BMMS June 1999

Q News (No307, 01.06.99) has an interview with Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who has recently taken the issue of forced marriages to Parliament (See British Muslims Monthly Survey for February and May 1999). She was asked about her main concerns with regards to this issue and what she hopes to achieve. She said the human rights of young Asian Muslim women are her main concerns, and she hopes that by letting her views be known, and the reasons behind them, that arranged marriages will become properly arranged "with the full knowledge, support and understanding of the man and woman involved." She was also asked about the current laws on the issue, the response she has had from other members of Parliament and the Muslim community, and the accusation that she is blowing things out of proportion. She also said she will be looking into support groups for Muslim women who find themselves in these situations, but they would only be considered for government funding if they are seen to be impartial and give girls the advice they need, instead of simply telling them to go back to their family or husband. Q News also has an article outlining the issue of domestic violence in the Muslim community. It says that much of the domestic violence in Muslim homes goes unnoticed because, for cultural reasons, many men accept the idea that it is normal for a man to hit his wife, and are ignorant of the actual teachings of Islam. But the abuse can also continue because the community ignores the problem and does not speak against those they know are doing wrong. The article also outlines the various forms of abuse, emotional, mental, physical and sexual, and has a fact sheet entitled "What is ‘domestic violence’?" which was provided by the Women’s Aid Federation.

Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, leader of the Muslim Parliament, has issued a statement about forced marriages after the life sentences given to Shakeela Naz and her son Shazad for the murder of her 19-year old daughter Rukhsana (See BMMS for May 1999). In his statement he said: "The inhuman practice of forced marriages in the Asian community must stop. In Islam, a forced marriage is null and void so Muslims cannot use religion as a way of sanctioning this negative and destructive practice." Dr Siddiqui added: "For a successful marriage, understanding between partners is of paramount importance. Asian parents, in their desire to ensure total success and using distorted interpretations of ‘izzat’ (family honour) force their choice of partners on their offspring," which often leads to a "miserable life for the newly married couple." He said that "patriarchal leaders need to evaluate the sexist message they are giving to young men and begin to openly condemn such inhuman practices," and that an awareness campaign needs to be launched within the Muslim community: "These situations lead to long-term instability in relationships. We need the culturally sensitive support of professionals to offer counselling and guidance to both young people and their families." He added: "It was not right that the lives of young people were being destroyed merely to satisfy others" (Bucks Examiner, 28.05.99).

The Muslim News (25.06.99) reports on a private seminar held on the issue, which was organised by journalist and researcher Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. Present at the seminar were a Home Office Minister, MPs, MPs’ private researchers, Foreign and Commonwealth Officials, Immigration Service officers, lawyers specialising in abducted children, and various women’s groups. Although it was made clear that forced marriage was an issue facing Asian girls of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim faiths, most people at the seminar talked about their experiences with the Muslim community. A police officer from Yorkshire, who has helped over 1,250 girls and women flee forced marriages or domestic violence in their homes, expressed his concern over the way in which the ‘Asian network’ was able to track down girls who go into hiding – even those who move to other parts of Britain. He also highlighted the attitude of the Muslim community towards the education of girls. He produced figures from the Local Education Authority in the area where he works, where 1,000 Muslim boys and girls had been traced through the education system from birth in 1980. At schooling for children aged 4-9 and 9-13 there were 1,000 boys and 1,000 girls, but in the 13-18 age group, whilst there were still 1,000 boys, 370 girls had ‘disappeared’ from school rolls. It was also recognised that it was not just women who are forced into marriages – many young men are also forced to marry against their will, but often deal with the pressure better by going ahead with the marriage in the subcontinent whilst maintaining extra-marital relationships with girls of their choice at home. Furthermore, it was also argued that although the incidences of murder were rare, suicide attempts by women facing forced marriage were on the increase and many young women were subject to emotional blackmail in order to coerce them into marriage. It was also argued that there was a need for teachers to help and support girls they knew were being forced into marriage, and there was a need for teachers to be made more aware of the role they could play in helping the girls. The Home Office minister who attended the meeting said that he was open to suggestions on how the matter could be taken forward, but did not make any commitment. His suggestion that agencies such as the Police, Social Services, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office should do more to protect women and girls will be submitted in a report to the Home Office.

The Scotsman (23.06.99) and the Scottish Daily Mail (26.06.99) report on the case of Nasreen Akmal, an Asian woman who made legal history when she became the first woman in Scotland to have her arranged marriage annulled by the Scottish courts. She was forced into a marriage to her first cousin in Pakistan, when her parents took her ‘on holiday’ when she was fourteen. She was not allowed to return to Glasgow until she provided the family with a grandchild. Soon after the marriage her husband also began to beat her, and it was not until she returned home and the violence escalated that she was able to get help. She got herself a lawyer and began the proceedings to have her marriage annulled. Now, she says has been forced to leave her home town of Glasgow after suffering seven years of abuse and intimidation from the Asian Muslim community since the annulment. Ms Akmal now believes that her life, and that of her three children, is in danger from other Muslims in the community. She said: "They believe that what I have done is an insult to Islam and that I should burn in hell. I am being forced to flee my home. I cannot believe this is still happening. I knew I would be ostracised from the community, but I thought after the first couple of years it would calm down. Instead, it is getting worse. I feel it is coming to a head and my life is in danger and the lives of my children are being ruined" (The Scotsman, 23.06.99). She claims she has recently been stalked by two men, who have been sitting outside her house and following her. She also said that over the years she has had a man break into her house, who attempted to strangle her, she has had excrement smeared on her front door, paint thrown on her car, her windows smashed three times, bomb threats sent to her, and her children have also been recently threatened. Despite this, she does not regret having the marriage annulled. She said: "Over 100 women and men have had forced marriages annulled because of what I did. It has also prevented parents from abducting their children and forcing them into marriages in Pakistan." Cameron Fyfe, the lawyer who represented Ms Akmal during her annulment case, said: "She has suffered intolerable abuse for several years. She is a strong woman but I do not believe anyone could withstand the treatment that she has suffered" (The Scotsman, 23.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 1/2]

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Secular universities suited to Muslims

A study commissioned by the Inter Faith Network has suggested that new universities with secular policies are more likely to meet the needs of Muslim students than those founded upon monastic traditions. "Higher Education and Student Religious Identity" was compiled by Dr Sophie Gilliat-Ray, and published by the University of Exeter, about the way Higher Education institutions have dealt with the increasing religious diversity of students in Britain. The results collected through interviews, surveys and fieldwork visits have revealed that the needs of Muslim students are inadequately addressed. The report found that traditional universities such as Oxford and Cambridge make extensive provisions for Christians but have a less inclusive approach towards members of other faiths. According to the report, the collegiate university colleges in Britain have ample budgets allocated for religious requirements from scholarships to missionary outings but the funding is "channelled almost exclusively towards the needs and interests of Christian students, even if only nominally practising Christians." Amongst those missing out on institutional support for religious purposes the study revealed that Muslims feature most prominently in expressing concerns about inadequate provisions. Dr Gilliat-Ray found that whilst a significant number of institutions have an allocated prayer area for Muslims, "there is evidence that many institutions have not given enough thought to the nature or requirements of Islamic prayer." The report also revealed that issues relating to Muslims are considered to be most sensitive or difficult by academic institutions. According to the report, most institutions feel that the provision of prayer facilities for Muslims is their greatest challenge in terms of religious issues. Even with generous donations from the wider Muslim community, universities were found to be reluctant to meet the needs of Muslims students, particularly when use of their own land is involved. The study also found that not enough efforts were being made by British academic institutions to meet the dietary requirements of Muslims, Jews and other faith groups. However, the report claims that Jewish students have been more successful in ensuring special arrangements than others, although this was thought to be a reflection of the Jewish community’s successful establishment in British society at large. In her conclusion Dr Gilliat-Ray suggests that an important step towards meeting the needs of diverse religious groups would be for institutions to request information about a student’s religious beliefs at the time of enrolment. She also suggests that institutions ensure that religion is given as much importance in equal opportunity policies as race and gender. She insists that this is an essential move for the future of the equality in British academia as an increasing number of students are insisting that religion is a better basis for self-understanding than ethnicity. "Higher Education and Student Religious Identity" is available for £4.95 from the Inter Faith Network for the UK by calling 0207 388 0008 (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 2/3]

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Reports

Community

Kosovo appeals

Members of the community are continuing their work to raise money for the Kosovo refugees (See BMMS for April and May 1999). A charity dinner in Oldham raised £2,000. Organiser Sajid Iqbal, of the Muslim Youth League’s Oldham branch, said the money will be split - half going directly to Kosovo and half to the refugees now housed in Oldham. Among the guests were Councillor Abdul Quayum, and Councillor John Battye, who said: "We urge the people of the community to come forward and help us" (Oldham Advertiser, 20.05.99).

Members of the Muslim community in Stirling gathered £3,000 worth of food after hearing that staff from Abbey King’s Park Hospital were heading for a Kosovan refugee camp in Bosnia to deliver much needed items. Matron manager Beth Martin said: "In total we are taking around £10,000 worth of goods. The offer of food from the people at the Islamic Centre was incredible and we are very grateful to them. People in general have been very generous, however, and the Order of St John (Central Region) have sponsored the van which is going. We would like to thank everyone who has helped in any way for being so generous for such an important cause" (Stirling Observer, 26.05.99).

The St Ives Muslim community has raised £3,459 in just under two weeks, from a community of about 150. The money was donated to Muslim Hands which is involved in various refugee programmes. Ansar Ali, who works for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and presents the weekly programme ‘Asian Voice’, was invited to the presentation by the St Ives Jamia Mosque. He said: "Bearing in mind the size of the community, it is a brilliant achievement" (Hunts Post, 02.06.99, St Ives Town Crier, 03.06.99).

In Hounslow, Muslims donated £22,000 to three charities working with the refugees. Tahir Aslam, general secretary of the Hounslow Jamia Masjid Islamic Centre, said the cash was raised in five weeks, and added: "It has been a wonderful response. Relief workers have been doing great work inside camps in Kosovo." The charities benefiting are Islamic Relief, Muslim Hands and Muslim Aid (Feltham Chronicle, 10.06.99). Muslims from the Luton Central Mosque raised £2,000 to buy supplies for refugees housed in the city. Luton South MP Margaret Moran received a cheque from the mosque president Mohammed Sulaiman to be used by local aid agencies to help the refugees (Luton News, 23.06.99, Dunstable Gazette, 23.06.99). Fundraising days were also held at the Manchester Muslim preparatory school, where home cooked food was sold at stalls in the school’s playground (Heatons & Reddish Reporter, 10.06.99); Cliftonville Middle School in Northampton, where the event included a buffet, stalls, live entertainment, children’s activities and international speakers (Northampton Mercury, 17.06.99); and at Nower Hill High School in Harrow, where the Islamic and Cultural Society of Harrow organised a bazaar featuring bric-a-brac, food and clothing stalls (Harrow Observer, 24.06.99).

The Muslim News (25.06.99) has reported on some difficulties facing Muslims in Britain who are trying to help refugees housed in the country. The Muslim community in Leicester have complained that the Red Cross, who have been given responsibility for refugees in Leicester, do not easily give access to the refugees, and when they do, it is made difficult for the Muslims to mix freely with them. Farrukh Shaikh, who works for the local authority, went to visit the refugees, taking books and scarves for them, but said "we were not made welcome." Members of the Red Cross told Mr Shaikh that the books and scarves he had brought were not needed, and that if he wanted to have access to the refugees, he would have to become a Red Cross volunteer and wear their insignia – a cross. He said he would not wear the cross and asked why other Christian groups were allowed access without having to be members. A spokesperson for the Red Cross denied the allegations and said that it "was a security issue," and that those wanting to help will have to become volunteers. It is also suggested that similar problems are occurring in other parts of the country, such as Sheffield and Bolton, where Muslims have complained about the lack of access to be able to help the Muslim refugees with their religious and spiritual needs. [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 3]

Oxford Islamic Centre proposal

Plans for an Islamic Centre in Oxford on a 3.25-acre site have been submitted to Oxford City Council (See BMMS for May 1998). The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies had originally planned to build the centre next to Magdalen Deer Park, but the sites owners, Merton College, stopped the scheme by threatening High Court action. The site for the new proposal will be now bought from Magdalen College, whose governing body has approved the project. The plans for the centre will include a 108ft tower and a 75ft dome, which were looked at with caution by the chairman of Oxford City Council’s planning committee, Maureen Christian. She said that the impact the tower would have on the Oxford skyline would have to be carefully examined: "The Local Plan says the views of existing spires and towers must not be impeded. The loss of green space is something else that we will have to take into consideration. On the other hand, it is an exciting and different piece of architecture. So many of the beautiful buildings in Oxford are hidden. This one would be very much recognised by the public. I hope that it will be welcomed by local people as a centre for people of Islamic faith in the city." The registrar of the centre, Dr David Browning, said that the building would include a quad that would combine Oxford and Moorish tradition, a 208-seat lecture theatre and a domed prayer hall. He said the tower was not a Muslim minaret and there would be no calls to prayer from it: "There is nothing alien to the Oxford skyline. The tower and dome will give it an Islamic signature and the prayer room will be open to all Muslims in the city." The £20 million project, which will be largely funded by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, should take just over two years to complete. The plans are expected to go before the planning committee within eight weeks (Oxford Times, 21.05.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 3/4]

Thanks from Barnsley Centre

Naeem Jarral from the Al-Quba Muslim Community Centre, which was recently burned down in an arson attack, has written a letter of thanks to the Barnsley Chronicle for the way they covered the story of the attack (See BMMS for April and May 1999). He wrote: "Your editorial comments provided a fair and unbiased opinion of the situation and emphasised the sorry state of some members of our society today. I hope we can call upon your continued support and help to promote ethnic and religious harmony in Barnsley" (Barnsley Chronicle, 11.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 4]

Work opportunities in Diplomatic Service

Q News (No307, 01.06.99) carries an "advertorial" about the Diplomatic Service. It talks about the role of the Diplomatic Service, which promotes and protects the interests of Britain overseas, seeks to present a positive image of the UK, and helps British citizens and assisting UK exporters. The article also speaks to Irfan Siddiq, a member of the Diplomatic Service, about what it is like working in the Foreign Office. He graduated in with a 2:1 degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and now works in the NATO section of the Foreign Office. As it is NATO’s 50^th anniversary this year, there has been a lot of work for him to do. Amongst other things, he said: "I have written speeches for the Minister to use in the House of Lords debates on NATO issues. I have helped to write articles for publication, as well as working on initiatives for the summit. It’s very satisfying hearing your work being used in Parliament and seeing your efforts in print." He also said: "One of my goals in applying has already been fulfilled in that I am working on policy issues, meeting ambassadors and Ministers and speaking to them on a reasonably informal basis, which is gratifying intellectually. And I still have the travelling to look forward to!" Mr Siddiq joined the Diplomatic Service as a ‘Policy Entrant.’ He will be expected to spend his career making policy on political, economic and trade promotion matters. The other entry point, continues Q News, is as an ‘Operational Entrant,’ where the employee is expected to specialise in the practical side of diplomatic work: consular, immigration and trade promotion, and press and public affairs. As a policy entrant, a person is expected to have at least a 2:2 in any degree. As an operational officer, a person is expected to five GCSE’s (including Maths and English), or equivalent qualifications, and five years work experience; or two A Levels, or equivalent qualifications, and three years work experience; or, a degree. [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 4]

God in fashion

According to research carried out by an international marketing group, religion is set to become the fashion statement of the future. Stuart Harris, Deputy Director of Brand Futures Europe, says: "For years adherence to organised religion has been on the decline across much of the industrialised world. Yet there is growing evidence that the tide of religious interest is turning. The research shows religious interest growing in the Western world, but most crucially among a segment identified by market researchers as "trendsetters" – leading-edge types who are useful predictors of future lifestyle and consumption patterns. Research carried out in the US, Britain and across countries in Western Europe, consistently showed that more "trendsetters" agreed with the statement "religion plays an important part in my life," than "regular folks." Mr Harris said: "Quite simply, God is back. Marketeers scanning the horizon of the 21^st century would be well advised to tune their radar to religion." However, it is less certain how faith groups themselves will respond to the prospect of religion being exploited for commercial gain. Also, the survey did not break down its sample according to religion, which prevents a comparison between the popularity of the different faiths. Q News, however, does suggest that there are indications that it is ‘hip’ to be Muslim. Statistics on religious attendance suggest that by the year 2002, the number of regular Muslim worshippers will be higher than the number of Anglicans attending church. This is partly to do with the fact that Islam has influenced groups across the social spectrum. Afro-Caribbean youths, attracted by Islam’s ‘subversive’ potential, form one of its largest single body of recruits whilst a rising number of converts are coming from the professional middle classes for the opposite reason. Sadek Hamed, a Manchester youth worker and ‘trendsetter’, says: "Islam does have street cred. It’s associated with celebrities, pop stars, sporting heroes. The only rival phenomenon I can think of is film stars adopting Buddhism. It’s also an ideology of protest and resistance in an age where all the other alternatives have run out of stamina. People are impressed to see Muslims keep coming back again and again like they have had more than three Shredded Wheat." Q News also suggests that the days people will be seen wearing Prada hijabs, Gucci turbans and Versace topis are not far off! (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 4/5]

Teacher gets too much housing benefit

A madrasa teacher obtained more than £16,000 in housing benefit which he was not actually entitled to. Blackburn magistrates heard that Bashir Hafejee, 38, repaid every penny before the police became involved after the Muslim community rallied round and lent him the money. Mr Hafejee pleaded guilty to ten specimen charges of obtaining housing benefit and asked for a further 92 offences between 1994 and 1998 to be taken into consideration. Richard Mitcalf, prosecuting, said: "Not only did he have a financial interest in that property, the man he claimed to be renting off was his brother who was not and never has been his landlord." But Mr Hafejee’s solicitor, Peter Turner, said the offences had only come to light as a result of his clients own actions. He said: "I am not saying he walked in and said he had done the council out of this money. What he did do was go in and say that he did not need housing benefit any more. That alerted the housing department and questions were asked." Mr Turner said the response of the people who had helped Mr Hafejee showed the respect they had for a man he described as a "pillar of the community" (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 5]

Garaudy speaks at ICE

Roger Garaudy, the French thinker and former politician, who was convicted of breaking controversial ‘holocaust denial’ laws, has spoken in Britain against what he believes is the Zionist lobby’s domination of the media. Mr Garaudy was one of several distinguished guests speaking at the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale, London, on the 10^th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Khomeini. The 87-year old fell foul of French law when his book, "The Founding Myths of Israeli Politics," was published in 1995, which questioned whether the Nazi massacres of Jews during the second world war amounted to a Holocaust or genocide (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 5]

World Cup cricket

With World Cup Cricket fever hitting Britain, police and community leaders around the country have appealed for calm during matches, especially the tense clash between India and Pakistan. There were worries that the match might become violent considering the two countries’ governments are engaged in a military conflict, and also since fans of both sides have fought on the pitch in recent years. Manchester police asked leaders from the Indian and Pakistani communities to attend the match to identify rowdy fans to the police, and to parents. Both sets of fans are said to have brought a carnival atmosphere to their games, but have also been accused of "ungentlemanly" behaviour usually associated with football (Sunday Telegraph, 06.06.99, Halifax Evening Courier, 07.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 5]

Half-marathon walk for Ahmadiyyas

The Ahmadiyya Association gathered at "Islamabad", Tilford, for an event to mark the efforts of those who had successfully completed a half-marathon walk, at the end of a weekend of events. Marathon organising secretary, Arshad Ahmedi, singled out many members for special thanks for what he saw as a very successful weekend. Proceeds from the event will benefit Humanity First (taking relief to Kosovans); Chiks (homes for needy children in Kerala); Treloar Trust (education, care and training for physically disabled children from all over Britain); and Save the Children (Farnham Herald, 04.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 5]

Nation want ban on Farrakhan lifted

A leading American Nation of Islam Minister has criticised the British government over the ban on the movement’s controversial leader, Louis Farrakhan. Farrakhan has been banned from entering the UK since 1986 for his anti-Semitic and racist comments. However, Minister Ava Muhammad, speaking at a rally at Brixton Recreation Centre, said ‘soundbites and snippets’ taken out of context from his speeches are responsible for Louis Farrakhan being branded an anti-Semite in the USA. She said: "Minister Farrakhan is not capable of creating racial disharmony. Minister Farrakhan is not an organiser of the slave trade, he has not created a diaspora or the racial disharmony that exists around the globe today." She added: "He is not a hater of anyone, he is a lover of humanity." The ban, first introduced by the then Home Secretary Douglas Hurd on the grounds that ‘racial disharmony’ might result in a visit went ahead, has been maintained by successive Home Secretaries. Jack Straw cited the recent disturbances at the Stephen Lawrence inquiry as the reason for Mr Farrakhan’s continued exclusion. The Home Secretary is now said to be conducting a full review on the ban, and as part of this review the Nation of Islam leader will have to sign an undertaking to abide by UK laws. However, the Board of Deputies of British Jews are keen to see that the ban stays in place. A spokesman for the Board said: "Our view would be that we would support a continuation of the ban until he has changed his views on Jewish people and others and apologised" (South London Press, 04.06.99 and 08.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 5]

Man faces public decency charge

A Muslim teacher is to face trial for outraging public decency, after already being accused of exposing himself to 18 different women in Cardiff. Abdellatif Chammam, 28, a political refugee, has been living with his wife at the Ambassador Hotel in Cardiff since fleeing Tunisia six months ago, and has been working as a teacher in a mosque. He faces 18 offences of indecent exposure, two of indecent assault and now the new charge of outraging public decency. Mr Chammam was expected to be committed for trial in late June (South Wales Echo, 05.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 5/6]

Holy tomato found!

A schoolboy has found that the veins of a tomato his father had cut in pieces to eat for his lunch, spelt out ‘Allah’ in Arabic. Imran Ali, a 12-year old from High Wycombe, had been fixing his bike outside but had gone back inside to get some pocket money when he made the discovery. He said: "I just saw that the slice of tomato lying on top of the others with the word Allah on it. I told my dad and then ran to show my mum." His father, Liaquat Ali, 37, told people at the mosque about the find. Their next-door neighbour Haji Mohammed Arif, who teaches at the mosque, said the message was a miracle: "This is a wonderful thing and Muslims will be very happy. It shows that there is one God and he has the power to control this earth." Mr Ali, who believes the tomato came from a pack of 12 from the Safeway store in which he works, said: "This is probably a one in a million chance." People have visited the family to see the tomato which was being kept in the fridge (Bucks Free Press, 08.06.99, South Bucks Star, 10.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 6]

Religious preacher in hiding

A Muslim preacher who is wanted by police in connection with a murder in Pakistan and an attempted kidnap in London, has been traced to an East London mosque. A News of the World investigation is said to have found Pir Abdul Kadir Gilani in Walthamstow. Gilani hit the headlines in 1991 when the Old Bailey heard how he had ordered his followers to kidnap his daughter Zara and son-in-law Zia Mahmood, because she had run off and married Mr Mahmood, who Gilani disapproved of because he was of a different caste. Gilani disappeared during the trial in which the gang ordered to carry out the kidnapping were each sen tenced to four years for conspiring to kidnap. The jury was also told that Gilani was said to be behind the murder of Mr Mahmood’s brother, Umar Farooq, in Pakistan. Pakistani police say they have statements from six men saying they were sent by Gilani. It is believed that Gilani, who has five wives, arrived in Britain in May on a special visa granted to religious teachers (Leyton Guardian, 10.06.99). Zara, 27, who now has three children, said: "I can’t believe he has just walked back into Britain. He probably thinks that if he stays in a mosque the people won’t dare arrest him." She added: "Until he is brought to justice we will not be able to sleep. My father has sworn to have me killed along with my husband. We are always looking over our shoulders because of the serious threats from my father’s followers who will do anything he says" (Asian Times, 15.06.99).

However, members of the Lea Bridge Road mosque in Leyton have given their backing to Mr Gilani. The committee of the mosque have come forward, along with representatives from the Anglo-Asian Support Association and International Muslim Movement, to publicly support him. President of the mosque, Mohammed Ramzan, said: "He was given a clean bill of health by the court in Pakistan. He has been cleared of any involvement in respect of this murder or any other such involvement. He would never take the law into his own hands. He’s a model for about 10,000 members here." The members of the mosque also said that Mr Gilani has never tried to run away from the police and even spoke to them about his daughter’s attempted abduction, in which he denies any involvement. Police in Dagenham are currently investigating the case, but so far no charges have been made. Mr Gilani returned to Britain on a special visa, saying he had gone to Pakistan in 1991 to establish an Islamic university there. When his work was done there he decided to return to his followers in England. Mr Ramzan said: "They were stunned to see something like this about the priest. If there was the slightest truth in the claims, immigration would not have allowed him to come into this country. If he had something to hide, why would he come back to Britain? We condemn recent reports about him which are false. In celebration of Gilani’s return to England a function was held on May 16 at his teaching centre in Walthamstow. Thousands of worshippers from around the country attended these celebrations. This clearly indicates that Gilani has no intention of hiding away from the public. Since his arrival he has given several high profile speeches in mosques around the country" (Leyton Guardian, 17.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 6]

Brighton talks

A series of talks on Islam were to be held by Brighton’s Muslim community. Speaker would be talking about topics such as the Kosovo crisis and Muslim government (Brighton Evening Argus, 10.06.99, Brighton & Hove Leader, 11.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 6]

Teacher faces deportation

A man threatened with deportation for having links with a political party in Pakistan which has terrorist connections will have his appeal hearing resumed on August 16 (See BMMS for April 1999). Shafiq Ur-Rehman, 28, is due to be deported as an alleged terrorist on national security grounds, because he is known to have raised funds for the political MDI party in Pakistan, which the Home Office says was used to fund terrorist activities. However, Mr Ur-Rehman’s legal team says that although he does have links with the party, the money he raised for them was to be used for general health, welfare and education work in the country. Mr Ur-Rehman has lived in Britain since 1993, and teaches and leads prayers at the Ross Street mosque in Oldham, where he lives with his wife and two children. His four year visa expired in 1997. His three-day appeal hearing began on June 21 at the Special Immigration Appeal Commission in London, and from now until it resumes in August, evidence against Mr Ur-Rehman will be heard at the Commission in private and in his absence. Special Branch officers and Government officials are expected to be included in the list of witnesses called by the Home Office to support its case (Oldham Evening Chronicle, 18.06.99, Manchester Evening News, 19.06.99, Oldham Evening Chronicle, 21.06.99, Manchester Evening News, 22.06.99, Oldham Evening Chronicle, 22.06.99, Oldham Evening Chronicle, 24.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 6/7]

Islamic culture exhibitions

As part of Glasgow’s Year of Architecture and Design, Glasgow’s Muslim community is encouraging people of all backgrounds to find out more about the culture, art and architecture connected with Islam. Dr Mohammed Iqbal Anwar was one of the men involved in the special exhibition at the Central Mosque, which aimed to enrich people’s perception of the Muslim community. He said: "We expect a range of people to come from local community groups as well as national and international tourists. We applied for funding from Glasgow 1999 and luckily we got some, so for four months we have been busy working on it. There is a display of world famous mosques with over 50 different images. Dr Anwar hopes the exhibition, as well as the visits which are organised, will strengthen the bond between all cultures within the city. He said: "Our objective here is to minimise the gaps between our societies. If we don’t interact, then there is the chance for problems to develop." The exhibitions also includes exhibits gathered from around the UK and the subcontinent, including embroidery, hand-made garments and carpets. The article also outlines some of the five pillars of Islam (The Glaswegian, 10.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 7]

Islamic centre renews lease

A one year lease has been granted to the Islamic Community Centre in Watford to remain at its premises in Tolpits Lane. The centre was given the go-ahead to remain at the site rent free by Watford Council’s policy and resources committee (Watford Observer, 11.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 7]

Councillor nominated in community awards

An Ellesmere councillor has been nominated in the Man of the Year category of the Millennium Champions Awards, run by the Ellesmere Port Pioneer. Abdul Jilani was elected as the borough’s first Asian Muslim councillor in 1995, and has devoted a lot of his spare time to community and charity work. He has helped raise £2,000 for medical supplies for the Bangladeshi Disaster Fund, £3,000 for the orphans of Romania, and is currently working with the Kosovan refugees who have been given temporary refuge in Chester. Mr Jilani was nominated for the award by his three daughters, who said: "Apart from his council work he devotes much time to voluntary organ isations and fundraising. He is also an absolutely delightful, excellent dad!" (Ellesmere Port Pioneer, 16.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 7]

Mawlid un-Nabi celebrations

Many celebrations across the country were organised to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. Procession marking the blessed day occurred in Birmingham, from Small Heath Park to the central mosque in Golden Hillock Road. One of the organisers of the festivals celebrations, Mohammed Khan, said: "It’s a big day for the Muslim community as Mohammed’s birthday is the main celebration of the year. We have had people coming from all over the country for today’s march (Birmingham Evening Mail, 19.06.99 and 28.06.99). In the Leicester area, motorists were warned that there could be long delays when Muslims took to the streets between 2pm and 4pm. Around 1,000 people are said to have walked in the procession, despite the heavy rain. The vice-chairman of Leicester’s Islamic Centre, Malik Salim, said: "Despite the weather, it went very well. This is a very special event and it is a very important event to celebrate" (Leicester Mercury, 25.06.99, Heartland Evening News, 23.06.99). In Dewsbury, around 500 people took to the streets (Dewsbury Reporter, 25.06.99), and in Blackburn, thousands were said to have attended the march organised by the Naqshbandi Community Centre (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 28.06.99). The Independent (19.06.99) also features an article, written by Fuad Nahdi, editor of Q News, about the significance of the Mawlid celebrations. [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 7]

Scottish Power award scheme

A leading power company has apologised to residents in Leeds about high-pressure sales tactics. Scottish Power has said it has sacked a salesman who tried to persuade Asian woman, some of whom spoke little English, to switch their supply to the company. Scottish Power used a team of agency salespeople to persuade Yorkshire Electricity customers to change their supply, but one salesman caused outrage amongst residents in the Harehills area. He took advantage of the fact that some Asian women in the area had little command of the English language and persuaded many of them to sign transfer forms. There were also allegations that some signatures on transfer forms were forged. The issue was brought to light when one resident, Malcolm Winfield, chased the salesman out of the street and then reported him to Scottish Power and the electricity regulator Offer. The man was sacked and police began an investigation into his activities. Scottish Power has apologised to residents, and has made a donation to a local school to set up an awards scheme. The first award was won by 12-year old Amina Begum, whose mother was one of the salesman’s victims. It was presented at Harehills Bangladeshi community centre. Mr Smillie, Scottish Power senior manager, said: "We deeply regret what happened here. The agent has been dismissed and the agency is no longer working in Yorkshire. We wanted to make amends and established this award for the community." Amina won the award, and engraved shield, for her work in Islamic Studies at Primrose High School (Yorkshire Evening Post, 19.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 7]

Local groups receive grant

One of the most deprived communities in Leeds will receive cash to improve the quality of people’s lives. The Leeds Initiative Regeneration Board is to give £60,000 to a consortium of charities in the Beeston and Holbeck areas, called ‘Faith Together in Leeds 11’. Faith Together in Leeds 11 was formed in the spring of this year and brings together three Muslim community groups, the Asha Neighbourhood Project, Vera Media and two local churches. The new charity plans to knock down the existing Methodist and the Anglican parish hall, and replace them with new community facilities, including a healthy living centre for elderly Asian people and a parenting centre aimed at helping young families. Project manag er and local resident, Revd Neil Bishop, said: "This is wonderful news for us. It’s true that the hard work has only just begun, but we’re very grateful for all the help and support that’s made it possible for us to get this far" (Yorkshire Evening Post, 22.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 7/8]

NoI take action against deaths

The Nation of Islam have taken to the streets to drive out gunmen in Harlesden, north-west London, after 11 black people have been killed in the area in the past six months. The plan is to hunt down the gunmen and drive them out of the community before more innocent people are killed. The Nation also hope the operation - codenamed BlackWatch - will instil confidence in the community and people will come forward with information needed to catch the killers. Leo Muhammed, assistant minister of the NoI’s west London branch, said: "We don’t want killers and berserkers running in the Black community because it is to the detriment of the community as a whole. We need to send a clear message to the killers that this is not acceptable." The patrols were announced following the NoI-organised ‘Stop the Killing’ march in June (The Voice, 21.06.99, Wembley Observer, 24.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 8]

Inner city investment

On April 23 150 communities from all over Britain got together at the Whitechapel Art Gallery, east London, to demand action from the government on banks and investment. Eddie George, Governor of the Bank of England, was present at the meeting, and was asked to endorse a new code of practice for banks working in Britain’s financially excluded communities. The communities are part of a national network of broad-based community organ isations affiliated to the Citizens Organisations Foundation (COF). They drew up a code of practice which called on the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority, the govern ment’s chief regulatory watchdog, to audit the impact of the collapse of financial services in a socially divided Britain and to develop a long term policy for ensuring reinvestment in excluded neighbourhoods. The meeting took into account that ethnic minorities are the worst hit by the lack of investment in inner cities and when banks close. In response to the grievances expressed by the communities at the meeting, Mr George said: "We need to identify the problems and then only can we come up with the solutions." He added: "From this meeting I have iden tified two main problems in the banking sector, firstly, personal banking and secondly the provision of credit." Vice Chairman of East London Mosque, Chowdry Mueen-Uddin, and Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Iqbal Sacranie, outlined the case for Islamic banking in the UK. In his response, Mr George said: "The Muslim community must identify precisely what they want, it is an ill-defined concept. The issue of Islamic banking is different in each of the countries that provides it. It is only when you define what you want, that we can help you." The Muslim repre sentatives seemed disappointed with Mr George’s response. Siraj Salekin of East London Mosque, said: "Mr George is giving the impression that he is really not interested and is putting our community down. The idea of Islamic banking was introduced 1400 years ago. We will keep working on the issue" (Muslim News, 25.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 8]

Prayer room for community centre

The Bangladeshi community in Carlisle are hoping to get permission to use an office in the Bangladeshi community centre in Brook Street as a prayer room. Sukur Ali said the 50-strong community wanted to modify the room so it could be used for worship on holy days. The ground floor office is already used occasionally for prayers, but now they are applying formally for permission to use the reception area. Members of the city council’s planning and land use sub-committee are expected to approve the change, which will also mean a Muslim teacher can give Islamic lessons to Bangladeshi youths. There has only been one objection, from a resident who claimed the changes would increase traffic, but planners say one hour a week worship is unlikely to do this (Cumberland News, 25.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 8]

Judge opposes bid to remove imam

The UK leader of a controversial organisation had fought off a bid to have him ousted from the Scottish mosque he founded. Abdul Hamid, a Sunni Muslim, founded the Islamic Studies Centre - also known as Polwarth mosque - 12 years ago. His close links with an anti-Shi’a Muslim group caused friction at the mosque, and opponents accused him of using the centre’s funds to further the groups aims. However, a judge at the Court of Sessions, refused to remove Mr Hamid from the board of trustees after ruling that there was no evidence to support the allegation. The judge, Lord Nimmo Smith, said that Mr Hamid was UK president of Sipah-e-Sahaba and the main allegation against him was that of mis-using the trust funds. He said: "Sipah-e-Sahaba is an organisation founded by Abu Rehan Zia-ur Reham Farooqi, who has since been assassin ated in Pakistan. There was some evidence that it is regarded in Pakistan as being a terrorist organisation. In the United Kingdom it is a legal organisa tion and is active in a number of ways, such as the holding of meetings and the raising of funds. Abdul Hamid has been involved with it for many years and, since 1991, has been its United Kingdom president." He added: "I think Abdul Hamid can properly be described as a fervent Muslim. He has an uncompromising attitude to religious affairs and has difficulty in accepting any point of view but his own" (Glasgow Herald, 25.06.99). He said it was easy to see how these characteristics could antago nise others, but added: "Whatever view may be taken of his character, it cannot be said that his involvement with the [Polwarth] institution has been for personal gain. The connection with Sipah-e-Sahaba has existed for many years and those who worship regularly at the institution or send their children for instruction there have been aware of it throughout. Those who do not like this connection...have the remedy of...going elsewhere. The numbers who continue to attend the institution appear to me to be an indication that Abdul Hamid’s conduct of its affairs meets with the satisfaction of all but a relatively small minority." One of the written testimonials produced from Muslims speaking of Mr Hamid’s integrity and standing in the community, came from the imam of Glasgow Central Mosque, Mufti Maqbool Ahmed, who described Mr Hamid as a man of integrity and hon esty whose services to the cause of Islam had been greatly appreciated. Mr Hamid moved to Edinburgh from Rochdale twelve years ago, and became a "moderately prosperous" member of the Muslim business community. He set up the Islamic Studies Centre in convert ed shops in the Polwarth area of the city (The Scotsman, 25.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 8/9]

Cash boost for community centre

A community centre in Leicester has received a £2,500 donation from the Lloyds TSB Foundation. The Muslim Khatri Association, has members from more than 500 families and provides information, advice and social activities for disadvantaged, disabled, elderly and young people within the community. More than 250 people use the centre each week for social, educational, cul tural and sporting activities. The donation will be used to refurbish an modernise the centre’s function hall, with the purchase of 300 chairs and 38 tables, enabling the association to hire it out to the wider community for weddings, christenings and fundraising events. Abdul Khatri, trustee of the Association, said: "The funding will help us to create and hopefully increase the usage of the centre" (Leicester Mercury, 26.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 9]

Governor of Punjab visits College

The Governor of Punjab, His Excellency Shahid Hamid, visited the Hijaz College, a Muslim university, in Nuneaton. One of the speakers at the reception was Nazir Naji, president of Northampton Pakistan Welfare Association. Mr Naji said: "Hijaz College is meeting the Islamic needs of the Moslem [sic] community in the UK and Europe. Its principal, Faiz-ul-Aktar, and chief executive, Qamar Bhatti, are totally committed to bringing a better understanding of Moslem [sic] culture to UK society." Mr Naji took copies of the Northampton Chronicle & Echo with him to show how a community newspaper can reflect the views of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The Gov ernor of Punjab was joined by the director of information from the Saudi Embassy. The Kuwaiti Ambassador was also expected (Northampton Chronicle & Echo, 29.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 9]

Sheffield centre plans opposed

Plans for a Muslim community centre and prayer room in Sheffield are ex pected to be refused. Shi’a Muslims want to convert an old car showroom into meeting rooms for about 18 fami lies. But although they agreed to add soundproofing and improve the building, planners believe the proposed centre is too close to surrounding houses and are therefore recommending refusal. Letters of objection have been received from local residents (Sheffield Star, 30.06.99, Barnsley Star, 30.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 9]

Education

Schoolgirls design uniforms for nurses

Students at Belle Vue Girls’ School in Bradford have designed nurses uniforms to help a local authority campaign designed to attract more nursing recruits from the Muslim community. The designs had to conform to the demands of the health profession, modern fashion and Islamic law. The scheme was led by Bradford Commun ity Health NHS Trust to get more recruits into nursing. Student Salma Kauser won first prize with her unisex outfit which is longer than the standard tunic top with a long and short-sleeve version (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 9]

Al-Furqan opts out

The first state-funded Islamic school in the country has opted out of a national agreement governing teachers’ pay and conditions (See BMMS for September and October 1999). Al-Furqan Primary School in Tyseley has obtained exemptions in three areas: performance related pay, longer hours and more teacher training days. But the move was con demned by senior opposition councillor Les Lawrence and the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), who said it could result in teachers being paid less and having to work longer hours than their colleagues in virtually every other school. But Al-Furqan Head Teacher, Zahida Hussain, defended the decision, saying: "We have always had performance-related pay to a certain extent by setting targets which staff have to reach to obtain increments. This is now in line with Government think ing but it has never resulted in worse pay and conditions in the past." She said the other exemptions reflected the school day being twenty minutes longer to include prayers and an increase in teacher training days to cover Islamic teaching. However, councillor Lawrence said: "I cannot believe that the chief education officer didn’t know about this application to opt out. We have to ask seriously if he did know, why he didn’t raise it with the education committee." He added: "We have a school which was grant maintained and is now back in the local authority fold which is going to be totally at variance with every other school in Birmingham. The only inference is that they could end up paying their teachers a lot less, any national pay awards are not granted, and they could effectively ask them to work longer hours and through all term breaks." Birmingham education committee chairman councillor Roy Pinney said: "We regret the decision to opt out of the Teachers Pay and Condi tions Act, but it is a matter for the governors to decide" (Birmingham Evening Mail, 17.06.99). Ms Hussain also said: "When we were independent, teachers were required to prepare their own school development plan and set targets for the next year. If these were met, they would be entitled to an extra increment. We found that motivated teachers and wanted to keep it - it is also the way the Government wants to move." However, Lesley Connolly, secretary of NASUWT, said: "We find it appalling that the Government is allowing this former private school to control its own teaching costs. This will create tension within what is an equal pay system across the local education authority" (Times Educational Supplement, 02.07.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 9/10]

Planners back private school

Planning advisors in Blackburn have advised councillors to allow a two-story building to be converted into an Asian girls’ private school, which will be called Al-Islah. There were fears that the project would create traffic problems, but these fears have been allayed. An area will be created near the school where children can safely be dropped off and picked up by parents driving to the school. Bollards will be placed at the back of Lambeth Street where the school will be built, to prevent it being used as a short-cut by motorists. The developer will also be asked to fund traffic calming measures as a condition of the council’s approval of the project (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 19.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 10]

Move to close college

Legal experts have been called in to try and close a college which has been operating in Birmingham for the past 17-months without planning permission. The Birmingham Evening Mail (19.06.99) reports that the Alfurgan Community College in Warwick Road, Tyseley, has been set up in a residential area, and is attended by around 60 children. In response to complaints from nearby families about playground noise and scores of parked cars blocking sur rounding roads, council officers served a notice banning the college use 17 months ago. And they have again re jected an application to allow the col lege to operate until next August when it can relocate, on grounds of highway safety and because it was detrimental to the families living in the area. Councillors fear that Muslims at the college could use the loophole of an appeal to continue running the college in defiance of the attempts to close it down. Now, Councillor Stewart Stacey has called for the long drawn out legal process to be speeded up. He said: "What is happen ing is wrong. It is clear this college has decided to stay put for another year and by the time the usual enforcement pro cess has gone through, they will have achieved that. The highway conditions there are dangerous, not just for the community but for the kids themselves." An investigation by transport officials found up to 30 motorists were ferrying children to and from the col lege - many of them ignoring the yellow line parking restrictions on the busy main road. A check by environmental researchers also found that playground noise levels were so high they constitut ed a statutory nuisance. They have pre sented their own legal order on the college, but without result. A spokes man for the college only said: "We will have to speak to our advisors about this." [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 10]

Teacher training

The Eleventh Annual Conference of the Muslim Education Forum (MEF), held in London in May, has said that the opportunities for Muslims to enter the teaching profession by training in Muslim-friendly institutions are greater than ever before. The first speaker at the conference was Dr Muhammad Mukadam, a lecturer at Westhill College, Birmingham. He reminded the audience of the almost unique nature of Westhill, saying it is arguably the most welcoming of higher education institu tions to Muslim students, and then stressed the need for more Muslims to enter the teaching profession. This was a common theme throughout the conference, with emphasis being put on the introduction of the new School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) scheme run by the Association of Muslim Schools (See BMMS for December 1998 and January 1999). Westhill’s new BA degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), majoring in Islamic Studies and the post-graduate route to QTS via the AMS SCITT, gives potential teachers a choice of routes in their career development programme. The Director of the Associa tion of Muslim Schools, Ibrahim Hewitt, set out his vision for schools in Britain, and reminded those present, who are already involved in full-time Islamic education, that there should be continuous assessment of the their intentions and progress. Yusuf Islam spoke about the possibilities and pro cedures for Muslim schools to obtain state funding, reminding people that many Muslim schools still rely on sym pathetic non-Muslim teachers to deliver what is an increasingly ‘Islamised’ curriculum. Proposals for the new multi-faith school were outlined by Akram Khan-Cheema, Co-ordinator of the MEF. Doubts were expressed about whether a primary school headed and staffed by non-Muslim teachers could ever be the way forward for Muslims in education, and questions were also asked about the difference between this school and the existing state schools (Muslim News, 25.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 10]

Schoolgirls win art competition

Two students from Manchester Islamic Girls’ School won awards in a top art competition in London. Banan Farhat, 16, won an award as best junior artist in the abstract and experimental category of the international competition organised by the Amateur Artists’ Society. She was also nominated for the Young Artist of the Year title which will be awarded later this year – which will give her the chance to win a £250 cash prize and art materials worth £150. Shila Fattah, also 16, was runner-up in the same category, and both girls had work commended in other sections. Art Teacher Barbara Hockwart said: "I am delighted with these results. It is brilliant for the school and for these very talented girls. This is quite a prestigious competition with more than 3,000 art ists from all over the world, including professionals, competing. We did well in the same competition last year so the school is acquiring quite a reputation in the art world" (Manchester Evening News, 25.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 10]

Politics

Minister meets local community

With the Liberal Democrat’s leadership election now in full swing, front-runner Charles Kennedy dropped in to meet Muslim leaders in the east end of London. The MP told community leaders at East London Mosque, Whitechapel Road, that he would carry on the former leader Paddy Ashdown’s work to get rid of racism. He was joined by councillors Shahab Uddin and Janet Ludlow to visit the mosque and Brick Lane (East London Advertiser, 24.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 11]

Muslim voted in on European elections

A Conservative candidate for the European elections has become the first British Muslim to be elected to the European Parliament. Bashir Khanbhai stood in the Eastern Region for the Conservative Party. The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats had pre viously been accused of failing the Muslim community by not putting any Muslim candidates in winnable seats. Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Iqbal Sacranie, welcomed the Tory’s commitment by choosing a Muslim in a winnable seat. He said: "This is a clear vindication of our posi tion that when Muslim candidates are given an opportunity to fight an election they can win." Mr Khanbhai, an investment and financial consultant, told the Muslim News: "I won because the electorate felt safe and secure with Conservative Party policies on Europe and UK." He fought for the Tory policies of "a competitive, free market in Europe," but said he will also "serve the needs of the Muslim community." Mr Khanbhai is also the first Muslim candidate from the Conservative Party to win any kind of Parliamentary seat (Muslim News, 25.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 11]

Tories target ethnic minorities

The Conservative Party is trying to revamp its image by recruiting more people from the ‘ethnic’ minorities. They have done away with the One Nation Forum, which was formed in 1991 to "strengthen the bridges between the Conservative Party and all members of the ethnic minority communities," and replaced it with the Cultural Unit. To head this unit, the party has appointed Sabeeha Manna, a law graduate, who told the Muslim News that "the Cultural Unit will en courage young professional people from all communities to become involved with the Conservative Party at all levels." She also explained the difference between the Cultural Unit and the One Nation Forum, saying: "The Forum marginalised people and divided them into little groups and factions and it did not feed into the mainstream. The Cultural Unit is not a structural unit but it is a catalyst to bring in people from all communities into the mainstream of the Conservative Party. And I hope it will become irrelevant in five years time because by then there will not be a need to provide a special route into the Party." Ms Mannan said the Conservative Party is changing, although "it is going to take a long time to change attitudes of some elderly people in the Party," and to "change perceptions of the Party." Ms Mannan has been holding informal meetings throughout the UK "to discuss and network about the new cultural unit and its aims" (Muslim News, 25.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 11]

Racism

Racists target new school

Plans to open a Muslim school at a former hospital in Blackburn have been attacked by racists, who have been dis tributing leaflets against the proposed boarding school (See BMMS for May 1999). Councillor Ashley Whalley, of the Higher Croft area of Blackburn, said he believed racists from outside Higher Croft had distributed the leaflets to try and stir up trouble at a residents’ meeting. He said: "About 40 people turned up, but they were told the meeting was for residents of the Infirmary area, not about the boarding school, and so they left, but they had an informal meeting with me outside. I heard all kinds of rumours. Someone was claiming that the council has given a £2 million grant to the new owners of Park Lee and that Blackburn Royal Infirmary had already been sold to be turned into a giant mosque. It is all nonsense. What is disturbing is that, as usual in Blackburn, there are elements that want to exploit cultural differences to make trouble." The hospital was sold to a group of Muslims who have already opened Muslim boarding schools in other parts of the country. Mr Ahmed, a school official liasing with the council, said he wanted to reassure local residents that there would not be a loudspeaker for calls to prayer. He said: "It will probab ly be a girls’ school but even if it is a boys’ school we won’t have a loudspeaker. We won’t be building a mosque, we will just be using one of the halls as a prayer room or as a mosque. We don’t want to be a problem for anyone. If any of the neighbours are concerned about anything, they are always welcome to come and meet us." Cllr Whalley added: "Mr Ahmed has been very open. The residents are happy to have the school there as long as the officials take note of their concerns. I think the residents and school can exist together quite peacefully." An open day will be held at the school before it opens in September so local people can look around (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 17.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 11]

Police in race row

Two policemen from Strathclyde Police are being investigated following allegations that they failed to help an 89-year old man who lost and eye after a brutal attack. Strathclyde Police came under pressure to suspend the officers after claims the bloodied and beaten grand father was allowed to take a bus home after the assault. Superintendent John Malcolm has been appointed to find out why Ghulam Rabbani was not taken to hospital by ambulance or police car. Mr Rabbani’s family have accused the force of "institutional racism" and claimed the officers would have treated him differently if he was white. But police sources were quick to defend the officers involved, saying they did everything they could to persuade Mr Rabbani to go to the hospital but he was determined to take the bus. One said: "We would literally have had to arrest this man to get him into our police car or ambulance. He point-blank refused assistance from us. The bus driver has been interviewed and he said he would never have known the man had been assaulted if the police had not told him." Partially-sighted Mr Rabbani, a retired GP, had just returned from praying at Glasgow Central Mosque when he was beaten up by three white youths. Two men and a woman placed a hood over his head, strangled, punched and kicked him. During the prolonged assault, they stole money from him, smashed his glasses, threw away his white stick and called him a "black Paki bastard." His son, Shamshad Rabbani, 42, said he was "appalled and disgusted" by the way the officers treat ed his father. He also criticised the force for failing to provide an interpreter before Mr Rabbani signed a notebook saying he did not want to make a state ment about the incident. In a statement, Mr Rabbani who speaks little English, said: "I was shaking and terrified and my shirt was soaked in blood. I asked the police to take me home but they never bothered to listen." His son said: "The police failed to show my father any compassion. They never called him an ambulance and they never tried to find his stick or glasses." A police spokesman said: "Any complaint by a member of the public will be fully investigated. Any police officer who is found to have failed in his duty will be appropriately dealt with" (The Scottish Express, 01.07.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 11/12]

Interfaith

Inter-Faith football tournament

The Maimonides Foundation, a charity committed to promoting dialogue and understanding between Jews and Muslims, organised an inter-faith football tournament for young children. The scheme ran in partnership with Arsenal Football Club and ‘Spirit of Soccer,’ an international initiative promoting con flict resolution through football. Fifty Jewish and Muslim children benefited from an exclusive coaching coarse run by Arsenal professionals at the Highbury ground. A mini-tournament was also to take place, with certificates award in a presentation ceremony. Douglas Krikler, Executive Director of the Maimonides Foundation, said: "Football is a common language across all cultural divides. Our aim is to draw on the potential of football as a means to promote contact and friendship be tween young Muslims and Jews in the UK." (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). He also said: "Next year we’ll expand the scheme to 200 children. There’s a lot of enthusiasm" (Jewish Chronicle, 11.06.99). The scheme is the first in a line of football community events to be arranged in association with football clubs from across the country. This event was free for the children and was sponsored by Joe Bloggs jeans (Hampstead, Highgate & Camden Chronicle, 10.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 12]

Church plan welcomed by community

An evangelical Christian centre is planned to be built in Enfield, just over the road from a mosque. The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God hopes to convert an old supermarket into a hall for up to 150 worshippers. Other facilities will include a bookshop, drop-in counselling centre and a crèche. On the opposite corner, the Edmonton Islamic Centre is buying the former Angel pub which it wants to convert into being part of the mosque and com munity centre next door. Both religious groups have said they are perfectly happy being across the road from each other. Mohammed Din, a member of the Islamic centre’s executive committee, said: "They are welcome here. It’s a free country and they will do their job and we will do ours. It’s live and let live." And church administrator Victor Akutu said there would be no rivalry between the faiths: "There’s no prob lem at all. The centre will be open to everyone in the community who wants to drop in." However, residents in the area have raised concerns that the plans will cause traffic congestion and worsen road safety at the busy junction. But both Christian and Muslim groups say there is sufficient parking space in the area, and many worshippers use public transport. The Islamic centre plan is due to come before Enfield planning committee in July. The council is cur rently consulting residents about the Christian centre, but planning officers have decided that it will not have to go before the planning committee. Instead they will take the decision themselves using ‘delegated powers’ (Enfield Independent, 09.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 12]

‘No’ to Muslims as members of CCJ

The Council of Christians and Jews could act as a catalyst for friendship between Christians and Jews and Chris tians and Muslims separately, but it was considered ‘inappropriate’ for the Council to become one of Christians, Jews and Muslims. This was the view expressed by the CCJ’s national director, Sister Margaret Shephard, when she answered a question from the floor at the annual general meeting of the Manchester branch. Asked about the need for the CCJ "to reach out to Islam," she said: "We need to be aware of the need but we will not become the CCJM" (Jewish Chronicle, 11.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 12]

Sandwich company caters for all faiths

The Yorkshire Evening Post (17.06.99) carries an article about a sandwich business in Leeds, which is the only firm in Britain devoted to producing sandwiches for vegetarians and vegans as well as religious groups such as Muslims and Sikhs. Multicultural Sand wiches was set up three years ago by Orthodox Jew, Mike Moss, who decid ed to tackle a gap in the market he had become aware of when trying to buy a sandwich himself. It means that the premises are inspected daily and the staff have to conduct rigorous checks of every single ingredient, making sure it is spotlessly clean. But the effort seems to be worth it as the firm is currently making 200,000 sandwiches a year and has a turnover of around £250,000 per annum. Mr Moss said: "It must be amazing to people who just knock together sandwiches every morning how much care we have to take. But we cannot afford to be anything less than 100 per cent spot on – every last item needs checking if we are to cater for our customers’ dietary needs." The firm has a range of 40 sandwiches, each carrying the boast that they are 100 per cent in accordance with Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Jewish traditions. [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 12/13]

‘Mob’ damages Hindu celebrations

Community leaders in Bradford appealed for calm after Hindus in the city said they had been attacked and their reli gion abused by a 100-strong gang of Muslims. Hindu groups meeting in the city have since been given police pro tection following the confrontation between the youths and families leaving a Hindu celebration. Witnesses said a "mob" of youths began damaging cars parked in the grounds of Waverley Middle School, Great Horton, which is used by Hindus out of school hours for cultural classes. Two Hindus were punched in the incident and women were spat at. Hasmukh Shah, a member of the World Council of Hindus who was present at the trouble, said: "The abuse amounted to racist remarks relating to our Indian origin. We are now confronted by racism on two fronts - from the white community and now a minority within a minority. This is a very sad day for Bradford." Since the confrontation, officers from Toller Lane Police Station have been present at the school during the after school classes. Sgt Roy Wensley, community liaison officer at Toller Lane, said youths had caused some minor problems but religious feelings were not at the root of the trouble which was more likely to be caused by boredom. He said: "There is nothing to suggest Hindus or their businesses are being targeted; they have traded and thrived in this area for years now. There are occasional problems but their is nothing to suggest anyone is picked on because of their religion." Ayub Laher, general secretary of the Bradford Council of Mosques, said he had not heard of any trouble but would investigate the claims. He said; "It might be connected to the Kashmir war or the cricket and it must be a small minority causing this. The fact that these groups are Hindu and Muslim might be incidental and have nothing to do with the causes of the trouble." He added: "There are many Hindu-owned businesses that serve in 90 per cent Muslim neighbourhoods without incident. But there are always crazy people who are extremist in their views and don’t use their brains. If this is Muslim youngsters we will sit down with them and talk things through - but sometimes they just want to go off in gangs and not listen." Mr Laher said that there could be an element of jealousy on the part of Muslim youth if they see their Hindu counterparts with jobs and money (Yorkshire Post, 23.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 13]

Summer Playscheme

A summer playscheme has been organised for ethnic minority children by Sikh and Muslim organisations in Gravesend. Cricket, football, basketball and bhangra dancing will be organised for children aged between ten and 14 at the Guru Nanak education and sports complex in Milton Road, Gravesend, for one week beginning on July 26 (Gravesend Messenger, 23.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 13]

Halal

Halal World plans £3m float

Halal meat supplier and retailer Halal World has announced plans to float on the London Stock Exchange (See BMMS for December 1998 and January 1999). It plans to raise £3million by selling shares to British Muslims at 100p per share on Ofex, the junior stock market for small companies, and will fund a rapid store expansion programme across the UK and Europe. Sam Ahmed, joint managing director of the group, said: "We are looking to buy our own abattoir, open up new shops across the UK and expand into Europe and then the Middle East. We are aiming at opening 50 shops in the UK in the next five years, and aim to open six shops by the end of the year. There is a large customer base in Europe and we have shops pinpointed in France and Germany" (Norwich Eastern Daily Press, 22.06.99). The family-run business also wants the "butchery to match a supermarket look and supermarket image." Lord Nazir Ahmed, who re cently joined the board of Halal World, said; "We are preparing the meat from the slaughtering stage, to the processing, all the way to the customer. So the hygiene level stays, the quality stays, price is kept down and service is en sured" (Asian Times, 29.06.99). However, there are concerns that this move could mean that small independent butchers’ shops will be forced to close down (The Scotsman, 22.06.99, Aberdeen Press & Journal, 22.06.99, Wolverhampton Express & Star, 22.06.99, Bristol Evening Post, 22.06.99, Sheffield Star, 23.06.99, Birmingham Evening Mail, 24.06.99, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 28.06.99, Asian Times, 29.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 13]

Health

Gelatin-free capsules

A new production technique developed by BioProgress Technology means that capsules will no longer have to contain a substance derived from pigs and other animals. Until now, all soft capsules on the market have to be given a coating of gelatin, a by-product of waste renderings from the meat industry. The major ity of hard capsules also contain gelatin and are frequently prescribed to patients on compulsory medication. The gelatin used in both types of capsules has a high likelihood of being derived from pigs. The new coating, patented as "XGel" is animal-free, environment friendly and more economical to use than gelatin. Barry Muncaster, co-founder of BioProgress Technology, said: "The challenge has been to pro duce a film that is water soluble and yet liquid-proof. XGel begins a whole new era for what can be encapsulated and has immense implications for the healthcare industry and the environment." The new XGel technology means halal dietary supplements will also become available, such as Evening Primrose and Cod Liver Oil capsules. It will also help to preserve the environment by producing water-soluble and biodegradable nappies and other sani tary products. The new formula has been welcomed by those who do not eat animal products for religious, ethical or health reasons and those campaigning for a better environment (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 13/14]

Anti-euthanasia meeting

A life protection group has called for greater thought to be given to lifting restrictions on euthanasia. More than 60 people turned up to give support to their case at a public meeting, organised by the Rossendale branch of the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child. The imam of the Shah Jalal Mosque in Rossendale and others members of the mosque were among those attending. The Chairman of the Rossendale branch, John McEvoy, said: "I dread to think what Government proposals to relax the euthanasia laws could lead to, and how many people would die unnecessarily if they do not think again. People in comas, the elderly and those who can’t think for themselves, could die for no real reason. Although it is distressing to see a relative or friend suffering, I find it worrying that decisions could be taken far more freely. If the laws are relaxed then they become open to more abuse." Address ing the meeting were Dr G Chalmers of Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Dr A Majid Katme, a Muslim pro-life campaigner. He said: "In Islam, suicide, assisted suicide, abortion and eutha nasia are prohibited. No one has the right to kill directly or indirectly by withdrawing food and fluid or giving any medicine which will kill the patient." He raised fears that the role of a doctor could become one of a killer. Mr McEvoy added: "We need to make individual protests to the Government. Clearly this is a worry for all faiths" (Rossendale Free Press, 04.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 14]

Employment

First female bus driver

Bradford has seen the employment of the country’s first female Muslim bus driver. The appointment is a dream come true for Naz Shah, 25, whose childhood ambition was always to get a job on the buses. Ms Shah left her job as a health care assistant after passing her driving test last year. Khadim Hussain, operations director of First Bradford, the bus company employing Ms Shah, said: "We want all members of the community to come forward for jobs. The working environment now is far more conducive to women drivers" (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 14]

Woman sacked over Islamic book

A Muslim woman from Bilston was sacked from a women’s refuge for handing out books about Islam to a battered wife, an industrial tribunal was told. Tina Hanif, 30, was fired from the Sandwell Women’s Refuge in Warley because "the material was contrary to the policies of the place," the hearing was told. Ms Hanif, who is pursuing a claim for racial discrimination, told the Birmingham tribunal that the woman, identified only as Miss A, had asked for advise about the faith and about divorcing under Islamic law. She said: "Miss A wanted to know if I was a Muslim and she decided to share with me her newly chosen religion. She said she wanted information about getting a divorce under Islamic law. I said I was not an expert and would have to find out this information. She also wanted to broaden her knowledge about Islam and also help her children. I gave her a pamphlet and one book." Ms Hanif, who is studying at Birmingham University, said she had cleared the publica tions with refuge boss Krishna Madhal before passing them to the woman who was classed as vulnerable. However, the tribunal was also told that the battered woman’s social worker phoned refuge leaders and complained about the nature of the books, one of which was entitled Muslim Woman and Islam. The hearing was told the student, who was on a work placement, was dismissed because leaders felt the material ran "contrary to the ethos of the refuge." Ms Hanif said: "I did go through all of the books with Krishna Madhal and went through one specifically on women’s issues in detail. There was a section that could be misinterpreted and I wanted to make sure it would be clear. If Krishna had said to me not to bring them in or that they were inappropriate then I would not have brought them in." The tribunal continues (Wolverhampton Express & Star, 03.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 14]

Mosques & Burials

Ashton

A new mosque is set to be built in Ashton on the site of an old church. Council chiefs approved plans to demolish the Unitarian church on land between Katherine Street, Mowbray Street, Moss Street West and Richmond Street, and replace it with a two storey high domed building, which will in clude worshipping areas, a guest room, office, kitchen, dining room, mortuary and 16 classrooms. But residents in the area have raised concerns about prob lems that may arise from the develop ment. Views were that the church should not be demolished but refurbish ed and that the community centre should be multi-racial. They also thought that there may be disturbance cause by visitors at early hours and that there is not adequate parking. The plan ning director said: "The present build ing built as a church has been too small for the congregation for several years. There is nowhere else nearby where a substantial area of parking could be laid out. It is not realistic to limit opening hours when people can worship in the building as some will come at dawn and dusk to fulfil Muslim requirements to pray" (Tameside Reporter, 27.05.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 14]

Blackpool, Central Drive

Muslims in Blackpool have launched a fresh bid for a new mosque in the town (See BMMS for April 1998). They have again submitted plans to the council to transform a former factory into a mosque. An application for the same site was thrown out by councillors a year ago on the grounds that it would create problems for road safety and access to the neighbouring roads. The new plans for the mosque, which would also be used as a community centre, show a change of entrance to the proposed building. However, a spokesman for Blackpool council said that they had already received some objections to the plans. One resident from Central Drive said: "It is a very busy cut-through anyway, without more traffic being created. A lot of mothers go through there on their way to school. It is the wrong place for something like this.

The other thing is that they want to put a dome on the top which will cut out the light out of my home." This second bid for a mosque on the factory site follows unsuccessful attempts to find an alternative site. A spokesman for Preston-based Aamir Design Ltd, which is act ing on behalf of the Muslim community, said: "Since the original application was refused, the council has been working with the Muslim community to try and find suitable premises without any luck. At the end of the day it is down to the local authority to determine the application. I will do my utmost to convince the committee that the level of use will not be as extensive as people fear. The big problem that the commun ity has is with Friday prayer when most people attend the mosque. Many of them are not resident in Blackpool. But we can say that the day-to-day use is not really a problem" (Blackpool Evening Gazette, 22.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 14/15]

Bradford, Carlisle St

The largest working mosque in Bradford is to open its doors to the public in a bid to increase awareness and understanding of Islam. The Jamia Masjid Hanfia Association says it enter tains visitors from around the world who want to look inside, and now is working to stage days where members can give tours of the building which was opened in 1982. Choudry Talib Hussain Pothi, the new press relations officer for the mosque, said: "We have tours coming from all over Europe. We want to open this institution to the public to encourage tourism. It is also about trying to educate some of the people as well. Most people who are not Muslims have never been to a mosque and when they come in a place like this that person’s feeling does change." A new committee which includes several young members in their teens and early twenties, which is rare for most mosques, is also hoping to reach out to the community in other ways. They want to turn the huge basement into a day centre for the community, ideally with catering facilities and with two paid members of staff. Mr Pothi said the mosque would also like to work with social services on the project: "There is nothing round here for the local elderly people. Here they could have something to eat and sit down and relax. It’s an Islamic institution and looking after the poor and elderly is part of Islam. That’s why we want to start this day centre for all the community" (Bradford Tele graph & Argus, 17.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 15]

Burnley, Oswald St

A planning application for a £1 million mosque has finally been submitted to Burnley Council in one of the region’s poorest areas. The mosque was granted planning permission when it went before the council in 1998 and it is expected to be given the go-ahead soon. Councillor Muzakkir Ali said: "The response in the area has been good. The community is growing and there is a need for a bigger mosque." The community has already raised £200,000 (Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 15]

Clitheroe, Holden St

The controversy over plans for a mosque in Clitheroe has resurfaced following the resubmission of an application for the proposed site (See BMMS for May, June, July, August, September 1998, January, February and March 1999). Members of the town’s Muslim community have submitted revised plans to Ribble Valley Borough Council, which would see a single-storey extension to the existing Islamic Education Centre in Holden Street. The original application was refused by the council and an appeal in March was dramatically withdrawn at the eleventh hour by the applicants, who decided to draw up a new, smaller-scale plan. The revised plans now show a 50 per cent reduction in floor area, and the applicants have agreed that consent should initially be given for a temporary, two-year period. However, many local residents have accused the council of trying to rush the application without hearing public concerns. One resident commented: "We should have had the right to speak at the meeting, but it was all done behind closed doors in a rather underhand way. We believed that there had to be a 48-hour consultation period for each planning application and we feel that the council has broken the regulations." In response, a spokes person for Clitheroe Town Council said that notification of the meeting had been posted on the public notice-board. He said: "The town council was asked for its comments, as it is with all planning applications, purely on a consulta tion basis, and the application was approved subject to some conditions." A statement submitted with the plan ning application, representing local Muslims, said that the mosques only served the local community and that the Holden Street application would not seek to serve a wider one. It added that people would not attend from outside the area as the "visiting" of other mosques rarely, if ever, occurs. According to the statement, the busiest prayer time would be around noon on Fridays, and there would be no more than 20 people praying at that time. For the remaining prayer times, there would be no more than eight people at once. However, several residents of the area said that the estimated attendance figures were "utter rubbish." One resident, who has seen the revised plans, commented: "The application says that Muslims are actively encouraged to walk to the existing Education Centre, but most of them drive or arrive in taxis, causing traffic build up." The resident also doubted whether the fixed prayer times would actually last the specified maximum of 15 minutes. Members of the council’s Planning and Development Committee are set to decide on whether the application should be approved or refused (Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, 27.05.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 15]

Coventry burials

Special arrangements for do-it-yourself burials at the weekends are to be introduced by Coventry City Council to meet the needs of the city’s Muslims (See BMMS for April 1998). Several ready-made graves lined with concrete will be prepared at Walsgrave Cemetery so that Muslims can conduct their own ceremonies at weekends, as cemetery staff do not work on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. City councillors had so far resisted calls for seven-day-a-week working at the city’s cemeteries, claiming the overtime would cost too much. But now they have agreed in principle to a new solution of having pre-prepared graves. Graham Duggan, bereavement services manager, said: "A prinstalled grave lining, like a concrete chest, would be installed in the ground, with a concrete slab on top. If the Muslim community wanted to undertake a funeral on Saturday afternoon or Sunday, they would lower the coffin and replace the slab. The slab would then be lifted and the grave filled in by our regular staff on Monday." The practice is due to start within the next few months (Coventry Evening Telegraph, 24.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 15/16]

Crewe, Walthall St

Protesters have lost their fight to stop a small terraced house being used as a mosque after a council survey found their objections to be unfounded (See BMMS for August and September 1998). Local residents claimed the mosque increased traffic and noise. The Islamic Centre was given temporary planning permission in 1995 for three years, but an appeal to renew the permission in August of last year was rejected. Now Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council planning officials have recommended the go-ahead for the centre after a five-week investigation into its use. Speaking about their findings, a council spokesman said: "Attendance at the mosque took place on only 16 days. Apart from noon to 2pm on Fridays, the mosque was attended by few members - never more than three at any one time, and never more than five times in a day. The highest attendance was 34. Nine out of ten members walk to the mosque. On the four Fridays when traffic was recorded, the highest generation of vehicles was four between 12:30 and 2pm on November 27. The results of the survey commissioned by the mosque have confirmed the findings of surveys carried out by council officers. There is no evidence that it directly contributes to highway/parking prob lems in the Walthall Street area." However, protesters were unconvinced and said that they counted more than 70 people going into the centre on a Friday. One said: "People often arrive in cars, causing congestion on the busy junction. A trial period of three years is ample time to realised that a small, two-bedroomed terraced property is not suitable for an Islamic Worship Centre. Apart from parking problems, there is also much local concern about noise. The Islamic equivalent of hymns would cause an intrusive sound as the houses in Walthall Street are poorly insulated." Members of the Muslims community say the centre is essential to Crewe’s Muslim community who otherwise would have to travel to Stoke-on-Trent if the Walthall Street centre was to close (Crewe Chronicle, 26.05.99, Q News, No307, 01.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 16]

Preston burials

Members of the Muslim Burial and Welfare Society in Preston are hoping to buy a former athletics track to provide additional burial space for Muslims in the area. County councillor Vali Ahmed Patel explained that as cremation is not an option for Muslims and their site at Preston Cemetery is almost full, extra burial sites are needed. He said: "This site would suit us for the next 60 years. We have seen other sites, but they have not been suitable. Some suggested we have a site in Red Scar, but our site needs to be in the town centre because Muslims tend to visit the graves more." He added: "At this site it is possible we could make the burials cheaper than at Preston Cemetery" (Leyland Citizen, 17.06.99). However, there are problems with the site, because before it was used as a running track, it was used as a tip for household waste, and so the quality of soil at the site is considered to be unsuitable for human burials. Brian Manning, Preston Council’s director of leisure services, said: "The site is a reclaimed tip and is likely to contain methane. Any disturbance of the ground, by digging graves, is likely to require substantial amelioration (improvement) measures." There are also concerns over road safety as there is no safe access to the site from the busy main road. Other suggestions for the land include making it a permanent site for Preston Baseball Club or putting it up for general sale (Lancashire Evening Post, 18.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 16]

Scarborough burials

A Muslim burial site is set to be created in Scarborough after the death of one man, whose family had to bury him more than 40 miles away in Hull, because there was no suitable burial place for him in Scarborough. Now, after a friend of the dead man’s family, Dr Syed Mustafa Karim, approached Scarborough Council about the situation, a specific Muslim burial site will be created. Councillors are being asked to approve plans to use a 50 metre-long strip of land on the eastern edge of the Woodlands Cemetery. It would cater for about 20 graves, which council chiefs say should be sufficient for some years considering the size of the Muslim community in Scarborough. Andy Skelton, head of environmental health at Scarborough Council, said officers had identified the most suitable site in the cemetery. He said: "One of the issues was that the area of Woodlands Ceme tery has been consecrated for Christian burials by the Church of England. So obviously a person of the Muslim faith would not wish to be buried there. It was a case of identifying an area of land that has not so far been consecrated. Regardless of how many Muslims there are in Scarborough they form part of our local community and we wish to cater for them in death as well as life." No special work will be required to prepare the burial site, other than the pruning of nearby shrubs (Scarborough Evening News, 11.06.99). [BMMS June 1999 Vol. VII, No. 6, p. 16]

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