 11 student Mockbul Ali, organised an exhibition on Islam to tell fellow students more about their faith.It was a big success and attracted students from neighbouring schools. Spokesperson for the school, Stan Gerwitz, said:"It must have been seen by 400 to 500 students.It was also visited by pupils from Beckfoot Grammar, Belle Vue, Rhodesway and Carlton Bollingschools. This is part of the school’s strategy to build up empathy among students and the community generally" (Aire Valley Target, 13.02.97). Pupils at the New Road primary school in Sowerby Bridge met the general secretary of the Madni Mosque, Halifax, when they visited the mosque as part of their project on Islam.They have been looking at the customs and practices of different religions (Halifax Evening Courier, 18.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 9/10]
Plans to convert an office and workshop site into a school for 50 Muslim boys are to be discussed at a forthcoming meeting of Leytonstone council’s planning committee.The application for planning permission has been made by the Jamiah Rahmaniah School, which at present has premises in Manor Park (Leytonstone Guardian, 13.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10]
Seven people are due to appear in court following a two-year investigation into franchised courses at Bournville College of FE in Birmingham. The principal at Bournville, Patricia Twyman, called in police after checks revealed that nine out of 10 classes set up in partnership with four Muslim groups were not running. Just six classes were running at 47 venues.The college had already paid £140,000 to four franchise holders, but cancelled further payments of almost £1 million following an internal investigation (Times Educational Supplement, 14.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10]
The Jamiah Rahmaniah Secondary School, based in Manor Park, has made a planning application to convert disused offices in Lancaster Rd., Leytonstone, into a new school for 100 pupils.It is hoped that 50 of the places will be full boarders.Residents are concerned about possible car parking problems, traffic congestion and safety and lack of space outside the property for sports and recreation.The school’s head teacher, Mian Aslam, said: "We don’t anticipate many cars, except once at the start and then once at the end of each term when parents of boarding pupils come to take their children home.We aim to make a positive contribution to the area and not create nuisance.We teach our pupils the values of discipline and good-neighbourliness" (Leytonstone Guardian, 20.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10]
A Birmingham mother has complained that her seven year old Christian son was involved in an Eid activity at school which painted ‘Muslim symbols’ on his hand.The school, St Benedict’s Infants in Small Heath, claimed that the boy wanted to have his hand painted with the other children, the majority of whom are Muslim.The head teacher of the school said: "We are living in a predominately Muslim area so we try to ensure that all the children appreciate what it means to live together in a multicultural society.We celebrate Moslem festivals, such as the festival of Eid at the end of Ramadan, but we still do an awful lot at Christmas time" (Birmingham Evening Mail, 22.02.97).The mother of the boy claimed the situation was the same to her as the outburst by a Muslim teacher at a Birmingham secondary school about Muslims singing Christmas carols (Sunday Telegraph, 02.03.97) (see BMMS for December 1996 and January 1997).The LEA stated that every effort was made to embrace many religions including Christianity and a spokesperson for the Church of England said the incident was unfortunate (Sunday Telegraph, 02.03.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10]
Rochdale Township Planning Sub-Committee has approved an application to use a semi-detached house in Deeplish for daily evening religious classes, on a one year trial.The plan provides teaching the Qur’an for up to 20 children for two hours Mondays to Fridays.Objectors to the plan claimed that there would be increased noise and nuisance and an increase in traffic and parking on the street.The owner of the house, Mrs Sughran Begum, offered to soundproof the rooms where the children were being taught and to obtain signed undertakings from parents to escort children to and from the lessons (Rochdale Observer, 26.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10]
The Young Muslims in Bradford have put on an exhibition about the origins and faith of Islam at a school in Aire Valley, following reports of tension between rival groups of pupils in the area.More than 400 pupils from schools in the area visited the exhibition (East, 28.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10]
Music in Muslim schools: correction In BMMS for August 1996 we reported that an agreement had been reached between Islamia Schools Trust, the Association of Muslim Schools (AMS) and Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education regarding the teaching of music in Muslim schools.This was based on a report in al-Madaris, published by the AMS.We have been asked to point out that the meeting to which this report referred was one arranged to clarify the positions of the parties and to improve mutual understanding. The meeting had no authority to reach an agreement.Both parties found the meeting successful and constructive. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10]
Politics Divya Kohli, writing in the Asian Times (30.01.97), interviewed various Labour Party activists in Bradford, in the wake of the Daily Jang’s (Urdu edition) article which claimed that Pakistani Muslim selection candidates had formed a pact to prevent the vote being split (see BMMS for February and May 1996; January 1997).In Divya Kohli’s article, one of those allegedly belonging to the pact, Mohammed Ajeeb, formerly Britain’s first Asian lord mayor, said:"It is totally untrue and wildly ridiculous.This contest is hot gossip at the moment with rumours flying around everywhere."Marsha Singh, who like Max Madden, the sitting MP, had put a formal complaint to the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party, said:"I have also put in a complaint to the NEC, concerning certain irregularities in this contest.There are a lot of dirty tricks going on behind the scenes and I know of some Muslim candidates putting pressure on others to form some sort of alliance."The NEC were expected to make their decision on a final shortlist of candidates for the Bradford West seat during the first week of February and that list was to be voted upon on 16 February (Asian Times, 30.01.97).The candidate selected for Bradford West was Marsha Singh, a Sikh who works as a health researcher (Guardian, Yorkshire Post, 17.02.97, Daily Jang, Yorkshire Post, 18.02.97). Mr Singh won 56 percent of members’ votes, with Mohammed Taj, trade unionist and dissenting member of the Bradford disturbances commission (see BMMS for June, July, August, September, October 1995; February, April, May, November and December 1996) in second place, and Max Madden, the sitting MP in third place (Guardian, 17.02.97).An editorial in the Yorkshire Post (18.02.97) approves of Mr Singh’s selection and says of the history of the matter:"In many ways, Max Madden only has himself to blame for his deselection as Labour candidate for Bradford West.He has an excellent record as a hardworking constituency MP, but his decision to stand down threw his party into disarray because of his stated preference to be succeeded by a female member of an ethnic minority.This was a decision applauded by feminists but not by most of the Muslims of Bradford West, who could not stomach the idea of a woman from their own community standing for Parliament".Councillor Altaf Hussein of the suspended Toller Ward commented:"I am confident that Marsha Singh will win in Bradford West [in the general election] and that the majority of voters will remain consistent to their political affiliations rather than vote on religious grounds.The main outcome of getting an ethnic minority candidate for Bradford West has been achieved" (Daily Jang, 18.02.97).However, the present MP Max Madden has warned the Labour Party leadership that the choice will lose the party votes.These fears are reinforced by Mohammed Ajeeb, Britain’s first Muslim mayor who states: "Labour has a Sikh candidate and there will be a backlash from the Muslim population" (The Times, 04.03.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 10/11]
In Birmingham, Councillor Rev Richard Bashford appealed to two of the selection candidates for Labour for the new seat of Birmingham Sparkbrook and Small Heath and their supporters to unite to defeat Roger Godsiff, present Labour MP for Small Heath.Councillor Bashford told the two selection process candidates in an open letter:"I am personally distressed at the prospect of a white man being selected for Sparkbrook, when it is manifestly right that the next candidate should be black and a Moslem.I would urge each of you to pledge that you will encourage your supporters to give the other their second vote so that Sparkbrook returns a black Moslem MP at the General Election" (Black Country Evening Mail, 15.02.97).On 16 February, Roger Godsiff was selected to fight the new Sparkbrook and Small Heath seat.Retiring MP Roy Hattersley’s Sparkbrook seat was merged to form the new constituency (Guardian, 17.02.97).Mr Rashid, a councillor in Small Heath, told the Daily Jang (18.02.97):"I think it is their [the Asian candidates in Small Heath and Sparkbrook] own fault that an Asian was not selected.There is one seat for one candidate.If they had any sense at all they would have short-listed one or two strong candidates.There is no divide and rule by anyone except among ourselves."Roger Godsiff won by a large majority; the Birmingham Post (18.02.97) gives the name of the candidate who came second as Councillor Raghib Ahsan and says that Councillor Mohammed Afzal received 65 votes.Tarik Khan, councillor for Nechells, believed a sufficiently credible Asian candidate was not put forward:"Members are not stupid.They realise some of the nominees were cowboys with allegations of corruption.This selection was not for the local council where you can play around with who is put in.They elected a serious candidate to represent them in the House of Commons" (Daily Jang, 18.02.97). Roger Godsiff said:"This was not a vote on race but for the person Labour Party members felt was best qualified for the job.I fought on my record and what I proposed to do for the constituency.I believe a good constituency MP has to be in contact with the electors and I hold more surgeries every month than any other Birmingham MP.I spend a lot of time campaigning for justice for the people of Kashmir.I have had enormous support among the Asian community."Richard Bashford was disappointed at the result.He said:"If there was a ward where a Moslem should have been selected it was Birmingham Sparkbrook".The Conservative candidate for Edgbaston, Andrew Marshall, disagreed with Councillor Bashford:"Essentially he is saying that all MPs should represent the majority community in a constituency.The implication of that is that the vast majority of seats in England would have to have a white candidate with ethnic candidates not being considered..." (Birmingham Post, 18.02.97).An editorial in the same edition of the Birmingham Post expresses a similar point of view, asking rhetorically:"...is a Moslem MP more or less likely to be trusted by a Hindu constituent than a white Christian?Certainly a Moslem MP is no more likely to be trusted merely because of the colour of his skin.If the ethnic minority communities of the area had determined to find a candidate from among their number, they could have co-operated more closely in selecting someone to rival Mr Godsiff.As it is, they failed to find a single ‘Asian’ candidate and as a result the ‘Asian’ vote was split, giving Mr Godsiff an easy victory.But the idea that the Asian community is in some way homogeneous is itself patronising, if not racist".[Many reports, particularly those in the national press, merged their reporting of the Birmingham and Bradford selection processes.For the sake of clarity, we have separated them]. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 11]
Rochdale campaigner in election Haji Mohammed Salim Hussain Shah Nazar Ul Haq Garib Nawaz AllahHoo is standing as the Islam Zinda Baad [Long live Islam!] candidate for Rochdale.He told the Rochdale Observer (05.02.97), to whose Postbag he is a frequent contributor, that he would fight for a "just, right society as prescribed by the Koran".He is for a ban on all anti-Islam campaigns and wants a society which respects other people and their property, beliefs, colour and language. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 11/12]
Mafooz Chaudry, leader of Blackburn’s branch of the Muslim League, the ruling party in Pakistan at present, ishoping to be selected as a Labour candidate for the forthcoming council elections (Blackburn Telegraph, 11.02.97). On 8 February, the Blackburn Telegraph incorrectly reported that Mr Chaudry would be standing in Blackburn as a Muslim League candidate and so the article of 11 February was by way of clarification. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
On Eid, 8 February 1997, Tony Blair, the leader of the opposition, and his wife, Cherie, visited the Central Mosque in Regent’s Park, London.There were some protests from Muslims who felt that Mr Blair’s motive for the visit was solely to win votes (News of the World, 09.02.97, Express on Sunday, 09.02.97, Wales on Sunday, 09.02.97).Mr and Mrs Blair had been invited to tour the mosque by the trustees and Khawar Qureshi, a barrister who is a friend of Mrs Blair (Independent on Sunday, 09.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
Having taken legal advice, councillors in Hackney have apparently been told that the council has no power to ban public meetings of the Nation of Islam within the borough (see BMMS for January 1997). The Caribbean Times (30.01.97) reports a council spokesperson as saying:"Members can ban them from advertising on our notice boards and order any flyposters to be taken down but that’s about it". [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
A booking by Hizb ut-Tahrir (see BMMS for October and December 1995; January, February, March, May, August and September 1996; January 1997) of council premises in the borough of Harrow for a meeting has been cancelled by Harrow Council.The meeting was planned for Sunday 2 February and was entitled ‘The Pakistani elections:Does it really make a difference?’.Tony McNulty, the Labour group leader on the council who instigated the cancellation of the booking at the Harrow Teachers Centre, said:"I am much relieved the council has seen fit to cancel this meeting.It is simply not appropriate for groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir to be afforded the privilege of hiring council accommodation".A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Mike Whine, said of the ban:"It is a commendable decision.This group causes concerns not just for Jewish people but for other religious groups" (Pinner Observer, 30.01.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
The Brighton Evening Argus (03.02.97) reports that Al-Muhajiroun (see BMMS for February, August and September 1996) planned to hold a talk on 16 February in Crawley on the future of Islam in Britain.The Church of England Newspaper (31.01.97), basing its information on a press release from Al-Muhajiroun, reports that the group intends to give a series of public talks, of which three are entitled ‘Israeli policy and the American green light, The joint strategy between USA and Israel, and The Western strategy for Israel’. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
A bill presented to Parliament by Conservative MP Nigel Waterson proposes that new offences be created of conspiracy to commit crimes abroad and incitement to commit crimes abroad (see BMMS for July and November 1996).It has now passed its second reading in the House of Commons.Bernard Josephs, writing in the Jewish Chronicle (07.02.97), states that:"Mr Waterson’s proposal followed mounting concern that London was becoming a safe haven for Middle Eastern terrorists.Israeli officials have repeatedly suggested that Britain is being used as a conduit for channelling funds to Middle East extremist groups such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas". [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
The Conservative group on Brent council have caused friction with the Labour group by raising the issue of the £8,000 funding of the Eid festival.A Conservative spokesperson said: "How can they find funds for this addition to the budget when they are cutting the youth and community budget, the libraries and money available for social services.Labour’s cuts will devastate some of the poorest people in Brent.This is just a cynical attempt to bribe Muslim voters and will create racial tension where there is none".However, the Chair of the Grants Sub-Committee said: "It’s the Tories who are trying to stir up communal strife by claiming that our funding of the Eid festival will be at the expense of Navratri and Diwali.It’s not true" (Asian Times¸ 20.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
A Burnley councillor, Harry Brooks, has attacked funding for ethnic minority projects.One of the grants he criticised was of £500 to the Hussainia Young Muslims’ Association, which he claimed seemed to be a religious group.The association runs a cricket team and Councillor Brooks questioned whether the team was open to non-Muslims.Councillor Rafique Malik replied by saying that there was a Hindu who played (Burnley Express, 14.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12]
Racism The Manchester Evening News (12.02.96) reports that an interim reward of £50,000 is to be made to Amer Rafiq by the Greater Manchester Police’s insurers, for losing an eye whilst in police custody (see BMMS for February, March, April, May, June, August and November 1996).The final award may be in excess of £100,000.Mr Rafiq’s solicitor, Elizabeth Beasley, and his family refused to discuss the case.A member of the family was quoted as saying:"Amer has been instructed not to speak to anyone about the case.He doesn’t want to jeopardise his case.And he won’t be speaking to anybody without the permission of his solicitor." [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 12/13]
Amna Mahmood, who claims she was dismissed from the Body Shop in Hounslow for wearing hijab (see BMMS for January 1997) is to take her former employers to an industrial tribunal.A spokesperson for The Body Shop International said:"The Hounslow Shop is a franchise.The Body shop has clear guidelines to prevent discrimination against staff on any grounds.We do have a policy which prevents publicly discussing the circumstances of any individual’s employment for reasons of privacy.However, in the UK and in a number of other countries, particularly in the Middle East, The Body Shop employs both men and women who define themselves as Muslim and Muslim women staff members regularly wear traditional Muslim dress" (Hounslow & London Recorder,31.02.97).Q-News (07.02.97) reports that Ms Mahmood, whose parents are Pakistani, has taken her grievance to the Commission for Racial Equality, who are deciding whether or not to support her. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13]
Women Saeeda Dad, who had gone missing, was believed to have left Slough because of an unhappy arranged marriage. Her sister, Khalid Dad, was murdered six years ago. Detective Inspector David Colchester of Slough CID, said:"The indications are that she is missing rather than the subject of a criminal offence.The police are investigating a number of lines of enquiry.The possibility that she has left the country is one of those lines of enquiry" (Slough & Langley Observer, 31.01.97).By 6 February, according to the Asian Times, police reported that Ms Dad had been found "alive and well" and that they were satisfied that "no criminal offence had been committed". On 7 February, the Slough & Langley Observer and the Ascot and Sunningdale Observersaid that some members of Slough’s Muslim community believed that Saeeda Dad had gone to Canada to escape from her marriage and the paper repeated police assurances that they were no longer worried about Ms Dad’s safety.The Slough police refused to comment on whether or not Ms Dad had left the country. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13]
The Birmingham Post (15.02.97) carries an interview with the Birmingham-based Kathak dancer, Nahid Siddiqui, who was going to be touring Pakistan, supported by the British Council.She said:"For a long time I was banned in Pakistan - now I’m going as a British artist, taking their art to them".She was guardedly optimistic about the future of dance performed by womenin Pakistan:"It’s at that stage in Pakistan where if there are people who are against this there are many who are in favour as well...I feel that in Pakistan we have left the audience behind and they don’t get to see any dance.So it’s a question of starting again where I left off.It’s very strangebut it’s going to get better because the world’s TV is now open there and I feel very strongly that it’s going to open up people’s minds." [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13]
A Training Awareness Day is being run at Sandwell Council House by a Muslim organisation and is restricted to women only.The event will give advice to Asian women on training and employment opportunities (Express & Star, 19.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13]
A female Muslim youth worker has been provided with a guard because of the hate campaign against her. A group called the Muslim Awareness Campaign has demanded her immediate sacking and accused her in their leaflets of"brainwashing our Muslim sisters with lesbian propaganda".A spokesperson for Bradford Council confirmed that they are the woman’s employers and Roy Wensley, community liaison officer for Bradford’s Toller lane police division said:"We have provided her with protection because we are concerned about her safety.We are treating this very seriously" (Yorkshire Post, 19.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13]
Mike Rawson, Coventry council’s co-ordinator for the community sector, has again appealed to the Al-Nisa Centre to settle its internal differences over management (see BMMS for January 1997).He praised the work the centre had done amongst the city’s estimated 12,000 Muslim women and said that a quick solution would be to the benefit of the community:"I am very conscious that the longer this goes on, the more the situation is aggravated.What has been going on is horrendous.The council is trying to find a way to get the centre open and is appealing to the community for their support" (Coventry Evening Telegraph, Rugby Evening Telegraph, 01.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13]
A Muslim woman was suspended at the Safeway store where she worked, in Chorlton, for refusing to remove a headscarf. Apparently Shamma Ahmed, aged 18, was told by the manager to remove the scarf or resign; she refused. She was told by the manager that wearing a scarf did not fit in with the store’s uniform policy.After the case was referred to the store’s head office, Ms Ahmed was allowed to return to work and wear the scarf. A spokesperson for Safeway is reported to have said: "We haven’t had a request like this before.We take it very seriously and it is obviously of great importance to her.We are going to agree to her request and any issues will be immediately resolved" (Manchester Evening News, 28.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13]
Youth Two Muslims from Slough, Adnan Majid and Waqas Aribi, ran in the London marathon, in spite of the race falling during Ramadan this year (Slough & Langley Observer, 31.01.97, Windsor & Eton Observer Midweek, Slough & Langley Observer Midweek, 12.02.97).They estimate they have each raised £1,000 for cancer research.Adnan said:"We covered the course in six hours without food or water.When we arrived, there was still some considerable time before we could eat or drink...We would both like to thank all the people who sponsored us for our marathon.Those people are the real stars" (Slough & Langley Observer, Windsor & Eton Observer, 12.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 13/14]
Slough girls and boys between the ages of 14 and 18 came together for a one-day conference on 1 February to discuss problems such as racism and the tensions between Muslims and Sikhs in the town (see BMMS for July, August, September and December 1995; April, June, July, August, September, October and December 1996).The conference was jointly organised by Slough Race Equality Council, Thames Valley Police, Berkshire County Council, Slough Borough Council, and Safer Slough Enterprise (Windsor & Eton Observer Midweek, 05.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 14]
Peter Stoker of the National Drug Prevention Alliance, addressed members of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Slouch concerning drug prevention.He was invited following concern of the death of Bilal Hussein Bhayat from Ecstasy (see BMMS for December 1996 and January 1997).However, after the death, Mushtaq Rabani, chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood in Birmingham, said: "The community cannot do anything.The mosques are doing their best to stop drug taking but they are not succeeding" (East, 28.02.97). The Alliance plans to work in conjunction with mosques, gurdwaras and temples throughout the country. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 14]
Interfaith Bishop to read Qur’an for Lent The Bishop of Jarrow, Dr Alan Smithson, has decided to read through the Qur’an during Lent (Times, Daily Mail, 14.02.97, Sunday Telegraph, Observer, 16.02.97, East, 21.02.97). He normally studies the Bible for about two hours a day, but during the 40 days of Lent, apart from reading St John’s Gospel, he will read equal parts of the Qur’an each day and finish it on Good Friday.He said:"I am passionately concerned that we help the Church to move into a wider scene where we are not just preoccupied with Christian issues but understand other faiths, not as rivals, but as fellow travellers.The West needs to learn from Islam...Like most people who go travelling, I will be glad to get home.When Easter comes I will feel it has been a good expedition through the Koran, but it will be good to get back to the Bible" (Times, 14.02.97). Sher Azam, of the Bradford Council for Mosques, commented on the Bishop’s choice:"The Bible and the Qur’an carry messages from God and mutual appreciation of both holy books would contribute to a more harmonious multi-faith society" (East, 21.02.97). However, the choice of the Qur’an has apparently upset traditionalists within the Church of England.The Rev George Curry, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for example, described the bishop’s decision as ‘bizarre’ (Eastern Eye, 21.02.97) and Father John Robinson, in Plymouth, said: "If a Bishop can’t lead by example to whom should one turn?It’s extraordinary that the Bishop should stop reading the Christian Scriptures and turn, instead, to non-Christian ones" (Plymouth Evening Herald, 21.02.97).Bishop Smithson, however, responded to criticism by saying: "If only all Christians would take seriously the beliefs of other religions, we would all be the better for it" (Eastern Eye, 21.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 14]
The Tablet (08.02.97) welcomes the formation of the Three Faiths Forum, an interfaith group composed of Jews, Christians and Muslims, which has the Sternberg Centre in north London as its base (see BMMS for January 1997).Dr Zaki Badawi, chair of the Council of Imams and Mosques of Great Britain, is also actively involved with the Forum.He spoke approvingly of its non-hierarchical organisation:"It will speak straight to the public rather than from above and provide a platform where people can meet, debate and argue.The whole point of dialogue is to humanise the other side.We have to discuss everything and look at each other’s anxieties and problems." [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 14]
Following the attacks on Pakistani Christians in Pakistan, the Bishop of Bradford and the General Secretary of Bradford Council of Mosques, amongst others, sent a letter of the Pakistani Acting High Commissioner urging Pakistan’s new government to restore the confidence of the country’s religious minorities.Also, in Manchester, Christian and Muslim leaders issued a statement that deplored "any such persecution that may have occurred Neither Islam nor Christianity gives any encouragement to hostility to those of another religion.Those who seek to oppress religious minorities, of whatever belief, are acting against the true spirit of both Islam and Christianity" (Church Times, 21.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 14]
A letter from Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, has been passed on to Gloucestershire Muslims by Bishop Charles Henderson.The letter congratulates Muslims on the end of Ramadan and states: "This period offers an opportunity for Christians to visit their Muslim friends to exchange greetings, and this helps to strengthen bonds of friendship that already exist and create new ones We thank God for this and we pray that relations between Christians and Muslims may continue to grow stronger" (Gloucester Citizen, 20.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 14]
Halal The higher than usual prices for sheep ready for slaughter at livestock markets in the north of England have peaked and stabilised (see BMMS for January 1997).The price rises had been caused inpart by Ramadan, as explained by Sher Rafiq of Lockerbie Meat Packers:"Demand shoots up because Moslems, who fast during daylight hours, have to eat twice as much meat as usual in the evenings to keep up their energy levels". However, some of the increased demand for sheep within the EU, particularly from French buyers, was being met from Spain, about which Mr Rafiq commented:"These have been undercutting us by three or four francs a kilo but the volume coming in from Spain could start to run down by the end of next week and attention could re-focus on the British ewe again" (Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Journal, 01.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 14/15]
Volunteers required for meal packing The Muslim Parents Association in Moss Side, Manchester, requires volunteers to pack and deliver halal meals which are for the elderly and infirm.Volunteers need to be free from Monday to Friday at lunchtime and have the use of a vehicle.The association’s phone number is:0161226 6393 or 227 9954(Area News Today, 24.01.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
A man from Holmfirth, Victor Walkley, has written to the prime minister demanding to know why kosher and halal meat is not clearly labelled as such.Mr Walkley said:"The Ministry of Agriculture has written to me confirming that ritually slaughtered meat is indeed sold on the general open market without identification...I have no objection to the slaughter of animals by Islamic or Jewish methods for supply of food to Muslims and Jews, but if that meat can be soldunidentified to non-Muslims and non-Jews, you and I are denied freedom of choice and freedom of conscience" (Holme Valley Express, 07.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
Q-News (07.02.97), whilst giving qualified approval to the idea of a halal motorway service station (see BMMS for January 1997), largely because of its employment generating potential, believes that it is only a partial solution to the problem of lack of availability of halal catering on Britain’s motorways.They quote Muhammed Navid, a van driver who travels daily on the motorways, as saying:"It’s not even a halfway house - what we want is comprehensive availability."The article by Sohail Malik concludes:"Small franchises within larger service stations - on the lines of pizza, baguette and burger options - may be more feasible". [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
Success for school halal campaign A 15 year campaign by parents for halal meals in a Bristol school has finally been successful.Halal meals are now being served at Bannerman Road School in Easton, where the majority of the pupils are Muslim (Bristol Evening Post, 19.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
Pupils at Stretford High School in Trafford have launched a campaign to have halal meals on the school dinner menu. A parent stated: "Strict Muslim children eat Halal meat and their choice of food at school is, therefore, limited by the preparation.We want to see Muslim kitchen staff preparing meals for our children.It would be a great step forward".A spokesperson for Trafford council said that school menu options in the borough were being reviewed and that a report will be provided once the review was complete (Manchester Evening News, 28.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
Health Bradford Royal Infirmary, which launched a circumcision service for baby boys for religious and cultural reasons for its own community, has now extended that service to families in neighbouring areas, such as Dewsbury (Dewsbury Reporter, 31.01.97), Spen (Spenborough Guardian, 31.01.97) and Wakefield (Wakefield Midweek Extra, 06.02.97).The subsidised fee for the operation is £60 and the babies must be between three and nine weeks old.The local health Trust has co-ordinated the filming of an explanatory video for parents and there is a health support worker who speaks Urdu and Bengali available at the clinic (Dewsbury Reporter, 31.01.97).Further information is available from the Bradford Race Equality Council on 01274 364518. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
A Hindu prayer room was opened on 17 February at the Bolton Royal Hospital, where an interdenominational Christian chapel and a Muslim prayer room (see BMMS for January 1997)were opened recently.Mrs Beverly Andrew, Director of Operations for Bolton Hospitals trust said:"When people come into hospital either as patients or as visitors, or indeed as members of staff, spiritual support can be very important to them.Although anyone who wishes may use our chapel, it was felt there was a need for separate rooms for those of Hindu or Muslim faiths" (Bolton Evening News, 18.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
Muslims have spoken out against the announcement that a doctor will provide a service whereby couples can choose the sex of their baby.The process is banned in Britain but the doctor will fly couples to a clinic in Italy.The service will cost at least £10,000.Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, leader of the Muslim Parliament, stated that it opposed the development (Express, 26.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15]
Employment The imam of an Islamic studies centre in Edinburgh, Hafiz Wahidd, who was sacked from his job whilst on holiday has won his appeal at an industrial tribunal (Edinburgh Evening News, Glasgow Herald, 14.02.97).The tribunal agreed that Hafiz Wahidd had been wrongfully dismissed as he had been given no written warnings and no opportunity to answer the allegations against him before he was dismissed.The Court of Session in Edinburgh heard that the imam had been informed of his dismissal whilst he was on holiday in Pakistan over the phone.However, the tribunal awarded no damages as they considered that he was to blame for the situation which lead to his dismissal.The Glasgow Herald (14.02.97) stated that :"The tribunal ruled that the sacking was unfair, but concluded that the Imam allowed himself to be used, or was used, by a faction of the Muslim community in Edinburgh...there was a very high contribution [of blame], perhaps caused by lack of understanding of English, or by a misconception of the duties involved in the post of Imam within the Muslim community in Edinburgh and awarded no compensation" (Glasgow Herald, 14.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 15/16]
The 17 workers who were awarded £1,000 each compensation for having been dismissed from the firm of JH Walker for taking a holiday for Eid in 1992 are unlikely to receive their money.The factory has gone into receivership and the solicitor for the men recently received a letter saying:"Any claim your clients mayhave for costs or otherwise remain against the company and will rank as unsecured claims.On present information there is no prospect of any funds being available to that class of creditor".Mohammed Azam, spokesman for the 17 was not surprised:"The managing director made it clear from the start that he wouldn’t be paying a penny to the Muslim workers".Makbool Javaid, solicitor representing the workers,said of his clients:"They are a fine example.It’s just a pity that there are few Muslims prepared to take on the system.Through their perseverance these men have established a precedent which will benefit the whole community..." (Q-News, 07.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
Mosques & Burials Plans to convert a house in Dodworth Road into a Muslim centre, to include provision for prayers and children’s religious education, have been approved (Barnsley Chronicle, 21.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
Bishops Stortford, Hockerill Street Proposals to turn a former engraver’s shop into a mosque have met with opposition from some local shopkeepers and residents (see BMMS for January 1997). They have sent letters and a petition to the Bishops Stortford council.The main objections were possible traffic congestion and car parking difficulties, and that Hockerill Street needed to retain retail premises for the benefit of trade in the area. Dilwar Khan, chair of the Herts and Essex Mosque and Islamic Centre, explained that the group of worshippers was small, but scattered, and that they needed a central place:"There are only 31 members of our group and around 15 children would be taught at the centre.A maximum of 35 people would use it..." (Bishops Stortford Citizen, 29.01.97).At a meeting of the town’s planning and environmental committee at the end of January, Councillor Keith Barnes proposed deferring a decision because he could "not make a decision without knowing more" (Herts & Essex Observer, 30.01.97).Two councillors who opposed the scheme, Tom Page and Mike Wood, disagreed, saying that a decision should be made immediately.The proposal has been sent to the East Herts District Council for their decision (Bishops Stortford Citizen, 12.02.97, Herts & Essex Observer, 30.01.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
Burnley, Montrose St, Brierfield The application by the Zeenat-Ul-Quran trust to build a mosque on a derelict garage site in Brierfield (see BMMS for January 1997) has been rejected (Burnley Citizen, 06.02.97).A petition of over 380 signatures from those residents objecting to the proposal had been presented to the planning committee (Burnley Express, 31.01.97).The main objections centred around the size of the proposed development and the difficulties of providing adequate parking facilities (Burnley Citizen, 06.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
Thereare plans to hold elections in the summer for a new management committee for the Madni Jamia mosque, following a 15 year power struggle (see BMMS for November 1996).A register of voters has to be complete by 28 February according to the High Court.Approximately 730 voters are expected to register.There are three groups fighting for control of the mosque following an 11 year court battle between the groups (Halifax Evening Courier, 26.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
Muslims in Huntingdon have launched an initiative to build a mosque on the town’s Oxmoor estate.The cost of the project is expected to be approximately £60,000 [sic] of which £29,000 has already been raised.There are hopes that land next to the Sapley Square shops may be used for the building (Cambridge Evening News, 03.03.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
Work is expected to start on Stepney’s third major mosque at the beginning of March.The Esha Atul Islam Mosque will be situated in Ford Square and will cost £3 million.The project was granted planning permission in 1989 pending an enquiry into how the mosque would fit into the conservation area and in 1993 the Secretary of State for the Environment, John Gummer, gave his approval.Mar Khan, spokesperson for the neighbouring East London mosque, welcomedthis third mosque:"We do need another mosque.There are so many Muslims in the area" (East London Advertiser, 13.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
London, Streatham, Mitcham Lane There are plans for a new mosque and community centre in Streatham.Architects have already drawn up designs which include a minaret, dome and arches.The building will replace the present mosque, situated in an old fire station, in Mitcham Lane (South London Press, 21.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
The Islamic Centre in Selwyn Road, Upton Park, has been awarded £11,000 by Newham Council towards a facelift of the buildings. [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16]
Although a planning agreement had been signed between Luton council and local Muslim leaders banning the use of a building in Cromwell Road as a mosque, the council has received complaints that it is being used in the early mornings and after 7pm and by adults at those times (see BMMS for December 1996).A Muslim organisation had originally been granted permission to use the premises for the religious and cultural education of school age children from 11am to 7pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 11am to 7.30pm on not more than six Sundays a year.The chief planning officer, David Watts, said that complaints had been received about activity at the centre in the early morning and that:"It is also apparent that there may be habitual use by large numbers of people after 7pm.If so, this would be a breach of existing planning conditions, which may become more marked with the onset of Ramadan." He recommended that further planning permission be granted for one year only and that conditions should be imposed (Luton Leader, 30.01.97).Councillor Mike Dolling (Liberal Democrat) was also of the opinion that the organisation running the madrassah, the Madrassah-Noor-Ul-Islam, had been "a bit naughty" in the past and were "now in the Last Chance Saloon for breaking conditions" (Luton News, 05.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 16/17]
A government inspector has overturned Oldham council’s decision to refuse permission for a mosque to be opened above a launderette in Ronald Street, Oldham (see BMMS for January and August 1996; January 1997).In his report the inspector rejected the claims made by some residents that there would be disturbance from noise and dangers from increased traffic.He wrote that:"The proposal would not be likely to cause an increase in risks to highway safety sufficient to justify withholding planning permission" (Oldham Advertiser, 13.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 17]
Redbridge Council is planning a new cemetery, due to open in Spring 1998, which will have an area for Muslim burials (Epping Forest Independent, 14.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 17]
Muslims in Rochdale have launched an appeal to help meet the cost of a £1m mosque and Islamic centre (Manchester Evening News, 24.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 17]
The Muslim community in Southampton have obtained an agreement from Hampshire County Council to grant an extra £10,000 towards the building a new mosque (see BMMS for August 1996).The council has already contributed £60,000 but the first phase of building had cost more than originally anticipated.The building, off St Mary Street, is expected to cost £1m and be completed by the year 2000 (The Southern Daily Echo, 22.02.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 17]
A fire at the Thornhill Lees mosque, spotted by a passing policeman in the early hours of Sunday, 26 January, is being treated as arson by the police.Over £10,000 damage has been caused to the mosque, which was not insured.Mrs Rahayla Mahmood, wife of community leader Tariq Mahmood, praised the quick action of the police officer who raised the alarm.She said:"Luckily it was only partly damaged - God was watching and saved it...We had to fight to get this mosque and we’ll fight to keep it.We’ve only just received planning permission to usethe mosque five times a day for prayers.It’s very important for us to have a mosque for prayers especially during Ramadan, which is a virtuous time for everyone in the community, and we need it to teach our children about Islam.We’ll find some way to repair it."Anyone with information can contact DC Geoff Dunne of Dewsbury CID on Dewsbury 431085 (Dewsbury Reporter, 31.01.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 17]
Walsall Council have granted permission for the redevelopment of a petrol station into a factory unit and car wash, despite the objections of 426 users of the Milton Street mosque.There were claims that the plan would create extra traffic and endanger worshippers (Birmingham Post, 01.03.97). [BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 17]
The Shahjahan mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the U.K., has been subject to an arson attack.Someone had broken into the mosque through a window and thrown a petrol bomb which caused damage in the central hall.The carpet and other furniture was damaged.The mosque had only recently been refurbished as a cost of £60,000.The mosque was built in 1889 and functions under the auspices of the High Commission of Pakistan (Jang, 27.02.97).[BMMS February 1997 Vol. V, No. 2, p. 17]
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