|
British Muslims Monthly Survey for October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10
Features Merton Council challenges race laws
Reports
Community Madina Teaching Centre proposal Charity Commission investigates centre Prayer room plans for City Hall Old Trafford Centre goes ahead Community to tackle drugs problem Fund-raising for flood victims Islamic Centre’s gift to hospital Bangladeshi’s call for visa office
Education Birmingham schools funding discussions University holds lectures in pub
Politics
Racism
Women Women assert right to education
Youth
Interfaith Bath call to prayer controversy Dialogue between Jews and Nation of Islam
Halal
Health Attempt to stop ‘back street’ circumcisions
Employment
Mosques & Burials Sheffield, Sharrow, Wolseley Rd
FEATURES Following the Iranian government’s withdrawal of support for the death sentence on Salman Rushdie (see British Muslims Monthly Survey for January, February, March, April and September 1998), the Foreign Secretary Robin Cook is looking to build relations with Iran and the Muslim world, saying that both sides need to "break down stereotypes and erase mistrust" (Jewish Chronicle, 16.10.98). Speaking at the Ismaili Centre in London, Cook addressed members of Britain’s Islamic community, saying that new trade and investment opportunities would open up now that there was no threat on Rushdie’s life, and this also meant that they would "be able to work together on the common challenges that face us both." He also said he hoped Britain’s Muslim community would support and participate in diplomatic relations, which would be beneficial to the way in which Islam is represented in foreign policy (Aberdeen Press & Journal, 02.10.98, The Times, 08.10.98). Following the speech on October 8th, which is printed in full in Q News (15.10.98, No.297), Muslim News (30.10.98), reports on an exclusive interview given to them in which he repeats his call for more dialogue and understanding between the Muslim world and the West. He said: "One of the most fundamental challenges facing us as we enter the next century is making sure that we can find a way in which the Western world, the European world and the Islamic world can live in harmony, understanding each other and working together." In the interview he is reported to have called for more exchanges of professionals, teachers and artists between the two cultures, he condemned those who were creating enmity between Islam and the West and he encouraged a dialogue with Muslim countries. As far as he was concerned, the issue of the fatwa against Salman Rushdie had been resolved with the Iranian government. Mr Cook believes that the Muslim community in Britain has an important role to play in this process of dialogue. Responding to the statements, Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "It is heartening to note that there is now this long overdue recognition of the contribution of the British community and we will continue to play the role whereby the relation- ship between Britain and Muslim countries remains at best level … We would be able to discharge our responsibilities in a very positive way if only there is a recognition of our ethos and areas where the community is very specifically targeted – religious discrimination and matters relating to sacrilege." [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 1]
Newspaper reports have continued with Muslims still asking Rushdie to apologise for his book The Satanic Verses (see BMMS for January, February, March, April and September 1998), and saying that the fatwa, being irrevocable, could still be carried out (Q-News 01.10.98, Eastern Eye 02.10.98, Bucks Examiner 02.10.98, Metro Evening Standard 16.10.98, The Guardian 16.10.98). Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, leader of the Muslim Parliament, has been referred to most often, and has been quoted as saying: "Under these circumstances, Rushdie and his friends’ glee over the agreement is a little premature. Rushdie may also have lost an historic opportunity of returning to a normal life by refusing to apologise for hurting the feelings of the Muslim community worldwide" (Chesham Bucks Examiner, 02.10.98). However, there are also reports by Muslims who doubt whether these views are representative of the whole Muslim community. Dr Zaki Badawi, of the Muslim College, said: "Mr Rushdie’s freedom is a very good development. I hope that it will be the beginning of the end of this affair. However, some Muslims in Britain do not want it to end because the affair was their life-blood." He also said that this affair did more damage to the image of Muslims, and created more public hostility towards them: "The truth of the matter is that when Rushdie was incarcerated, so was the Muslim community" (The Tablet, 03.10.98). In the same line, Ziauddin Sardar wrote an article for the New Statesman (02.10.98) titled "You’ve imprisoned us, Mr Rushdie", saying that the whole affair "fuelled western prejudices against Muslims." Referring to his book Distorted Imagination, written in reply to The Satanic Verses, Sardar repeated "that freedom of expression is a one-way street", as no-one wanted to publish this book, despite having had many of his other books published. "The Rushdie affair had no place for reasoned Muslim opinion. It was structured on the assumption that those who question Rushdie’s right to say what he said are barbarians. Thus, the only Muslim opinion sought was extremist and supported the fatwa." Members of Britain’s Muslim community met with Derek Fachett, the Foreign Office Minister, on 20 October, pressing their case for the banning of The Satanic Verses for the offence and hurt it had caused. However, the Foreign Office Minister reiterated the governments view that they would not urge the book to be withdrawn as this would go against Britain’s tradition of freedom of speech, despite the admission, and the apparent regret, by Robin Cook of the offence the book caused Muslims (Glasgow Herald 21.10.98, Aberdeen Press & Journal, 21.10.98). The Muslim News (30.10.98) contrasted this with the news of the recalling of over 250,000 copies of the latest issue of the comic Wolverine, which is said to have contained "anti-Semitic slur", and on the banning of a book in France in early October, which pictured on the cover a topless woman hanging on a crucifix, because it "strongly shocks religious sentiment." A survey conducted by Q News, asking Muslims their views on the Rushdie subject, showed that most respondents still support the fatwa, although less were likely to kill Rushdie themselves. They also felt that the Rushdie affair was far from over (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 1/2]
Merton Council challenges race laws Merton Council will renew its application for a judicial review, to challenge the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), that a British National Party (BNP) member cannot be prosecuted for distributing racist material, because the offending material was against Muslims (amongst others: Evening Standard 23.10.98, Putney & Wimbledon Times 23.10.98, Evening Times 24.10.98, Teletext 27.10.98, Leicester Mercury 27.10.98, The Times 28.10.98, The Daily Telegraph 28.10.98, The Guardian 28.10.98, Worcester Evening News 02.11.98). The CPS argued that Muslims, being a religious rather than an ethnic group, cannot be covered by Part III of the Public Order Act 1986, which prohibits the possession, publication and distribution of racially inflammatory material. Merton Council began the case in January 1997, after reporting to police the racist activities of the BNP towards worshippers attending a mosque, converted from a dairy factory. Geoffrey Robertson, QC for the Council, had told the judge: "There has been a campaign in which offensive posters and stickers have been placed in and around the area of the mosque and in the civic centre. Muslims going to prayer at the mosque have been subjected to verbal abuse and spat upon." However, the CPS said that although they had considered the case and the material was considered "offensive and threatening", Muslims were not covered by the Race Relations Act 1976, and so the BNP could not be prosecuted. Mr Robertson said: "This means that around two million Muslims, citizens of this country, are not protected" (The Guardian, 28.10.98). Merton Council Leader, Cllr Mike Brunt, said: "This represents a unique opportunity to extend the law against racial harassment to protect Muslims. This matter has never been tested in court – and I believe it is about time that Muslims enjoyed the same protection under the act as others. The council has a duty under the Race Relations Act 1976 to stop unlawful race discrimination" (Putney & Wimbledon Times, 23.10.98). Jews and Sikhs are already under the protection of the race laws, as earlier cases deemed them to be considered racial groups. One lawyer said: "You’re left with the absurd situation that you can be as rude as you wish against Muslims but you’re not allowed to abuse Jews or Sikhs" (The Guardian, 28.10.98). The first review was rejected by Mr Justice Tucker, but Merton Council is expected to make a new application before two or three High Court judges. Sheila Knight, the deputy leader of the council, said: "I am extremely disappointed the High Court has not taken this opportunity to investigate…a review would have afforded a unique opportunity for an in-depth look at the act" (The Guardian, 28.10.98). Following the outcome of the Merton case, members of the Three Faiths Forum, which represents Muslims, Jews and Christians, met with Mike O’Brien, the Race Equality Minister, to discuss greater protection for Britain’s two million Muslims (Birmingham Post, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 2]
Reports
Community Brent District Authority’s new chief executive, Gareth Daniel, has ordered an inquiry into the way council’s scrutiny committee investigated the 1997 Eid festival (see BMMS for September 1998). The committee voted for no action to be taken to find out what happened to money given by shop-keepers and voluntary organisations for last years Eid festival, which overspent £3,042 (Wembley Observer, 01.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 2]
Two youths were sentenced for their part in the knife attack that led to the death of teenager Imran Khan (see BMMS For March and June 1998). Colin and Craig Gilmour, aged 17, were originally charged with murder, but these charges were dropped, and after a 15-day trial, the jury convicted Colin of attempted murder, and he was ordered to be detained for seven years. His brother was convicted of slashing another Asian youth and given two years detention. However, the controversy continues, as local councillor Muhammad Shoaib called on the Procurator Fiscal to order a public inquiry into Imran’s death at Glasgow’s Victoria Infirmary from a blood infection apparently contracted while he was recovering from the knife wounds (Scottish Mirror, 15.10.98). MP Mohammed Sarwar is one of a number of public figures calling for an inquiry which they wish to be widened to include issues concerning rising racial and religious tensions in the city and the failure to counteract youth racism (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
Madina Teaching Centre proposal The Madina Teaching Centre which teaches children, aged between six and sixteen, to speak their mother tongue, has hopes to move into new premises, with the aim of building a community centre on the same site. Mr Shahzad, secretary of the teaching centre and co-ordinator of the steering group said: "We needed a new teaching centre, but there is no community centre for the area. So half of the land will go to each facility. The council is supporting us, and I am hoping that the council will give us some money towards the move of the teaching centre, which would help us." The centre needs to raise £424,000 to build the two facilities (Rochdale Observer, 26.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
Charity Commission investigates centre The Langley Green Islamic Centre, a registered charity, was investigated by the Charity Commission after there were delays in holding elections for the committee. Jarved Quasi, committee general secretary, said there was a rift between the younger and older members of the centre, as the younger ones wanted more change. Because it took a long time to organise the elections, the younger members decided to take things into their own hands, and wrote to the commission. A spokesperson for the Charity Commission said: "The commission received complaints about this charity and evaluated these complaints and has found nothing to substantiate the complaints" (Crawley News, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
Many local communities have staged events to educate the general public on the values and beliefs of Muslims. Youths in Bradford used the slogan "Islam is all about peace" for their events, which were aimed at Muslims as much as non-Muslims. There were talks, a book fair, and a family day, as well as a mass clear-up operation, organised by the Young Muslims (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 12.10.98 and 19.10.98). In Grimsby a talk and dinner were organised by the Islamic and Muslim societies of Britain, with guest speaker professor Z. Al-Najjar (Grimsby Evening Telegraph, 03.10.98 and 09.10.98). East London Mosque is also staging an awareness week with exhibitions across the borough in shops, libraries and supermarkets (East End Life, 12.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
Muslim communities in Brent, along with Brent Council, organised a Muslim Friendship Day, to encourage neighbourliness and sharing in the community. The Mayoress of Brent praised the local Muslim community and the schools, youth workers, local councillors and Muslim organisations, that helped organise the event. The festival had various stalls and activities for children, and included a two and a half hour long concert with performers from different parts of the world. Yusuf Islam, one of the events organisers, sang several songs, and said: "It was hard-going but a great success" (Q News, 01.10.98, No.296). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
The Islamic Cultural Centre held a ‘Discover Islam’ exhibition, which displayed a range of arts and crafts from the Muslim world. A Kiswah, the cloth covering the Ka’aba, was at the centre of the display, which was surrounded by miniature models, amongst them the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina. There was a large collection of Qur’ans, as well as calligraphy by Mohammad Abu Mustafa and Salah Al-Moussawy. There were also displays showing the parallels between Islam and modern science (Q News, 01.10.98, No.296). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
Awaaz (01.10.98), reports on the completed Al-Hikmah Centre, which has taken two years to transform. The Indian Muslim Welfare Community (IMWS) bought the site, which was falling apart, in 1996 and has invested £1.6 million in restoring the old building and creating a new one. The IMWS also appeared in the Batley News (08.10.98), writing a letter against accusations of "alleged inconsistency by Kirklees Council in refusing permission for a house in the grounds of Hyrstlands, Track Road, Batley." The letter goes on to say that "the society went to great lengths to protect the character of this historically important building and its surroundings", and that the centre is for the whole community, creating jobs and giving training for people to progress into further education or jobs. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
A disused sports centre in West Hendon, which has been converted into a multi-cultural centre, is set to have its opening day in November. The centre will be used by Muslims, Christians and Hindus. The Barnet African and Caribbean Association, Barnet Asian Old People’s Association and Barnet Somali Community Group, are moving into the building to prepare for the opening (Hendon & Finchley Times, 01.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3]
Prayer room plans for City Hall Plans to open a prayer room for staff at Bradford City Hall have been blasted by Conservative members, because they believe it will be a waste of public money. Conservative leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "I am quite happy that people should be able to practise their religious beliefs in their own time. But I do not think it is right that the Council should use taxpayers’ money to set up some kind of meditation centre. There is also very real concern that the so-called prayer room could be open to abuse." The news came after the introduction of the ‘stressbuster’ plan by the Council, after a Sheffield University survey indicated that more than 40 per cent of staff were suffering from stress. The room would cost around £3,000 to refurbish, and would be open for all religious groups to use (Bradford Star, 01.10.98). Councillor Diane Fairfax, the council’s Labour Group Acting Chief Whip, said: "The Council is committed to providing for the cultural religious needs of the people who use its buildings – including staff, members and visitors – and these considerations support the Code of Practice on Religious and Cultural Needs which we follow as a multi-faith employer." Ishtiaq Ahmed of the Bradford Council of Mosques, welcomed the proposals, and said it may encourage more Muslims to apply for local authority jobs: "What the Council is saying is that we care about our workforce. There is a tendency for Muslims not to apply for such posts because ‘it’s not for them’. Hopefully they will now see that this is a local authority that encourages a diverse workforce" (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 3/4]
The Dundee Courier & Advertiser (09.10.98) has a profile of Dundee-based artist Sherhaz Afzal. He is a graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, and has had success as an illustrator, including a book on Muhammad Ali. From the beginning of 1999 he is hoping to start work on a book about Nelson Mandela. He draws much inspiration from both his Muslim and Pakistani heritage and has a fascination with the people and cityscape of his family’s native city of Lahore. As well as having visited Lahore a number of times, he has also visited Afghanistan. He is working on a book which he has written, designed and illustrated on the Islamic Architecture of Lahore, for which he has received scholarship awards. He states: "It [the book] has changed quite a bit along the way. I started out looking at the buildings and the city itself which has many beautiful aspects and points of historic and aesthetic interest but as I went along, I found I was photographing and drawing people. It adds another dimension, picturing faces, clothing and dress because it gives a flavour of the life of the place as well as the architecture." Afzal also lectures at the Faculty of Arts at Perth College. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 4]
A seminar was recently held at the town’s Natural Way Centre bookshop. The aim was to raise understanding about Islam through talks on family life, health, the environment and the status of women. The seminar was led by owners of the centre, Morris and Bahiya Ghent. Morris stated: "Islam is the exact opposite of an intolerant religion, which is how some people view it. That really hurts because we are here to help and not to condemn" (Keighley News, 09.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 4]
Q-News (01.10.98, No.296), has an article concerning a cartoon strip appearing in the Sun newspaper which is offensive to Muslims. The cartoon, called Psycops, has presented an Arab terrorist plot to annihilate the West. It refers to a group called the ‘Liberators of Palestine’ and the main villain is ‘Kibul Khan’ who retreats to a mountain to meet a demon called the ‘Messenger of Mohammed’. The cartoon appears to allude to the historical details of the Prophet’s retreat in which he received the revelation of the Qur’an. The cartoon writer, Peter Nash, stated: "The religious allusion is deliberate to allow a comparison with some of the writings in the Bible relating to Jesus and Moses - I don’t have much knowledge of Islamic history. The point of this is to show that Satan is a great deceiver and Kibul Khan cannot tell the difference." Mr Nash rejected the idea that his cartoon strip presented Muslim characters in a bad way. However, it appears that every Muslim character who is shown as religious is either a terrorist, a thief or a murderer. The features editor for the Sun said: "It’s not supposed to be political comment, it’s science fiction." [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 4]
Two thefts in Chingford and Walthamstow have been blamed on ‘mesmeric Muslims’. At an off-licence in Walthamstow, two women wearing yashmaks with two children, asked for a bottle of Bacardi and sweets. They gave the owner of the shop a £50 note, which he changed. They then said they did not want the drink and asked for their money back. The owner of the shop said his mind went blank and he gave them the £50 note and an additional £10 note. He said: "I was just frozen and had no idea where I was. I have never known anything like that in my 16 years in the business. There was some sort of spell on me." Later the same day, in Chingford, a similar event took place at a music shop where the owner returned the £50 note plus an additional £20 note (Chingford Guardian, 08.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 4]
Yeovil Town Council’s policy, resources and finance committee has voted in favour of allowing a grant to help the South Somerset Muslim Cultural Association pay for the hire of facilities for a Saturday club for local Muslim children. Labour councillor, John Grana, was against the decision saying: "Any religion is a personal thing and I don’t see that we should help finance any religious sect. It would just open up a whole can of worms and any religious organisation could ask for the same. They should sink or swim on their own efforts." However, Cllr Julian Freke stated: "This is a community thing and an effort to generate a better understanding of the Muslim way of life" (Yeovil Express & Star, 08.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 4]
In a letter to The Times (22.10.98), Muhammad Usamah, Education Officer of the Muslim Education Trust, states with regard to the prospective question on religion in a future census: "The usefulness of such a question is not…to inform religious bodies about their ‘supporters’ (See BMMS for August and September 1998). Rather, it is to help assess and address the needs of all sections of British society. The provision of social services, for example, might be improved if the sometimes different needs of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were not blurred by the label ‘Asian’." [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
Old Trafford Centre goes ahead Objections to a former bank being converted into a children’s welfare and educational centre, have been overcome, as Trafford development committee approved the proposal. There were objections that the centre, which would take up to thirty children, would create noise and traffic congestion, but planning chief Mike Crawley did not believe that the houses at the rear of the bank would be affected (Manchester Evening News 30.09.98, Q News 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
Sheffield council is likely to continue its support of the Pakistan Muslim Centre in Woodbourn Road (See BMMS for May, July, August and September 1998). A report which is due to go before councillors, states that a £68,000 rescue package given to the centre in July has been a success. Councillors are to be asked, however, to continue to underwrite the funding until long-term financial arrangements have been made. Liberal Democrats on the council had called into an external inquiry into the running of the centre but failed (Sheffield Star, 27.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
Saif Ahmad, chief executive of North London Muslim Housing Association, hopes to set up a scheme to provide 10,000 new homes in London’s East End, without the need for public funding. He believes that zakat paid by the Muslim community would be enough to pay for the scheme. He said: "I can justify helping the homeless from scripture. Once I can demonstrate this it will channel huge untapped resources" (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
Bournemouth Islamic Centre has failed in a bid to extend its premises to provide more classrooms, washing facilities, a prayer room and a library. The planning inspector believed the expansion would cause increased traffic congestion. He said: "When the premises are in full use, such as on Fridays, there is already severe pressure on the existing parking facilities and congestion at the access and in St Stephen’s Road … I have taken these and all other matters before me into account, but none outweigh the considerations which have led me to my decision." Osman Abubakr of the centre said: "We are not happy. We still feel that we’ve been discriminated against" (Bournemouth Daily Echo, 28.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
Staff at Kushboo Indian restaurant in Horley were amazed when they cut open a tomato to find the veins spelling the name of Allah. Chef Zakir Hussain, who cut the tomato, said: "I have never seen anything like it in my life. It really is a miracle." Despite this, he said they had no plans to stop selling alcohol, as it was feared doing so would loose them trade (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
A mother who was attending her four year old son on a motorway hard shoulder, was killed instantly after being hit by a Fiat Uno. Her son died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Police believe the woman in the Uno had a sneezing fit, and ran into 32 year-old, Mrs Yasmin Zalam. A spokesperson for the Gloucestershire Police said: "Ironically, they were only a few miles from the Michealwood services area where they could have stopped in safety. It was no more than a five-minute drive" (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
The Imam of the mosque on All Saints’ Rd, Gloucester, gave an interview to Sheila Patel of the Stroud Citizen (22.10.98). It gives an example of a typical day for the Imam, starting with morning prayers, at this time of year, at 6am. His day includes reciting the Qur’an, which he knows by heart; leading congregational prayers at the mosque; meditating; teaching young students the basics of Islam and how to memorise the Qur’an; giving advice to members of the community on various religious and social matters; and visiting the sick. Amongst his other duties are marriage and funeral services, and teachings adults in private classes. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
A new project between Channel Four and a major production company, began filming in Southall, Hounslow and Chiswick, at the end of October. The film, called East is East, stars Om Puri, a well known Indian film star, and is centred around the Muslim community in the early 1970s. Asian extras were advertised for, and would be paid £25 for adults, and £15 for children (Brentford, Chiswick & Isleworth Times, 23.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5]
An Access Services Unit (ASU) set up last year has been hailed a success. The unit, based in Birmingham Street, is part of Sandwell Muslims Organisation which looks to provide services to the Pakistani Muslim community. The scheme hoped to help raise awareness of welfare, education and employment services. Mohammed Sakhi, ASU Welfare Rights Advisor, said: "We are trying to tackle inappropriate provision and encourage people to take up services." In the long term, it is hoped that the ethnic communities will move from the periphery and into mainstream life (Sandwell Chronicle, 23.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 5] Community to tackle drugs problem Increasing concerns over drug problems amongst youths is leading the Asian community in Dewsbury to set up schemes to combat the problem. Councillor Mohammed Razaq, a chief probation officer, is becoming more and more concerned, following reports that drug related problems are tearing families apart. He said that these problems are a relatively new concept for Asian families to deal with: "In the last three or four years problems with addiction in the Dewsbury and Batley area have soared. For young people brought up in strict Muslim households it is difficult as they have to respect their traditional family values and rules but also have the wider society to deal with when they go out to school college or work." He added that it was difficult for Asian parents to understand fully what the addiction means because of their lack of the English language. Asian leaders agreed that a positive move would be to introduce more sports to the disillusioned, unemployed and bored youngsters (Dewsbury Reporter, 23.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6]
Fund-raising for flood victims The Bangladeshi community of Loughborough has been raising cash for the victims of floods in Bangladesh. The group started their collections in the market place, and moved to house to house collections for clothes, shoes and toys. The Al-Nisaa group held a sale of old and new clothes to help raise funds (Loughborough Echo, 23.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6]
Islamic Centre’s gift to hospital The Husseini Islamic Centre raised over £1,400 in six weeks, which will be given to the maternity unit Peterborough District Hospital. The money will be used to buy life-saving equipment for babies, including foetal heart detectors. Zulfikar Manji, from the centre, said: "The project was started during the Islamic month of Muharram when we observe the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in Kerbala. As the tragedy of Kerbala included Imam Hussain’s six-month-old baby, the donation to the maternity unit seemed the perfect choice" (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 28.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6]
Bangladeshi’s call for visa office Efforts are being made by the British Bengali community to establish a British Deputy High commission in Sylhet, Bangladesh, after a meeting held on the subject in the House of Commons. Presently, the nearest high commission is in Dhaka, and making the trip can cost families six months wages. Keith Best, Chief Executive of the Immigration Advisory Service, said: "We must remember and honour our links with the Commonwealth – Bengalis fought with us to make Europe free from tyranny. As British citizens, taxpayers and contributors to our society they have the right to expect that the government also recognises that they have close family links with Bangladesh which should not be impeded." Richard White, the head of Immigrations and Visas in the UK, said that due to lack of resources, there were no plans to open a Deputy High Commission in Sylhet (Muslim News, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6]
A clash involving Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, in Slough, resulted in a man’s hand being cut off with a sword. The clash is said to have started after a minor traffic incident. A car was smashed, three people were treated for serious injuries, and it was not known if the hand could be re-attached by surgeons. Two Muslims were arrested (News of the World, 01.11.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6]
Threatening letters have been sent to worshippers of two east London mosques, one at Lea Bridge Rd, and the other in Leyton. The author of the letters says he hates all Muslims and will shoot anyone going to the mosques, including children. Mosque officials played down the letters, but said they would increase vigilance. The letters themselves have been sent for forensic examination by the police (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6]
Education The Islamic College of Advanced Studies has been officially opened in Wisden Green, London (see BMMS for March 1998). It was founded in 1996 and its principal is Dr M. Esmail Mesbahi. One of the aims of the school is: "to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their academic strengths in an environment which will not require them to compromise their religious principles." Initially the college hopes to enrol 35 students into the first year A-level course and 15 students into its BA course. There are four departments for the A-level courses, Mathematics, Management, Science and Humanities. Fees for the A-level programme are £2,000. The Bachelor of Islamic Studies course has a modular structure and fees are £3,500 per year. Dr Mesbahi said: "Muslims must prove that their schools can succeed. When this happens there will be no more government discrimination" (Q News, 01.10.98, No.296). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6]
Birmingham schools funding discussions Ibrahim Hewitt, development officer for the Association of Muslim Schools, has written a letter to the Times Education Supplement (TES) complaining about statements made by Birmingham councillor James Hutchings in a previous issue of TES on 25th September (see BMMS for September 1998). Cllr Hutchings is reported to have stated that discussions concerning an aided Muslim secondary school in Birmingham were "building apart- heid". Mr Hewitt states in his letter: "This is a wholly inappropriate use of an emotive word, suggesting as it does state-enforced discrimination and separate but unequal development. Any Muslim school within the state system would offer parents of all faiths and none a choice that doesn’t exist at the moment .... Nobody would or could be forced to attend such a school, as the word ‘apartheid’ implies, and for Mr Hutchings to say that ‘social unrest’ would result suggests an agenda beyond the usual brief of an education spokesman ..." (TES, 09.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 6/7]
A leading authority on independent religious schools in the UK has predicted that there will be no rush to establish grant-maintained Muslim schools, despite funding being given to Al-Furqan school in Birmingham and Islamia in London (see BMMS for December 1997, January, February and September 1998). Dr Geoffrey Walford, reader in education policy at Oxford University, has stated that only a few of the 60 private Muslim schools are likely to receive funding. He states: "At present there are only about five other Muslim schools in England that would have a reasonable chance of becoming GM - mainly because the others lack financial and physical resources. Sponsored GM schools must meet 15 per cent of their building costs. The vast majority of Muslim children will continue to attend non-Muslim schools. This may be due to necessity, as there may be no Muslim schools nearby, or because parents and children may believe that a non-Muslim school is preferable." Only two per cent of Muslim children attend private religious schools (TES, 09.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 7]
The new director of the Exeter University’s new Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies is to be Professor Tim Niblock (Devon Western Morning News, 17.10.98). Subsequently, two further posts for Chairs have been advertised, one for Islamic studies and the other for Arabic Studies. These posts have been created following the availability of endowment funds to the Institute. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 7]
Brother and sister, Iskander Yusof, aged 12 and Noraisha Yusof, aged 16, have just begun maths courses at Warwick University, making them the youngest siblings to enrol at university. Their 14 year old sister, Sufiah, is just beginning her second year at Oxford and their four year old sister Zuleika is expected to pass her maths A-level by the age of six. The family are devout Muslims and follow a strict daily regime (Guardian, 06.10.98). Their parents, Farooq from Pakistan and Halimahton from Malaysia, gave up their jobs to help their children’s academic pursuits (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297, Daily Mail, 16.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 7]
Participants in the launch of an interfaith initiative by Jewish and Muslim students were denounced by members of Al-Muhajiroun (See BMMS for January, August and September 1998). The Calamus Maimonides student forum was launched at University College London but the event was disrupted by 25 members of Al-Muhajiroun, one of whom said: "We don’t believe in this type of dialogue, or any co-operation with the Jews." Omar Bakri Mohammed is reported to have said that his group were going to defy the National Union of Students policy of denying it a campus platform. He has stated: "Banning us means nothing. We are active under different names in societies all over the country. We have infiltrated Islamic societies at LSE, SOAS, Queen Mary’s and Westfield, UCL and Imperial College in London, as well as Cambridge and Durham. Oxford is very important and I hope we can get them too." The group is believed to be behind leaflets distributed at Manchester University calling the NUS a "tool of gays and Israelis". NUS president, Andrew Pakes, commenting on the leaflet said: "There are many different groups involved in NUS, some of which are gay and some Israeli, but we welcome any group that adds to positive student life. Al-Muhajiroun does not contribute to campus life or respect the rights of many students. Student unions must re-examine their equal opportunities policies because many societies don’t take Al-Muhajiroun seriously enough as a threat" (Jewish Chronicle, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 7]
A church school in Surrey, which rejected a Muslim applicant because he refused to shave his beard, changed its view after the case went to an Appeals Hearing. Tauseef Ul-Haq, aged 16, was originally given a place on the condition that he shaved his beard, but his father, who was adamant that wearing a beard is a religious duty, asked for a meeting with the governors to argue his case. Osama Daneshyar, an Islamic Human Rights Commission representative, who acted as an advisor to Mr Ul-Haq, said: "I asked the headmaster if he would ask a Jew to shave his beard before coming to the school. He said ‘yes’. I then informed him that because Jews are considered a racial group he would be breaking the law – this is clearly in contravention of the Race Relations Act. The school was saying: choose between a good education or your facial hair. So, in effect, Wilson’s school isn’t open to all faiths as it says in its brochure." Although the school backed down on their policy, Tauseef has decided not to take up his place at the school (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 7]
Plans for converting a house into a private Muslim school have been rejected by Newham Council. The house, in Hampton Road, Forest Gate, would have taught 40 five to eleven year olds, but the council feared the scheme would create too much noise and disturbance for other residents, and would also create parking and travel problems (City of London Recorder, 16.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 7]
Education bosses at Slough Borough Council are preparing plans for teaching seven to eleven year olds about Islam. Slough Council’s standing advisory council on religious education agreed that Islam should be taught in religious education classes. Schools would not be forced to teach the module, but a council spokesperson said: "We identified a need. Islam is not prescribed in the national syllabus but we felt it should be part of a local curriculum" (Slough & Langley Observer, 16.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 7] Muslims at Chilterns University College, Buckinghamshire, will be provided with rooms in Ramadan, where they will be able to pray and eat their own foods. This is the fourth year in a row that the rooms have been provided. Chauhdry Shafique, head of the college equal opportunities and community development department, said: "The provision of Halal is part of our way of responding to the wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds of students" (Bucks Free Press, 20.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 8]
University holds lectures in pub Shortage of space at Luton University resulted in some classes being held in a pub. Complaints were made by the Students’ Union, which said this move discriminated against groups such as Muslims, who were not allowed to drink. Steve Chadwick, the union’s education officer, said: "I think it’s disgraceful. Moslems cannot get into the establishment because of the liquor sold." Although the bar was strictly closed during the lessons, held in the pubs function room, Syed Rizvi, general secretary of the International Islamic Mission, said: "The university should provide some other place for Moslem students. I think the students are quite justified in their complaints." This was a temporary arrangement, as Lisa Dussek, the university’s media and communications officer, confirmed: "There were some courses run by the faculty of humanities which took place in the function room above Harvey’s. This is because we found we had more students than expected…As for Moslems, we encourage tolerance at this university and hoped we could all work together until the problem was resolved, which it just has been" (Luton On Sunday, 25.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 8]
Ibrahim Hewitt has written an article in the Muslim News (30.10.98), about the success of Muslims schools, which might not be outwardly obvious. He criticises school league tables for not being wholly representative, as they only take account of the percentage of pupils receiving 5 or more GCSE’s at grades A-C. "The fact that the students probably did not even sit GCSEs in five subjects, or that they may have grade As in the subjects they did sit does not matter." He then goes on to say why Muslim schools are successful. He says that the whole ethos of the school is an important part of the success of a school, and it is not just about academic success. The help and support from the community and especially the teachers at the school, have been an important factor in the success of Muslim schools: "Remember that the local state schools’ budgets are in many cases double that of the Muslim schools’ and you can begin to appreciate the hard work and dedication shown by the staff, pupils and parents at our schools. This alone is arguably a good enough reason to admit our schools to the state system forthwith." He recognises that Muslim schools still have a long way to go in their success, but "the success stories revealed by the latest GCSE results show what possibilities exist for Muslim schools." Muslim News has also printed an article on some of the Muslims who did well in their GCSE’s, from Muslim and mainstream schools. Among them is Tahera Rahim, aged 16, from Jack Hunt School, Peterborough, who achieved an A* in all of her 10 GCSE subjects (Muslim News, 30.10.98) [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 8]
Students who said they could not practise their religion properly at Bristol University, due to lack of facilities provided by the university, have been given a permanent room to pray (See BMMS for January and February 1998). Presently, a room has been provided by the students’ union for Friday prayers, but the university is now planning on spending £12,000 on refurbishing the room for everyday use. This includes redecorating the room and providing washing facilities for ablutions. A university spokeswoman said that they hoped the work on the room would be finished by January (Bristol Evening Post, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 8]
Politics A report, Extremism in Europe, has stated that so-called ‘Islamic fundamentalists’ are likely to pose the biggest threat to democracy in Britain. The author of the section on Britain, in the report, Michael Whine, stated: "Islamic terrorism has become a very much greater threat and if one looks forward it looks to be the biggest threat to safety and also to democracy." The report was published by the Paris-based European Centre for Research and Action on Racism and anti-Semitism and is funded by the European Commission (Birmingham Post, 17.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 8]
Members of the Nation of Islam took part in the 10,000 man march, organised by the Black United Front (BUF). The march marked the third anniversary of the million man march, first held in the US in 1995, which focused on the role of black men in society. The highlight of the march, held in Trafalgar Square on October 17th, was a pledge of unity which lasted 15 minutes, led by Nation of Islam Minister Michael Muhammad from the West London Mosque. The pledge included supporting black businesses, being good parents and renouncing the use of bad language (Weekly Gleaner, 21.10.98). Several speakers argued against the order banning the Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan, from entering Britain. The aim of the march was to be a day which marked atonement, reconciliation and responsibility and highlighted the rights of the black community. At a press conference before the march, a video was shown outlining the impact of Britain in black people including the slave trade and UK immigration in the 1940s and 1950s (Wembley & Brent Times, 22.10.98, Chiswick Gazette, 23.10.98, The Tablet, 24.10.98, The Voice, 26.10.98). Although the BUF said the march attracted near their aim of 10,000 people, police estimates put the figure at just over 2,000 (The Voice 12.10.98, Teletext, The Times, The Independent, 17.10.98, The Independent, The Mail On Sunday, 18.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 8/9]
Two men charged with plotting terrorist activities have been remanded in custody for six weeks, in what is said to be a complicated case (see BMMS for August and September 1998). The two London based Algerians have been linked with the Muslim group GIA. The first man, aged 34, was charged with possessing documents, cash and publications for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts. The second, 31, was charged with possessing documents, cash and false instruments for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts. There are expected to be delays in bringing the case back to court (Hounslow Borough Chronicle, 17.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 9] Makbool Javaid is taking libel action against several British newspapers which reported him as being a supporter of Usama bin Ladin and a member of "the London based fundamentalist group, al-Muhajiroun" (see BMMS for August 1998). The allegations started with a letter that was sent to the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, by the Jewish Board of Deputies, saying that these involvements were incompatible with the newly set up Race Relations Forum, to which Javaid was hoping to be appointed. Javaid has denied the allegations saying he was only involved with al-Muhajiroun as a legal observer, and would not have helped them if he had known of their support for terrorism: "I knew al-Muhajiroun as an organisation involved in a wide range of educational and social activities consistent with the promotion of Islam. I have never supported any form of violence, let alone terrorism" (The Times, 20.10.98). Speaking of the Board of Deputies he said: "It’s rich of the Board, which is not even accepted as a representative of the Jewish Community, telling an elected government how to conduct its business and dictating which voices from other communities are acceptable" (Q-News, 01.10.98). Javaid said he felt "completely destroyed" by the experience, and is worried about the damage it has done to his reputation. Javaid’s greatest triumph, the record award of £380,000 to Sam Yeboah for race discrimination against his former employer, was overshadowed by the allegations. He said: "I was thinking last week, look at that! It should be one of the greatest moments in my career but instead my career is threatened by these fantastic accusations" (The Times, 20.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 9]
Scottish MP Mohammed Sarwar is to stand trial at the High Court in Edinburgh on November 2 (Aberdeen Press & Journal, Scottish Mirror, The Scotsman, Cardiff Western Mail and The Yorkshire Post, 01.10.98, Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). The Labour MP for Glasgow Govan was served the indictment at his home on charges of fraud, attempting to pervert the course of justice and contravening a section of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (see BMMS for January, February, May and September 1998). He will stand trial along with another Glasgow businessman, Mumtaz Hussain, who is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. Sarwar has always maintained his innocence and a spokesman for the MP said: "Mr Sarwar confirms that the indictment has been served and is looking forward to the opportunity to clear his name" (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 01.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 9]
Q News (15.10.98, No.297) has a report and interview by Humera Khan on Baroness Pola Uddin of Bethnal Green which outlines her life and political and community interests and her expectations of a career in the House of Lords (See BMMS for June, August and September 1998). Responding to the question of whether she would represent the wider society or the Muslim community, she said: "I think it must be the latter. Of course I am a Labour peer and I think that it is important that I am part of the government. I will always be a Labour peer, in and out of government. I am also a Baroness of Bethnal Green which also represents a defined wider context. But I am who I am in the context that I am, the background that I bring and the experience that I bring. That will never go away in or out of government. There are dual responsibilities on us. I think Lord Ahmed and I cannot analyse whether we will be useful – I think that that will be very presumptuous but we’ve got ideas and we talk about it. There are lots of things that I’m involved in in which he will be interest- ed and visa versa. The House of Lords is a good place to discuss issues because you have to watch your language – it’s cordial, not adversarial." [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 9]
Racism Q-News (01.10.98) continues its reports on racism in the army, with two articles about soldiers who suffered discrimination (see BMMS for March, July and September 1998). Iftikhar Mirza, a former soldier, is seeking a judicial review in the High Court, for 14 years of suffering in the army. Following the internal inquiry into his accusations of racial and religious discrimination, both physical and mental, one soldier was jailed for 60 days and dismissed from the service. However, Mirza believes that racism is institutionalised in the Army, and will not change unless the Army admits to this widespread racism. He dismissed the Army’s attempt to recruit ethnic minorities as a farce, and is advising Muslims not to enrol in the armed forces because "the Army still thinks of Asians as colonials." The second report tells the story of Private Shahid Shah, who also faced a whole range of abuse. Still a soldier at Kineaton, Warwick- shire, he is waiting to hear the outcome of his two applications for transfers, where he is hoping that racism will be less prevalent. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 9]
Norma Siddiq, a convert to Islam, and her husband, Mahabub Siddiq, fear that racism may have made them victims of crime, which has driven them out of Aberdeen. When they first moved into their council flat they had a brick thrown through their window and more recently they found that their home had been burgled and ransacked. Norma said: "We are not really sure this has anything to do with racism but there is a possibility. We were the only ones in this block to have been broken into and the only ones to get a brick through our window" (Aberdeen Evening Express, 02.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
Lord Ahmed has called for action to curb racism in Britain’s jails. In his first speech in the House of Lords, he said: "Lack of understanding has caused enormous problems in relation to the religious, spiritual and dietary requirements of minority prisoners." He also spoke of his concern that the number of Muslims in jail had doubled between 1990 and 1997. He said: "Some would explain that it is perhaps due to high unemployment, poverty and deprivation. Others argue that it is due to institutional racism and stereotyping. Whatever is the case, the figures are alarmingly gloomy" (Sheffield Star, 21.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
Women A Muslim women’s group, Khandaani Dhek Bhal, based on Battye Street, Heckmondwike, has received recog- nition for its work by the National Organisation for Adult Learning and been given a special certificate. The group have been learning English from tutors from Dewsbury College. The project leader, Nellie Maan, said: "It is really nice to celebrate the women’s achievements. This is the third year they have been learning the language and six of the women now travel to Dewsbury College because they have mastered the subject so well" (Spenborough Guardian, 25.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
The Independent (12.10.98) has published an article by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown about vigilante youths who attempt to return Muslim women who have, without ‘permission’, left their families. She refers to the ‘bounty hunters’ who appeared on a Channel Four documentary, who apparently broke into women’s refuges and "persuaded" young women to return to violent husbands and families. These men are paid by the families to return their wives or daughters. They are operating in Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds, Halifax, Dewsbury, Huddersfield and Manchester as well as other cities. In her investigations, Ms Alibhai-Brown discovered that information such as National Insurance numbers, refuges and benefit offices of the women, are easily traced by these young men. In 1995, 132 women had sought help from the police, by September of 1998, the figure was 202. It appears that since the abolition of the primary purpose immigration rule, forced marriages are rising, with suicide being an option some of the women are choosing. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
A help group is to be launched in Northampton, to give Muslim girls advice on health and social matters. The Bangladeshi Girls Group will provide recreational and educational activities for girls aged nine to sixteen. Rahima Begum, a project organiser, said: "Bangladeshi girls are Muslim so they have different needs. For example, if we organise to go swimming it has to be in appropriate clothes…We will also be giving some health education, for example about exercise and mental health" (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
Women assert right to education Muslim women are increasingly asserting their rights to higher education. A survey, carried out by Dr Harkirtan Singh-Raud, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, suggested that out of British Asians, Muslim women are using more initiatives to take control of their own destiny. Of the 99 Muslim women he questioned, most said they were encouraged by their mothers, sisters or aunts. However, the main motivators for the Hindu and Sikh women were their fathers. While most Hindu, and half of the Sikh women moved to another city to study, most Muslims (62%) stayed at home to study (Times Educational Supplement, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
YOUTH Funds from a Muslim foundation set up in Turkey to help gifted children, are to be given to a dyslexic boy who has won a place at Cambridge, at the age of 14, to study theology and history of art. The boy, Alexander Faludy, who is Jewish and from Portsmouth, is the first British child to receive a donation from the foundation. The grant is given on the condition that it is not spent on bar bills. Mr Ozer, who set up the foundation, said: "I have no objection to drinking. Every genius needs to relax sometimes. It’s simply that the foundation was set up for educational needs only" (Evening Standard, 07.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
There has been a religious revival at Swinfen Hall, a young offenders institution near Lichfield. There have been conversions to both Islam and Christianity, with over 30 inmates attending Muslim meetings and prayers (Wolverhampton Express & Star, 12.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10]
Interfaith Bath call to prayer controversy The Charter Trustees of the City of Bath have made a final decision saying that the Mayor’s Call to Prayer event will go ahead in January, with the Muslim speaker Zaki Badawi (See BMMS for June, July and September 1998). Councillor Marian Hammond, who organised the first multi-faith Call to Prayer last year when she was mayor, said: "We have a significant minority of other faiths in the city who have the right to take part in this blessing." Councillor Ray Cliffe, the present mayor, added: "All the faiths taking part in the Call to Prayer have got members in the city and we are coming together, under one roof, in a civic ceremony, not in a church" (Bath Advertiser, 25.09.98). However, there are still divisions in the Christian community over this event. Father Tom Gunning, the chairman of the Churches Together in Bath, has said he will not lead the event, and feels that it should now be led by the mayor’s chaplain, Father Brian McEvoy. The Rev. Ian Lewis, chairman of the Bath and District Council of Evangelical Churches, which represents 20 churches, has indicated that most involved in this organisation may boycott the event altogether (The Bath Chronicle, 01.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 10/11]
A new monument to bring together the different faiths in Britain is being considered for a £12 million grant of National Lottery money from the Millennium Commission. The Faith Garden would be at the centre of the proposed Asha Centre, earmarked for land near Heathrow Airport, which would also include a museum and an ethnic restaurant. The garden would be divided into ten sections; nine representing the participating religions: Buddhists, Baha’is, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Zoroastrians, and one representing United Religions, a world-wide interfaith movement. Salman Asis, an academic advising the Asha Centre, said: "Gardens play a vital role in Islamic architecture. The Koran says that whatever we grow in this world we reap in the next." Unlike the Spirit Zone in the Millennium Dome (see BMMS for February, April, July and August 1998), the Asha Centre is expected to survive for over 1,000 years (The Times, 10.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11]
Regent’s Park Mosque in London has recently hosted its first official Jewish visitors. Members of the Alif-Aleph Foundation visited the centre’s library, listened to a talk by the mosque’s education officer, and watched the afternoon prayers. The Foundation is part of the work of the Maimonides Foundation, a charity set up to promote dialogue between Muslims, Christians and Jews. The Maimonides founding chairman, Dr David Khalili said: "Unless you learn about the roots of each other’s religion, you have a problem" (Jewish Chronicle, 25.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11]
In an article in the Tablet (03.10.98), Paul Vallely writes about women who have left the Catholic Church. One group he discusses are a group of women who have become Muslims. From a visit to the New Muslims programme of the Islamic Foundation, he concludes that the majority of women who convert to Islam have a Catholic background, and that their reason for conversion is not marriage but the conclusion of some spiritual quest, between the ages of 35 and 55. Some had problems with Christian theology but many were disturbed by the consequences of Vatican II reforms. One Irish convert states: "As I grew up the goalposts were shifting. It became difficult to pin anybody down on what constituted a sin." Another interviewee stated: "A religion shouldn’t change to suit you; you should change to suit it, if it is God’s revealed religion. It can’t be à la carte. In Islam things do not change. Islam has rules and expects you to live within them, not repressively, but for your own protection, for the good of the human being. It tells you not just what is forbidden, but also what is allowed yet undesirable." [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11]
The Bournemouth Daily Echo (03.10.98) has an article about a 38 year old woman who has been baptised as a Christian 15 years after becoming a Muslim. She became a Muslim while working in London and after two years met and married a Saudi student, eventually living in Saudi Arabia. She found life there difficult and returned to Britain with her daughter. She subsequently divorced and was remarried to an Algerian, a marriage which also failed. After much spiritual searching she began to attend the Wessex Christian Centre, Bournemouth and was eventually baptised. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11]
An interfaith workshop has been organised in Edinburgh. Planned speakers for the event are Zaki Badawi from the Muslim College in London and Lyn Jamieson, head of sociology at Edinburgh University. The workshop, organised by the Edinburgh Inter Faith Association, is to be held at the City Chambers (Edinburgh Evening News, 06.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11]
The rap artist, Mark Morrison, has announced that he has joined the Nation of Islam, and is now called Abdul Rahman. He has been in jail for affray and was recently moved from Wormwood Scrubs jail in London to Stocken Prison nearer his Leicester home. A friend of his is quoted as saying: "Mark has found great comfort in the Muslim faith during his time in jail. He’s had a rough time from other prisoners because of his celebrity status. He has had lots of opportunity to think about his future and now realises he wants more out of life than fast cars and women. He has been studying with a few other Muslim prisoners and seems to have found true happiness at last" (The Sun, 07.10.98). As a consequence of his conversion, he is now trying to withdraw from his recording contract with Warner records (The Sun, 20.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11]
An interfaith meeting has been planned to take place at Dorchester Town Hall on 28th October. A Jew, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian will be answering questions. The meeting has been organised by the Bournemouth Interfaith Group (Bournemouth Daily Echo, 10.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11]
An Islamic bookshop, displaying books with titles such as "Crucifixion or Cruci-Fiction?" and "Errors in the Bible", has angered members of St Andrews Church in South Harrow. The Rev. Douglas Cockbill said: "They don’t seem to realise, or care, that they are offending people…I know that I couldn’t start distributing literature which debunked Islam to my parishioners without causing a real storm. I’d be accused of being racist or bigoted." Shahid Akmal, the shop’s manager, denies they are there to cause offence. He said: "We have been open for a year now and this is the first time anyone has complained. The titles of the books are supposed to be thought-provoking." Prem Pawar, of Harrow Council for Racial Equality, said: "We have not yet received any complaints about the shop in writing…if we do find the books are offensive then we will either ask them to withdraw them or be forced to take action" (Harrow Observer, 15.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 11/12]
Gloucester Inter-Faith Action organised an exhibition to celebrate One World Week, which brought people of many different faiths together. The exhibition included books, leaflets and posters, as well as display boards and a cloth tree, on which guests were invited to place a leaf describing their own vision of one world. Founder Gulam Musa said: "Inter-Faith was founded in a mosque in Quedgley back in 1993, but this is the first time we have held such an exhibition and it has been very well attended." Representatives from many religions - including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Rastafarianism, Buddhism and Sikhism - were present throughout the week to talk to visitors (Gloucester Citizen, 24.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12]
The North East Lincolnshire Racial Justice Forum held a One World festival in Grimsby Town Hall. The event was a celebration of different cultures and religions. Muslims, Sikhs, Jews and Hindus, were amongst those participating, as were representatives of the Irish, Russian, Danish, Icelandic, Indian and Persian communities. Organiser, Nisha Driver, said the event aimed to "raise awareness of the multicultural mix that exists within our community" (Grimsby Evening Telegraph, 26.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12]
An event was organised by the Jewish Association for Business Ethics along with the Maimonides Foundation and the Alif-Aleph Forum, to discuss Jewish and Muslim approaches to issues of business ethics. Amongst the guest speakers were Dr Zaki Badawi and Dayan Isaac Berger (Jewish Chronicle, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12]
Dialogue between Jews and Nation of Islam The Jewish Council for Racial Equality (Jcore) and the Westminster Race Equality Council organised an event for Jewish officials and the Nation of Islam. Chief Rabbi Jonathon Sacks became involved in informal talks with members of the group. Although he did not comment on the content of the conversations, he did speak of the possibility of attempting dialogue between Jewish officials and the Nation of Islam. He said: "No meeting is contemplated between myself and representatives of the Nation of Islam", but rather, any meetings would "involve territory which is dealt with by the Board of Deputies" (Jewish Chronicle, 30.10.98). The NoI’s leader, Louis Farrakhan, has so far failed to open dialogue with Jewish communities in the United States, due to his anti-Semitic comments (The Daily Telegraph, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12]
Halal Two hospitals run by Walsall NHS Hospitals Trust, are likely to be cleared in the investigation into supplies of halal meat. Halal meat has been on offer to patients in Walsall hospitals since 1989. However, a change in policy in 1994, saying food had to be delivered in refrigerated vehicles, was a demand local suppliers could not meet. Since then the trust has used various sources, but at one point, finding a clean source was so difficult, that hospitals had to offer vegetarian meals only. Despite relying for a short time on Bradmet, a firm overseen by the Bradford Council of Mosques, the Trust has gone back to using local suppliers. Syed ul-Rahman, Imam of Rutter Street Mosque and Islamic Centre who also serves as an NHS chaplain, said: "The problem has been going on for several years now. In one incident we found out that a non-Muslim supplier had been buying liver and kidney from halal butchers simply so that he could show receipts from a halal source." John Beavon, an officer of Walsall Council Trading Standards, said: "I don’t expect the investigation to be concluded for a few weeks yet but we are doing all we can to investigate the whole system and until now I can say that we have found no evidence to confirm the concerns" (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12]
The burger chain McDonald’s has been having discussions with a halal meat supplier in Manchester in an initiative to cater for the large number of Muslims in that area (The Independent, 11.10.98). A McDonald’s spokesman said: "They are discussing the possibilities of this with the supplier. The burgers would be served side by side but they would have to keep the halal meat very separate." A local Muslim spokesman said: "We don’t feel discriminated against by not having halal McDonald’s burgers...But if McDonald’s is considering halal, we would welcome it." [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12]
Pupils at Ercall Primary School in Wellington will be given the choice to eat meat at lunch times, after the school decided to introduce a new range of halal foods to cater for Muslims at the school. Lesley Inglis, the Education Catering Services Manager for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "Thirty per cent of children at Ercall school are Asian and will now have a meat choice available to them whereas before they would have eaten vegetarian dishes" (Shropshire Star, 19.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12]
Following the announcement of the launch of a halal baby food business, the woman behind the idea, Gazala Saleem, stated that the preparation of food at home has: "… not only meant extra work for mothers but has led to imbalances in the nutritional intake of Muslim children (See BMMS for September 1998). Our children’s health is suffering because all the major baby food companies have ignored our needs." Heinz have confirmed that they have never produced a halal baby food though they do produce a kosher range for export. Boots claim that a range of 14 baby foods are suitable for a halal diet but these are all meatless. A spokesperson for Boots said: "Our organic range has been available since 1992 and is approved and certified by the Muslim Food Board ... But we have no plans to include halal meat in this range." The new company, Mother Nature Baby Foods, is to be launched soon after having undergone rigorous quality checks by dieticians and trading standards officers. Mrs Saleem said: "The recipes are all very Asian and vivid tasting like ‘Chicken Saag’ and ‘Lamb Sabzi’. The ingredients include turmeric powder and various herbs that are not added to other bland tasting baby foods. Asian food has seen a tremendous surge in popularity over the past few years and it would not be surprising if parents tried to get their children used to spices from an early age" (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 12/13]
Health Dr Majid Katme, the Muslim co-ordinator for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), has been urging British Muslims to join the "humane and holy campaign" for life (See BMMS for July 1998), at the society’s annual conference (Q News, 01.10.98, No.296). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 13]
Attempt to stop ‘back street’ circumcisions Doncaster Health Authority is to take steps to provide circumcision operations in hospitals, to prevent members of the ethnic communities carrying out the operation themselves. New guidelines are to be drawn up for those who need the service as a religious requirement. Although there will be charge for the operation, it is hoped that the hospital will be used rather than the amateurish and dangerous back street operations that were taking place before (Barnsley Star, 27.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 13]
Employment McDonalds have been found guilty of sex discrimination following the dismissal of Sabrina Sardar from the Northolt branch, apparently for refusing to remove her head-scarf at work (See BMMS for August and September 1998). Her solicitor, Samuel Martins of the Employment Law Service in Wembley, said that winning the case would have been much easier if he could have fought the case on the grounds of religious discrimination. He said: "The truth is that dismissing somebody for wearing a head-scarf is not against the law, and so I was forced to underplay the obvious religious aspect of this case and fight it on the grounds of sex discrimination" (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). She has been awarded a substantial settlement (Harrow Observer, 22.10.98, Edgware & Mill Hill Times, 22.10, 98, Greenford & Northolt Gazette, 23.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 13]
Muslim organisations have criticised the promise made by the Home Secretary at the annual conference of the Black Police Association, that they hope to recruit more ethnic minorities into the public sector. In his speech, Mr Straw said: "It is not enough for forces to pay lip service to the ethos of equal opportunities. It is vital the police demonstrate that minority ethnic officers are needed in the police and that they can progress through the ranks on equal terms with colleagues." However, it is feared that this policy, due to the use of the term "minority ethnic", will exclude Muslims as a religious group. Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "We have consistently made this point to the Home Secretary. Where communities are being discussed in terms of ethnic minorities the Muslim community feels excluded. Mr Straw has given us clear assurances that when he uses the term ethnicity, although we would prefer he used something more inclusive, it will include faith communities." A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The Home Secretary has made it quite clear that they should reflect the diversity of the population as a whole. It’s difficult for him to specify each community but the general theme is that we are committed to diversity whether that is a mix of language differences, cultural differences or religious differences." Muslim organisations said they will be keeping a close eye on developments (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 13]
Mosques & Burials A planning application has been made for a pub to be used as a Muslim community centre. The pub concerned was the scene of a recent brutal killing of its landlord and has been closed since. The building proposals include prayer rooms, washing facilities, a kitchen, bookshop and small storage rooms. Classrooms are planned for Islamic instruction. The application has been made by the Albirr Foundation in London (Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 19.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 13]
Plans for a new mosque in the Little Horton area have been deferred, after a rival sect asked for assurances that there would not be any trouble if the £2 million development goes ahead (Yorkshire Post, 27.10.98). The Suffat al-Islam group has been fund-raising, and wanted the building of the mosque and community centre, which would be one of the biggest in Britain, to begin in December. Tufial Shah, treasurer of the Hussainia Islamic Mission, which have a small mosque near the proposed site, wants a peace guarantee: "We are not against the mosque but we are two sects with a different way of life. We would want a guarantee from them that there wouldn’t be any trouble." However, the president of Suffat al-Islam, Mohammed Riaz, believes that the fears are unfounded: "We have been in Bradford for 16 years and we have never been involved in any trouble. We try to work together." (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 23.10.98). The council planning committee have also deferred the decision because the proposal does not provide enough parking spaces, but have suggested that they are, on the whole, in favour of the plans. [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 13/14]
Councillors are to visit the Jamia Masjid Ukima mosque, situated in a converted warehouse. There are plans to build a three-storey extension to be used for a meeting hall, prayer hall and conferences (Ealing & Acton Gazette, 02.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
Planning permission has been granted for a house next to the mosque to be used as a hospitality suite and reference library. Permission has also been given for the demolition of a garage to allow for the building of a new car park, which has been welcomed by local residents (Gloucester Citizen, 03.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
A request for a 200 grave plot set aside at Kilvean Cemetery, has been granted to Muslims in Inverness (Inverness Courier, 29.09.98). Councillor Munro, chairman of the Highland Council’s Inverness Area protective services committee, said: "It is up to every individual faith to come forward and make the request. Once you approve one we would find it very, very difficult to say no to someone else" (Inverness Courier, 25.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
There are plans to close down the mosque which has been used without planning permission. Muslims using the house were told more than a year ago not to use the building as a place of worship, but internal first-floor walls were removed and the floor carpeted so that prayers could take place. Over 100 hundred people are reported to have complained about the disturbance caused by worshippers using the mosque. A planners’ report to Luton Council’s planning committee states that the non-residential use of properties in residential areas should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances and that: "Past experience in the borough suggests that it might prove very difficult, if not impossible, to control adequately the level or intensity of this type of religious/education use." There are also concerns regarding the issue of parking and road safety. The planning committee have been sent a petition signed by 119 people, and eight letters of complaint, asking to serve an enforcement notice to prevent the house being used as a mosque (Luton News, 14.10.98). The council having already warned them not to use the house as a place of worship, is considering refusing permission altogether. The Lewsey Muslim Cultural Society made a planning application to use the house as "an office and for educational and cultural studies for children." They have asked for any decision to be deferred, which would give them time to write to the council about the situation. Councillors will take a look at the property, and will discuss the situation in two time later (Luton News, 21.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
A weekend emergency cover service is to be provided for the registration of deaths by Newham Council and Newham Healthcare Trust. The service will allow for the application of a death certificate at weekends and will particularly benefit Muslims and Jews who usually expect burials to take place as quickly as possible after death (City of London Recorder, 02.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
Councillors have refused planning permission to Oldham Muslim Funeral Services to use a small converted factory in Jarvis Street as an undertakers. The borough planning chief had advised that the scheme be allowed to take place, saying: "Although within a generally residential area, the premises are already in a business use and I do not consider that a funeral directors will generate significant levels of additional traffic." However, the councillors thought it unlikely that the proposed hours of 9am until 5.30pm would be kept to, given the usual requirements of Muslim burials. They also considered that a likely increase in traffic would be dangerous. Cllr Norman Bennett said: "People must be aware that no matter what religion, there is grieving and people will go there to grieve." Councillors have put the decision on hold until further investigations can be carried out. A petition of more than 60 people had been signed opposing the plan (Oldham Advertiser, 24.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
Planners in Redditch have given permission for the building of a mosque as part of a development on the former Alcad Batteries site (See BMMS for July, August and September 1998). The application for the whole development, which includes a pub, restaurant, non-food retail units, housing and a community hall, has been sent to Whitehall for approval, because of its size. There have been objections to the mosque plans, mainly on the grounds of traffic. One local resident said: "People have a right to worship, but traffic will increase no matter what they say ..." (Redditch Standard¸ 25.09.98). There have been concerns of racial tension increasing because of the mosque development and the planning meeting was attended by members of the British National Party. The police were in attendance at the meeting (Alcester Chronicle, 30.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
Sheffield, Sharrow, Wolseley Rd Plans for a new mosque have been approved by Sheffield Council, despite protests from local residents in the area (See BMMS for July and September 1998). Council officers said the mosque would be "a valuable and valued asset to the Muslim community" and "a distinctive piece of architecture." The mosque will also hold activities for children and the elderly (Q News, 15.10.98, No.297). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 14]
Planning permission was expected to be given for a new mosque and madrassa to be built on a former public open space in Broomsdale Road (See BMMS for February 1998). The Idara Talamudin Mosque will move from West Street, once the planned single-storey building, with 28 off street parking places, is built. An outline for the scheme was first given in 1995, which led to protests from the Soothill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association. Despite sending their recent petition, which carried more than 900 signatures, to Kirklees Council, members of Kirklees Council’s Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-committee are expected to approve the mosque (Batley News, 15.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 15]
The Muslim community of Southall have filed an appeal, after their application for planning permission to extend the use of the mosque was rejected (See BMMS for January, March, April, July and August 1998). The Abu Bakr Trust applied for permission to use the mosque as an Islamic Educational and Recreational Institute. The Muslim community held a meeting at the mosque to discuss the problems they were facing, which was supported by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Zakaullah Khan, an ex-Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, and Lord Nazir Ahmed. While they believed they had been discriminated against, and have been for the past seven years, they also criticised local Muslims for their lack of unity. Lord Ahmed, who gave the concluding speech, called for the local community to make their voices heard (Muslim News, 30.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 15]
Work has been completed on a new roof for the Al Azhar Mosque, which was originally built in 1972. Funding for the project came from cash grants from three families in Saudi Arabia. The chairman of the mosque, Ahmed Ali Hussain said: "There will be a great deal of interest in the work which has been done. The new roof cost £39,000 and I would like to thank the people from Saudi who helped. The new roof is aluminium. Before it was a flat roof, and water came in all the time. It has caused us big trouble for the last 20 years, but that should be in the past now" (South Shields Gazette, 13.10.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 15]
It has been agreed by Wycombe District Council that burials are to be allowed in the town’s cemetery on a Saturday (See BMMS for February and September 1998). Cllr Jack Preston, chairman of the council, said: "The town committee unanimously decided to have a trial period of 12 months, where people will be allowed to bury their dead on a Saturday, as long as Wycombe District Council is informed and provided with the relevant details by midday on Saturday" (Bucks Free Press, 25.09.98). [BMMS October 1998 Vol. VI, No. 10, p. 15]
|