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British Muslims Monthly Survey for December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12
Features
Reports Community Vegetarian society established Kirklees community appointment Community funding encouragement
Education Multi-culturalism and education
Politics Kaleem Muhammad Alleyne obituary
Racism
Women
Health
Mosques & Burials
Features [The government has now agreed to fund Islamia school in London and al-Furqan school in Birmingham. There will be a full report in the next issue of BMMS]. On 3 December fifty children from Islamia Primary School in Brent handed in a petition to 10 Downing Street demanding state funding for their school. Amongst the children was nine year-old Amina Islam, daughter of the founder, Yusuf Islam (Mirror, 04.12.97). The school has been forced to raise its fees to over £2,000 per year and even so, is facing severe funding problems (see British Muslims Monthly Survey for January, June, August, September, October and November 1997). In spite of having the support of the Funding Agency for Schools, Islamia still has no news of if and when it will achieve grant maintained status. A spokesperson for the school, Raifan Abdullah said: "David Blunkett [the Education Secretary] is dragging his heels for no good reason. There are no educational or managerial reasons for the government to refuse us funding. The school is performing excellently and our exam results are well above the national average" (Eastern Eye, 12.12.97). Yusuf Islam is threatening to sue the government if state funding is not awarded. Asian Times (16.12.97) comments that: "Schools of all [sic] other religions have been allowed access to public funds, but the line seems to be drawn al institutions. If Islamia's governors decide to take legal action on grounds of discrimination, they would have a very strong case". Besides Islamia, the government is also considering an application for grant-maintained status from Birmingham's AI-Furqan school and Feversham College in Bradford is preparing a new application for Voluntary Aided Status (Q-News, 01.01.98). Eastern Eye (19.12.97) and the Asian Times (23.12.97) have identical articles written by Aqeela Jetan Monie, headteacher of the Islamia Primary School, on the subject of state funding for Muslim schools. In the articles, she points out that her school has met all the government criteria for funding, has been approved by the Funding Agency for Schools, follows the National Curriculum, and has excellent results, including in the SATs. She concludes: Putting policy into practice is required in the name of social justice for all, not just a chosen selection, of the British citizens making up a multicultural, multi-faith Britain. The Labour government, therefore, needs to show the sincerity of its claimed good intentions". The AI-Furqan School (see BMMS for January, March and August 1997) in Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham has accused the Government of deliberate delays over its application for grant-maintained (GM) status. Amjad Ahmed, chair of trustees, said: 'The government is dragging its heels. The previous government did that for five months and now this Government is doing the same. We were told in the summer that a decision would be made in I! September. Since then, we have been told that a decision would be made as soon as possible, but it's now coming up to a year. Being kept in the dark like this is not helping anyone" (Birmingham Evening Mail, Black Country Evening Mail, 27.12.97). Representatives from Muslim and Seventh Day Adventist schools have joined together in their campaign for state funding. At the beginning of December, Muslim organisations sent an open letter to the Education Secretary, David Blunkett, asking for equal treatment with Christian and Jewish schools. Ibrahim Hewitt, of the Association of Muslim Schools, expressed frustration with the delay in decision-making. He said: "We are not being taken seriously. Our greatest concern is that if the law changes and GM status is effectively revoked, we will have to go through the same process all over again". Keith Davidson, the Seventh Day Adventist Church's director of education for the south of England, said of the delays: 1f we are not recognised soon, then we cannot take part in any future discussions on the status of church schools. The government appears to be afraid of opening its doors to us and the Muslims. But in the process it is discriminating against hundreds of children and their parents. There are fundamental issues of equal opportunities here. The Catholics and Anglicans are allowed to have their own schools but we cannot, even though we are also Christians" (TES, 05.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 1/2]
On 17 December, Mohammed Sarwar, the Glasgow Govan MP, sometimes described as "Britain's first Muslim MP (see BMMS for March, April, May, June, August, September, October and November 1997), appeared at Glasgow Sheriff's Court accused of electoral fraud relating to the late registration of voters, attempting to pervert the cause of justice, and contravening the Representation of the People Act regarding election expenses (Daily Jang, Scotsman, Glasgow Daily Record, Hull Daily Mail, 17.12.97, Daily Jang, The Times, 18.12.97, Q-News, 01.01.98). He continued to maintain his innocence. He said: I am naturally disappointed that charges have been brought against me. However, I am also to some extent relieved because, after seven months the intense speculation engendered by those inquiries, much of it ill informed, should now be over. I reaffirm that I have done nothing wrong and I maintain that am innocent of all charges. I have full confidence in the Scottish criminal justice system. If I am eventually indicted am confident that the truth will come out and I will be acquitted of all charges" (Daily Jang, 18.12.97). Mohammed Sarwar's membership of the Parliamentary Labour Party has been suspended from when the police enquires began, as has his right to represent the party. An article in The Times (18.12.97) argues that Mr Sarwar has been unfairly treated by the Labour Party. It says: "...elsewhere - in Paisley and on Glasgow City Council - allegations of vote-rigging and misconduct go unpunished by anything more than an interminable enquiry. Two other MPs have been suspended (one since reinstated); six councillors are being investigated; charges that public funds in Paisley have been misappropriated are still unresolved; the party executive seems incapable of clearing out the corrupting elements that continue to stifle politics in the West of Scotland. The vote-rigging charges against Mr Sarwar are not exactly unfamiliar in the Glasgow area. Trade union lists have been regularly used to rustle up names with which to swing the vote behind some local candidate; it is just one of the charges being investigated in Paisley. In Mr Sarwar's case the allegations involve a Pakistani, rather than a trade union, network. Until the evidence is heard at his trial we cannot know the truth, but he is at least entitled to ask why the party has failed to punish conduct elsewhere which it now finds, in his case, so unacceptable". Mohammed Sarwar told the Asian Times (23.12.97) that he intended to pursue his case against the newspaper, the News of the World and that he intended to resist calls for his resignation as an MP. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 2]
The press has given considerable attention to an initiative by the Royal Navy to recruit Muslim women. The Independent (06.01.98) explains that Muslim candidates for the Wrens will be allowed to take their swimming test without men being present and advice is being sought from Pakistan and Turkey concerning an Islamically acceptable uniform. One possibility is that Muslim women could wear the winter uniform of trousers and long-sleeved shirts all year round. The Portsmouth News (06.01.98) expresses the view that the Navy has an 'image problem" where minorities are concerned. It writes: 'It may be more a PR offensive than a drive to tap a rich new vein of recruits, but the navy needs it. Only the brave and perhaps foolhardy black men join any of the services. A succession of sex discrimination cases taint the navy's reputation with women. And if you're gay, forget it. The image, fairly or unfairly, is of a service stuffed with white men determined to keep it that way. If some of the top brass are eager to change things, they seem less eager to take on old and macho attitudes among NCOs and ratings. Yet Commander Keith Manchanda [the officer in charge of this recruitment drive] is determined to recruit Muslim women, even if the uniform has to alter before he can do it". The Daily Mail (07.01.98) has a photograph which it describes as: "A computer-created image showing how a veiled Wren might look and says that: "Moslem women will be told that ways of incorporating the veil, or yashmak, into the uniform are being explored". The same article, however, goes on to say: "Guidance on the veil is being sought from the navies of Pakistan and Turkey, although female Turkish recruits are unveiled and wear a Westernised [sic] uniform. Women in the Pakistan navy do not wear the veil either..." Fiaz Khan, of Glasgow's Ethnic Minority Enterprise Centre, who have been contracted by the Navy to run courses for female, Muslim would-be recruits, appeared to think that dress was less of a problem than convincing young women's parents that the Navy was a career. He said: Traditionally, ethnic minority parents encourage their children to gain qualifications and to look for a professional post rather than employment in the wider jobs market. The Royal Navy would be I regarded as the wider jobs market. Our aim is to encourage the ethnic minorities to look at the Navy as a career". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 2]
The Jewish Board of Deputies has criticised Israel over its decision to allow Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam (Nol), to visit Israel. The Board's director-general, Neville Nagler said: 'We have to hope that this will not affect any decision that the British authorities may take" (Jewish Chronicle, 19.12.97) . Louis Farrakhan has been banned from Britain since 1986, although recently Bernie Grant MP has appealed to the Home Secretary to grant him a visa (see BMMS for July, October and November 1997). Select (01.01.98) has a five-page feature article charting the rise of the Nation of Islam in Britain. In particular, it concentrates on the influence the Nation of Islam and its off-shoot, the Five Per Cent Nation, have had on black British musical culture. It lists artists influenced by or belonging to the Nation of Islam or one of its splinter groups as: Rakim; Wu-Tang Clan, who claim to base their music on Islamic mathematics; the Poor Righteous Teachers, who see the meaning of the "five per cent as being more to do with Black economic self-sufficiency than a reward in heaven; Ice Cube; and Tupac Amaru Shakur (aka 2-Pac), who was killed in gang warfare in the United States in 1996. Benjamin Wachenje Muhammad, who runs the Nol's mosque in Stoke Newington, north London was asked how the NoI, with its origins in the United States, could hope to effectively transplant itself in Britain. He replied that he considered there was a great need for the NoI in the UK: 'The situation in America is bad, but the situation in England is terrible. Their operations here are far more successful. The white Englishman is the real master -as the Honourable Elijah Mohammed taught us, he is 100 per cent wicked, the wisest of devils. In England, they don't carry guns, they control us on a higher level, they control us mentally. Black people don't pose a threat' in Britain like they do in America. They've been lulled to sleep her, pacified by things like football, ecstasy, crack, smack and drink". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 2/3]
Reports Community At the end of November an event was held at King George's Hall in Blackbum as part of the campaign to dissuade young people, particularly those from Asian Muslim families, from taking drugs (see BMMS for November 1997). This was linked to the initiative by Lancashire Police, who have produced a leaflet showing how the use of illegal drugs goes against Islamic law. A debate on drugs from a young Muslim's perspective was led by Nafisa Patel and Samena Rashid, both students at the University of Central Lancashire. Ms Rashid said: "The Muslim community needs to abolish its drug problem. We need to establish new channels of communication between young Muslims and Asian youth workers, and encourage positive thinking". Pupils from schools across Blackbum and Darwen attended events during the day and in the evening there was a disco and a performance by the Burnley Youth Theatre called Snow White and the Seven Substances (Blackburn Citizen, 28.11.97). Q-News (01.01.98) commented on the anti-drugs campaign that the Lancashire Police:... seem to be confusing Muslims with Asians. Chief Inspector Frank Harding said: 'Young Asians may realise drink and tobacco are forbidden [smoking is forbidden for Sikhs, but not for Muslims and alcohol for Muslims but not for Sikhs] but may not have linked their religious beliefs with their lives". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 3]
A considerable number of newspapers, both local and national (Wolverhampton Express & Star, 03.12.97, Bolton Evening News, 03.12.97, Asian Age, Bolton Evening News, 04.12.97, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, Daily Telegraph, 05.12.97, Yorkshire Post, 08.12.97, East, Weekly Telegraph, 10.12.97, Asian Age, 11.12.97,Asian Times, 16.12.97, Q-News, 01.01.97) have comment articles on the case of Ms Umm Abdur Rahman, the Bradford school teacher who was not allowed to get on a Yorkshire bus by the driver, even though she proffered a valid bus pass, because she refused to lift her veil and show her face (see BMMS for November 1997). The bus company concerned has apologised to Ms Umm Abdur Rahman and has elaborated a written policy on the question. Justin Davies, commercial manager of Yorkshire Buses explained: `It his was an isolated incident. The issue has never come up before, that's why the company has not had a written policy on it. Now we have clarified our position and simple instructions have been issued to all drivers which say that if someone wearing a veil boards a vehicle and presents a pass we will accept W' (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 05.12.97). Mr Davies pointed out that the driver faced a dilemma but a solution had to be found which recognised that we live in a multicultural, multi-faith society. He said: "...I can understand the thought process of the driver in question. Travel fraud remains a problem and the driver was merely carrying out his job. However, on this occasion, his behaviour was perhaps slightly unreasonable. Although UK citizens should accept the laws of the land, we do live in a multi-cultural society with different faiths. I feel it is important to be tolerant and accept different cultural ways and religions if we are to live and work together harmoniously" (Asian Age, 11.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 3]
Magistrate Steve Day told 18-year-old 'A'-level student Daljit Nijjer that he did not accept his lawyer's argument that tension between Sikhs and Muslims in the area was a reason for carrying an offensive weapon (see BMMS for February, April, May, June, July, August, September and October 1997). He said: I find it very distressing that what might be a push or a shove could end up as murder. There is a distressing increase in the amount of violence by young people who think it's OK to pick up a knife and secrete it in their sleeve on the off-chance of trouble. If you sat here and saw the result of people carrying knives you would take it seriously. I am considering community service". Daljit Nijjer was bailed to reappear at Ealing magistrates Court on 22 December (Ealing & Acton Gazette, 05.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 3/4]
The Church Times (05.12.97) has an account of the launch of the Muslim Council of Britain (see BMMS for November 1997), an umbrella body formed with the intention of representing all of Britain's Muslims. Sarah Joseph, a Muslim researcher from London, said at the founding meeting: "We also want to contribute with the strength we have to the wider society in which we live. It's not just take, take, take. We're saying: 'This is I what we need'; but also 'This is what we're prepared to contribute.' We're hardworking, normal citizens". Ishtiaq Ahmed, director of the Bradford Racial Equality Council, believed that the inclusiveness of the MCB was important. He said: 1t is a very broad church of organisation and opinion, and one hopes it will remain democratic, and sustain a British focus. 'Mere has been a feeling within the Muslim community that its concerns have been hijacked and compromised by events outside Britain, particularly in the Middle East. We want to make a very clear statement of what we are about". Muslim News (26.12.97) also carries a report on the founding of the MCB. It quotes Iqbal Sacranie, chair of the UK Advisory Committee on Islamic Affairs (UKACIA) and key-note speaker at the inaugural meeting of the MC13, who stressed that the new umbrella organisation "does not claim to be the sole representative of Muslims in Britain" nor does it "seek to challenge the existence of Muslim body". Its main function, according to Mr Sacranie, is to represent the Muslim community on Muslim issues to the Government. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 4]
On the 15 December 1997 it was revealed that police in Bradford have decided to abandon their investigation into the hate campaign against a youth worker whom those inciting the campaign, a group calling itself the Muslim Awareness Campaign (MAC), branded a lesbian (see BMMS for February, April, May and June 1997). The woman has been forced to leave her home in Bradford and live at a secret address in another town in Yorkshire, and to give up her job working with Asian girls. The case has been closed due to lack of evidence and the police's inability to find out who is behind the MAC. Sgt Roy Wensley, community liaison officer for Bradford's Toiler Lane police division, said: 'The investigation has been brought to a close. It seems we have reached the end of the line. Some people were arrested but there was a lack of evidence. The file has been closed and we are no longer offering the youth worker personal protection, but obviously if new evidence comes along we shall treat it very seriously" (Yorkshire Post, 16.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 4]
Ahmed Halat, the Muslim religious teacher accused of indecently assaulting two girls whom he taught at the Preston Muslim Society's classes (see BMMS for November 1997) has been found guilty. Both children gave evidence via a video link with the court. Sentencing was adjourned QNews, 01.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 4]
A group of 15 year-old girls, all students at Walshaw High School, recently raised £55 for Islamic Relief, with an art exhibition with an eastern theme. They approached Nasreen Hassan, the Stoneyholme and Daneshouse Community Centre's youth and community worker, for help in organising the event which included displays and drama (Burnley Express, 28.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 4]
The Glasgow Central Mosque and Islamic Centre was one of 15 organisations across Britain to take part in a survey by the National Centre for Volunteering (NCV) which found that voluntary workers are thought of as predominately white, middle class, middle-aged women. The Glasgow Mosque is now planning to work with the National Council for Volunteering to help change that image and the reality behind it. Vicky Daybell, of the NCV, said: "Only one third of charities successfully involve ethnic minority volunteers" (Glasgow Evening Times, 05.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 4]
The Huddersfield Council of Islamic Affairs charitable trust recently elected its officers, following its annual general meeting at the Clare Hill Muslim Community Centre (Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 11.12.97). Chairperson Abdul Rasool explained the reasons for the Muslims' support: "Since he came, crime has been reduced and Middlesborough has become a safer place. Here was one particular policeman who made all the difference". The mosque committee is writing to the Home Secretary Jack Straw and the Cleveland Chief of Police Barry Shaw to make their feelings known (Middlesborough Evening Gazette, 13.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 4]
Worshippers at the Mosque AI-Madina in Middlesborough were asked to sign a petition in support of suspended police officer Detective Superintendent Mallon when they attended Friday prayers on 12 December. The police officer has been suspended pending investigations concerning allegations of wrongfully passing on information and activities 'which could be construed as criminal". Mosque chairperson Abdul Rasool explained the reasons for the Muslims` support: "Since he came, crime has been reduced and Middlesborough has become a safer place. Here was one particular policeman who made all the difference". The mosque committee is writing to the Home Secretary Jack Straw and the Cleveland Chief of Police Barry Shaw to make their feelings known (Middlesborough Evening Gazette, 13.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 4/5]
Speaking at the Inter-faith Conference held recently at the Assembly Hall in Walthamstow, east London, Yusuf Islam, director of the Islamia Schools, attacked the media for its portrayal of Islam. He blamed the press for creating a fear and suspicion of Islam, which was often translated into prejudice against the religion's followers. Other speakers included Sir Herman Ouseley, chair of the Commission for Racial Equality (Asian Times, 16.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 5]
The bingo hall in Luton, renamed "Mecca" by its owners, the Rank Organisation, causing protests by the local Muslim community has been vandalised. Police are investigating a possible link between the vandalism, which resulted in over £3,000 worth of damage and Muslim objections to the name (Times, 27.12.97, Luton Herald & Post, 30.12.97, Guardian, The Times, Independent, 07.01.97, Daily Jang, 08.01.98). One Luton Muslim, Azm Yasmin, explained her objections: `Re renaming is outrageous. Their name is a pilgrimage place for our Muslim religion and gambling is a sin in our religion. Calling the bingo hall Mecca is blasphemous to all Muslims" (Luton Herald & Post, 30.12.97). At the beginning of the new year, Rank held talks with local Muslim leaders on the question (Guardian, The Times, Independent, 07.01.97, Daily Jang, 08.01.98). Danny Connelly, for Mecca Bingo, said: It was a very constructive meeting. We are going back for talks as there are now a number of points for consideration" (Guardian, 07.01.98). Akbar Dad Khan, secretary of Luton's Bury Park Mosque, also felt the meeting had been constructive. He said: "They admitted that perhaps a consultation with the Muslim community should have taken place much earlier. They said that they had been trading with this name for 100 years, but it was explained at that time there were few people of the Muslim faith in Britain. They said they were now better informed than before the meeting and are promising to go back to consider their position" (Guardian, 07.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 5]
A celebration was held on 18 December to mark the laying of the foundation stone of the multi-mi lion pound Muslim Cultural and Welfare Centre on the banks of the Clyde in the centre of Glasgow. The design and building company are March Industrial Building Limited and they are contracted to complete the first phase by October 1998, at a cost of £1.3 million. The second phase will cost £3 million. Funds to enable construction work to commence have been donated by wealthy local Pakistani businessmen, including Mohammed Sarwar, MP for Glasgow Govan; Maqbool Rasool, owner of the Global Video chain; Riaz Bubarik and Rafiq Sher. The later phases of the centre will include a sports centre, Islamic study centre and the Muslim Elderly Day Care Centre (Daily Jang, 19.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 5]
Vegetarian society established Q-News (01.01.98) reports that a Muslim Vegetarian Society has been formed, based in London. Its founder, Rafeeque Ahmed, claims that Muslims are generally unhealthy because they eat too much meat; that the Prophet Mohammed rarely ate meat; that many other famous Muslims in history were vegetarians; and that the human body is designed to be herbivorous. He explained: "Our main thrust is to write books showing that in Islam it is OK to be vegan or vegetarian". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 5]
A Muslim woman found a piece of ham on a vegetarian pizza she bought from the Asda supermarket in Gloucester. Zeinab Patel said: 'The store claims to separate the meat and vegetable ingredients. If I'd actually eaten it I would have sued Asda". The store's manager, David Bryants, said: "Asda endeavours to ensure that all our ingredients are kept separately and we have obviously failed in this case. I'd like to apologise for any distress caused". Asda sent Ms Patel £25 in vouchers as compensation (QNews, 01.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 5]
The Halal Mutual Investment Company (HMIC) has announced that it will provide an annual scholarship in memory of Dr S M ad-Darsh, who died recently (see BMMS for September and October 1997). The announcement was made when the Shariah Advisory Committee of the HMIC met on 2 December 1997 in Manchester. The scholarship will be awarded to a student every year to undertake an MSc in Islamic finance and economics (Muslim News, 26.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 5]
A young couple have fled their home town of Bedford to live together in peace. Gareth Cookson, aged 21, a self-employed publisher, says that because of his relationship with Romeena Khanom, a 20-year old student of Muslim Bangladeshi origin, his life has been threatened. He said: "Someone has been to see my parents 1~ and has threatened to hurt me if I go back to Bedford. But it makes no difference as I love Romeena so much". Mr Cookson is considering becoming a Muslim so he can marry Romeena. Ms Khanom claims her family were planning to force her to go to Bangladesh and be married there and that when they discovered she was seeing a white man, they locked her up. She said: 'The only thing to do was to make a run for it" (Bedfordshire on Sunday, 07.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 5/6]
Jamie Jackson, the eight-year old boy who was set alight by Asian youths in a racially-motivated attack in Heckmondwike has received a Christmas present from the local Pakistan and Muslim Welfare Society. Jarnie's mother, Debra Jackson, said he was very pleased with the toys: "For a while after the attack he was really quiet and then he started being very naughty. Thankfully he now seems to be back to his normal self and thinks the presents from the Asian community are great. He was very excited when we went to get them but I just wish they had found the people who did this to him". A spokesperson for the PMWA said: 1t is obvious the emotional scars will not disappear by giving these gifts but nevertheless we hope they will bring Jamie some joy and happiness during the season. We have been heartened by the way the Jackson family refused to stereotype the whole Muslim community. This presentation to Jamie was done, no, only apology, but to send out a clear message to the perpetrators that their attitude and disgraceful behaviour will not be tolerated". Heckmondwike police have appealed again for anyone with information on the attack to contact PC Nick O'Melia on 01924 421077 (Spenborough Guardian, 12.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 6]
The Indian Muslim Federation at a meeting in London recently called for the Indian government to fulfil the promise made by the former prime minister to rebuild the Barbari Mosque at Ayodhya and to release the Muslims who were detained as a result of disturbances following the mosque's destruction by Hindu fundamentalists in December 1992. The president of the Indian Muslim Federation, which started in 1968 mainly as a welfare group for the elderly and the local Leytonstone community, Abdul Kadir Malek, said: "We have tried hard to protect our unshaken belief in justice and rule of law so that the plunderers of the Barbari Mosque will one day be punished (East, 17.12.97). The Indian Muslim Federation has also written to Muslim News 26.12.97)calling for the release of the Muslim prisoners, that those who destroyed the Barbari mosque and killed Muslims in the riots be punished and that the mosque be rebuilt. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 6]
Medi Siadatan, the Muslim restaurant owner who hit the headlines a couple of years ago because he lives with three wives has been fined for having dirty kitchens at his Italian restaurant in Bridge Street, Kidderminster. The fine was originally £12,000 and was cut to £8,000 on appeal at Worcester Crown Court. Judge John Cavell took into account that Mr Siadatan had spent about £13,000 on improvements since the health inspector's visit, that he was liasing with the town council's environmental health department, and that this was a first offence (Kidderminster Shuttle, 18.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 6]
A former cinema in Merton Road, Watford, is to be changed into a Muslim community centre. The Anjuman-e-Ja'fariyya organisation bought the building about six months ago and intend to restore the outside of the local landmark. The treasurer of the group, Rafiq Shah said: `17here are not a lot of facilities for people in the local area and we hope to provide a centre where they can go. We do not intend to bulldoze the site. We want to enhance the building and bring it back to its former glory. We appreciate that it has historical value. We need to spend a lot of money to make it habitable. However, the outside will remain the same (Watford Observer, 19.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 6]
The Observer (21.11.97) has a short article reflecting how, for many Muslims, Christmas Day is just like any other day. The writer points out that: "Jesus Christ is a Muslim prophet and Muslims also believe in the Virgin birth. It is easy to forget that Salman Rushdie is in trouble with the Imams for things he said about Jesus as well as the supposed insults to Muhammad. Like the Old Testament prophets Abraham and Moses, Jesus is important to Muslims, I but he is just a man. He is not the son of God. So no Christmas. In fact, Muslims do not recognise Christmas as a religious festival (who does?) Muslim festivals involve fasting, praying, acts of submission to the will of God". The Glasgow Herald (23.12.97) went to interview some of the Muslims amongst the staff and students at Shawlands Academy, Glasgow. Yahiya Shaikh, a chemistry teacher, said: "Of course I send Christmas cards, because people send them to me and it is a courtesy to send them, otherwise you are not a very nice person". A student, Aisha Ansari, added: "It's nice to see everyone in a good mood, although some things go too far, like parents queuing to buy Teletubbies. In my family we just behave as we do at any other time of year and enjoy all the good television. We give presents to Christian friends and we all get together and have a big family meal. At school there is a Christmas church service, but Muslims stay in the assembly hall and do quizzes. It's up to everyone to I decide what they want to do and we have a day off for Eid". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 6/7] The Mount Pleasant Islamic trust has recently raised £4,000 for the maternity unit, children's ward, intensive care unit and for medical equipment at Dewsbury District Hospital. An appeal for the hospital was made at the Madina Mosque in Purlwell Lane and the money was collected within a month. The money was received by John Hemingway, chair of the Dewsbury Health Care Trust, who said he was delighted to receive this "most generous donation" (Batley News, Dewsbury Reporter, 24.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 7]
Some Muslim organisations have objected to the screening of a 15minute animation which featured the Prophet Muhammad (Sunday Times, 28.12.97, Asian Age, 30.12.97). The Welsh Channel S4C broadcast the programme on Christmas Eve as part of a series on world religions. Dr Mashtiq Ally, a lecturer in Islamic studies, was in favour of the programme. He said: 'The animated film, The Life of Muhammad - Peace Be Upon Him is a sincere and genuine attempt by S4C and Channel 4 to reflect fundamental values and beliefs of Islam through a collection of incidents from this central personality in human history, whilst respecting the Islamic tradition of not visualising the Prophet or his family. The programme makers took the basis of approval to their short animation from the Al-Azhar University in Egypt. It approved The Message, a film on the life of the Prophet and as the animation was on similar lines saw no reason not to go ahead with it". (Asian Age, 30.12.97). Opponents to the film, however, included 1qbal Sacranie of the UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs and Dr Zaki Badawi, principal of the Muslim College in London. Their objections centre on the depiction of the Companions of the Prophet and that there was an impression of the Prophet's voice. They further claim that there was a considerable number of historical inaccuracies in the animation. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 7]
Kirklees community appointment Alyas Karmani, formerly lecturer in race and public policy at both Leeds and Bradford Universities, has been appointed as Kirklees' Social Services Contract Officer with the brief of working with key community organisations in North Kirklees. Organisations such as the Pakistani Muslim Welfare Association and the Salfia Centre will come under his wing. He spoke to Awaaz (01.01.98) about the need to involve young people and women more, particularly in volunteering. He also said: I think that community organisations have to break free from the stereotypes and move into innovative areas. There are disability issues that need to be addressed, issues around drugs and alcohol, sexual health, a whole range of problems that are being brushed under the carpet". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 7]
Considerable progress is being made on the expansion of the Salfia Centre in Dewsbury. Funding was received from the Dewsbury Partnership SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) and the Joseph Rowntree Trust and donations have come from local people, facilitating the £100,000 purchase of the new premises and the initial stages of their refurbishment. Mohammed Ishaq, chair of the Salfia Centre explained that the youth services the centre offers were of crucial importance: "We are building for the future, the whole demography of the community is changing and getting younger and younger. This makes the importance of education and employment paramount. A centre like this will come to tackle educational and training needs and it will benefit the whole community. We don't want our younger generations to feel excluded or disenchanted, we've learnt from the past and we're trying to find remedies for the problems that have affected our communities" (Awaaz, 01.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 7]
Community funding encouragement A report on community development needs amongst the Pakistan', community in Huddersfield recommends that the community unites and applies for funding available under the town's £13 million regeneration budget. By report was commissioned The Huddersfield Pride, the company established to carry out the regeneration project and the research was co-ordinated by Professor Andrew Taylor of Huddersfield University. Addressing a meeting called to launch the report, Professor Taylor said: 'The conclusions and findings in this report are probably things that everybody in this room is already aware of. But the report represents the basis for co-ordinating a way forward and is an instrument for securing funding and support". Several speakers stressed the urgency of the situation, as Huddersfield's regeneration budget only has three more years to run. Councillor Jamil Akhtar also emphasised the need for unity amongst local Pakistanis: 9 beg everybody, forget any grudges, come together. Unity is strength. If we stand united we will success. If we are divided we will fail and our grandchildren may never forgive us." (Awaaz, 01.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 7]
Education The local council in Bathgate, West Lothian, has given £500 to the town's Islamic Centre as help towards their children's educational activities. Although the council has given helping kind before, this is the first time they have given financial assistance to the Islamic Centre (West Lothian Courier, 04.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 7/8]
Although, due to residents' objections, Sandwell Council refused permission for a Muslim boarding school to be built on a former factory site (see BMMS for September, October and November 1997), Malcolm Hinks, director of development for the borough, has warned residents that factories could now be built on the site. He said: "We would have liked to have seen the school there as this would have followed policy on the removal of industrial sites from housing areas. As it stands the site is zoned as industrial land. Planning permission for a school would have changed that. As things stand a business could move onto the site tomorrow and there is no need for permission from us". A spokesperson for the planning applicants, Abdul Khan, said that the mosque committee was prepared to set up a liaison committee with residents to discuss the school proposal. He said: "we are improving the area. We are doing everything we possibly can to satisfy the local authority (Sandwell Chronicle, 28.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 8]
Dialogue (01.12.97) has an article by Tahir Abbas, a doctoral researcher at the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations, University of Warwick, about British South Asian youth, concentrating largely on educational experience. He notes the higher academic achievements on average of British South Asian origin young people of Hindu and Sikh backgrounds compared to those from Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslim homes. Then he asks: "Or, how far has institutional racism, and in this context, Islamophobic sentiment damaged and impinged [upon] the chances of Muslim South Asian groups and some, in particular, more than others. The question that needs answering is whether it is the case that some British South Asians, for example, are unable to learn and develop effectively as a result of their religious, cultural, social and economic traits. Or indeed, does the root of their misfortune lie within the educational system He argues that a critical attitude to the Islam of their parents has "led to many youngsters attempting to find a new identity for themselves - one that incorporates the values of the West (liberalism, open society, freedom and competition) and that of Islam (the principles and codes as stated in the Qur'an and the Hadith)". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 8]
Multiculturalism and education The Daily Telegraph (12.12.97) has a feature article on multi-culturalism and schools. From this article, it would appear that many schools have difficulty with making the daily act of worship primarily Christian in nature in contemporary pluralistic Britain. Margaret Barrowman, head of Dawlish Primary in Waltham Forest, herself a Christian, says: 1n our morning assemblies we celebrate what we have in common. It's OK to mention Jesus, but talking about Jesus as Lord is dodgy. We don't pray, we have quiet times. We don't sing hymns, we prefer modem songs like When I needed a neighbour, were you there? Our Christian families are the least religious. Their knowledge of Christianity is abysmal. For the Muslim and Hindu families, on the other hand, religion takes up their whole life". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 8]
Q-News (01.01.98) carries a review of the findings of a research project conducted by Mr Singh-Raud of Liverpool John Moores University called Asian Women Undergraduates and their Attitudes to British Schooling. The researcher interviewed 200 young women of South Asian background in north west England. He found that it was important to distinguish between different religious and cultural groups: "South Asian girls are not a homogeneous assemblage as perceived by ethnocentric British institutions and establishments. They are discernible by religion, sect, linguistic association, caste and country of origin". He recommends that schools have policies which are responsive to religion and religious differences: 1f schools in Britain fail to understand the dissimilar effects of religion on ethnic minority students then southeast Asian students will experience a degree of 'creedism' and lack of support due to the non-religious aligned presumptions". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 8]
The Association of Christian Teachers has produced guidelines for celebrating Christmas in schools, recommending storytelling, drama artwork and "where appropriate" with worship. They also recommend that a ',significant part of the programme of celebration shows the events of the Nativity in their full Christian sense" (Q-News, 01.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 8]
Waltham Forest council officers are recommending refusal of planning permission for a boarding school to be set up at the site of the Jamiah Rahmaniah School in Lancaster Road, Leytonstone. Planning officers were recommending refusal because the students' living accommodation was not up to council standards (Leytonstone Guardian, 18.12.9 7). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 8]
An Orthodox Jewish Hackney councillor has been elected chair of the Muslim Friends of Clapton Girls School, a body set up to fight a council decision to make the school co-educational. The Liberal Democrat councillor, lan Sharer, said: "Just as my children had the opportunity to go to a single-sex school, so I want to ensure this exists for others. Clapton Girls is the only school in the borough with a 70 per cent Muslim intake and it is one in which they feel at home. It would not be right to campaign for Jewish schools and not support this". Mr Sharer has asked ex-students, amongst them many Jewish women, to send letters of protest to the council about the co-educational plans. Mr Sharer is also the only Jewish member of the North London Muslim Housing Association (Jewish Chronicle, 19.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 8/9]
Muslim News (26.12.97) has produced league tables relating to all the Muslim schools in England, showing numbers of GCSE passes and where appropriate, A-level and A-level equivalent passes. As with non-Muslim schools, there are more girls' only schools amongst the high scoring schools than boys' only schools. In fact, many of the boys' only schools had very low scores, well below the national average. On the highest scoring schools, Muslim News comments: "Zakaria Muslim Girls' High School, an independent school in north Kirklees, West Yorkshire, came third out of twenty-seven high schools in the GCSE league tables published by the Government last month. Zakaria School beat all the state schools in north Kirklees, just as they had done last year despite meagre resources at their disposal ... Leicester Islamic Academy beat all state schools in Leicester City (80 per cent, 5 or more Grades A to C) and only two independent schools beat them to a third place. Islamia Girls School in the London Borough of Brent beat all state schools in the Borough (71 per cent A to C), only one independent school overtook it, Swaminarayan School, with 71 per cent A to C. Islamic College in Tower Hamlets, East London beat all 17 schools in the Borough, with 57 per cent A to C. Tayyibah Girls' School in Hackney, north west London, came third out of 15 schools, beating all state schools, with 75 per cent A to C. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 9]
The local council have decided to give permission for a vacant two-storey building at the corner of Ribston Road and Ribston Court in Damall to be used as an Islamic education centre. There has been some local opposition to the plans, on the grounds of noise and traffic disturbance but councillors were told that the centre would only be used between 430pm and 730pm (Sheffield Telegraph, 26.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 9]
Pat Lally, who continues to be lord provost of Glasgow despite his suspension from the labour party, recently remarked during a debate at a full council meeting on the selection criteria for pupils in the city's Roman Catholic schools (see BMMS for November 1997): "It's like the old one. Are you a Protestant Muslim or a Catholic Muslim' (Sunday Times Scotland, 28.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 9]
Politics Kaleem Muhammad Aileyne obituary Q-News (01.01.98) has an obituary to Kaleem Muhammad Alleyne, a British Muslim community activist who came originally from Barbados (see BMMS for November 1997). Kaleem Alleyne was born in 1931 and died in November 1997 from a heart attack. He was one of the founders of the Islamic Party of Britain (IPB). He had also been secretary to the Labour Party Black Section in Hackney and was a senior legal advisor for Black Rights UK. He held office in several organisations concerned with the welfare of Barbadians overseas and made frequent visits to Barbados, where he was a guest of the prime minister. The obituary, by Mustaqim Bleher, a fellow founder member of the IPB and friend of the deceased, concludes: "Let us hope that this coming year will indeed be a good one and more people with commitment will come along to begin working the soil which he helped prepare with so much patience and dedication". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 9]
Omar Bakri, leader of the group Al-Muhajiroun, which has an office in Edmonton, was recently interviewed by the Enfield Advertiser (03.12.97). He insisted that money raised by his organisation to support Islamists in Egypt and the Middle East was intended for the humanitarian relief of the families of Islamic militants who had been killed and were imprisoned and was not intended to purchase weapons. He acknowledged, however the funds might be used for such purposes: "But we cannot guarantee that the money does not end up buying weapons or going towards terrorist activity. If we send the money to a family we cannot stop them giving the money to the men". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 9]
Marsha Singh, the Labour MP for Bradford West, recently spoke in the House of Commons in support of an early day motion on Kashmir, which calls for an end to human rights violations in the disputed territory by India. He was verbally attacked by Peter Penday, like Marsha Singh also Labour and of Indian origin, who warned the Bradford MP that "such gimmickry and falsehoods on behalf of 'Islamic terrorist groups' could prove to be self-destructive". The article in the Daily Jang (17.12.97) concludes by explaining that: "International human rights bodies are all free to visit Azad Kashmir but the Indian government has consistently excluded them from all areas of Indian Occupied Kashmir". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 9/10]
Four people were arrested in Islington, north London on 21 December following clashes between a Turkish extreme right-wing group, the Grey Wolves, and Turkish and Kurdish anti-fascists. The Turkish Islamic Association had organised a concert in a disused warehouse in Newington Green and the left-wing alliance of Turkish and Kurdish protestors tried to stop it going ahead, claiming it was really a Grey Wolves' rally. The organisers denied they were fascists (Guardian, 22.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 10]
Racism The Board of Deputies of British Jews has decided to give its support to the Private Members Bill to be presented to the House of Commons by John Austin, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, which seeks to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of religion. The Board had been influenced in this matter by the Runnymede Trust's report on Islamophobia (see BMMS for February, March, April, May, July, September, October and November 1997). The director general of the Board told the Jewish Chronicle (05.12.97): 1n the past we've been neutral. But we have considered our stance and decided that this is the right response to make. I'm not saying we go along with all the arguments. But we feel in principle there is a case. If there is a practical way of legislating without disadvantages, we'd be in favour of giving it a fair wind". Mr Nagler emphasised that current legislation protects Jews against racial discrimination but that it "doesn't cover discrimination against Jews on religious grounds". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 10]
Obaid Siddiqui of Hillingdon Muslim Council, praised the local police force for the work they had done to reduce violent crime, including racial harassment, over the past year. He said of the Hillingdon police: I have always found them very helpful. Racial harassment has always been very much on the agenda and a lot of headway has been made" (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette, 26.11.97). A meeting of the Hillingdon Community and Police Forum heard that violent street crime had dropped by 40% in the borough in the past twelve months. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 10]
A seminar was held in Newcastle on 8 December to discuss anti-Muslim prejudice in the town and nationally. It was chaired by Nigel Todd, chair of Newcastle's Racial Equality Working Group, who also contributed an article on the subject to the Newcastle-upon Tyne Journal (09.12.97) the following day. Amongst other recommendations aimed at fostering greater understanding of Islam and Muslims in British society, Mr Todd recommended that: "We also need to make sure that within the education system there is the proper recognition of Islamophobia and how we should deal with religion and social issues in the National Curriculum. We also need to tackle the problem of recruiting more people from the ethnic minorities into the workplace. Exclusion of such people continues to keep them distanced and allows stereotypical prejudices to grow" (Newcastle-upon- Tyne Journal, 09.12.97, Q-News, 01.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 10]
Women A survey conducted in Scotland by the group of newspapers to which the Daily Jang belongs has concluded that there is considerable prejudice and discrimination against women who wear hijab. Respondents claim that they had been subjected to harassment at their place of work or study and in the street and that a few believed that their statement of Muslim identity in wearing the hijab had even been the cause of physical attacks. All the quotations from the research data are from respondents who wanted to remain anonymous and we are not told of the sample size or method of collection (Daily Jang, 09.12.87). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 10]
In February Leicester County Court will decide whether the women-only sessions held in two of the city's libraries are to be allowed to continue. A group of men's rights campaigners, called the Equality Squad, are bringing the case under the Sex Discrimination Act. They claim that the sessions allow women privileged access to the public library services, Edward Crabtree, a spokesman for the group said: "Men are fed up of paying for services and then finding themselves excluded from them. Libraries are the last preserve of equality where any member of the public can go. Now even that right has been taken away. It is only a matter of time before we have women-only parks because someone has been raped. It's sexual apartheid". The women-only sessions were partly introduced for Muslim women who keep purdah. Hajra Makda, a librarian at the Highfields branch, explained that all sorts of women benefited from the arrangement: "The sessions have been incredibly popular. They are attended by all kinds of excluded people: victims of domestic violence, women who are isolated from the community, girls whose parents would not let them attend mixed places. There are also lots of Hindu and Sikh women who attend because they find the climate more comfortable". The council continues to support the scheme. A spokesperson said, drawing an analogy: "There have been issues on which a minority demand has grown to become a majority preference; female doctors treating gynaecological patients, single-sex hospital wards and female swimming sessions" (Q-News, 01.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 10/11]
Eight girls aged between 14 and 19 from the Tipton Muslim Centre have launched their own rap cassette as part of a project (see BMMS for October 1997). The tape had the encouragement of Jubilee Arts in West Bromwich and was part of the Hamara project, which provides counselling and support for young Asian women (Birmingham Post, 20.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 11]
A self-help group for Asian women has been launched in Watford. The treasurer of the new group, called AWAAS (Asian Women's Association for Awareness and Support), Dilshad Bushra, said: "We want to provide a comfortable meeting place where women can feel safe to discuss health and family related issues. We want to make sure the needs of women living in two different cultures are recognised. We have organised a programme of events with education and information and including exercise and parenting skills. We hope this group will empower women to find solutions to their family's health needs and access services more effectively" (Watford Free Observer, 18.12.97). For more information on this project, contact Dilshad Bushra on 01923 246233. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 11]
Health Dr Majid Katme, who the Catholic Herald describes as "a Muslim spokesman on pro-life issues and medical ethics, and a representative of the Islamic Concern group" has spoken against the Bill tabled by Joe Ashton MP which seeks to protect doctors treating the terminally ill in ways which would shorten their lives. Dr Katme said: "Catholics and Muslims share very similar values. We need to be strong and to work together against those forces that are attacking family values. A lot of Muslims are inspired by the values they find in the Catholic Church. Life is sacred and only God, the Creator of all, is the only owner of life. This is a well established belief in Islam, Christianity and Judaism. What we should be doing is establishing more hospices and using the best medical technology in pain relief. We need an action plan to save our society from immorality. Our two faiths must have better co-ordination and communication" (Catholic Herald, 12.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 11]
Mosques & Burials An application for permission to convert a derelict factory in Richmond Hill Street, Accrington into a mosque and madrasa has been made to Hyndburn Council. The plans include industrial and retail units on the ground floor and an indoor sports and fitness centre on the fourth floor. Munsaf Dadd, secretary of the Accrington Central Mosque, explained that these were long term plans: "This application is at a very early stage. Our main concern is to make the building secure and stop children getting in and vandalising it...However, you are talking about a very large sum of money which would be needed to turn it into an Islamic and teaching centre. At the moment there is no-one to provide us with such money and no prospect of it being made available in the near future" (Accrington Observer, 28.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 11]
Following advice from Aylesbury police, Aylesbury Vale Racial Equality Council and the district council, a new form of election for a mosque committee was held at Aylesbury Mosque in Havelock Street ' which has been the site of factionalism and violence in the past (see BMMS for January and March 1997). For the first time, non-Pakistanis were able to stand as candidates. There were 59 candidates from five groups, which were: Raja llyas Khan's Group, the British Muslims Group, Raja Tazim Khan's Group, the Pashtun Association group and the Rawalpindi-Lahore Group. The chair of the election board, Nazar Mohammad said that the wider background of candidates was an indication of the Muslim community's maturity: "This means that recent converts to Islam and Muslims from other backgrounds and origins have been welcomed as equals by the Muslim community of Aylesbury" (Bucks Herald, 26.11.97). Any adult Muslim living in the Aylesbury district was entitled to vote or stand in the election (Bucks Advertiser, 28.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 11]
There is controversy over a council grant of £150,000 given to Birmingham's Central Mosque as part support for lottery funding of £2.5 million which the mosque is hoping to get for sports facilities. Making the award, the chair of the Single Regeneration Board, Councillor Raghib Ahsan, said: "We have supported this project because the Birmingham Sports Centre is not well used by Moslem women. They are very reluctant to go there". However, Councillor John Lines (Conservative) criticised it as a waste of public money, saying it represented a duplication of facilities. A spokesperson for the council's leisure department welcomed the plans for the Muslim Sports Centre and denied that it was unnecessary duplication. He said: "A new facility at the Mosque would be in a unique position to open up sporting opportunities to certain groups, such as Moslem women, where participation rates are particularly low. Supporting the bids is a way of attracting extra lottery funding to Birmingham and providing additional leisure facilities at no cost to the city council" (Birmingham Evening Mail, 11.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 11/12]
Bradford's Council for Mosques is campaigning to speed up the release of dead bodies so that they can be quickly sent to Pakistan for burial The leader of the group, Ghulam Rasool, said: 1n some cases it can be many days before it [the release of the body following the coroner's inquiry and other formalities] is resolved. When somebody in Pakistan finds out a loved one has died they can do nothing about it ... We have written too the MPs and also to Bradford Council leader John Ryan and we have had a meeting with the police. Members of the Muslim community only find out about the problem when somebody of theirs has died. It's not right. Bradford Coroner Roger Whittaker explained that by law the coroner had to make inquiries to see if an inquest was necessary before giving permission for a body to leave the country. He said: "It's not just a rubber-stamping exercise. Once the body has gone, it's gone so it needs to be addressed. Until there is a change in the law the coroner has to be involved" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 11.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 12]
There was a high turnout to vote in the mosque committee elections at the Jamia Mosque, Jubilee Road, High Wycombe at the end of November, in spite of very cold weather (see BMMS for March 1996). More than 1,240 votes were cast in the six-hour period from 9am. There were 25 members who were elected to serve on the committee for two years (Bucks Free Press, 05.12.97). The same article reports that on 1 December a steering committee was formed at a meeting held at Wycombe District Council to set up a twinning arrangement between the Wycombe area and Mirpur, an area from which many Pakistani Muslims in Britain have their origins. Its provisional name is the Wycombe and Mirpur Linking Association and it aims to promote friendship and understanding between the two areas. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 12]
A service offering emergency death certificates to Muslims and Jews on days when the registry office is closed has been introduced by Kingston Council. Both the Jewish and Muslim traditions require that the deceased be buried on the same day if possible to allow the process and customs of mourning to begin. Rabbi Stanley Coten of the Kingston, Surbiton and District synagogue welcomed the news. He said: "We are pleased to have such an understanding attitude from the borough and its officers. Our community can rest assured that at a moment of intense grief and vulnerability their religious requirements will be met" (Kingston, Surbiton & New Malden Times, 02.01.98). The arrangement followed a request by the local Muslim association. There will also be space set aside in the borough's cemeteries especially for children's graves (Esher & Elmbridge Guardian, 27.11.97, Kingston, Surbiton & New Malden Times, 28.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 12]
Q-News (01.01.98) reports that local Muslims are angry at the decision to call in the local government ombudsman concerning planning permission for a mosque and community centre in Shadwell, Leeds (see BMMS for April and November 1997). Some residents object to the proposals on the ground of noise, traffic congestion and environmental disturbance. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 12]
The leaders of the new mosque in Leyton High Road, the Tawheed Mosque (see BMMS for January and November 1997), claim that the mosque's presence is reducing crime, particularly drug-related activities in the area. Mosque spokesperson War Ashraf said he did not attribute this only to spiritual power: -What we're noticing is that as the area has become busier and people are attending the mosque and passing down the High Road the pushers have gone away. It would be nice if it was [the power of prayer which kept the drug-pushers away] but I don't think I'd go as far as saying that. You'd find that mosques generally would have the same effect, because they make the community busier" (Leytonstone Guardian, 18.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 12]
An application for change of use was recently submitted to Camarthenshire County Council to turn an old shop in Station Road, Llanelli into an Islamic community centre. Speaking on behalf of the applicants, Dr Mohammad Rahman of the Swansea Community Centre said: "There will be an Islamic Community Centre and mosque, and things are going on with people praying there already. The centre will also provide for Islamic children and activities for elderly people. Until now these people have had to travel all the way into Swansea for this, but now they can go in Llanelli' (Burry Port Star, 18.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 12]
A Muslim prayer centre in Camden has been given a three-month trial period. Camden Councils original plan was that the centre, run by the Bengali Residents' Association, would be located under the flats at Edward Bond House in Cromer Street whilst repairs to their more permanent premises in Sandfield were carried out. However, following complaints about lack of local consultation, the period was reduced to three months initially. The chair of the Bengali Residents Association, Mr Abdul Gofer said that, following a meeting with councillors, council officers and residents, it had been decided that the prayer centre would not open before midday in order to minimise any disturbance. He explained: "It's very important for us to have a centre where we can build strong community links and the work we do with young people will help make the area quieter" (Camden New Journal, 11.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 12/13]
On Friday 12 December worshippers at the East London Mosque in Whitechapel formed a human chain around the building as a protest against a proposed development next to the mosque (see BMMS for October and November 1997). At one point the protesters had to be moved on by the police as they were blocking Whitechapel Road. The members of the East London Mosque are opposed to flats being built next door to their place of worship as the development would frustrate their own plans for future expansion and cause security problems. They are supported in their opposition to the plans by various local community groups, including the local synagogue (East London Advertiser, 18.12.97). Subsequently, the East London Advertise (23.12.97) reported that a number of the council's development sub-committee and employees of Ballimore, the property developers, had received anonymous threatening letters and phone calls. Councillor Ala Uddin, chair of the development committee, said: 1, personally, have not been threatened ... but it is something we will not tolerate in a democratic society. If people want to get nasty and start threatening us we'll find them and they'll be dealt with by the appropriate authorities". Negotiations continue between the mosque committee, Ballimore and the local council. A decision was not expected until some time in the New Year. One solution being discussed is that Ballimore might sell the adjoining land to the mosque. The Jewish Chronicle (02.01.98) gives more detail concerning the objections of the neighbouring synagogue to the proposed flats. Nathaniel Roos, vice-president of the Fieldgate Street Great Synagogue, complained about the lack of consultation. He said: "We have been here for 98 years and hope to celebrate our centenary. We are the only viable Jewish community left in the East End. We should have been told". Referring to relations with the neighbouring mosque, he said: `We are good neighbours. They are always very respectful. They are the ones who told us about the development plans". The president of the mosque, Jack Gayer said: "Our main worries are security and damage from building operations. This [a proposal to create an access alleyway between the synagogue and the mosque] would give shelter to muggers and burglars. If public access is necessary, we would prefer a wide, well-lit street". The Catholic newspaper, the Tablet (03.01.98) also carries an editorial article sympathetic to those opposed to the Ballimore development, explaining that TELCO (The East London Communities Organisation) was launched in the presence of Cardinal Basil Hume and has as one of its aims uniting Christians, Muslims and Sikhs at the local community level. It further explains that TELCO is part of a network of national community groups set up by the Citizen Organising Foundation, COF. COF grew out of a movement allied to the ideas of liberation theology and founded in the 1940's in the United States by Saul Alinsky. A spokesperson for the UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs said: ..It is not just a piece of land we are fighting for, it is the heart and soul of our community" (East London Advertiser, 04.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 13]
The AI-Jalal Islamic Society will have to prove that it has used its premises at 341 Biscot Road continuously for ten years if it is to be allowed to continue to hold prayers there, as it has been discovered that it does not have council permission to use the building as a place of worship. The AI-Jalal Islamic Society has also applied for permission to extend the mosque to provide front and rear entrances, together with toilet and washing facilities (Luton News, 26.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 13]
A pilot scheme to facilitate weekend burials is to be implemented in Newcastle (see BMMS for November 1997). This follows a number of requests for such a service, particularly from Muslims. Councillor Kevin Jones, chair of the public health committee of the council explained: "Traditionally, burials take place a number of days after death. But within the Muslim corn unity the m requirement is that the burial should take place as soon as possible after death, and where death occurs on a Friday, delaying the burial until the following Monday can be very distressing to the community "(Newcastle Herald & Post, 26.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 13]
Permission has finally been granted to the Muslim Community Education Centre (MCEC) to build a mosque and various community facilities on the land they own which comprises the Oakthorpe Road Sports Ground in Palmers Green (Enfield Advertiser, 03.12.97, Enfield Independent, 03.12.97, Enfield Gazette, 04.12.97), (see BMMS for April and May 1997). They have offered to sell the freehold of 69 percent of the land to the council which it could use as playing fields for nearby schools (Enfield Advertiser, 03.12.97). The Conservatives on the council had opposed the mosque plans on the grounds that the borough needed to keep as much open space as possible. However, the Labour leader of the council, Jeff Rodin said: "This is hypocrisy beyond belief. When the Tories were in control they had no hesitancy in selling off council-owned land. But now Councillor Neville [leader of the Conservative group on Enfield Council] is trying to cloak himself as a defender of green open spaces" (Enfield Independent, 03.12.97). The chair of the Palmers Green and Southgate Muslim Community education Centre has written an open letter thanking all the local residents who supported the planning application. Nasim Saddiqi, the chair, pointed out that: "...our scheme will give 70 per cent of it [the sports ground] to the council for use by the community, at considerable financial cost to this charity organisation. None of the previous owners of the land were willing to give so much to the community, (Enfield Advertiser, 10.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 13/14]
Following a seven-year long campaign by the Romford Islamic Education Trust and local Councillor Mills, the council in Romford has finally agreed to a separate burial ground for Muslims. The Trust has also set up a multilingual hot-line and racial Incident Panel in Havering for recording incidents of racial abuse and harassment (Daily Jang, 08.01.98). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 14]
Although the decision to convert St Arin's Working Men's Club into a mosque and day nursery was postponed a week to allow for a site visit to take place (Rotherham Advertiser, 05.12.97), it was eventually approved, subject to certain restrictions (Barnsley Star, 04.12.97, Rotherham Advertiser, 05.12.97). The conditions are that there should be no externally broadcast calls to prayer and that extra parking must be provided. The Eastwood Community Association, amongst others had made vociferous objections. The council considered that some of the objectors were motivated by racial prejudice, and the Rotherham Advertiser (05.12.97) said that: "The Planning Committee dismissed the objections as bad tempered and irrelevant". [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 14]
On 10 December Wiltshire County Council passed a motion giving Swindon's Islamic Association a deadline of ten weeks to finalise the purchase of the site of the former Queenstown school in Turl Street (see BMMS for November 1997). If negotiations were not well under way by 27 February, then the council plans to put the 13 acre site on the open market. The price approved by the government was £267,500, which is believed to be half the market price (Swindon Evening Advertiser, 11.12.97, Western Daily Press, 12.12.97).
Plans for refurbishment of the mosque in Park Lodge Lane, Eastmoor, Wakefield have been approved by Wakefield Council.7lie firm of architects are Neil Bowen Architects, who designed the Bilal mosque in Leeds (see BMMS for April and June 1997), and the Madni Muslim Girls School in Dewsbury. The building work, which includes a new upper storey, domes and minarets, will take about six months (Wakefield Express Horbury, Wakefield Express Ossett, 11.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 14]
Some of the neighbours of the Islamic Education Centre at 26A Mansfield Road have received what they say is a threatening letter from the centre's solicitors, saying that, unless they let the centre's building workers into their gardens to erect scaffolding, the centre will take them to court to force them to do so. Frank Summers, whose house backs onto the centre, said: "My next door neighbour, an 80_yearold woman living on her own, got one of these [letters]. We're concerned with the threatening nature of the language being used by a supposedly charitable organisation". Residents had called the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 25 September after workmen, starting from inside the centre, started knocking out the original walls and the roof, which contains asbestos. The HSE has insisted that scaffolding be erected if the centre intends to continue with the work and the centre say that to do so they need access via their neighbours' gardens. Mahmood Qureshi, secretary of the centre, said: `We asked if we could use their gardens before we started the work. The reason why we started working from the inside was because they wouldn't let us into their gardens. Now we know this is impossible and we must put up scaffolding to make everything safe. The work should only take four or five weeks and we promise we will cause as little disruption as possible, and pay for any damage we do cause. We're not trying to scare anybody with court orders - it's just we must make the structure safe, and we can't unless our neighbours let us in. It's a Catch-22 situation" (Walthamstow Guardian, 27.11.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 14]
Opposition continues on the part of groups of local residents to the plans for a mosque and Islamic centre at the top of Berry Avenue, Watford (see BMMS for August 1996). Residents were told that the mosque would have a community centre open to all but that alcohol and non-halal meat would be banned. A member of the North Watford Residents Action Group, Kevin Field, commented: We have restrictions before the thing is even built. What happens when we hold functions where we want to drink alcohol? Obviously we respect the Islamic faith, but it is misleading to say this mosque is something for the whole community" (Watford Observer, 19.12.97). [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 14/15]
Q-News (01.01.98) reports that good progress is being made on the building of the Wolverhampton Central Mosque (see BMMS for May and November 1997). The first phase has been completed, at a cost of £588,000. There are two further phases, which are expected to cost around £500,000 each. Funds for the mosque are being raised both in Britain and overseas. [BMMS December 1997 Vol. V, No. 12, p. 15]
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