British Muslims Monthly Survey for February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2 |
British Muslims Monthly Survey for February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2 |
Features |
Reports |
Community Education Politics |
Women Youth Interfaith Halal Health Employment Mosques & Burials |
About 150 people from the Muslim community in Peterborough set off on the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. The group left from Gladstone Street mosque at 4am on 22 February for a four week trip to the holy city. Some members of the group were especially relieved to be going after a mix-up at the Saudi embassy with their passports nearly resulted in them cancelling their trip. The group had sent 52 passports to the embassy in London a week before for clearance to enter the country, but only 43 were returned. After making enquiries, mosque leaders were told the passports had been lost. But late last week, temporary visas were issued for the nine remaining people. One elderly man said that he had been ill for some time, but when told the news that he and his family would be going despite the passport problems he immediately became stronger. Mohammed Aziz, 74, said: "I wasn’t feeling very well, but when I heard the news everything was all right, all my strength came back and I did 10 sit-ups." Tariq Mahmood, 28, said: "I feel honoured and very, very lucky to be going. This is very special for me. This is something that every Muslim wants to do and is special for all of us, so I just can’t wait to go" (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 22.02.00).
A special Hajj and Umrah conference was organised in Birmingham to help British pilgrims on their way to Makkah to know what to expect and how to have a safe trip. Religious experts, doctors and health and safety experts were to gather on 6 February, in Bordesley, to try to identify health and safety risks and devise strategies to minimise them. British Muslims have been caught up in recent disasters, including a massive fire and a stampede, which have cost thousands of lives. A spokesman for the Association of British Hujjaj, who were organising the event, said: "Unfortunately, there is accumulated evidence that British Hujjaj experience significant problems due to ignorance, lack of awareness and the knowledge to perform a safe Hajj in the best possible manner" (Q News, No316, 01.02.00). The association has recently persuaded the government to open a consulate in Makkah which will provide advice and help to British Muslims who need it. Details of this were to be announced at the conference. Treasurer Javed Aziz added: "Some 20-30,000 British Muslims travel to Mecca and Medina every year and about half of this number come from Birmingham. In the past they have had no protection or advice if they are injured or even killed during their trip and have not been able to get basic advice on vaccinations" (Birmingham Evening Mail, 05.02.00, Black Country Evening Mail, 05.02.00).
A British diplomatic mission is to be allowed into Makkah this year, to provide a service to British Muslims going on Hajj who may face problems while on the trip (See British Muslims Monthly Survey for October and November 1999). The team of diplomats will be headed by Labour peer Lord Nazir Ahmed, and will consist of Muslim diplomats from the Foreign Office and Muslim volunteer staff. The decision to allow a British consulate to be set up in the holy city is also said to have great symbolic significance, as non-Muslims as barred from entering Makkah. The only known British Christian to have visited the city was Sir Richard Burton, who made the pilgrimage in disguise in 1853. The British consular team will only operate in Makkah for the period of the pilgrimage, and will assist an estimated 22,000 British Muslims. A Foreign Office official said: "Every year we find that we need to provide assistance for the large number of British pilgrims who lose passports, run into trouble or require information." Previously, the nearest diplomatic help was in the coastal city of Jeddah. A member of the mission also said that it would send a positive signal about Britain to people all over the Islamic world at a time when there is considerable tension between Muslims and the West. The member said: "It is important to have a Union Flag flying for everyone to see that Britain is a multi-faith country. It will do a lot to improve the country’s image" (The Times, 23.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 1]
The Derby Telegraph (12.02.00) reports on the study into the extent of religious discrimination in Britain, which the University of Derby has been commissioned to research by the Home Office. Paul Weller, professor of inter-religious relations at the University of Derby, is leading the research project. He and a team of researchers have carried out preliminary work through a comprehensive literature review and consultation with relevant organisations. He said that no definition of religious discrimination has been formed, but he would rather wait for examples which are brought to light through the research. The fieldwork has already been completed in Leicester, where there are dominant Jain, Jewish and Hindu communities, and is now continuing in Newham, London, where there is a large Muslim community. The fieldwork will conclude with researchers visiting Cardiff and Blackburn. Professor Weller said: "We must be careful not to jump to conclusions or to anticipate the findings of the project’s own data collection. We would not want to prejudge the type of religious discrimination we might find, or if we will find any at all. By researching the historical situation regarding the subject, and looking at our findings, we will be able to build up a picture of what is happening in Britain. Britain is among the most religiously diverse countries in the European Union and it is right that we thoroughly investigate the claims." The research project has four main aims: to assess the evidence of religious discrimination, both actual and perceived; to describe the pattern of the evidence including the overall scale, the main victims, main perpetrators, and main ways in which the discrimination manifests itself; to indicate the extent to which religious discrimination overlaps with racial discrimination; and to identify the range of policy options available for dealing with religious discrimination. The article also features the view of a Muslim and how he believes Islam and Muslims are perceived by people. Talib Shah, a self-employed accountant, said that many people view Islam in a negative light because of the bad press the religion gets, and because there are conflicts in Afghanistan, Kashmir and Chechnya, Muslims are seen as terrorists and warriors. He believes that the best way forward is through education, and for "people to be more open minded, tolerant and to see beyond the stereotypes" (Derby Telegraph, 12.02.00, Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 1/2]
Community
Communal showers to be scrapped
Q News (No316, 01.02.00) reports on the government’s decision to gradually scrap the institution of communal showers in British schools (See BMMS for December 1999). New school buildings standards are to be released shortly which will raise the issue of privacy in school changing rooms, and will ask heads to balance "the need for supervision against modern expectations and religious requirements." The standards are expected to require all new schools to have private washing facilities but present buildings will not have to convert their existing facilities. The move follows research showing that boys are increasingly concerned at having to expose their intimate parts in front of their peers. It also follows pressure from religious groups, especially Muslims, whose faith does not allow naked communal bathing. Head teacher at a school in Westminster, Michael Marland, persuaded the DfEE to fund a conversion at his 2,000 pupil school after a Muslim parent threatened the school with legal action. Mr Marland then embarked on a two-year consultation with religious groups and educational organisations. In its guidelines to schools, the Muslim Educational Council makes it clear that Muslim children should not be forced to bathe naked or amongst other unclothed children where only communal facilities were available. It also states that the psychological effect of enforced communal nudity is psychologically damaging and constitutes a gross infringement of the civil liberties of a child. The council also notes that many schools have dropped their policy of showering after physical education and this has had no negative repercussions for school health. Spokesman Muhammad Usama said: "We’ve been asking for private facilities for many years and this is a positive step. It would be welcome if they did this in existing schools. But there is no reason why it should not be part of a long term programme of schools improvement." [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 2]Al-Muhajiroun member answers questions
A leading member of the controversial group Al-Muhajiroun in London, has answered questions in the Crawley News regarding the disappearance of Omar Khyam, who apparently has gone to fight in Pakistan after being encouraged by members of the organisation (See BMMS for January 2000). Saleem Sultan, however, denies the organisation had anything to do with Omar’s decision to go to war. He said: "Every Muslim has a duty and responsibility to go out and fight when he sees that another Muslim is suffering injustice. Omar spent time with our organisation but leaving was his decision and came as a surprise to us as well. We don’t have any mechanisms in place to send people to fight." Mr Sultan, who works as a passenger services assistant at Gatwick Airport, is said to have an unusual background, as his mother is French, his father Pakistani, and he was educated at a Catholic school. He said: "When I left school I was certainly westernised and it wasn’t until I reached university that I really found the Islamic faith. I’m now here for the services of Islam and our main objective is the implementation of an Islamic state. Eventually Islam will dominate. We must provide the young with an opportunity to discover Islam, something I was denied. It shames me to see Muslim names involved in drugs, robbery and other kinds of crime. We need to give our youngsters an alternative to all this and I believe that some in the Muslim community are failing them." Mr Sultan said Al-Muhajiroun were planning to meet with the Khyam family soon to try to find out more about their son’s whereabouts (Crawley News, 02.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 2/3]Dinner raises money for hospital appeal
A dinner held in Batley raised money for the Palliative Day Care Centre at Dewsbury District Hospital, for which Muslims have already raised a considerable amount of money (See BMMS for December 1999). The event was hosted by the Pakistan and Kashmir Welfare Association (PKWA) at their headquarters in Sutcliffe and was attended by representatives from Kirklees Council, Calderdale and Kirklees Health Authority, the police and voluntary organisations. The chairman of the PKWA, Tahir Hussain, said: "We are pleased to support this appeal and all funds raised at this dinner will be donated to the appeal - thanks to the donation of food by Ashiq’s restaurant." Councillor David Sheard, deputy leader of Kirklees Council, said: "This unit is a much needed resource within Kirklees and I am pleased that the PKWA are supporting it. It is another example of the PKWA working for the wider community." The money raised will be added to the £20,000 which Batley’s Muslim community has already donated. The money takes the total amount raised to £510,000 just £90,000 short of its target (Batley News, 27.01.00). Local Pakistani and Kashmiri businessmen and mosque leaders in Dewsbury have since said they will continue to help local charities and work together to unite the community (Dewsbury Reporter, 11.02.00, Yorkshire Evening Post, 23.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 3]Zaki Badawi speech
Q News (No316, 01.02.00) has printed the full text of a speech given by Dr Zaki Badawi at an Eid al-Fitr reception held at the House of Commons on February 17. He began by saying that this was the third year this celebration was marked at the House of Commons, and was a significant development for British Muslims. He also spoke of the benefits and disadvantages of living as a Muslim in Britain; it is one of the tolerant Western countries which allows freedom of expression and worship, but also is one of the places where Muslims can quite easily be "placed under suspicion of plotting acts of violence here or elsewhere. Contrary to the principle of justice, they are seen as guilty until proven innocent." He ended his speech by thanking the Prime Minister and the government for "the recognition it has given to our schools and the appointment of distinguished Muslims to the House of Lords…Equally important is the selection of a Muslim to contest and win a seat on a Labour ticket that gave us our first Muslim MP." [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 3]Interview with Lord Ahmed Patel
Q News (No316, 01.02.00) carries an interview with Ahmed Patel, 59, who has just recently been awarded a life peerage in the new year’s honours list, for his work as a race and community worker. Lord Patel was born in India in 1940 and arrived in Britain in 1965. He became a founder member of the Blackburn Community Relations Programme (now known as Blackburn with Darwen Racial Equality Council) and was subsequently its treasurer, vice-chairman, chairman, and is now its Honorary Vice President under the presidency of the Home Secretary Jack Straw. He was also a founder and general secretary of Blackburn Indian Workers Association from 1967 to 1974; founder chairman and now President of the Lancashire Council of Mosques; a member of Lancashire County Council Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education; honorary vice president of the Hearts of Lancashire NHS Trust; founder member of Lancashire Training and Enterprise Council which was set up in 1996; founder director of the Blackburn Partnership; a member of the Home Secretary’s Race Relations Advisory Forum; and also served as a magistrate from 1984 to 1995. He said that he has been working extensively on race relations issues, "in promoting equality in both the public and private sectors." He is also working closely with the Home Secretary on the issue of religious discrimination, and is hopeful that a Religious Discrimination Act will be on its way soon. Lord Patel said he will continue to serve his community as much as possible, as this is a duty that is part of faith. He also said he was overwhelmed and happy at the number of letters and telegrams of congratulations he has received from all over Britain and some from around the world. The full interview can be read in the Q News. [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 3]Prisoner may be freed
A prisoner who feels he was wrongly jailed for murder for 11 years has been given a fresh hope for freedom after a chance meeting with the Home Secretary, Jack Straw. Ishtiaq Ahmed met Mr Straw during his visit to Coldingley Prison before the new year and handed him documents regarding his case. Following the meeting in the prison, Mr Ahmed’s sister Naheed Khan was invited to the Home Office’s justice and victims unit where she met higher executive officer Roger Caldwell. He agreed to review the evidence and pass on the information to Mr Straw. Ms Khan said: "He seemed really concerned and said that the Home Secretary would write to my brother. I do feel he will listen to the evidence." New evidence, which Ms Khan believes would quash his conviction, was presented to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in 1997. A witness whose evidence implicated Mr Ahmed in the murder, was recorded nine years later saying he had given a false statement (Q News, No316, 01.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 3]Muslims rally for Chechens
Muslims in Glasgow held a rally on the day of Eid al-Fitr to show their support for the Muslims in Chechnya and to condemn the government’s inaction over Russia’s brutality. Over 600 people gathered at the rally organised by STING (Social Taskforce in Glasgow) in the city’s George Square, where they heard speakers demand that the government take tougher action against Russia. A petition was also read out which was then signed by everyone present, and would be sent to the Prime Minister in Downing Street. Haq Ghani, media spokesman for STING, said: "We demand the British government end its Islamophobic inactivity and take action to end this genocide of the Chechnyan people by withdrawing all aid, cancelling all commercial contracts, and initiate sanctions against the Russian terrorist state" (Q News, No316, 01.02.00, Local News for Southsiders, 01.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 3/4]Family look for better care for disabled son
Parents of a severely disabled child have been asking Kirklees Council to find a place for their son at a better special needs school, following alleged incidents of mistreatment at the child’s former school which he has not attended since January 1999. Amjad Ali and his wife Rehanah have been providing 24-hour care for their son, Junaid, after he returned home from school one day with a cut stomach. Further complaints were made following the occurrence of a cut lip. Junaid was finally withdrawn from the Fairfield Special School after his family claimed he had been left unattended and then pushed from his wheelchair by another student. Junaid suffers from microscephely, encephalocel, cerebral palsy, scoliosis and epilepsy. He is also blind and unable to sit up on his own. The accident at the school left Junaid with a fractured skull and in a coma. He was discharged from Dewsbury District Hospital after a few weeks. Mr Ali said: "If this had happened at home, I bet I would have been charged with neglect." Mr Ali has since asked the council to place Junaid at Holly Bank School, which he feels is a more ideal school for his son. However, the council provided a place at Huddersfield’s Highfields School, which has not been accepted by Junaid’s parents as they feel this school is too much like his first one. Support for Junaid to be sent to the better school, which will cost the council £20,000 more annually, has been gained from Junaid’s family doctor, Dewsbury councillor Mohammed Razaq and MP Ann Taylor. Mr Ali said that he will fight the case until an adequate solution is reached (Awaaz, 01.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 4]Teacher accused of indecent assault
A Bristol jury has failed to reach a verdict in the case of an imam who was accused of indecently assaulting two young girls. Mohammed Mukit, 28, denied four allegations of indecent assault on a 11 year-old girl between June and December 1998, and a further allegation of indecent assault on a 12 year-old girl in December 1998. Bristol Crown Court had been told that the younger girl who had been assaulted on a number of occasions, and told the older girl, who could not comprehend that a religious teacher could do such a thing. But when she found herself a victim, the girls wrote a letter to their parents, police were called in and Mr Mukit was arrested. Prosecutor Ian Fenny also told the jury that the parents had put a lot of trust in Mr Mukit to give their girls religious instruction, a trust which he is alleged to have abused when left alone with the girls. Mr Fenny added: "He calculated that in this community, with strong religious ties, there would be a reluctance to complain and for the children to come forward and make complaints against a religious teacher who the parents would respect" (Bristol Evening Post, 01.02.00). However, at the end of the four-day trial, the six-man six-woman jury failed to reach a verdict on any of the charges. Judge Peter Thomas gave the Crown Service 28 days to decide whether to bring a retrial to court (Bristol Evening Post, 01.02.00, 02.02.00 and 04.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 4]Care group receives lottery money
Care groups in the West Midlands have been recently received lottery money to help their causes. One of the projects benefiting is the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre in Smethwick. A grant of £106,634 was awarded to the centre to pay for one full-time and one part-time worker for the organisation. The aim is to address issues of health and housing faced by Bengali’s in the area. Research has shown that people from ethnic minority communities suffer due to inadequate housing, overcrowding and poor diet (Dudley Express & Star, 04.02.00, Wolverhampton Express & Star, 04.02.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 10.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 4]Two arrested for anti-gay leaflets
Two men have been arrested in Greater London for handing out anti-gay leaflets outside Wood Green underground station, relating to the free Commons vote on Section 28. The men, Kowsor Miah, 18, and Shamsul Islam, 20, were charged at Highgate Magistrates Court in connection with the incident. An outraged passer-by said: "I have got Muslim friends and I have got gay friends and, like most people, I was disgusted by what they were handing out. I live in Wood Green and I cannot believe that this sort of thing should be tolerated. Carol Kennedy, Wood Green town centre manager, said: "I don’t want to stop people from having the freedom of speech because we do have Spouter’s Corner and the free speech area outside the library. But we don’t want public outrage to be caused. That sort of thing is not wanted in Wood Green. I hope the police and British Transport Police work to keep it out. We are open to a lot of things in Wood Green but we don’t want something that offends" (Tottenham & Wood Green Journal, 10.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 4]New support group in Dudley
A new support group for young people, women and the elderly, is to be launched in Dudley at the beginning of March. The Kashmiri and Pakistani Professional Forum has been set up to address issues which face Muslims in the 21st century. Chairman Mohammed Afzal said issues which will be addressed include the underachievement of children in education, higher levels of deprivation and unemployment, drug abuse and higher rates of mortality. He also said that there were insufficient recreational facilities for young people and a lack of appropriate services for the elderly as well as women. He said: "In order to alleviate these problems, a group of professionals, including representatives from the education, health and legal sectors, have come together. We are acting as role models, advisors and mentors to people of our local community. The forum aims to promote the interests of the community through establishing support networks with the local, statutory, voluntary and private professional bodies" (Birmingham Express & Star, 11.02.00, Dudley Express & Star, 11.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 4/5]Ismaili centre opens in Croydon
A new Ismaili centre has officially been opened by the Mayor of Croydon, after years of controversy. When the plan for the centre converted from three Victorian buildings was first introduced, there were fears of racist action against the group and building. This failed to materialise but opposition groups instead protested on planning aspects of the scheme. However, Ismaili leaders were keen to reassure residents about their intentions for the centre being one for the whole community, and now that the building is complete, many who previously opposed it see the centre in a positive light. Steve Collins, chairman of the residents’ association, said: "They have done a magnificent job with the building. It is beautiful and tranquil. It was very pleasing to see so many people from different religions and walks of life at the opening. We were opposed at first because of the increase in traffic. If they have a big bash there could be 500 people squeezing into the area from across London. They just would not fit. But rather than stand-up fisticuffs, we thought it would be much better to air our concerns. They (Ismailis) took all of these on board and treated the situation very sympathetically. What is important is that they have said that the whole community will be welcome." According to the Ismaili leaders, interior space has been remodelled to "make use of light, colour and geometry to create a contemporary ambience serenely infused with traditional Islamic elements." Materials used include Alicante marble and there is a silver motif used throughout the centre (Croydon Advertiser, 11.02.00, Caterham & District Advertiser, 11.02.00). The whole Ismaili community was involved with the venture, with an architect giving his services for free and an Islamic calligrapher who donated a striking mural. Croydon’s mayor, Councillor Shafi Khan, described the transformation of the site as "a dignified and appropriate building" (Croydon Guardian, 17.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 5]Section 28 controversy
Asian families in Keighley have said that they are in favour of retaining the ban on promoting homosexual relationships in schools (See BMMS for January 2000). Community leader, Khadim Hussain, manager of the Sangat Community Centre, said schools should instead be focusing on the importance of marriage and family life. He said that repealing Section 28 would be disastrous to family structures (Keighley News, 11.02.00). Asians in Sandwell are also against the teaching of homosexuality in schools, and according to councillor Amrick Uppal, members of the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities are considering whether or not to set up their own schools to educate their children. He said some community leaders believe that the government’s plans to scrap the controversial clause is immoral. However, Cllr Uppal called for tolerance saying equality is needed for all; not just blacks, Asian or women. He also pointed out that issues of homosexuality would be difficult for their children to avoid in British society with gay characters appearing all the time in TV soaps and the subject being open to debate in the media (Birmingham Express & Star, 21.01.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 5]Rushdie death threat reaffirmed
The death threat imposed on author Salman Rushdie in 1989, has recently been reaffirmed by hard-line groups in Iran. However, the Iranian government has disassociated itself from the fatwa, saying they would not hire anyone to carry out the fatwa or encourage anyone to do so. Kamal Kharrazi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, said he would abide by the commitment made to the British government 18 months ago, but added that private organisations were free to insist that the fatwa still be carried out. Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, leader of the Muslim Parliament of Britain, said the fatwa will always continue to threaten Mr Rushdie, but said he would remain safe as long as he stayed in Britain. He said: "It has been promised that a hit-squad will not be sent here to kill Mr Rushdie." He added: "We support the fatwa but at the same time we have always said that Muslims in this country should abide by the law and not carry out the killing." Dr Siddiqui added that despite renewed British relations with Iran, religious-based groups in Iran would never reverse the death threat because they consider The Satanic Verses to be blasphemous (Dundee Courier & Advertiser, 15.02.00, The Independent, 15.02.00, Big Print, 16.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 5]Teacher jailed for child abuse
An imam who was convicted of indecently assaulting two young children has been jailed and faces deportation back to Pakistan after serving his sentence. Recorder Stephen Williamson QC, jailed Hafiz Amjad for 27 months, and told him that he had betrayed his calling and those people who had supported his entry into this country to work as an imam. He said: "Whatever your reputation as an imam and teacher, these offences demonstrated that you cannot be trusted to have care of young children." He concluded that Amjad’s continued presence in the country would be "potentially detrimental" and he therefore made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that he should be deported back to Pakistan after serving his sentence. Amjad was found guilty last month of indecently assaulting a girl aged 10 and committing an act of gross indecency with a boy of 11 (See BMMS for January 2000). The court was told that at the time of the incidents, Amjad was teaching youngsters as part of his contract with a Bradford mosque. He touched the girl indecently and also took down some of her clothes. During the incident with the boy, Amjad exposed himself to the child. Recorder Williamson praised the children and their families for reporting the offences quickly so that their accounts could be video recorded by police. Amjad, a married man with a pregnant wife, came to the UK in 1996 when he started working as a religious teacher in the Huddersfield area. The court heard that he had no previous convictions and that he had been held in high esteem in the community. Recorder Williamson ordered that in addition to the jail sentence, Amjad should be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years (Yorkshire Post, 26.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 5/6]Police watchdog post for community leader
A leading member of Keighley’s Muslim community has become a top-level police watchdog. Khadim Hussain will put the concern of local people to crime chiefs as a member of West Yorkshire’s new Police Community Advisory Group. The 30-strong group was set up in the aftermath of inquiry into the racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence. Members are expected to actively challenge and question policing policy and strategies in relation to the inquiry’s recommendations. Mr Hussain said: "The group is for the entire community. The idea is to get feedback from the grassroots and discover the issues that need addressing. The aim is to make the police more open and accessible to people. We have members from a wide-ranging cross section of the community." Mr Hussain, 40, has been active in the Asian community since his teens, when he joined Keighley Community Relations Council, and helped establish the Emily Street mosque. He has also been a member of the Keighley Muslim Association for the past five years and has served as a magistrate. Members of the Community Advisory Group were chosen from across West Yorkshire by a panel independent of the police (Keighley News, 11.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 6]Protest in London against Kashmir problems
Members of the mosque in High Wycombe travelled to the Indian High Commission in London to protest against the current problems in Kashmir. The Kashmir Freedom Movement (KFM), a group based in Jubilee Road, High Wycombe, organised the protest on the anniversary of the death of the founder of their group, Maqbool Ahmed Butt. Abdul Khaliq Choudary, spokesman for the KFM, said: "We are an active organisation concerned about the issues in Indian-occupied Kashmir. People from all over Britain are coming to show solidarity with their brothers in Kashmir." The organisation is protesting about what they call the occupation of the province of Kashmir by India, and want independence for the region (Bucks Free Press, 18.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 6]Muslims targeted in anti-Eid campaign
There has been a growing concern in the West Midlands over anti-Muslim letters which have been sent to MEPs around the West Midlands. Harbury MEP Philip Bushill-Matthews said that he was worried that an anti-Muslim campaign was beginning to emerge in the region. He said: "In the past few days I have started receiving letters regarding the Muslim festival of Eid El Kabir. These letters are claiming that Muslims are slaughtering sheep for this festival in a particularly barbaric way and totally against the law. They are written by different people but the similarity of the letters suggest that they are part of a concerted campaign to discredit the Muslim community." Mr Bushill-Matthews said he had spoken to the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Mohammed Salim, who shared his concerns. Mr Bushill-Matthews said: "We fear these letters could be the tip of an iceberg. Mr Salim confirmed to me that Muslim teaching emphasises compassion to animals and that there is no truth in these allegations. He shares my concern that these letters are being written." Eid al-Adha, the celebration after the end of Hajj, is expected to fall on March 16th. Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, imam at a London mosque, said Eid al-Adha was one of the two most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. He said: "An important part of the festival is prayer. People gather together in an open space, perhaps under a marquee, and join together in prayer. Animals are sacrificed but it is done in the Islamic way. It has to be done in an humane way according to our laws. Steps are taken to minimise the pain. This happens in countries all over the world. It is nothing new" (Warwick Courier, 18.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 6]Mosque invites community for visits
People of all faiths in the Loughborough community are being invited to learn more about Islam. Muslims from the mosque in King Street have invited locals to come and look around their mosque, in an Interest in Faith meeting. The event will provide a chance to talk about the Muslim faith and the activities held at the mosque. Loughborough Council of Faiths has arranged this event as part of a series of meetings with local faith groups for those with an interest in the faiths of various traditions (Loughborough Echo, 18.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 6]First Asians join TA in Gloucester
Gloucester has recruited its first Asian members into the Territorial Army after three years of promoting racial equality within the force. Imran Atcha, 28, and trainee mechanic Ashraf Rhymansaib, 18, have become two of just three ethnic minority soldiers in the city TA. Captain Edward Fry, administration officer at the TA said it was important to draw people from other cultures into what is seen as a British institution. He said: "This is breaking down the cultural barrier and the elders in the community have been very sympathetic and helped us out. Many may have a different outlook on military service in Britain but much of the younger generation has grown up in Gloucester and is interested in the forces." The TA now also has to provide separate ration packs for different ethnic groups. Captain Fry added: "We are much more geared up now to cater for everybody. Both Imran and Ashraf are Muslims and we have special ration packs to cater for their dietary needs." Imran, who works for the Race Equality Council in Gloucester said he hoped his recruitment would encourage other people from different cultures to join the TA. He said: "It would make us feel more comfortable because we would be with more people from our own culture. Without all the changes that have taken place we wouldn’t have been able to join. They allowed me to keep my beard because of my religion and also give me time off in the day to pray" (Stroud Citizen, 18.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 6]Islamic centre plan turned down
Councillors in Bolton have refused permission for a terraced house in Moses Gate, Farnworth, to be converted into an Islamic education centre. The application was to create an establishment for 10 children at the house on Starcliffe Street. But two letters of objection were sent to Bolton Council and planning control sub committee councillors decided to refuse the scheme. Councillor Prentice Howarth said: "This is just an ordinary terraced house and I don’t think it is a suitable use" (Bolton Evening News, 21.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 6/7]Dundee Mela 2000
A major festival recently took place in Dundee which is designed to celebrate Muslim culture and forge links with other sections of the community. Dundee Mela 2000 was primarily a fun event for families, aiming to provide entertainment and to encourage community spirit. Guests of honour at the event were Lord Provost Helen Wright and Mohammed Sarwar MP. Parveen Jamil, the Eid Mela Group chairperson, said: "This year we are promoting health and women’s issues through organisations like Women’s Aid." Representatives of the armed and emergency ser vices offered careers information and a number of voluntary organisations also provided stalls. The mela was funded partly by the Scottish Executive and Dundee City Council through the Social Inclusion Partnership (Dundee Courier & Advertiser, 21.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 7]Tackling crime in the Muslim community
The Prisoners Welfare Directorate of the Iqra Trust held its fourth annual conference on the Muslim Community and the Criminal Justice System in London on February 3rd. The aim of the event was to focus on the increase of Muslim inmates in British prisons, who now make up the largest group of prisoners in Britain other than Christians. Among the speakers at the event was the Home Office Minister Mike O’Brien, who said that the government’s vision is one of a multi-cultural Britain. He welcomed the involvement of Muslims in tackling crime individually. He also told the audience how government departments and agencies at local level are joining up through initiatives like the New Deal for Communities, youth inclusion schemes, work to tackle truancy and school exclusion and efforts to root out race crime, to create the conditions for stable healthy environments where criminal activity does not survive. Meanwhile, the Muslim community held a reception for newly appointed Muslim Prison Advisor, Maqsood Ahmed, at the Al-Khoei Foundation. Mr O’Brien, who also attended this reception, welcomed the appointment on Mr Ahmed. Mr O’Brien, in an interview with Muslim News acknowledged that the government had not given the prominence deserved to issues like halal food in the Prison Service, and said that Mr Ahmed would advise the prison governors on "how best they can play full part in creating a Prison Service that responds to a multi-cultural society" as some of the governors "don’t quite know how they must respond" to Muslim issues. Mr Ahmed said his appointment was a "first step but a concrete step" and since his appointment, he has visited 15 prisons and met inmates. He stressed that he wanted to work "in partnership with the Muslim community" (Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 7]First senior Muslim judge
Khurshid Drabu has been appointed as Vice-President to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal and, as a result, has be come the most senior Muslim judge in the country. Mr Drabu was born in Kashmir and came to the UK in 1971. He joined the UK Immigrants Service and left in 1989, by which time he had become the Deputy Director. He then joined the Commission for Racial Equality at the Head Office as its first Deputy Legal Director. Drabu resigned from the CRE in 1997 after being appointed Special Adjudicator for Immigration and Asylum by the Lord Chancellor. He is also chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain (Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 7]Muslim News Awards for Excellence
The Muslim News has sent out hundreds of invitations for people to attend their Awards for Excellence, which are to be held at the end on March. The event will celebrate the excellence achieved by individuals and groups in a variety of fields from community development to science and engineering. A host of leading figures from the world of politics, religion, culture and community work will be present and the chief guest is to be the Minister for Overseas Development, Clare Short. The Awards have been organised to mark the tenth anniversary of the Muslim News, which first began publication in February 1989. The editor, Ahmed Versi, said he wanted to mark this anniversary by creating "a platform where all that is good in the Muslim community could be highlighted and celebrated to not only flag the positive contributions Muslims are making to Britain, but also to provide those sections of the community which are marginalised with role models which they could emulate to attain upliftment" (Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 7]Welfare centre decision deferred
Councillors in Sandwell are to visit a site in Smethwick before making a final decision on plans to build a welfare centre for local Muslims. The Cape Hill Muslim Welfare Association wants to build a welfare centre with classrooms, a meeting room and a prayer room at the site on Shireland Road. Environment director Malcolm Hinks said the new two-storey building would have a 10-space car park, but there were still concerns about traffic problems. He said there was a concern that because the proposed access did not have two-way traffic there could be a build-up of cars which could lead to queuing on Shire land Road. There was also concern that the development did not have a pedestrian access into the building from the front elevation. The council’s planning committee deferred their decision on the application until they have visited the site (Sandwell Express & Star, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 7]
Education
School anti-racism guidelines
The education board in Maidenhead has issued new anti-racism guidelines which will require all incidents of discrimination to be carefully monitored. The guidelines are to be adopted as part of the council’s equal opportunities policy, which indicates the practical steps schools should take to monitor, record and deal with incidents of racism. The guidelines were welcomed by members of Maidenhead’s Muslim community, which makes up the overwhelming majority of the borough’s ethnic pupils. Fazal Awan, chairman of Maidenhead Mosque, said: "Things are much better now than in the past and although there are occasional cases of racism in the playground it is not on a great scale." However, Mr Awan said he was disappointed that the Muslim community was not consulted when the guidelines were drawn up. And Altaf Choudry, a member of the mosque committee, said: "I think there is a racism problem in Maidenhead schools. Obviously it doesn’t go as far as people killing each other but there is a lot of name-calling and people are treated in a different way. That said, you have got really good teachers out there even though you do get the occasional ones who discriminate." He added: "Racism is not just about skin colour it is about religious beliefs as well. When it comes to things like students getting time off to go to Friday prayers, or not wanting to take part in communal showers, teachers take a stand together. It is as if their rights are greater than our religious rights" (Maidenhead Advertiser, 04.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 7/8]Plans for pub conversion
Proposals have been made to convert a former pub in Oldham into an Islamic Teaching School. Oldham Council has written to over 100 neighbours of the site on Chadderton Way for their views and also to the school’s developer asking for more details regarding opening hours and the number of staff employed (Oldham Advertiser, 10.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 8]Leeds school to move premises
A girls’ school situated in an unsuitable building in a red light area in Leeds is to move its premises with help from the city council. The independent Islamia Girls’ School is currently based in a property in the Chapeltown area, and is owned by the Mosque and Islamic Centre. The school will now move to Newton Hill House, which is on the Chapeltown-Harehills border, and will be refurbished by the council at a cost of £100,000. Most of the classrooms in the present building are on the first and second floors of the Victorian building, with the only access being via a domes tic staircase. School trustees, who had serious concerns over the safety of the building especially in case of fire, approached the council for help. Council staff then identified Newton Hill House as a possible alternative, which was to be refurbished initially into offices to be used by social services staff. Following negotiations with the Social Services Department, the building was released to the trustees at a nominal rent for three years (Yorkshire Evening Post, 15.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 8]
Politics
Scottish Parliament to probe religious discrimination
The government has confirmed that a formal investigation being carried out in Scotland, into religious discrimination against Catholics, will extend to other religious groups. Discrimination against Muslims and other faith groups will also be investigated by an equalities unit. Opinion polling, sample surveys and focus groups will help the government build up a picture of the incomes, life- styles and expectations of different faith groups. The investigation will be carried out with the help of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Scottish Interfaith Council. A Scottish executive spokesman said: "We will examine whether differences between religions have any relation to type of job you do and the opportunities you have in life. Until we identify the extent of the problem we are acting on guesswork" (Q News, No316, 01.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 8]Recognition for religious holidays
The Muslim community in Scotland was to raise the issue of recognition of religious holidays with the Scottish Parliament. The 27th winter conference of the Union of Muslims Organisations of UK and Eire, held in Edinburgh this year, was to hear about the role of British Muslims in a multi-cultural society. Delegates were also to be informed that a Bill of Rights outlining concerns has been presented to Parliaments in both Edinburgh and London. General Secretary of the organisation, Dr Syed Aziz Pasha, said that a rising number of Muslim professionals were experiencing difficulty in juggling their business and cultural lives. He said: "There are so many Muslims in schools, colleges and the different professions. We now have to maintain this balance between retaining our religion and also playing our role in society without turning or back on our culture, because this is a free democracy and each community has the freedom to practise religion." He said the 10-point Bill of Rights presented to each of the Parliaments includes recognition for festivals such as Ramadan and also for application of Muslim family law (Glasgow Herald, 19.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 8]Russia watches British Muslims
The Russian Ambassador to London has said that British Muslims supporting the Chechen rebel cause pose a threat to Russia serious enough to warrant regular intelligence-gathering on their activities. Yuri Fokin said that the threat to Russia from British Muslims did exist, although it should not be exaggerated. He added that his embassy was working with the British authorities to inform Moscow "about the activity of a number of members of this community." Russian fears of pro-Chechen activities within the Muslim community in Britain stem from a meeting of British Muslims in London last year where the Chechen war was discussed and members of a Russian television crew were beaten up (The Times, 24.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 8]Muslims meet members of Welsh Assembly
Members of the Association of Muslim Professionals were recently given a chance to learn more about the role of the National Assembly in Wales. At the Assembly they met with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Michael German, and Jenny Randerson, AM for Cardiff Central (Cardiff Western Mail, 24.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 8]Ann Widdecombe interview
The Muslim News (25.02.00) carries an interview with Shadow Home Office Minister Ann Widdicombe. The main issues discussed in the interview were religious discrimination and whether legislation is needed to protect religious communities; asylum seekers; the Terrorism Bill; and the repealing of Section 28. When asked whether there should be legislation to outlaw religious discrimination, Ms Widdicombe said that her party is against discrimination of any kind, but does not believe that there is a need to implement new legislation, as this would bring as many problems with it as it would solve. What is needed, she said, is to enforce current guidelines and to make the current laws work better, e.g., the amendments to the Race Relations Act that is currently going through Parliament. She also supports the inclusion of a religion question in the next census, but that it should be a voluntary question. The full interview can be read in the Muslim News. [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 9]Muslims in GLA elections
The Muslim community has welcomed a move by political parties for three Muslim candidates to stand in the race for a seat in the General London Assembly. However, they still believe that more Muslims should be placed in winnable seats as the majority of ethnic minorities in London are Muslim. Conservative candidate, Syed Kamall, Liberal Democrat candidate, Meher Khan and Labour candidate, Abdul Asad have been selected by their parties to stand for the GLA elections which are to be held in July. Kamall holds a strong position as he is placed third on the top-up list. He is standing for the seat in the London and East constituency. He said he is honour ed to be selected, in what he says, is a winnable seat. He said: "Individuals have been elected purely on merit and I will be working for the betterment of all Londoners regardless of their religion or race. Purely helping the Muslim community will mean breaching the faith my party has placed me in." Khan and Asad have been placed seventh on the top-up list of their parties. Manzoor Moghul, of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "All political parties have made an effort to encourage Muslims in the Assembly. This is a good move as a huge part of the London ethnic minority is Muslim." However, Secretary General of the Union of Muslim Organisation, disagreed. Syed Aziz Pasha said: "I welcome the move by the Conservative Party who have selected a Muslim in the First Past the Post and the top up list, but this is not enough. All the parties should have more Muslim candidates because there are over a million Muslims in London and they should be represented in the London Assembly." The GLA will consist of 25 members and will be elected by the public to oversee a budget for transport, policing, the fire service and economic development (Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 9]
Racism
Arson attempt on bookshop
An attempt to set fire to a shop during the night is being treated by police as a racial attack. The ‘Call to Islam’ book shop in Walthamstow was closed at the time, but if the arson attempt had been successful, it could have cost the lives of the people living in the flats above the shop. One of the residents contacted the police after being alerted by the smell of fuel. He went outside and saw that a considerable amount of petrol had been poured through the letterbox and shutters of the shop, and two black men were trying to ignite the fuel. They ran off when they were spotted. Saladin Ali, who runs the bookshop, said: "The stock could have been replaced. The shop could have been rebuilt. But no-one could have replaced the lives of the innocent people living above. That is our biggest concern. They have no connection with the bookshop. They are not even Muslims." He described the intervention from the resident as "quick and courageous," and went on to say: "One does not expect a peaceful charity shop to be the target of such a hideous crime. We cannot afford to spend he vast sums of money other premises’ owners do to ensure a high level of security - though we are now looking at ways of tightening it up. This is the first incident of its kind in the shop’s long history in Walthamstow. We are advising other Muslim bookshops to be extra vigilant." The crime is being investigated by Sgt Dave Edwards of the community safety unit at Chingford Police Station (Walthamstow Guardian, 27.01.00).
However, Mr Ali has said he believes the incident was "not a racist attack" but that growing "fundamentalism amongst certain Christian groups was the most likely reason." This incident was the first of its kind in the area, but he said there has been anti-Islamic literature distributed by individuals in the past year. Last year, the shop window was broken and Mr Ali began to receive hate mail from anonymous sources. No-one took much notice of it until now. A neighbour of Mr Ali, Fremaux Soormally, said there was an increase in tensions between Muslims and a "fundamentalist" Christian group called The Church of the Strong Prayer, which is very active with the black community. Mr Soormally also said that he confront ed the group last summer at a market in Walthamstow where they were, he claims, distributing anti-Islamic literature. However, Victor Akutu a spokes man for the Church, said his organisation "does not distribute anti-Islamic books," and he has never seen anyone from his Church "speak against or condemn Muslims." He added: "There is a Church near a mosque in Finsbury Park and we have never had any problems with them in the past." The police are confident of catching the suspects but the investigation still continues (Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 9]White mother faces abuse
A white Muslim mother-of-four was told to "get back to f….g Pakistan" by a neighbour, in an area which is said to be plagued by racist and Islamophobic incidents. Nora Bataweel said she was the third victim of such abuse on Halliwell West Street, in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester. The attack occurred after she parked the family car near her children's school. She said: "I noticed this woman in a car coming right up to my back bumper. She came out and told me not to park outside her house. I told her I was ten years from her house. She then became abusive." Ms Bataweel, who wears the traditional Arab jilbab and a veil, continued: "She called me a f….g Paki and told me to get back to where I came from." The previous month an other Halliwell West Street resident, mixed-race single mother Lynn Rigg, aged 24, was told she would be evicted if she continued to threaten and harass her Pakistani neighbours (Q News, No316, 01.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 9/10]New initiative to combat crime
A new initiative was launched recently in Glasgow to encourage victims of racist crimes to contact the police, as members of Britain’s Muslim community claimed that discrimination was widespread and increasing. The previous week, Strathclyde Police had announced a 75 per cent rise in racially motivated crime in the last nine months of 1999. Strathclyde’s new strategy, called "Third Party Reporting" will allow victims of racist crime to report incidents to specially trained workers at local community offices instead of directly to the police, in an attempt to increase confidence between officers and ethnic minorities. The launch of the pilot project, which will be operated from five community locations in Glasgow and run for three months, coincided with the publication of a new cultural awareness guide for the force’s 9,500 officers and support staff, 77 of whom are from ethnic minorities. John Orr, the Chief Constable of Strathclyde, said that there were probably still many people who did not feel confident enough to report racial crimes to the police. He said: "No-one should have to suffer racist abuse and we want to get the message across that something can be done for victims - currently we are detecting 67 per cent of the racially motivated crimes and offences reported to us." Councillor Bashir Maan, convenor of the Strathclyde Joint Police Board, said: "I am well aware of the inhibitions and the limitations people feel in coming out in the open and complaining to the police about racism. I think this initiative will help people overcome their inhibitions and discourage under-reporting of racist crime so that the race crime figures next year will reflect the true scale of the problem." The moves to encourage people to come forward came as the Islamic Human Rights Commission published a report into the "widespread, deep-rooted and insidious" discrimination and hostility it says exists towards Muslims. The commission welcomed the scheme in Strathclyde, but said that evidence from a two-year study suggests that discrimination against Muslims in the UK is increasing. It called for new laws to be introduced which offer the same protection as that given to Sikhs and Jews. The report states that 45 per cent of British Muslims suffered from racial abuse in the past year, up from the previous year’s 35 per cent (The Scotsman, 17.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 10]Race row in police
West Midlands Police has been accused of race discrimination over the use of personality tests for hiring firearms officers. One constable has begun legal proceedings against the force claiming his ethnic background hampered the successful completion of the test. His claim of racial discrimination is being backed by the Police Federation which represented the officer at a preliminary hearing of an Employment Tribunal in Birmingham. The police officer, known only as PC Iqbal, is stationed at Birmingham and is said to have at least ten years’ service. He applied to join the firearms unit - which currently has only one serving black officer - in 1997. The personality test - known as a 16PF test - was carried out to assess whether he had the right character for the job. Candidates are given a list of statements and are asked to tick one of three boxes which best describes their response - yes, no, or don’t know. Statements thought to be listed include asking about their social lives and if they prefer playing darts or rugby. PC Iqbal claims this discriminates against officers whose religious or racial backgrounds do not include such activities. It is also claimed that these tests are used as the sole indicator of whether the candidate is suitable for the post. Bob Crees, the Police Federation’s deputy secretary, said: "This is an important issue which has to be cleared up to make sure we get things right for the future. We would like a review of the way the system is run. The test is not supposed to be a pass or fail and an aid to a further interview. PC Iqbal does not claim he was singled out but that he was disadvantaged because he was from a Muslim back ground and he had no chance to explain his answers in an interview" (Sunday Mercury, 27.02.00, Birmingham Post, 28.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 10]
Women
Awards event for Asian women
An awards ceremony was held at Nottingham Playhouse to recognise the work done by Asian women. The awards were organised by the Muslim Women’s Organisation, who wanted to show that Asian women are achievers and do a lot of work in the community which usually goes unrecognised. Amongst the winners were Musarrat Tariq, a multi-faith sup port officer at the Queen’s Medical Centre, who collected an award in the community category, and Iffat Nisar, a bilingual instructor for Forest Fields Primary School, who won the award in the non-traditional professions category. The awards were sponsored by Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham City Council, Loughborough University and Berryman Shacklock Solicitors (Teletext Services, 04.02.00, Nottingham Evening Post, 05.02.00 and 08.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 10]
Youth
Bullying survey
According to a new survey just released, Muslim schoolchildren are just as likely to be bullied by other same-race religious minorities as they are by white children. Based on the responses of 243 Hindu, Indian Muslim and Pakistani children attending temples and mosques in Bolton and Preston, the study found that religious and cultural differences were often the motivating force for attacks. Dr Mike Eslea and Kafeela Mukhtar from the University of Central Lancashire which designed the study, said: "It is concluded that although it is difficult to generalise from such an unrepresentative sample, bullying among ethnic minority children is clearly a rich and complex problem that merits further study…previous research on bullying has largely neglected the issue of racism, and where it has been studied, the methods used have been unconvincing." Besides causing concern about their children being bullied, the report also alerts Muslim parents to the fact that their children are just as likely to be the perpetrators as the victims. The study found that Muslim children often bullied Hindus because of their worship of animal deities (Q News, No316, 01.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 10/11]Sports and recreation day
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association were to hold a sports and educational day on 6 February. The event would feature football, badminton and religious readings, and was to be held at the group’s centre in Boyd Avenue, Southall. (Southall Gazette, 04.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 11]Seminar held on Muslim identity
Around 80 young people were expected to attend a seminar in Oldham discussing the identity of the Muslim community in Britain. The seminar, one of the biggest of its kind to be held in Oldham, was to be held at Nagina Mosque in Werneth Hall Road. Various speakers were to give lectures, followed by a question and answer session. A spokesman said: "We want to create awareness among Muslim youths of the position of Muslims" (Oldham Chronicle, 24.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 11]Muslim represents lacrosse team
An A-level student at St Albans High School for Girls in Hertfordshire has been selected to represent the East of England at regional trials in lacrosse. Rimla Akhtar was one of seven girls from the school, and the only Muslim, to gain representational honours at County level. Asked about the possibility of being called to play for England, she said that this would be "amazing, an ambition, but I am not sure that I would get the chance, though I’d love to. There is one very good person ahead of me." Rimla plays goal keeper for the team, which gives her one of the safest positions in this sport, which she described as being "hockey at head height." She also said that her position allowed her to maintain her Islamic dress code - she removes her headscarf and replaces it with the Goalie’s helmet, and the rest of her kit covers her body and is heavily padded. Rimla has been playing lacrosse since the age of 11 and plays for her school every Saturday. The tournament in which she will represent the East of England will also be an England trial (Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 11]
Interfaith
Interfaith prayer gathering
An interfaith prayer gathering was to be held in Rochdale organised by the town’s Christian and Muslim communities. The "drop-in" gathering on 29 January was chosen to be near the two faiths’ principal celebrations, Christmas and Eid al-Fitr. Readings were to be taken from the Qur’an and Bible, and a choir of children were to sing carols (Rochdale Observer, 29.01.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 11]Mormons’ gift to Islamic Centre
Mormons and Muslims in North Staffordshire have formed an alliance to promote family values. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, visited the Islamic Centre in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, after receiving an invitation from member Rana Tufail. This followed Mr Tufail’s participation in a conference on "Building Strong Families" which was hosted by Mormons in Newcastle last September. Mormon Bishop, Stephen Holland, presented Mr Tufail with a book by Al-Ghazali, the eleventh century Muslim thinker, called The Incoherence of the Philosophers. It has recently been translated into English by Michael Marmura of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies at Brigham Young University, Utah. Mr Tufail showed the guests around the Centre and then answered questions about Islamic beliefs (Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel, 03.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 11]Protests over TV sex
Muslim and Christian groups were to join forces to take part in a march in protest to the "rising tide" of explicit sex and violence in films, on TV, the Internet and in magazines. Hundreds of protesters were expected to demonstrate outside the Home Office in London for the march entitled "For the Sake of Our Children". Research has shown that 58 per cent of children watched TV after the 9pm watershed, most of them alone in their bedrooms. Dr Majid Katme, a London based psychiatrist and member of the Muslim Council of Britain, has been gathering support among Muslims through the mosques. He said: "We believe the effect of pornography is causing problems like rape, infidelity, adultery, and promiscuity. It is part of Islamic belief to have a clean media. Christians, Muslims and Jews have the same commandments. We have announced the march in mosques" (Yorkshire Post, 08.02.00, Evening Standard, 07.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 11]Bishop builds bridges with other faiths
The Bishop of Blackburn, the Revd Alan Chesters, has called on Nelson to be come a "beacon of hope" against racial prejudice, and hopes the community will work together to bring down racial and religious barriers. He said: "The church in Nelson struggles to present the Gospel in a town where the roots of many people lie in the Indian subcontinent and the Muslim faith. Sadly, we often judge people superficially, by how they look and what they wear. We do it in church sometimes, and we certainly do it with people of their races and cultures, partly because we are shy, and partly because we are fearful of what seems strange. And yet we know that we all belong together in God’s kingdom. We often forget that Jesus was probably dark-skinned and certainly of another culture." Meanwhile, community workers from Wales visited Pendle to see the work being carried out by the organisation Building Bridges, a group set up by Christians and Muslims to promote harmony in the community between the two faiths. The community workers want to create links with the growing Muslim community in north Wales, and decided to go and learn from the experiences of Muslims and Christians in Pendle. The meeting gave the Welsh delegation a chance to talk over ideas and learn about how successful co-operation between people of different faiths can be established (Colne Times, 11.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 11/12]Book looks at good Jewish-Muslim relations
A book by a Jewish author has just gone into print, which has the intent of "de-demonising" Muslims in the eyes of Jews. Former Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation president Lucien Gubbay is the author of Sunlight and Shadow - a short history of Jews in Muslim countries - which has been published by the Sephardi Centre in London. Mr Gubbay said: "Most Jews are completely unaware that the vast majority of Jews lived for more than 1,000 years under the rule of Islam. On the whole, Muslims treated us very well, and I think we could learn something positive from how we all lived together. I’m not a stupid optimist, I know hatred and mistrust rumbles between us. But we all have to live in peace at the end. People today think only of the disasters, the implacable enmity. But most of the disasters took place in the last 50 years." He observes that many of Judaism’s most important developments took place under Islamic rule, including the systematic study of the Hebrew language. He added: "We learned a lot from the Muslims and they learned a lot from us" (Jewish Chronicle, 18.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 12]Multi-faith museum in Bradford
The chairman of a synagogue in Brad ford is spearheading a multi-million pound bid to create a high profile multi-faith museum in the city. Ken Fabian is co-ordinating plans to transform a dis-used former post office into a high-tech interactive museum, which will be called the National Millennium Faith Experience. Mr Fabian is co-operating with members of other faith groups in Brad ford to put the finishing touches to plans for the centre, which will include state-of-the-art audio-visual techniques which will enable visitors to "experience" life-cycle events as members of six different faiths - Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Buddhist. The centre will also have a restaurant which will cater for a range of dietary requirements. The centre is expected to cost £5 million, and money will be raised through lottery grants, European backing, and sponsor ship arrangements. Mr Fabian said: "Bradford has always had a strong tradition of interfaith co-operation. Communities talk, exchange ideas and reach understanding. Being able to tour the exhibitions as members of six different faiths, experiencing the rites of passage, special days and a variety of emotions, should provide an informative perspective for our visitors" (Jewish Chronicle, 18.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 12]
Halal
Walkers to change crisp packet labelling
A crisps boycott at a Birmingham school has ended in victory for the youngsters involved as Walkers Crisps have now decided to change its packaging to be more consumer friendly (See BMMS for January 2000). The company said it had decided to change its packaging after pupils at Anderton Park primary school wrote to the company highlighting confusion over which of its products were suitable for vegetarians, after finding out that Walkers Cheese & Onion flavour crisps contain an animal extract. A spokesman for the company said: "Walkers accepts it should make it easier for consumers to choose suitable products. Walkers will now extend ingredient lists on packs and if this does not make it clear whether a product is vegetarian, the pack will carry a short statement of clarification." The spokes man added: "Our decision is a direct result of pupils at Anderton Park asking us what it is that makes Cheese & Onion crisps unsuitable for vegetarians. We would like to say a public thank you to the children of 4CH at Anderton Park for helping our customers." Pupils and parents praised the company for its decision. One parent said: "We are all amazed but thrilled that a group of curious children have managed to change the minds of a big company like Walkers. I can speak for all the parents of children at the school when I say we are so proud of the kids" (Birmingham Post, 05.02.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 05.02.00). Following the discovery of animal products in a seemingly vegetarian food, Muslims are calling for more products to be labelled adequately and more halal signs to appear on foods. Birmingham councillor Amir Khan said: "I think labels should be very clear. Birmingham’s Muslim community makes up 17 per cent of the city’s population. When you’re rushing round a supermarket you don’t have time to read the labels carefully. It would be helpful if food labels said ‘suitable for Muslims ’" (Birmingham Post, 03.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 12]
Health
Warning over inter-family marriages
Muslims in Yorkshire are being warned about family marriages among cousins which are contributing to large increases in births of disabled children. In large cities such as Bradford where the Asian population is rising rapidly, it is predicted that by 2011 half of all disabled children will be of Asian origin. This news has alarmed disability campaigners, who say that ethnic minorities are generally not well served by social ser vices and health authorities. Bary Malik, an expert in Asian disability issues, said: "Inter-cousin marriages is a major factor in sickle-cell anaemia and genetic problems. There is a lack of understanding about genetic testing which can find out whether children could be disabled from birth. Asian children in Bradford have a high prevalence of congenital disorders compares to other ethnic groups, and a higher than average percentage have cerebral palsy, deafness or suffer progressive neurological deterioration (Yorkshire Post, 16.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 12]
Employment
Man to sue council after sack
A man is to take Haringey Council in London to court, claiming unfair dismissal when he was sacked for having anti-homosexual views. This case will test Britain’s race laws and the Commission for Racial Equality, if they choose to back the case. Shamsul Islam, 20, from north London, had his contract as an office administrator in the physical disabilities and HIV department terminated half-way through its six month term. The sacking came after Mr Islam appeared in a Channel 4 programme which featured three presenters who have to interest people in their religious and political views. Mr Islam was pictured at a stall for the controversial Al-Muhajiroun group, and during the programme he explained his opposition to homo sexuality on religious grounds. After the programme was screened, Mr Islam was called into his bosses’ office and questioned on his anti-gay stance. Anti-gay leaflets produced by Al-Muhajiroun were also found in the office, and he was also alleged to have made his views known around the office. He was later dismissed by letter which offered no explanation. Mr Islam said: "I have been religiously and racially discriminated against by Haringey Council. They have used issues which I hold in my personal life - which I accept many will disagree with - to terminate my contract. I agree that in my personal life I do not like gays. But I don’t understand why my personal belief is being used against me in the workplace." Paul Coleman, spokesman for Haringey Council, confirmed that Mr Islam’s views contributed to his sacking. But he said that his poor workmanship was also a factor. He said: "His views were deemed unsuitable be cause he was working with people who were the subject of his prejudiced views. We would not employ a gay person who has Islamophobic views to work with Muslims. And we would not sack somebody simply because they were homophobic." He added: "In this case we felt that this was the best course of action to take, especially as we are dealing with people in difficult situations with HIV and AIDS. Our duty is to protect them." Mr Islam was employed in the physical disabilities and HIV department in September last year. His duties were up dating confidential files of HIV sufferers, faxing, photocopying, and answering the phones. He said that there were no complaints about his work until the programme was shown in November. He said: "After that, my manager said I was slacking in my work and accused me of mis-filing paperwork and of not doing the post on time. She also said I talked about my religion in the workplace. She said that she would not renew my contract and that I should start looking for another job" (Asian Times, 08.02.00, Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 12/13]
Mosques & Burials
Accrington burials
Muslims in Accrington were horrified at recent attacks on the Muslim section of graves at Accrington Cemetery. Local councillor Mohammed Aslam, whose father’s headstone was one of the 15 toppled, said the shocking attack had left him upset and angry, along with the rest of the Muslim community. Headstones were pushed or kicked over, damaging the bases, but Accrington Police said that one headstone must have been thrown to the ground by the attackers. Officers are treating the attack as a racially motivated incident. Cllr Aslam said: "I just don’t understand how these people can do such a thing. We are all very angry and upset by this. It is quite shocking. There have been attacks in the cemetery recently but they have been general attacks on graves. This is the first time that the Muslim graves have been singled out and it is worrying that there has now been a racist incident." Community leaders have now stressed the need for extra security at the cemetery. Community worker Munsif Dad said: "Planning permission has been given for closed circuit TV cameras to be put in the three cemeteries in the area, but no funding has been made available. The council has the money and must spend it, otherwise these attacks will continue, not just to Muslim graves but to all graves. Respect for the dead is important to every religion, and that is why we have to look at this from a general perspective, even though it is a racist attack." The police are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious on the night of the attack to come forward and speak to them (Accrington Observer, 18.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 13]Bearsden/Glasgow, Braemar Crescent
Plans to build a mosque on a green-belt site in Bearsden, Glasgow, have been rejected by West Dunbartonshire Council, much to the relief of local residents (See BMMS for November 1999 and January 2000). Around 100 Bearsden residents turned up at a council meeting to protest against the plans, and the council had already received around 600 letters of objection. The proposal for a mosque on open land at the rear of houses on Braemar Crescent was submitted to the council in November, but the council decided to refuse the proposal on grounds that it does not fit in with the Bearsden and Milngavie local plan. Following the decision, a spokes man for the Garscube Residents Association said that members were pleased with the outcome. He said: "We want to see the site retain its green-belt status and be used for leisure purposes only. We would like to see a children’s play area built, because we badly need one. We are sympathetic to the needs of the Asian community in seeking a suitable location for an Islamic Centre, and have written to both our councillor and the council to ask if they can liaise with West Dunbartonshire Council to help find a suitable site" (Milngavie, Bears den & Glasgow West Courier, 03.02.00). However, the applicants of the mosque say they may still appeal. A spokesman said: "I understood from the planning advisors that a lot of the objections would not be taken on board because they came from Renfrewshire and places with little obvious connection to Bears den. We are currently considering our position and it may be that we will be proceeding to appeal" (Milngavie & Bearsden Herald, 04.02.00). Councillor Bashir Maan said that Muslims living on the outskirts of the city are being un fairly treated, saying he was extremely disappointed at the decision. He said: "There is an established Moslem community in the Bearsden area. In not being allowed to have a place where they can practise their religion together, they are being excluded from the mainstream society." However, a spokes man for the council said: "The planning committee members were sympathetic to the case. However, the proposal was felt to have an adverse effect on residential amenity and be contrary to certain Local Plan policies." The Muslim community in Bearsden has been looking for a suitable site for a mosque for five years (Glasgow Evening Times, 07.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 13]Bishop’s Stortford, The Causeway
The Muslim community in Bishop’s Stortford is facing a costly battle against vandalism in the area (See BMMS for February, April and September 1999). Since converting a former library into a mosque in 1998 the Herts and Essex Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre has been forced to board up all its windows after they had had bricks and stones repeatedly thrown through them. The cost of replacement is substantial. President of the mosque, Dilwar Ahmed, said much of the trouble came from people hanging around the multi-storey car park nearby in the early hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings. He said that on one occasion the police had to be called out three times in one night in response to windows being broken. He said: "We didn’t realise this would happen. We thought the people of Bishop’s Stortford would, in the main, accept us. All the organisations like the churches have welcomed us, but there are a few people in this world who don’t want to, you can’t stop them. This doesn’t mean there’s a big group. These hooligans might think it’s fun to throw a stone, but it certainly isn’t a big group of people." This issue was raised under urgent business at a town council planning and environment committee meeting. Councillor Keith Warnell said that the whole area was "getting a bit run down" be cause of the boarded up windows. The council has since written to Mr Ahmed suggesting he install grills on the windows. Mr Ahmed replied that he was aware of the councillor’s concerns about the appearance of the building, but as the mosque is a non-profit organisation they did not have enough funds to carry out the work. He said: "We never realised we would have to keep fund-raising for broken windows." It will take at least three month to raise enough money to replace the windows and then put grills on them. Mr Ahmed added: "It’s going to cost a fortune, we’re trying to solve it as soon as we can" (Dunmow Observer, 03.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 14]Brierfield, Carleton St
A new mosque in Brierfield has been given the go-ahead by Brierfield and Reddley councillors. They agreed that they would recommend a plot of land on Carleton Street, currently used as a car park, be sold to the Sultania Mosque Committee at its "market value" as it was "surplus to requirements." The proposed mosque, will replace the present one in Bridge Street, which is now no longer adequate for the needs of the growing Muslim community (Nelson Leader, 11.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 14]Chatham, Dale St
Medway Council has given a Muslim committee the go-ahead for a mosque and community centre, much to the disappointment of the local residents. Around 38 people turned up at a council meeting discussing the plans, to object to the proposals. But the council gave permission to the Chatham and Rochester Muslim Committee to develop a detached bungalow into a centre for Islamic studies, prayer and a community centre, subject to some conditions. The opening hours will be between 7am-9pm from 28 August to 22 April, and from 23 April to 27 August will be between 7am to one hour after sunset. The building also has to be sound-proofed, no more than 10 people should use the premises at one time, and no worship or education activities should take place outside the complex. Councillor Carl Pinnock, who chaired the meeting, said: "The site is not absolutely ideal. But when we had a site visit what impressed us was how tolerant the residents were. They said they would keep in contact with Chatham and Rochester Muslim Committee and iron out any problems. Everyone involved has a constructive and positive attitude." But protestor Anthony Goodman said: "It is going to affect us. The complex will be open from sunrise to sunset. Even if the building is sound-proofed, we will still have the noise when we open our windows in the summer. We are concerned about the amount of parking people using the centre will take up. There are lots of different religions represented in this area, so we do not want this to take over." He added: "We are angry that Medway Council has given this scheme the go-ahead" (Medway Today, 25.02.00 and 21.02.00) [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 14]Chorley, Brooke St
A new £400,000 mosque is to be built in Chorley to cater for the town’s growing Muslim community. Spokesman for the town’s Muslim Welfare Society said the project has only come about by a great deal of co-operation and hard work. Najeeb Raza said that the community had put a lot of time and effort into getting a new mosque, which has been five years in the planning. The existing mosque, a converted terraced house, was no longer big enough for the growing community. The new mosque is expect ed to cater for up to 300 people. The two-storey building will have a dome and minaret and will include a prayer hall, library, kitchen, utility room and toilets. Mr Raza said: "The mosque would be a different example of architecture which would reflect the Muslim culture and religion. It would cater for a variety of needs, religious and education, ethic and moral needs. And it would enable our children to practise the ethical and moral codes which is crucial in this day and age in terms of law and order." Now Mr Raza said, the community's next problem was finding the funding to build the mosque. He said: "We are not a rich community so we are hoping communities in other towns will help us. We cannot apply to the National Lottery as gambling is against our faith" (Chorley Guardian, 23.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 14]Darlaston, Walsall Rd
Decisions regarding a new mosque in Darlaston have been deferred by Walsall Council until concerns over parking are sorted (See BMMS for January 2000). The Muslim Welfare Association submitted an application for a £300,000 mosque plan which would demolish the present mosque on Walsall Road and replace it with a new two-storey building. The new mosque would house a prayer hall for 210 men and separate hall for women, two large classrooms, a library on the first floor and landscaped grounds. Council planning officers had recommended that the scheme be reject ed as it only showed provision for parking for eight cars. However, officers have now agreed to meet with the association and discuss the issue (Walsall Express & Star, 01.02.00, Birmingham Express & Star, 02.02.00, Walsall Advertiser, 03.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 14/15]Derby, Rosehill St
Revised plans to extend the Jamia Mosque in Rosehill Street, Derby, have been given the go-ahead by councillors (See BMMS for January 2000). Permission for a previous scheme had already been granted last year (Derby Evening Telegraph, 11.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 15]Epsom burials
The Islamic Society in Epsom has met with the local council to discuss the possibility of providing a separate plot of land for Muslim burials (See BMMS for September and October 1999). Councillors were told that special provisions would have to be made including: burials at weekends and holidays at short notice; burying the dead in shrouds as opposed to coffins; arranging access so that graves could be visited late at night on certain Muslim festivals; and grave size would have to be increased from the average 6ft 6ins x 2ft 6ins to 6ft 6ins x 4ft. These provisions are likely to cost the council on average £4,000 a year for standby staff and £3,500 for a ground maintenance contractor to be on standby. Chairman of the health liaison board, Pam Ballard, said: "We are very sympathetic to the wishes of local Muslims and are looking at the best way to accommodate their needs. We have asked our officers to do some more work and we will consider their findings at a future meeting. But the final decision will have to be made by the full council (Epsom & Ewell Herald, 02.02.00, Epsom & Leatherhead Independent, 03.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 15]Hackney, Shacklewell Lane
In an apparently motiveless incident, a mosque in Shacklewell Lane, Hackney, was fire-bombed in the early hours of the morning on February 13th. At around 6am, the culprits broke into the prayer hall of the mosque and set off eight firebombs causing an estimated £100,000 of damage. Local shopkeepers who were just opening up, alerted the police and fire brigade as well as members of the mosque’s committee. The late Victorian building was acquired in 1977 by the United Kingdom Turkish Islamic Trust, which had previously been used as a synagogue. Preliminary police investigations indicate that those who caused the damage climbed up some scaffolding on a building next door and onto the roof of the toilets. They then dropped down into the men’s ablution area and broke through a door. They then opened the front door to their friends. Extensive damage was done when a gas-fired boiler exploded. Apparently the arsonists tried to move some Qur’ans and wall-hanging calligraphies out of harms way. The chairman of the mosque committee, Ramadan Hossein Gueney, said: "It is impossible to say who did this at this stage. It would be wrong to speculate." Although the Metropolitan Police’s Racial Incidents Unit is investigating the bombing, there does not seem to be a racial angle to it. Everyone seems baffled by the incident. Meanwhile, the mosque committee faces the daunting task of raising the money to repair the damage. In the meantime, prayers are being offered by the imam in the community hall alongside the mosque (Muslim News, 25.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 15]High Wycombe burials
Wycombe District Council has agreed to extend the High Wycombe Cemetery to provide more burial spaces for Muslims (See BMMS for January 2000). Currently there are only ten plots left, which it is expected will be filled by the year 2001. The council’s High Wycombe Town Committee has agreed to cover the £90,000 costs for the project, which will be split over two years. This will extend the life of the cemetery for up to 15 years, and could provide enough space for Muslim burials for the next 30 years (South Bucks & The Chilterns Leader, 27.01.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 15]Keighley, Emily St
Women in Keighley’s Muslim community are playing a major role in the development of the new Jamia Mosque (See BMMS for August 1999 and January 2000). They have been getting together to raise money for the building of the mosque, which will include a separate prayer hall for women, as the current mosque does not have any facilities for women. Money was raised through broadcasts over the local Radio Ramadan, and an Eid party was held at the Muslim Community Centre which also added to the funds. Shada Khan, who organised the party, outlined the importance of the role the women could play in mosque project, and encouraged the women to use the new facilities when they are made available (Keighley News, 28.01.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 15]Kingston, East Rd
Muslims in Kingston have rejected claims that people are objecting to their plans to build a millennium minaret out side their East Road mosque. The council is currently consulting residents, and has yet to receive any complaints. The Muslim community has designed a 12-metre high minaret with a clock inscribed with Arabic, Roman and western numerals, which they hope will appeal to all communities. Architects have been working closely with council planners to ensure that the £20,000 tower, raised from voluntary contributions, meets building guidelines. Councillor Shiraz Mirza said that the minaret, which is no higher than the roof of the existing mosque, will blend harmoniously into the surroundings. He said: "This is specifically a Millennium minaret which we believe will appeal to all cultures and faiths." (Surrey Comet Chessington & Hook, 28.01.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 15]Maidenhead
Muslims in Maidenhead could get a second mosque in the city to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. A planning application is to be submitted to the council for an Islamic centre with prayer facilities, a washing area and a small school. Money has already been raised by the community to buy a suitable property. The current mosque can accommodate up to 400 worshippers, which is sufficient for everyday prayers, but things can get tight around school holidays and major festivals. It has already been decided that prayers for Eid al-Adha will be held at a different hall because the one in the mosque is too small (Maidenhead Advertiser, 04.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 15]Newcastle, Wingrove Gds
Plans for a new mosque in Newcastle have been submitted to Newcastle City Council by Muslims who hope to build a two-storey building on the site of dis-used garages in Fenham. If the plans are accepted, the new mosque will have space for 80 worshippers. The project co-ordinator, Mubashar Khwaja, a retired teacher, said: "The new mosque will complement the existing one in Elswick which can hold up to 300. A lot of our elderly members and those with young children find it difficult getting to Elswick so this will be much handier for them." The current building is in a bad state and has none of the facilities need ed for a mosque, such as an ablution area. Architect John Angus, who drew the plans for the proposed mosque, said: "The proposed site is a bit of an eyesore at the moment with a lot of the empty garages in a very bad state of repair. The new mosque will serve the local Muslims and improve the environment by creating a beautiful new building." Mr Angus said that he had never designed a mosque before and the whole project was a learning experience for him. He said: "Although I have done work for the Catholic Church and the Church of England, this was the first mosque I have designed. I visited several other mosques in Newcastle and talked to the people who will be using the building to ask what they wanted to see" (Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 09.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 16]Oldham, Greengate St
Work being carried out to build a mosque in Oldham has recently seen the dome of the mosque being erected. The golden dome is the latest stage of work on the Jamiat Tabligh Ul Islam Mosque, which started in January 1997. The work is being funded by donations from the local community, and it is hoped that the mosque, when finished, will cater for up to 1,800 worshippers. Ulfat Hussain, secretary of the current mosque, said: "The community living around here is not very rich, so the donations are coming in quite slowly. We will get there in the end though" (Oldham Chronicle, 04.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 16]Peterborough, Gladstone St
Muslims in Peterborough are working to raise more than half a million pounds to build a new mosque in the city (See BMMS for January 2000). They have already bought the car park next to the present mosque in Gladstone Street, and are currently awaiting the decision of their planning application. If the scheme is given the go-ahead, it will cost £600,000 to £700,000 to build the 700 capacity mosque. There are an estimated 14,000 Muslims in Peterborough and the current mosque is no, longer big enough for prayer meetings. Ansar Ali, from the mosque committee, said: "At the moment we are extremely excited by the developments. We have a great deal of encouragement from the local community and we want to share our religion with society. We want to work with schools and other groups in the community and cater for people all over the region." Plans for the new mosque include an educational area for young people, a women’s area, a library with books, leaflets and information for Muslims and non-Muslims, and disabled access. Money is being raised through local businesses and donations from the congregation (Peterborough Herald & Post, 17.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 16]Reading, Oxford Rd
Directors of a hospital in Reading are discussing the possibility of selling a plot of land to the Trustees of Reading Mosque. Battle Hospital is undergoing a £80 million redevelopment scheme and is looking to sell part of its site to enhance community relations. In a report to the hospital board, acting facilities director Keith Westwood said the sale would enhance the hospital’s relation ship with the community, the council, and reduce their maintenance costs. Around 1,500 Muslims live in the area surrounding the hospital, and currently use a small terraced house as their local mosque. Manzoor Hussain, a member of the mosque committee, said a new building would be of great benefit to the worshippers, but added that any plans would have to be based around providing a worthwhile community facility. He said: "The emphasis will be on opening this up to the community, and using it as a meeting place for the diverse cultures in west Reading. It would be a place for education, after school clubs and conferences. It’s not just a mosque. Obviously, if we get the land we will need consultation within the community to find out what sort of facilities are wanted. Things are at a very early stage, with negotiations still going on, and we would then need planning permission, so it is too early to say much more" (Reading Evening Post, 07.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 16]Worcester burials
Muslims in Worcester could be joining the local cemeteries liaison committee. The committee already includes a vicar and a humanist, but religions other than Christianity are not represented. Councillor Nazrul Islam said: "I would like to know if a Muslim could be included." The chairman of the liaison committee, Richard Udall, said he would be happy to consider a nomination from the Muslim community (Worcester Evening News, 11.02.00). [BMMS February 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 2, p. 16]
