British Muslims Monthly Survey for January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1 |
British Muslims Monthly Survey for January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1 |
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With the controversy surrounding the government’s intention to repeal Clause 28, which prevents the promotion of homosexuality in schools, Q News has printed some articles on the Islamic viewpoint on homosexuality, and how to speak about it with children. Despite their opposition to its abolition, Muslim educationalists and parents have said that it is unlikely to have a dramatic impact on individual school policies. Muhammad Usama of the Muslim Educational Trust, said: "It is a beneficial policy for most Muslim pupils who are in state schools. I suppose it prevents the danger of people holding up homosexuality as an equally valid relationship. But it is also largely symbolic. Have you ever heard of any school not doing what it wants to? In recent years we have had health authorities publishing sex education documents that promote homosexuality, quite apart from what gets pushed on Channel 4 and elsewhere." He added that despite wanting to keep Section 28 Muslims should not "go around gay bashing and bullying gay pupils."
Q News also features and article on being "Gay, Muslim and controversial." [An abridged version of this article appeared in The Guardian (15.01.00)]. The article focuses on the Muslim community’s unwillingness to admit to the existence of homosexuality among Muslims - to the extent that they feel they are immune from the trend, and the increasing trend among ‘gay Muslims’ to exert their feelings of being ‘proud to be gay and Muslim’. An active organisation promoting being a homosexual Muslim is the Al-Fatiha Foundation, which operates primarily through the internet. Set up with the aim of helping "lesbians, gays, bisexuals, the transgendered and those questioning their sexual or gender identity to reconcile their identity with Islam," the organisation calls for a "redefinition of Islamic notions of sexuality." The Foundation’s main concern is that gay Muslims should not be considered outside the boundaries of Islam, but need to become a recognised part of the Muslim community. The society draws on the Islamic teachings of a spirit of love and tolerance to promote their beliefs, and the founder and director of the Foundation, Faisal Alam, believes that sexuality is far from the ultimate defining characteristic of what constitutes a Muslim. He claims: "When you face God and the Prophet on the day of judgement the first question He’ll ask you is not if you are gay or how many sexual partners you had, but did you believe in Me?"
It is with these ideas that ‘gay Muslims’ are increasingly asserting their religious identity, despite the clear Islamic prohibition against homosexuality. However, as Dr Zaki Badawi of the Muslim College, London, points out, the fact that homosexuality is incompatible with Islam does not mean gays or lesbians can be denied the right to call themselves Muslims. He said: "We can say that homosexuals are not good Muslims because they are practising an unacceptable sin but we cannot completely write them out of Islam. As long as they believe in Allah and the Messenger (SAW) none other than Allah has the authority to deny them their Islamic identity." Dr Badawi also explained that there is a difference of opinion among the scholars about the punishment for homosexuality. He said: "One of the opinions is stoning to death although this can only be implemented in an Islamic state. In Britain - where gays are more powerful than Muslims - there is little we can do except preach to them and pray for forgiveness on their behalf." Finally, Q News carries an article on speaking to children about homosexuality. It states that although this is a difficult topic "we have no excuse as Muslim parents, teachers, community leaders and individuals not to clearly discuss this issue with our kids." Some of the advice it gives is to clearly outline what homosexual behaviour is, outline what Islam says about homosexuality, and make it clear that people are not born that way (Q News, No315, 01.01.00).
Senior members of the different faiths in Britain have spoken out against the government’s plans to repeal Section 28. In Scotland, Catholic leader Cardinal Winning is leading the campaign against repeal, and Labour councillor Bashir Maan has joined his campaign. He warned that many Muslim parents will remove their children form state schools and enrol them in Catholic schools in order to tech their children according to their moral beliefs. Councillor Maan said: "Certainly if Clause 28 is lifted most Muslims will send their children to Catholic schools. It is going to give those who are disposed to that style of life the opportunity to promote homosexuality and it is going to be very bad for society at large." Cllr Maan has previously been opposed to separate Muslim schools because he feels they impede integration, but said this is one issue that could sway him in their favour (Sunday Herald, 16.01.00). Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, has written an article in the Daily Mail, explaining his position against promotion of homosexuality in schools. He said that "we, as Muslims and parents, find utterly intolerable the suggestion that our children should, at a very tender age, be subjected to the possibility of propaganda advocating active homosexual practices as normal and valid and nothing more than a perfectly legitimate lifestyle choice." He also said that the government’s actions were surprising considering their ‘pro-family’ proclamations (Daily Mail, 28.01.00, Scottish Sunday Express, 23.01.00).
Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks, has said that allowing councils to promote homosexual lifestyles runs counter to a moral code shared by the world’s great religions, adding that repealing Section 28 would come at a high social cost. He said: "I can never forget as a Jew that homosexuals were sent to Auschwitz just as Jews were. Therefore if our society has become more tolerant, that is a good thing. However, the current proposal is based on a fundamental confusion between tolerance and moral judgement." He added: "There is a real danger that the abolition of Section 28 will lead to the promotion of a homosexual lifestyle as morally equivalent to marriage. Not only will this confuse many young people whose sexual identities are still fluid, it will frustrate any attempt to educate children in the importance of marriage as the basis of a stable and caring society." Om Parkash Sharma, president of the National Council of Hindu Temples, said that homosexuality was an unnatural state which should not be encouraged. Indarjit Singh, director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, said: "We are cautious about any moves to repeal. Although we are concerned that those who choose a gay lifestyle are not discriminated against, it should not be promoted as a valid alternative to marriage" (The Daily Telegraph, 27.01.00, The Times, 27.01.00, Catholic Herald, 28.01.00, Daily Record, 28.01.00, The Daily Telegraph, 28.01.00, The Observer, 30.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 1/2]
Questions have been raised as to whether the Government will keep its promise of including a question on religion in the 2001 Census (See British Muslims Monthly Survey for March 1999). Some Muslim groups have become anxious following an absence of the question from the Queen’s Speech in December. The Home Secretary had promised to address the question to remedy the existing classifications which are considered out of date. The inclusion of a religion question in the pilot questionnaire, which went out to 90,000 households in the summer of 1998, also proved to be successful. Massoud Shadjareh, of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, said: "It is plainly unacceptable for them to leave the question off now that the arguments have been won. No government department knows the exact size of the Muslim community at the moment, where it is, what kind of condition it is or what it is. So how can we expect them to allocate and tailor services for us?" (Q News, No315, 01.01.00). However, The Times (11.01.00) has reported that the new question on religion will be included in the next census. Muslims in Scotland are expressing their disappointment at the news that a question on religion will not be included in the census in Scotland. Justice Minister Jim Wallace announced details of the next census at the beginning of January, and said: "A number of cases for questions have been rejected after careful consideration. We concluded that there is not a sufficiently strong case in Scotland to collect information on religion through the census to supplement the proposed question on ethnic group, alive to concerns expressed about religious discrimination. That is why in developing our equality strategy we will work to foster tolerance and promote understanding of religious beliefs and practices." However, Councillor Bashir Maan, who has been campaigning for the inclusion of the question north of the border, criticised the decision. He said: "This is a decision which will have very negative consequences, and I am disappointed at the wisdom of the powers that be who have made this decision. They have not realised the gravity of the situation and they have listened to the wrong people." He added: "If it’s good enough to ask this question in England and Wales, why is it not good enough to be asked in Scotland? Have we no racism here?" (Glasgow Herald, 11.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 2]
A British charity, run by members of Al-Muhajiroun, has been stripped of its charity status by the Charities Commission. The removal of the Muslim Cultural Society from the list of approved organisations has come after a report in The Sunday Telegraph stated that leading members of the charity were raising funds and recruiting volunteers for "holy wars" abroad. The commission launched its own inquiry into the society after it publicly supported the fatwas issued against Salman Rushdie, the author, and Terence McNally, the American playwright. The commission ruled that the society had been involved in activity which is potentially "unlawful" and that has nothing to do with its declared aims (The Sunday Telegraph, 09.01.00). Since then, The Sunday Telegraph has said it has found 12 different companies across the country run by these "extremists" to raise funds and volunteers. These companies, it says, "which exist in name only, allow the activists access to facilities and financial help that they would otherwise be denied." Andrew Dismore, the Labour MP for Hendon, said he will ask the Department of Trade and Industry to investigate what he called a "blatant abuse of company law for political purposes."
One of the companies, called Info 2000 Software, in north London, was set up in 1998 but has never traded. Its offices are said to be a base for Omar Bakri Mohammed, the founder of Al-Muhajiroun in Britain. Mr Mohammed and his followers gain access to the company’s offices every day by signing themselves as company visitors at the central reception of the business park. They can then use the office’s six computers, scanner, fax machine and phone lines for their causes, which are linked to Islamic organisations in Chechnya, Kashmir and Afghanistan. Mr Mohammed has admitted that the company does not trade. He also confirmed that it was one of just a number of companies that operated along similar lines in other parts of the country. He said: "Info 2000 Software is one of 11 companies we use to help us with our work. They are registered organisations, but they do not operate as companies. We have no choice but to hide behind these organisations, because the Establishment is trying to hound us out of existence. This is not something we would have done by choice. We have never concentrated our activities on British citizens, either at home or abroad. But it seems that those in power in this country want to believe different. I don’t think I should say any more about it." A spokeswoman for Haringey Council confirmed they were aware that Mr Mohammed visited the premises of Info 2000 on their technology park, and said there would be an official investigation into The Sunday Telegraph’s allegations (The Sunday Telegraph, 09.01.00 and 16.01.00, Eastern Eye, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 2/3]
There were celebrations across the country as Muslims celebrated the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr. Thousands of Muslims attended mosques for prayers on Saturday 8 January, when Eid was celebrated across Britain (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 10.01.00, Dundee Courier & Advertiser, 10.01.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 10.01.00, Stroud Citizen, 10.01.00, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 10.01.00, Morning Star, 10.01.00, Stoke -on-Trent Sentinel, 10.01.00, Halifax Evening Courier, 10.01.00, Basildon Evening Echo, 10.01.00). Mosques were said to be completely packed for Eid prayers this year. Fazal Awan, chairman at Maidenhead Mosque, said: "We had three shifts of prayers because we could not fit everyone in to the mosque. For the next Eid prayers we will hire out a hall in the Magnet." Prayers of thanks were said for the wellbeing of the community, for those who prayed and fasted during Ramadan, and prayers were also said for those suffering in Kashmir, the Balkans, Palestine, Iraq, and in particular in Chechnya. Substantial collections were also made for the Muslim community in Britain and abroad (Maidenhead Advertiser, 14.01.00, Bucks Free Press, 14.01.00).
Many schoolchildren benefited from Eid celebrations, as parties were held, food was eaten, and presents were given (Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel, 18.01.00, Sheffield Star, 19.01.00,Wembley Observer, 20.01.00, Staines and Ashford News, 20.10.00, South Shields Gazette, 21.01.00, Accrington Observer, 21.01.00, Dewsbury Reporter, 21.01.00, Coventry Evening Telegraph, 24.01.00, Gloucester Citizen, 27.01.00, Muslim News, 28.01.00). At Northampton Middle School, a feast of food was cooked up by pupils. Parent and governor at the school, Ahmed Chowdhury, said: "It is a community school and we are very pleased all the pupils have joined in with the celebrations. Eid comes at the end of a long period of fasting and is a very happy celebration for Muslims. It is like Christmas and we give the children presents and enjoy all the food we’ve had to do without." Headteacher of the school, Phil Letts, said: "We are teaching all the boys and girls to live in and enjoy a multi-cultural society. It is good to see all the children have got involved and are enjoying the festival" (Northampton Chronicle, 12.01.00). Staff and pupils at Dens Road Primary in Dundee held an Eid party, where children dressed up in traditional clothes or party outfits, and parents donated traditional food. Eid has been celebrated at this school for the past seven years as part of the school’s religious and moral education programme. Isabelle Doogan, the assistant head, said the party helped to bring the children together. She said: "We think it’s a wonderful day for everyone with party games and food, and I think it really helps to bring all the different cultures together" (Dundee Evening Telegraph, 14.01.00, Aberdeen Telegraph & Argus, 15.01.00).
Gravesend Library hosted a ‘Discover Islam’ exhibition, organised by the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Women’s Group. The exhibition included descriptions on the importance of fasting and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Children also sang a poem by the Urdu poet Iqbal, and many traditional foods were served. Indi Sandhu, arts officer for North West Kent Arts and Libraries, said: "The aim of the exhibition is to encourage tolerance and good relationships within the diverse communities of Gravesham and to respect Islamic beliefs and customs" (Gravesend Messenger, 12.01.00, Gravesend Reporter, 13.01.00). Another library exhibition was held at Loughborough Library which featured information on the five pillars of Islam, and displayed items such as the Qur’an, prayer beads and various information books on Islam (Loughborough Echo, 14.01.00). In Brent, a colourful exhibition and arts and crafts event was held, organised by the Brent Muslim Community Forum. The event was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including the Pakistan High Commissioner Akbar Ahmed and MPs Mohammed Sarwar and Ken Livingstone, and was also broadcast to Pakistani television. Brent councillor Ahmed Shazad said: "It was a very successful event, and the high turnout shows that the community in Brent wants to use any excuse to celebrate and come together. We are looking forward to an even bigger Eid celebration next year" (Wembley & Brent Times, 20.01.00, Wembley Observer, 13.01.00).
An illuminated sign went up at Sheffield Town Hall to wish the city’s 30,000 Muslims a "Happy Eid". Councillor Ilyas Khan came up with the idea of organising a sign to celebrate Eid to raise awareness of the celebration. He said: "The Muslim population will be very pleased the council is recognising them in this way and it’s a good start to the millennium." He added: "It’s only a small sign but we hope to have more signs in different parts of the city next year. We would like to see more effort to bring the different faiths together in the city and hope to organise a multi-faith event later this year" (Sheffield Star, 08.01.00, Sheffield Telegraph, 07.01.00). Decorations were also put up in Leicester, although the council admitted that they forgot to put them up on time. Once it was realised that the lights were not up the day before Eid, the council launched a last minute operation, which continued on the morning of Eid. A city council spokesman apologised to the Muslim community for failing to put up the banners and lights, saying it was an "oversight" due to human error and that it would not happen again (Leicester Mercury, 07.01.00, Eastern Eye, 14.01.00). Lights were also switched on for Eid in the Chapeltown and Harehills area of Leeds. An Eid Mela was also to be held the week after Eid, where there would be music, dance and crafts. The mela was to be held at Leeds Town Hall, and was organised by the Leeds Centre for Music and Dance and Absolute Millennium (Yorkshire Evening Post, 07.01.00 and 13.01.00).
Following the Ramadan message given by the leaders of the three main parties, an Eid message was also sent out to Muslims to wish them a happy and blessed Eid. The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, thanked the community for its contribution to public life. In a letter to the Muslim Council of Britain, he said: "I would like to offer the British Muslim community my sincere best wishes on the happy occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid is a day of joy and giving thanks. It is a great occasion for the Muslim community and there will be many celebrations taking place around the UK following the Holy month of Ramadan. The contribution made by the Muslim community to our lives is greatly appreciated by the Government. I welcome your increased participation in areas of public life over the last few years, and look forward to seeing this increase in the future. I hope you will all have a very special day" (Wolverhampton Express & Star, 08.01.00, Walsall Express & Star, 08.01.00, Oxford Mail, 08.01.00, Liverpool Echo, 08.01.00, Leicester Mercury, 08.01.00, Sunday Sun, 09.01.00, Q News, No315, 01.01.00).
For the third year, an Eid celebration was held in the House of Commons, hosted jointly by the three main parties and sponsored by the Muslim College. The chief guest at this event was the Home Secretary Jack Straw, who praised the role of the Muslim community and their contribution to life in this country. He added that Britain has a "far more inclusive society for all the faiths" than other European countries, and said he hoped more steps would be taken to create a completely inclusive society. At the same time, another Eid party was being held, this time at 12 Downing Street, organised by the Government Chief Whip. This was primarily attended by Pakistani and Kashmiri Muslims, and the Prime Minister also made an appearance. He said that this country had "come a long way in community relations" and "we can be quite optimistic about the future" (Muslim News, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 3/4]
Community
Ramadan in prisons seminar
Nearly 300 people from all sectors of the prison services participated in a one-day seminar to discuss Ramadan (See BMMS for December 1999). The seminar was organised by the Prisoners Welfare Directorate of the Iqra Trust and the Prison Service College. Speakers included Salah El-Hassan of Iqra Trust, Professor David Wilson and Maqsood Ahmed, the new Muslim Advisor to the Prison Services (Q News, No315, 01.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 4]Knife-attackers jailed
Three men who stabbed worshippers outside a mosque, gathering to celebrate Eid, have been jailed for a total of 18-and-a-half years (See BMMS for April 1999). Three people were left serious stab wounds when the gang attacked worshippers in Ealing during Eid al-Adha last March. Isleworth Crown Court was also told that Andrew Williams, 26, Mark Hill, 18, and Scott Richardson, 16, shouted abuse as they attacked (Q News, No315, 01.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 4]Two family members charged with murder
The brother and husband of a woman who had an affair with her uncle, have been for jailed for life for the murder of the uncle (See BMMS for November 1999). The jury at Luton Crown Court convicted Shahzad Hussain, 25, and Imran Farid, 23, of murdering 38-year-old Amjad Farooq in Silsoe, near Luton, on August 14, 1998. They heard how Mr Farooq was killed as "punishment" for having an extra-marital affair with Nyla Hussain, 24, the wife of Farid. The jurors then retired to continue their deliberations in the cases of Nyla Hussain and her father Khadim Hussain, 49, who are also charged with the murder. The prosecution alleged that Ms Hussain recruited other members of her family to kill Mr Farooq after he threatened to expose their five-year affair. Shahzad and Imran are then said to have driven to the place where Mr Farooq was staying after the affair ended, dragged him out to a field, and killed him with a tokka, a large cleaver-style knife. Khadim Hussain is accused of directing the killing. The jury acquitted Nyla’s brother Shabaz Hussain, 19. Earlier the jury had acquitted two of Khadim Hussain’s brothers, his nephew and his wife (Yorkshire Evening Post, 13.01.00, Sandwell Express & Star, 14.01.00, Yorkshire Evening Post, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 4/5]New Years Honours
A ninety-year old man from Wandsworth who received an MBE for his services to community relations has said that he was honoured to have had his work recognised (See BMMS for December 1999). Muhammad Abdul Hamid, has lived in Wandsworth and Merton for almost 40 years, and has been involved in a series of projects. He said: "It is a great honour to be recognised in this way. I helped create the original mosque but that too has changed vastly. We made it bigger in 1977, then again in the 1980s as the population continued to grow." Mr Hamid was also honoured five years ago when he received the Mayor’s award for Merton, but says that the MBE surpasses that. He added: "I am very nervous about meeting the Queen. I have been invited to receive my award sometime next month which I am really looking forward to." Samir Shah, of Balham, received an OBE for his services to Equal Opportunities in broadcasting (Wandsworth Borough News, 07.01.00, Putney & Wimbledon Times, 07.01.00).
Adam Hafejee Patel, a member of the Labour Party, has been awarded a life peerage for his services to community relations. He said he was delighted with the reward: "I have been serving the community without wanting any reward in return. I never expected to be reward ed." Although an active member of the Labour Party, Lord Patel has never stood for council or Parliamentary elections. He said: "I don’t believe in elections even though I help others to take part. If one wants to help the community then one shouldn’t be an MP or a councillor." A list of the other 16 honours awarded to Muslims can be found in the Muslim News (28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 5]Islamophobia conference
A conference entitled "A Challenge to Us All" was held on 26 November, organised by the Runnymede Trust who had joined forces with the Uniting Britain Trust. Speakers included the director of the Kirklees Racial Equality Council, Maqsood Ahmed, and the Home Secretary, Jack Straw. A representative for the trusts said: "Our main aim at the moment is to monitor how the original report has been implemented and its overall impact." Progress will be measured in terms of government departments, local authorities, and workers unions who have been asked to provide accounts of changes that have resulted from the original Runnymede report "Islamophobia: a challenge to us" (Awaaz, 01.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 5]Muslim "state of siege"
Lord Ahmed of Rotherham has warned that the Muslim community is being forced close to a "state of siege". He accused the government of lacking "both the courage and the vision" to forge a harmonious multi-cultural society. He added that anti-Muslim feeling was a grave reality. He said: "If the authorities fail to take action now, it will set in motion consequences which will detrimentally affect not only Muslims but community relations" (Q News, No315, 01.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 5]Islamic counselling seminar
An information seminar on Islamic Counselling was recently held in London, marking two years of work on the Islamic Counselling project, which is funded by the health charity King’s Fund. The aim of the seminar was to inform service providers and other interested individuals and organisations how to incorporate Islamic counselling into services. The speakers at the seminar included: Halima Krausen, a German scholar and counsellor at Hamburg mosque; Dr Rashid Skinner, a clinical psychologist; Jocelyn Richards, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working at the Brent Kensington Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust; Melvyn Leach, Area Principal at Brent Adult College; Abdullah Maynard, Islamic Counselling practitioner and tutor; and Khalida Khan, Director of the An-Nisa Society. The speakers outlined the development of Islamic Counselling, from the concept to the mechanics of putting together an accredited course. Presentations were also given by representatives of organisations working with Muslim clients and providing them with counselling. Halima Krausen, in her keynote speech, spoke of the situation of Muslims living in modern day Europe, and the conflicts they face due to the conflict in values of several cultures, which leads to great "tensions". This situation can be further intensified through Islamophobia. She said: "Misunderstandings, half-knowledge and prejudices make their contributions to the scenario, causing different reactions: radical rejection, attempts to escape into harmonious dream worlds, impatient digging for roots, resignation, spite, psychosomatic symptoms, confusion in face of a multiplicity of options and aims, extremist attitudes and others, sometimes alternating according to various phases of an individual’s life." Khalida Khan spoke of how the An-Nisa Society has been working towards tackling mental health issues in the Muslim community in Brent for the past 15 years. Developing an accredited Islamic Counselling course was seen to be a way of dealing with the issue from the beginning. It was hoped that having more Islamic counsellors and an umbrella Muslim Association of Counselling would meet the needs of the Muslim community and would, in time, allow authorities to see and accept the faith-perspective in counselling as viable. More information about the development of Islamic Counselling, and a report on the seminar, can be obtained by contacting Meher Basit at the An-Nisa Society on 0208 922 7256 (Q News, No315, 01.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 5]‘Abd al-Latif Salazar interview
Q News (No315, 01.01.00) carries an interview with producer and director ‘Abd al-Latif Salazar, who worked on the recent "Faces of Islam" series by the BBC, which was broadcast in Ramadan. Mr Salazar rarely gives interviews, but this time wanted more Muslims to be aware of the programme, and wanted them to know that this series was being produced and directed by a Muslim. Speaking about choosing the "characters" for the current series, he said that the first criterion had to be that they spoke English: "The other criteria was that they should have achieved some kind of prominence in their respective field and could articulate their views succinctly that would appeal to a wide ranging audience of both Muslims and non-Muslims alike." He believed that the majority of people will be happy with the choices, but also knew that not everyone can be pleased. The subjects of this four-part series are Najma Akhtar, an Asian singer; Dr Haris Silajdzic, the former Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dr Banu Az-Zubair, a Nigerian working in Molecular Genetics at the University of Cambridge; and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, teacher at an Islamic institution in America. Mr Salazar is also working on a treatment for a documentary on Al-Ghazali, which he hopes will interest a broadcaster without having to be "dumbed down", and which will give people in the West an introduction to Ghazali’s work. The full interview can be seen in Q News. [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 5/6]Muslims in Derby
The Derby Evening Telegraph (03.01.00) carries an article about the chairman of the Jamia Mosque in Rosehill Street, Derby, who talks about his experience of living in Derby. Nazim Ali, 50, arrived in Derby 34 years ago and says that the number of Muslims in the city could then be counted on one hand. Now, there are more than 10,000 Muslims living in the city, who are provided for by six mosques. Mr Ali says that one of the reasons he likes the city so much is because it is constantly changing and growing. He said: "I came to Derby straight from Pakistan and I have never wanted to leave. The city contains a lot of different cultures and is very accepting which I like very much. I expect the city to keep growing and improving throughout the next century. When I think of Derby when I first moved here, it had very few of the modern attractions it has now. In April we will begin £2.5 million of improvements to the mosque which will give us a prayer room that could take up to 2,000 people. Of course, Derby has a lot of personal attachments for me as well. I have raised six children here and made a great number of friends." [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 6]Course for Hajj pilgrims
A new course is to run at the Sangat Community Centre in Keighley which will help prepare Muslim men and women intending to go on pilgrimage to Makkah. The six-week courses will let prospective pilgrims know what will happen when they arrive in the holy city, looking at the rites and rituals involved, and what would be expected of them during Hajj. The course is run in conjunction with Keighley College, and will be taught to men and women in separate sessions by qualified Islamic tutors. Sangat manager, Khadim Hussain, said that around 50 or 60 people travel from Keighley each year for Hajj. The courses are free, and Mr Hussain stressed that they are open to people of any religion who may just want to know more about that aspect of Islam (Keighley News, 07.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 6]Islamic centre raises money for trust
The Muslim community in Stoke has raised money for an appeal to build a children’s hospice in the city. Worshippers at the Islamic Centre in Shelton raised £561 for the Donna Louise Trust, which is hoping to raise £5 million. Director of the Islamic Centre, Rana Mohammed Tufail, said: "We all agree the hospice is a very good cause which will benefit the community. As the money is being raised by the community, which we are part of, we wanted to get behind the venture and support it." The trust also aims to set up a home care service to identify families who could benefit from the resources and facilities of a children’s hospice. Project manager, David Platt, said: "We are very grateful to the Islamic Centre and the Muslim community for their generous donation. We are delighted they want to add their support and we look forward to working with them in the future" (Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel, 11.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 6]Halifax community help refugees in Kashmir
Supporters of the International Islamic Mission in Halifax have filled a trailer with warm clothing and medical supplies to help refugees in Kashmir. Mr Chaudhry Mohammed Tariq, chief organiser of the charity, went to Kashmir last August with a team of helpers to provide food for people who have been forced to flee their homes by the Indian military. Mr Tariq said he wanted to thank the people of Halifax who this time had provided clothes, bandages, and 15,000 paracetamol tablets which will help up to 1,000 refugees (Halifax Evening Courier, 12.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 6]Senior citizens visit Peterborough Town Hall
Senior citizens from the Burton Street Mosque in Peterborough, visited the town hall to find out more about their city and how the city council works. They were met by Peterborough’s deputy mayor, John Johnson. The trip was organised by Ansar Ali, external liaison officer with Peterborough City Council. He said: "Some of the group have never been in the town hall before. Because they are from a minority group it is important that they can go back and talk to their sons and daughters about their positive experiences." The group have invited the Mayor of Peterborough, John Bartlett, to Burton Street to find out more about their drop-in centre for elderly people (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 13.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 6]Islamic centre renovation plans
Members of a West Bromwich Islamic centre are seeking planning permission to improve their headquarters. The West Midlands Jami Masjid & Islamic Centre has asked Sandwell planners for permission to rebuild the gable end walls and improve windows at the Dartmouth Street centre. The plan will be considered next month (Sandwell Express & Star, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 6]Polygamy law challenged
A restaurant owner from Bewdley, Worcestershire, with three wives, is planning to go to the European courts to challenge British laws against polygamy. Iranian-born Medi Siadatan, 48, claims that the current law prohibiting polygamy violates his right to religious freedom and that it is against human nature to be married to just one person. The Muslim father-of-nine has hired a French lawyer to investigate his claims and to launch what could be a landmark case. Mr Siadatan married each of his three wives in a simple Muslim ceremony which is not recognised by British law. Mr Siadatan said: "We would all feel better if our marriage was legally recognised. There are some people who do not see my wives as legitimate because we do not have a marriage certificate. British law already recognises common-law spouses so legalising polygamy would just be an extension of that." Mr Siadatan tried a conventional one-man, one-woman marriage when he first arrived in the UK from Italy in 1975. He said: "I took up a mistress and hated all the lying to my wife Paula. So I just told her the truth and my mistress moved in with us. But it didn’t work out because the jealousy was terrible so we divorced." His current three wives Cinzia, 38, Stefania, 32, both from Italy, and Sarah, 26, all knew from the start that he would not be a one-woman man. He said: "I didn’t force them, I was just completely honest and they respected me for that. They know that I have enough love for all of them and they are not jealous of each other." His first wife Cinzia said: "We are all behind our husband in wanting to have our marriages legally recognised. Medi is a very honest man and we don’t mind sharing him. If a man feels he can be committed to more than one woman then there shouldn’t be any legal obstacles in the way." Mr Siadatan added: "I am very content with my family life considering some men find even one wife too much to handle. We all have an equal relationship and we never lie to each other. That’s what destroys a lot of marriages. It causes a lot of stress and friction. It is in a man’s nature to take more than one partner so the law should reflect that. The laws against polygamy are also wrong because they go against a man’s basic instinct." Mr Siadatan, who lives with his three wives and their six children, said he decides during the day which wife he will be sleeping with: "It depends how I’m feeling that day. I don’t have any kind of rota system and occasionally the four of us push the two double beds together. I don’t like to see my wives feeling left out in any way." Family lawyer Susan Vogel, of Birmingham based Carvers Solicitors, said: "In October 2000 the Human Rights Act comes into effect in the UK. It is an extension of the European Convention of Human Rights which states that a country’s laws must respect an individual’s private and family life. So it is conceivable to cite that law in trying to legalise polygamy even though it’s an interesting interpretation. Polygamy is illegal in this country and is a criminal offence. If the European Court of Human Rights was to overturn this age-old law there would be a major upheaval of public policy in the UK" (Sunday Mercury, 16.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 6/7]Money raised for Chechnya
A "Campaign for Chechen People" was held at the Aziziye Mosque in north London on December 26, where Muslims raised £55,000 for those suffering in Chechnya (Muslim News, 28.01.00). In Pendle, an appeal organised through Radio Ramadan helped raise £2,500 for the refugees, and was presented to the president of the United Kingdom Islamic Mission (Colne Times, 28.01.00). Islamic Relief in Blackburn said it is the only relief agency working in Russia to help refugees. So far, the charity has sent 93 tonnes of food per week to about 4,100 families, as well as blankets, coal, clean water and medical aid (See BMMS for December 1999). North West branch fund-raiser Athman Khan said: "We don’t know when we can get any more aid to Chechnya. At the moment it is coming from countries closer to Russia. We are always in need of support through donations of goods and money to continue our work" (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 31.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 7]Islamic seminar in High Wycombe
A seminar was to be held at the High Wycombe Islamic Mission, Jubilee Road, to discuss how religion is changing in the modern world. Professor Lisar Ahmed had agreed to lead the seminar on Islam in the 21st Century, and will discuss issues in Islamic law with speakers Abdul Basit Qadri and Sister Sumra. The seminar was organised by the High Wycombe branch of the Muslim Youth League (Bucks Free Press, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 7]Tyson halts funeral
Boxer Mike Tyson caused chaos at London Central Mosque, when he attended Friday prayers. His visit coincided with the funeral of a 19-year-old Kurdish youth, who was murdered in a suspected race killing. His presence resulted in a delay of the funeral for about an hour as members of the congregation crowded round to catch a glimpse of Tyson. However, relatives of Zardasht Draey, who was killed in December, welcomed the visit. His uncle, Kamal Draey, said: "Zardasht was a great fan of Tyson. He would be very happy to have known he was here. It is not a problem as far as we are concerned." But other members of the congregation were upset at the chaotic scenes Tyson’s visit caused. One man said: "There was pushing and shoving as he entered the building. This is a religious place and it is not a place for this sort of thing to happen" (Birmingham Post, 22.01.00). Imam Mohammed El Sharkawy, imam of the mosque in Regent’s Park, said: "We were happy to see him as a brother of Islam. Some people were excited and wanted to shake his hand. His brothers welcomed Mike Tyson to the mosque. At that time on a Friday the Koran says that you have to leave everything and come and pray. He did that. He did not do anything wrong." Boxing promoter Frank Warren added: "Mike Tyson did not go to a mosque to generate pay-per-view sales. He is trying to convince people that he is like the man on the street" (Dundee Courier & Advertiser, 24.01.00, Shropshire Star, 21.01.00, Hull Daily Mail, 22.01.00, Yorkshire Post, 22.01.00, West Norfolk & Fens Eastern Daily Press, 22.01.00, East Anglian Daily Times, 24.01.00, Birmingham Post, 24.01.00, Edinburgh Evening News, 26.01.00, Blackpool Evening Gazette, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 7]Keighley radio station raises £100,000
Radio broadcasts during Ramadan have helped raise £100,000 in just 15 days. Most of the money is to be spent on the new Jamia Mosque in Emily Street. Listeners to Radio Ramadan donated more than £41,600 to the mosque appeal as well as £5,600 for other charities. Publicity on the community radio station led to a further £50,000 collected at the mosque during Eid celebrations. The donation brings the mosque fund up to £250,000 which means building work can be arranged to begin in the next few months. Committee member Mohammed Ajaib said: "Radio Ramadan gave us the right launch pad for the donations. We’re trying to keep the momentum going. People are waiting for us to lay down the foundation stone - that’s when the big donations will come." He added that he was particularly pleased that women listeners decided to set up their own group to raise money, as they do not have any facilities at the current mosque (Keighley News, 21.01.00, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 24.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 8]Fears for boy recruited for "jihad"
A distressed family in Crawley, Surrey, are awaiting news of their son who is said to have run off to Pakistan after being recruited by Islamic militant groups. Omar Kyam, 18, is said to have been recruited by members of Al Muhajiroun. Omar’s uncle, Sajjad Ahmed, said: "He and boys like him are being given a rifle and told martyrdom is a good thing and sent on a suicide mission to places like Kashmir. The men responsible for sending them don’t care what happens to these boys. Many families who have lost sons are afraid to speak out because they worry about reprisals against them." Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammed, British leader of Al Muhajiroun, said: "I share the worry of these families, but if my child wanted to go and fight for a noble jihad then I would encourage them. I have received many complaints from families in Crawley and other places but I tell them it is a Muslim’s duty to have military training when they reach puberty. These boys go not because of what I tell them to do, or what their mother and fathers say, but as an obligation to God" (The Times, 22.01.00). His mother Kousel Khan thought her son was going on a school trip to Paris, but a week later he phoned to say he was going to Pakistan. Ms Khan said: "We’re devastated, I just can’t think straight. Omar is not a violent boy, he’s never been in any trouble at school or with the police." Omar’s father, grandfather and grandmother all flew out to Pakistan to try and find him. They are hoping to use their relatives in the Pakistan Army to track their son down. His father said: "Our problem is that he doesn’t want to be found. He will have his name changed, his passport taken and be put in training camp. How can a boy who knows nothing but home comforts survive in freezing temperatures on an army camp" (Crawley News, 26.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 8]Day care service given upgrade
A new day care service for members of Nottingham’s elderly Muslim community was launched by the Lord Mayor Dennis Jones. The Pakistan Centre in Woodborough Road has been given a £130,000 upgrade to make it accessible to disabled visitors, and now also has on-site care staff. Until now the building could only be used as a community centre because it was inaccessible to disabled people (Nottingham Evening Post, 25.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 8]New community centre in Warrington
A gym in Bewsey is to be converted into a community centre to be used by Warrington’s Muslim community. The centre will host social events, support and advice services, recreational facilities, an education centre, and a place to hold funeral prayers, small wedding ceremonies and cultural events. The building will be divided into two units, one of which will continue to be used as a gym (Warrington Guardian, 27.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 8]The Met pledges to be more sensitive
The Metropolitan Police has promised to be more careful and receptive to Muslim’s feelings in future, especially in slurring Islam as a violent religion. Assistant Commissioner David Veness, in a joint statement with the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "We must be sensitive in using the word Islamic, especially when it is being associated with alleged acts of terrorism." This statement followed the Met’s withdrawal of the word "Islamic" from a press statement issued in December 24, which is said to have been defamatory by associating Muslims with extremists when warning of alleged terrorist attacks over the Millennium holiday. The original press statement read: "Recent arrests in Jordan and the USA have heightened the public’s awareness of a possible threat from Islamic extremist groups." The statement, issued during Ramadan, also encouraged the public "to be vigilant and to contact police if they notice anything suspicious." A police spokesperson first justified the use of the word "Islamic" with "extremist" by saying: "They are Islamists who carry out extremist violence." However, the Met police withdrew the word Islamic after Iqbal Saqranie, secretary general of the MCB, discussed the issue with Mr Veness (Muslim News, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 8]Guidance needed for mosque teachers
Parents in the Muslim community in Bradford have said more awareness is needed amongst parents sending their children to mosques for lessons, after their son was sexually abused by his religious teacher. Hafiz Ahmed was convicted of two indecency offences, one against an 11-year-old boy and the other a ten-year-old girl. The defendant had contact with the children through his religious tuition at a mosque in Horton Grange Road. Recorder Stephen William QC adjourned the case until February 25 for a presentence report. In granting bail, he said: "The fact I’m going to let you go home today doesn’t mean that you won’t go to prison in February." The boys uncle said after the case: "We have a big problem in our community with this type of thing, but it usually gets hushed up because of the respect issue. The other problem is that all kinds of people are teaching in mosques and it is not regulated properly." He said that his nephew, who is now 12, had found the court case very traumatic. Ghulam Rasul, of the Bradford Council of Mosques, said: "As the Council for Mosques we can only issue guidance, we can’t force them to act. Certainly if this teacher has done something wrong he should be punished and condemned" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 8/9]Register office to become heritage centre
A register office in Liverpool has been earmarked to be converted into a Muslim heritage centre. The Liverpool Register Office is moving to new premises in the summer, and Muslim leaders in the community want to take over the building which was the home of the first mosque in Britain. It was founded by Liverpool solicitor Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam, who converted to Islam in 1887 after a visit to Morocco. He first gathered with fellow converts at the building in 1889, and the makeshift mosque went from strength to strength, attracting around 150 new Muslims. The Muslim Society in Liverpool was relaunched at a reception on January 28 in his honour, and was renamed the Abdullah Quilliam Society. More than 15,000 Muslims now live on Merseyside, with around 6,000 in Liverpool. Society member Ali Akbar said: "Our aim is to revive the society and acquire 8 Brougham Terrace and set up a heritage centre with a museum and reading and writing room. It would be fitting because to this day staff at the Register Office talk about getting a file ‘from the Mosque’ - now a strong room - even though they might not know why it is called that. It is our heritage and we don’t want it to go." Mr Ali said he hoped the centre would break barriers and encourage understanding and better relations between Muslims and people of other faiths. Two plaques at the Borough Terrace building commemorate the story of Liverpool’s first Muslims and the man who founded the mosque (Liverpool Echo, 28.01.00, Liverpool Daily Post, 29.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 9]
Education
Muslim elected to Education Committee
An imam at the Scottish Islamic and Cultural Centre in Dundee has been elected as the third religious representative on the Dundee Education Committee. Naeem Tariq has said that he will try to look after the interests of all Dundee’s minorities. He will sit on the committee alongside two other representatives, from the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church. His election to the committee followed discussions between the city council and Tayside Racial Equality Council about minority issues in education. There are about 1500 non-Christian children in the city and it was felt that their interests would be better served by a representative from the ethnic minorities. Mr Tariq said: "I will try to promote brotherhood between all ethnic groups. I am a Muslim priest but I will try to look after the interests of all ethnic minority groups because Islam is a religion of love and peace" (Q News, No315, 01.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 9]Madrasa in Birmingham may close
Council chiefs in Stockland Green, Birmingham, have recommended that a madrasa on Frances Road should be refused permission to stay open after residents complained of noise and parking problems. The madrasa caters for up to 20 seven to 12-year-olds each weekday from 4-7 pm. It had been given temporary permission to remain in use for a year in 1998, but planners believe strict conditions regarding parking and noise have not been met. Arshad Mahmood, president of Erdington Muslim Council, said local children would suffer if the centre was forced to close. He said: "There’s nowhere else like this where children can go - they’d have to travel to another part of Birmingham which wouldn’t be practic al. The Madrasah is a self-help thing, taking no money from the council, and the teachings given help make the children better citizens, benefiting everyone. We don’t want young children on the streets messing around committing crime - it’s better they are inside learning how to respect." Mr Mahmood denied the centre was responsible for any disturbance, saying that most children walked to the madrasa. He also said he would appeal if planning permission was refused. Stockland Green councillor, John Robinson, said he sympathised with the madrasa’s predicament. He said: "If the planning committee do deny them permission, I hope they find another site. Everyone has the right to practice their beliefs and we all live and work together in the same community - I’ll give them all the support I can" (Sutton Coldfield Observer, 07.01.00).
Mohammed Zulfiqar, who has been campaigning for the centre to stay open, said he will submit an improved application to planners in a bid to get them to reverse their decision. Revised plans would include a new car park behind the school, as traffic problems were cited as one of the main complaints against the school. Mr Zulfiqar said the objections to the madrasa did not make sense: "They say it’s noisy but there’s only children there for a few hours each evening and because of their teaching they are very well behaved. The council also say the Madrasah doesn’t conform to place of worship regulations but it’s not a place of worship, it’s a teaching place. Being a Brummie I don’t want to see our council brought before central government in an appeal which will cost it a lot of money. We will reapply for planning permission and the children will carry on studying at the Madrasah until the application goes through." A spokesman for the planning department said the madrasa could continue to be used until any appeal against a notice ordering it to shut had failed (Sutton Coldfield Observer, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 9]Campaign for land for school
Muslims in Newham have protested against a council decision concerning the sale of land they want for an Muslim school. Around 70 demonstrators protested outside East Ham Town Hall, where the council’s cabinet committee decided to sell the site to developers Wimpey Homes. However, supporters of the Al Noor Independent Muslim School Project claim that their bid for the site in Forest Gate was not given a fair hearing.
The council said that their bid was rejected because it was well below the £1.25 million asking price. But the Al Noor group argued that the benefit of the school to the community should be taken into account, not just the money. They also expressed their anger against Education chief, Councillor Graham Lane, for alleged insensitive remarks about the group’s plans to start a Muslim school. Councillor Lane said that he did not make any anti-Muslim remarks, but said he was not in favour of separate independent schools for anyone (City of London Recorder, 14.01.00, Stratford Newham & Docklands Express, 15.01.00, Newham Recorder, 19.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 9/10]Primary schools do well
The Muslim News (28.01.00) reports that two Muslim voluntary-aided primary schools have "excelled in their respective areas and scored considerably higher in the Key Stage 2 examinations than the average school in England." Islamia primary School in Brent came 12th out of the 50 schools in the Brent area, according to recent primary school league tables. Pupils at Islamia did best in English, with 89 per cent gaining level 4 or above, the 5th best result in Brent. Al-Furqan Primary School in Birmingham came 107th out of 276 schools in the area, with pupils also doing well in English. While results were high for English and Maths, results in science were below the England average. Zahida Hussain, head teacher at Al-Furqan Primary, said a lot of work had been put into English and maths, particularly English which is the centre of all subjects be they history or geography. Abdullah Trevathan, head teacher of Islamia Primary, said the "the results followed the national trend." He said: "The Government has put a lot of work into literacy and numeracy," and added that, "in the next few years there should be a more balanced group of students." [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 10]
Politics
London reception for Peter Hain MP
Members of the Leicestershire branch of the Federation of Muslim Organisations have attended a reception in London, held in honour of the Peter Hain, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Mr Hain was welcomed to the reception by the chairman of the Federation, Manzoor Moghal, and the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Iqbal Sacranie. Mr Moghal said: "The minister praised the efforts of the MCB in establishing good relations with various government departments and in enabling the Government to communicate with a representative Muslim organisation." Over 300 guests from all over Britain attended the reception (Leicester Mercury, 05.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 10]Muslim elected mayor of Sutton
The first Muslim Mayor of Sutton was elected into office in early January. Lal Hussain MBE was voted in by fellow councillors and will take over from the current Mayor, Sue Stears, in May. Councillor Hussain, who has represented the Sutton East ward since 1998, said: "I am very pleased. It is a great honour." Mr Hussain, 62, moved to Britain in 1963, and has since become a prominent figure in the local community. He was awarded his MBE in 1998 (Sutton Guardian, 13.01.00, Muslim News, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 10]House of Lords reform to include Muslim clergy
Proposals in the newly commissioned Wakefield Report, looking at reform in the House of Lords, has recommended an increase in religious representation. The report says that religious belief is "an important part of people’s lives" and that it wants "philosophical, moral and spiritual" views represented in the chamber. Under the proposals, the number of spiritual leaders will increase from 26 to 31, which would include five from mainstream non-Christian faiths (The Daily Telegraph, 21.01.00). Dr Syed Aziz Pasha, from the Union of Muslim Organisations in the UK, said: "This is a welcome development. We have long pressed for Muslim representatives in the Lords. With 2.5 million adherents we are the second-biggest faith in the country" (Yorkshire Post, 21.01.00). Leaders from Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities has previously criticised the injustice of having less than one per cent of the 550 seats in the chamber although they make up six per cent of the population (Asian Age, 17.01.00, The Daily Telegraph, 21.01.00, Yorkshire Post, 21.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 10]Iranian Foreign Minister meets British Muslims
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Dr Kamal Kharrazi, met with members of the British Muslim community on January 11 during his three day visit to Britain. Over 100 people attended the reception hosted by the Iranian Embassy. Dr Kharrazi also met with members of the Muslim Council of Britain to discuss issues of mutual concern. Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the MCB, welcomed the improving relations between Iran and Britain saying it would help Islam and Muslims in Britain. Dr Kharrazi also had a meeting with the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, as he is the first high ranking minister to visit Britain since the Islamic Revolution 21 years ago. He said that he raised the issue of lack of Muslim representation in the British Parliament and in government administration with Mr Blair, saying that minorities in Iran elect their own representatives to the Majlis (parliament). He said: "Blair was very positive on the issue and he said, ‘Yes you are right. We have begun with one (MP)’." Mr Kharrazi also raised the issue of human rights regarding Muslims in Britain (Muslim News, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 10]
Racism
Student takes Oxford college to court
A student is suing Oxford University for alleged racism against him. A summons was issued in Oxford County Court on behalf of Nadeem Ahmed, a postgraduate student working towards a master’s degree in Islamic Philosophy at Mansfield College. The action is said to centre around an examination which Ahmed - a student at Oxford since 1993 - was required to take in order to continue with his studies. An Oxford University spokesman said: "A claim has been made by the individual under the Race Relations Act. Our lawyers are talking to their lawyers about it. Mr Ahmed has been unable to proceed with his course. The issue has been whether he has the qualifications necessary to move on to the next stage. He is still registered with us as a student." However, Mr Ahmed is not currently on the list of students at Mansfield College (The Daily Telegraph, 26.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 10/11]
Women
Women’s group receives grant
The Muslim Women’s Organisation in Nottingham has been given a £300 grant by Nottingham City Council to put towards the purchase of trophies for its achievement awards (Nottingham Evening Post, 18.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 11]Al-Nisaa wins award
The chairwoman of a women’s society in Southampton has won an award at the BBC South Community Champions awards. Nilofar Waltham, chairwoman of the Al-Nisaa Association which organises course and day trips for Muslim women, won the award in the women’s category. She said: "All our volunteers and committee members put in a lot of work to change the lives of Muslim women. No-one is after the recognition because they do it from their heart and want to make a change" (Southampton Daily Echo, 21.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 11]
Youth
"Possessed" teenager found hanged
The Asian community in Rotherham has been warned against bogus "spiritualists" after a teenager who was told was possessed was found hanged. The body of Ali Asghar Aslam, aged 18, was found hanged in his bedroom, clutching a photograph of his daughter. An inquest was told that the depressed caterer went to "Islamic elders" in Birmingham for help, instead of seeking medical help. The elders told him he was possessed and gave him a necklace to keep the spirits away. However, shortly afterwards Mr Aslam was found dead in his home by his mother where he lived with relatives including his wife and 18-month old daughter. Community social worker and interpreter, Mohammed Hanif, condemned the "spiritualists" and pleaded with people in similar situations to get proper medical help. He said: "If someone goes to these people he is told he is taken over by evil and that some power controls his brain. They are given an inscription on paper, advised to drink special water or given necklaces. Because some people do not understand what depression is they do this instead of getting medical help. People should not go to these spiritualists if they are depressed. They should get real medical help" (Rotherham Star, 06.01.00, Sheffield Star, 06.01.00).
The Rotherham coroner dealing with the inquest into Mr Aslam’s death has also warned Muslims to stay away from religious healers. Coroner Stanley Hooper told the inquest that Mr Aslam was in fact suffering from depression. He recorded an open verdict after saying he believed suicide was a likely explanation but that he could not rule out other possibilities. He said: "He had family worries and he had not been fully well for some time before he died. He had been to see an Islamic spiritual healer who had given him something to put round his neck, a sort of necklace. Shortly before he died he gave this to his wife, which was consistent with the expectation his life would end. I suspect I am not as familiar with Islamic religion as I should be, but it is probably better that Muslims don’t go round consulting spiritual healers as Mr Aslam did, but seek professional medical help" (Yorkshire Post, 27.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 11]Muslim Youth League meeting
The Jamia Mosque, in High Wycombe, was recently host to the inaugural meeting of the Wycombe branch of the Muslim Youth League (MYL). The meeting was addressed by the national president of the organisation, Abdul Basit. Ashiq Ali, co-ordinator of the Wycombe branch, said he hoped the MYL would make a difference to the lives of young Muslims by offering them an opportunity to discuss issues relevant to them and to receive guidance from interested people in the Muslim community. He said that the purpose of establishing the MYL in High Wycombe is to create links with the young all over Britain, to improve Islamic knowledge among youths, to help improve educational opportunities, and to work for unity among the Muslim community (Bucks Free Press, 21.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 11]
Interfaith
Former Archbishop defends book
Lord Habgood, the former Archbishop of York, has defended his latest book, which is said to have offended Muslims for saying Islam is weak because it is unable to deal with social and political problems not under its control. The book, Varieties of Unbelief, published at the end of January, suggests in one of its chapters that one of the reasons for lack of belief is due to there being so many different religions, each with competing claims to truth, and tries to find ways in which beliefs can be compared objectively. He says that religions can learn from criticisms made about them from other faiths. He cites Islam as an example, saying that it distrusts criticism and is not happy to be in a society which it does not control. He adds: "The fact that the Qur’an is beyond criticism only compounds the problem." Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said that Lord Habgood’s remarks did cause him concern. He said: "Islam is a way of life and it can be applied in any society. Muslims are not happy in societies where they can’t live in accordance with the Qur’an. Islam has been criticised from one section of society to the other. We continue to function, and go on living with it." He added: "Only when the faiths understand one another will any misunderstandings we hold in our own minds be revealed." In reply to this, Lord Habgood said: "This just proves my point. There are insecurities there which are all too evident. Unless people try to explore their weaknesses, they end up digging their heals in and becoming isolated." He also said that the accusations that his book was an attack on the Muslim faith were "a media scare" (Church Times, 21.01.00). The comments about criticism form only a small part of his book. The wider issue, he said, was to encourage dialogue with unbelief (The Times, 18.01.00, Church Times, 21.01.00, Yorkshire Times, 22.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 11/12]Meeting monitored
A meeting was held by members of Al-Muhajiroun in Holborn, London, called "Jewish Oppression in Palestine." The London Jewish News (28.01.00) reports that the Community Security Trust commented: "The Al Muhajiroun have a long history of promoting anti-Semitism and have been responsible for causing problems for Jewish students over the years. We also believe this group supports terrorism. No action is planned, but we did monitor the meeting." [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 12]Seminar for Jewish-Muslim couples
The Sternberg Centre in London held a mixed-faith seminar recently focusing on Jewish-Muslim and Jewish-Hindu relationships. The seminar was led by Reform Rabbi Jonathan Romain who has held similar events for Jewish-Christian couples. He said: "In my own congregation, at Maidenhead, I have seen an increase in Jewish-Muslim couples. It is inevitable as Muslims, like Jews, become more integrated into society. Areas such as circumcision and kosher meat cause fewer problems because both religions share many customs. Historically, Jews have got on better with Muslims than Christians, but relations have been soured by the Middle East conflict. Jews tend to see Muslims as Arabs, and Muslims see Jews as Zionists." Almost all of the 82 couples that participated in the event were in mixed-faith marriages or had decided to go ahead with a mixed-faith marriage. Rabbi Romain said: "People were quite apprehensive at the start, but by the end, there was a real sense of sharing solutions to problems." One mother described her experience when her daughter decided to marry a Muslim. She said: "When Moin told us they planned to have a Muslim ceremony, that was the one time I put my foot down. I said no, they would not, because that would mean Lara changing her religion. They were married by a registrar. I thought it would be sad my daughter wasn’t marrying under the chupah, but in the end, it was the most beautiful ceremony. I know Moin is the right person for Lara, and that’s the most important thing. They are happy together and he’s a perfect son-in-law." She added: "There are many similarities between the religions, on issues like morality" (Jewish Chronicle, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 12]
Children at a Birmingham school have begun a boycott of Walkers crisps after finding out that their Cheese and Onion flavour crisps contain an enzyme taken from the stomach of calves. Pupils at Anderton Park Primary School in Sparkhill, who are predominantly Muslim, wrote to Walkers demanding that they display a vegetarian symbol on crisps which do not use the animal enzyme. Walkers originally wrote back saying: "At the moment we don’t have any plans to put a vegetarian symbol on our packets. This is not done with the aim of discriminating against vegetarians, but more with the aesthetics of pack design." However, the pupils were not satisfied and began a classroom project on the issue. Many also boycotted the crisps until the matter of labelling was cleared up. Teacher Ela Chauhan said: "If Walkers have a promotion where there is a toy inside a packet of crisps, it is printed all over the front of the pack to attract children’s attention and make them buy, so to say there is no room for a small vegetarian symbol is nonsense. They are exploiting the innocence of young children." Ian Lane, head teacher at the school, said the pupils had raised a serious issue and he urged Walkers to take responsibility to avoid further confusion. He said: "All of our children are Asian and only the smallest proportion are not Muslim, but all are affected by this revelation. I think if Walkers is going to say that it recognises the needs of vegetarians and people of different faiths, then the company is obliged to make it clear on the packet." Walkers then released another statement saying: "We are currently looking at the possibility of putting vegetarian symbols on our crisps and snacks." The school hailed the decision as a victory (Birmingham Post, 28.01.00, Black Country Evening Mail, 28.01.00, Newcastle Journal, 29.01.00, Walsall Express & Star, 29.01.00, Yorkshire Post, 29.01.00, Leicester Mercury, 29.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 12]
Employment
Man angry at job vacancy ad
A job-seeker in South Shields has expressed his anger at a vacancy advertised at South Shields Job Centre, saying it discriminated against him because he was not Muslim. The advert, for a food packer in Gateshead, specified that only Asian Muslims could apply. Roy Page, 36, said: "I think it’s a disgrace in this day and age - I said I’d even change my religion to get the job, but I was told I had to be an Asian Muslim." He added: "I was just looking for a job because the situation is desperate at the moment and I’m totally offended by this." David Park, senior business manager at South Shields Job Centre, said the advert should not have said it was only for Asian Muslims, and was amended to read Muslims only, so it did comply with the Race Relations Act. He said: "This is a job in Gateshead which is excluded from the normal equal opportunities rules because it takes into account religious beliefs. It’s handling food for Muslims in hospital so because that falls into their beliefs they can legitimately state that it must be people from the Muslim community and religion who can apply for the job. This type of job advert is only a small percentage of the jobs that we handle that we make sure are subject to the equal opportunity laws" (South Shields Gazette, 29.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 12]
Mosques & Burials
Bearsden/Glasgow, Braemar Crescent
Residents in Bearsden have stepped up their battle to prevent a mosque being built on vacant land behind their homes (See BMMS for November 1999). Garscube Residents Association has asked the Scottish Right of Way and Access Society (SRWAS) to investigate whether the land on the proposed site of the mosque should be given "right of access" status. The Association believes there is a valid case to be made because a footpath which leads to Maryhill Road is only accessible across the land in question. Janet Clark, a spokeswoman for the SRWAS, said: "We are sending out questionnaires to determine local views. Once we have these back, we forward them to the council to let them decide on the merits of any case. It will be East Dunbartonshire Council’s decision to decide on the status of the land. We can maybe offer some advice if we are asked, but it is up to the council whether they follow it or not." The residents association believes that the questionnaire will increase local opposition to the mosque. One Braemar Crescent resident, who asked not to be named, said: "We use this land to gain access to the footpath which allows us to get to Maryhill Road. If the Mosque goes ahead it would be blocked off completely." A final decision on the mosque is due to be made by the Council at the beginning of February (Milngavie, Bearsden & Glasgow West Courier, 06.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 13]Bolton burials
Bolton Council is offering to extend its burial services at weekends in order to meet Muslim religious requirements that a funeral should take place as soon as possible after death. At present, weekend burials can only take place in short time, mid-morning or mid-afternoon. However, in future weekend burials will be able to take place from 9am until dusk. Councillors were told at a leisure services committee meeting that the new arrangements were based on practices which are currently carried out in Leicester and Bradford. Named representatives from the Bolton Mosque Community Care Group, which represents all major mosques in the borough, will undertake some of the administrative functions. These will include ensuring all paperwork is completed, supervision of the burial and delivering all the papers to Overdale on the first working day after burial. Some graves will now have to be prepared in advance of the weekend and Bank Holidays and filling in would be carried out by mourners which is the current practice. Staff will also be on stand-by in case there is a problem. The registrar will be extending his service so that a death can be registered up until 6pm on a Saturday (Bolton Evening News, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 13]Burnley, Burns St
Plans have been unveiled for the first purpose-built mosque in Burnley, which is expected to begin construction at the end of 2002. The project is expected to cost £1 million (See BMMS for September and October 1999). The Muslim, mainly Bangladeshi, community in the area has to raise £300,000 towards the cost over the next three years, and it has already collected £100,000. Money will also be forthcoming from other Muslim communities in the North West and from a London Islamic Centre which attracts financial support from the Middle East. The building will be able to accommodate 3,000 people, although its regular attendance is expected to be around 1,000 (Burnley Express, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 13]Darlaston, Walsall Rd
Plans for a £300,000 mosque in Darlaston are set to be rejected by the council due to concerns over parking. The Muslim Welfare Association applied to Walsall Council with plans to demolish their existing mosque on Walsall Road, and replacing it with a purpose-built two-storey mosque and Islamic centre, as well as providing a car park for eight cars. The new plans also include the addition of four minarets, different entrances for men and women, a prayer hall for 210 men and a separate one for women, two large classrooms and a library. Mohammed Rafiq, secretary of the Muslim Welfare Association, said: "The reason we are going for a new building is the old one does not have a long life left, in five or ten years time it will need to undergo structural work. There are no decent alternative buildings in the vicinity for us to move into and so we need to build a new one." Mr Rafiq added that he did not see the car parking issue to be a problem: "We will encourage our people to walk, most of them live locally." Councillors on Darlaston area planning committee were being recommended to refuse the scheme, due to the low level of car parking spaces considering the building would also be used as an educational centre (Walsall Express & Star, 28.01.00, Sandwell Express & Star, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 13]Derby, Rosehill St
Alterations have been made to the £2.5 million plans to extend a mosque in Normanton, Derby (See BMMS for February, May and July 1999). The revised plans include building classrooms at the back of the building and alterations to the dimensions of the main hall. Nazim Ali, chairman of the mosque, said: "Original plans would have made the interior of the main hall too narrow." Derby City Council’s planning committee is expected to approve the new plans next month (Derby Telegraph, 24.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 13]East London, Whitechapel Rd
A ceremony was held at East London Mosque to hand over the adjacent car park to the mosque, who will build an extension to the mosque on it (See BMMS for December 1999). The event was attended by many dignitaries from the Muslims community and the local council. A cheque for £600,000 was handed over by the chairman of the mosque’s management committee, Akbar Ali, to the Deputy Mayor, Sardar Abdul Aziz, who in turn handed over the documents from the council. In his welcome address, the vice-chairman of the mosque, Chowdhury Mueenuddin, spoke about the mosque’s history and its long struggle to acquire the land. A spokesman for the mosque said: "The dream of thousands of Muslims in the East End of London to expand the historic East London Mosque is now coming true." Mr Ali thanked everyone for their help and support, and reminded them of the greater challenge of raising the £9 million needed for the new mosque (Muslim News, 28.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 13/14]East Sussex, St Leonard’s
Controversial plans for a mosque in St Leonard’s have been withdrawn (See BMMS for November and December 1999). The East Sussex Islamic Association had made two applications: one to pull down the existing building because the mosque did not face Makkah, and because it is in a poor state; and another proposing a new purpose-built mosque and community centre. The plans had been recommended for refusal by council planning officers who said that because of its size and design the building would have been overbearing and an unneighbourly form of development, detrimental to the amenities of people living nearby (Hastings & St Leonard’s Observer, 07.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 14]High Wycombe burials
Wycombe District Council is considering a proposal which will extend High Wycombe Cemetery and provide more burial spaces for Muslims. The High Wycombe Town Committee is being asked to agree to the extension to the burial areas at the Priory Road site which will cost around £90,000. There are only around ten plots left on the present site, which would only satisfy demand for one more year. A report to the council says: "The existing area is being used up more rapidly than previously forecast. The recent trend has been for more people from the High Wycombe Muslim community to elect to be buried in High Wycombe. In addition, grave alignment and the introduction of vaulted graves to meet Muslim religious needs, requires larger plots." The project could provide enough space for Muslim burials for the next 30 years (South Bucks & The Chilterns Leader, 20.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 14]Luton, Bury Park Rd
A mosque in Luton, used primarily by Bangladeshis, has been given permission to be enlarged. The mosque committee will demolish a house at 27 Bury Park Road and build a mosque extension on it. They had already been given permission to use the house itself as an annexe to the present mosque, but they have now decided it would be better to knock it down and put up a purpose-built extension. The committee has been told that they have to ensure that trees on the land are not damaged. The have also been forbidden to use the rear garden area of the house for parking. Also, no means of broadcasting amplified speech, music or any other sound will be allowed (Dunstable Gazette, 05.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 14]Peterborough, Gladstone St
Muslims in Peterborough have started a fund-raising campaign to raise money for the extension of their mosque in Gladstone Street. Attendance at the mosque is increasing all the time, and community leaders said that it was obvious at the last Eid prayers that the converted house was no longer large enough to cope with the demand. The current size of the mosque does not allow for women to attend large celebrations. But it is hoped the problem will be eased by extending the mosque into the car park. Planning permission has already been given and work should begin in the summer (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 17.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 14]Upton Park, Green St
The Muslim community in Upton Park, London, is to extend its mosque on Green Street into an adjoining house at the corner of Whyteville Road. The ground floor of the extension will be for community uses while the first floor will remain as a flat (City of London Recorder, 14.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 14]Wolverhampton burials
Muslims in Wolverhampton who want burial services provided at weekends, are asking the local council to provide a cheap service (See BMMS for September and October 1999). Currently, a death on Friday takes at least three days to be buried. Wolverhampton Council have said they will investigate a range of options after being told that Dudley and Walsall Councils have made provisions for burials to take place on weekends. However, Zahid Parvez, spokesman for the Council of Mosques, said that the suggestions put to them by Wolverhampton Council so far are too expensive. He said a full-time weekend service would cost £58,000 per year and a standby service would cost £20,000. He said: "All the proposals are workable but the costs are very high. We feel it would be possible to provide some sort of service with minimum cost. There are a few alternatives and we are negotiating." Other options include a full-time burial service for Saturdays only, or an on-call service for Saturdays. Nick Edwards, head of environmental services at Wolverhampton Council, said: "We have done a basic costing exercise and done investigations with local authorities. I don’t think a full-time service operating 364 days of the year would be cost effective but a part-time service would mean there would be no-one to contact if there was a problem." He added that a decision was expected to be made at the end of March (Wolverhampton Express & Star, 19.01.00). [BMMS January 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 1, p. 14]
