British Muslims Monthly Survey for July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7 |
British Muslims Monthly Survey for July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7 |
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With the new HSBC ‘halal’ investment fund recently launched, The Observer (18.06.00) looks at the practicalities of Islamic finance in this country. Not all British Muslims are the same, but many of them do have fundamental religious objections to the principles on which the British financial services and institutions are based. Abdullah, an accountant from London, is keen to avoid any financial gain which goes against his religious beliefs. He said: "I have a no-interest bank account which I arranged specially with Barclays." On top of that, instead of taking out a mortgage, he pays £12,000 a year in rent (although he would be prepared to pay double), and buys a car every two years to take advantage of the free insurance offered by dealers. He said: "I never give or take interest, because it is in the Koran, and because our prophet addressed the issue and made it sinful." He does find it difficult to live in an interest-based society, but said that for the sake of short-term financial gain "I am not going to compromise." Richard Thomas of the Arab Banking Corporation said: "Most British Muslims would prefer to use an Islamic system." But because British financial institutions have not realised the specific needs of Muslims "a large proportion of Muslims pay rent, don’t have bank accounts, and don’t participate fully in the mainstream economy." He added that the Government’s social exclusion unit "discovered that Muslims are one of the most disadvantaged groups in the community when it comes to access to financial services." Abdul Malik from east London said: "The majority are doing their best to live in the Islamic way, but it is difficult because they don’t have any real choice." Most Muslims, he says, are forced to go to a British bank. "Either that, or keep money under the mattress."
There are some new financial products appearing on the market, such as the halal mortgages offered by the Islamic Investment Banking Unit. Iqbal Khan, who holds global responsibility for Islamic finance within HSBC, said: "HSBC is looking at launching a Sharia-compliant global equity fund, and is also considering other products on the retail side." Whether or not these products will offer Muslims a real alternative, Mr Khan is determined to at least widen the choices available. He said: "The third or fourth generation of Muslims deserve the chance to choose in the same way that people can now choose ethical or environmentally friendly financial products" (See British Muslims Monthly Survey for May 2000). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 1]
Many more processions and celebrations were organised around the country to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (See BMMS for June 2000). In High Wycombe, where the procession has become an annual event, around 1,000 Muslims from the area turned out f or the occasion. Children and adults holding a variety of different coloured banners marched through the town centre, starting at the Central Mosque in Jubilee Road. Mohammed Khan, chairman of the Islamic Defence Council which helped organise the event, now in its 12th year, said: "It was a wonderful occasion and I wish we could keep the support alive throughout the year." He added: "People were charged with religious sentiment and were very helpful, extending their goodwill to our fellow men outside the mosque." After the procession, food was served at the mosque (which was available all day) and a series of talks about the life of the Prophet were given (Bucks Free Press, 23.06.00). Similar events were held in Keighley, where between 2,000 and 3,000 people are thought to have marched through the streets of the town. General Secretary of the Keighley Muslim Association, Mahboob Alam, said: "It was a very, very successful day and it was a very peaceful event that demonstrated the respect, love and understanding our prophet showed to all people. Keighley Muslim Association would like to thank all the local community groups and the police for all their help, and everyone who co-operated with this event. We hope this level of co-operation will continue in the future to make events like this a continuing success" (Keighley News, 23.06.00).
In Chesham, members of the Muslim community invited people of all faiths to join in the celebrations. Guests at the event included the Town Mayor councillor David Ponting, who said: "We welcome this first peaceful Muslim procession and look forward to more in future years." Chesham councillor Mohammed Bhatti said: "The community appreciated the co-operation of the local authorities and also the police for giving us an escort. This was a procession, not a protest - a happy birthday party for our prophet. We had prayer instead of fireworks and music. This was the first time but not the last time. We will carry on every year. The larger community appreciated something different happening in Chesham. It shows a multi-cultural society" (Bucks Examiner, 23.06.00, Windsor & Maidenhead Observer, 30.06.00, Blackburn Citizen, 30.06.00).
In London the Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO) organised an event on June 26 to celebrate the life of the Prophet. General Secretary of the UMO, Syed Aziz Pasha, spoke of religious values taught by the Prophet saying these are what will help strengthen moral and family values of the community. He said that Muslims contribute to the moral fabric of society in Britain, and the UMO has campaigned for years to have the rights of Muslims recognised in the British legal system (Muslim News, 28.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 1/2]
Housing scheme gets govt finance
The North London Muslim Housing Association (NLMHA) has secured £120,000 of government money for a feasibility study into its innovatory proposals to transform the nation’s urban wastelands by repopulating them with faith communities. The money will fund a year long project to identify suitable areas where the scheme can be piloted and where local partnerships can be set up. The ‘Faith in the Future’ scheme is inspired by the Hijra, where Muslims at the time of the Prophet migrated from Makkah to Madinah, founding a new multi-faith community in the oasis town. The NLMHA believes the model can be applied to 21st century Britain bringing in people of different faiths who share common values. Chief executive of the NLMHA, Saif Ahmed, said: "It will encompass common values which people from any religion or no religion would agree with, like tackling unemployment and creating clean, safe neighbourhoods." An official launch for the project was held at the House of Lords on 5 June. Mr Ahmed said that the scheme will also draw on agencies across the social spectrum to tackle problems such as crime and drug addiction, saying that these problems could be tackled on health grounds as well as faith grounds. Speaking of previous regeneration projects, he said: "Renewal projects with an emphasis on brick and mortar have not worked. This is where Faith in the Future can make the difference as it will draw on the resources of the different religious communities in order to promote social, economic and cultural development for all."
Chairing the launch, Baroness Pola Uddin said: "For too long, European white-led thinking has paid lip service to the need to avoid ghettos. It is time we stopped apologising for the state of our communities and deal with their problems." The association has already sketched draft proposals for implementing the project in Salford and Bradford, which are both home to large Muslim communities. If the plans are upheld, they will create a total of 4,000 new and refurbished dwellings in some of the most run-down areas. This funding comes six months after the government’s social exclusion unit report on unpopular housing called for religious communities to be given more of a say in regeneration planning (Q News, No321, 01.07.00, Muslim News, 30.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 2]
Lecture on Islamophobia and anti-Semitism
Lord Nazir Ahmed recently addressed the World Jewish Congress (WJC) in Jerusalem, telling them that Islamophobia and anti-Semitism are two sides of the same coin which share far more similarities then they do differences.
About 200 members from around the world attended the annual meeting. Organised by the Interfaith body, the Maimonidies Foundation and accompanied by Lord Janner of Braunstone, Lord Ahmed became only the second non-Jew to address the WJC, after Bill Clinton spoke there in 1996. He said: "Let me say firstly that I have always considered anti-Semitism as an attack on me and on Islam. Much of my public and private life has been spent fighting against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, intolerance and racism of any kind. As a Muslim in Britain I have sadly encountered all too much evidence that intolerance is still alive and well." He told the audience that just as anti-Semitism was at the core of the rise of anti-Jewish sentiment back in the 1930s and 1940s, today Islamophobia was fuelling much anti-Muslim hatred and especially among politicians. He went on to warn that: "Islamophobia has deliberately been projected by politicians in justification of their behaviour and actions," and that these "projections have come to feature as part of the foreign policy of several countries including some powerful and influential states."
Lord Ahmed stressed the shared history between Islam and Judaism, and quoted passages from the Qur’an saying how the Prophet and other Muslim figures such as Salahuddin had fostered good relations with Jewish communities. He added: "Let us constantly remind ourselves that anti-Semitism is far from dead in Europe. As a Muslim I note that whenever there is evidence of Islamophobia or hatred against Islam and Muslims the signs of anti-Semitism are not far behind." He ended the speech by calling for a stand to be taken against those who wished to foster ill between the two faiths, reminding the Congress that "any differences that exist between Islam and Judaism are not theological...any problems we have are political. And as we have seen time and time again, political problems can be resolved by people of good will" (Q News, No321, 01.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 2]
Community
Imam asks Lords to let him stay
Shafiq ur Rehman, the Oldham imam accused of being a threat to British national security, has sent his petition to the House of Lords asking that he be allowed to stay in the country (See BMMS for September, October and December 1999 and April 2000). In May, Mr Rehman lost his case at the Court of Appeal against the Home Secretary Jack Straw who wants to deport him for his alleged terrorist links in Kashmir. Mr Rehman had initially won his case at a Special Immigration Appeals Court hearing, which found that the Home Secretary failed to prove the allegations against him. The SIAC further stated that what constitutes national security was not for the Home Office to determine and instead gave its own definition. However, the appeals court rewrote the definition which now broadens the definition of national security. The court said: "A person may be said to offend against national security if he engages in, promotes, or encourages violent activity which is targeted at the UK, its system of government or its people. This includes activities directed against the overthrow of a foreign government if that foreign government is likely to take reprisals against the UK." However, human rights campaigners and Mr Rehman’s supporters argue that this has given the Home Secretary indiscriminate powers of arrest and detention. Mr Rehman’s solicitor, Amjad Malik, said: "A senior panel of Pakistani lawyers are currently putting their energies into avoiding the creation of a law which could infringe the Muslim community’s right of free expression" (Oldham Chronicle, 03.07.00, Muslim News, 30.06.00, Q News, No321, 01.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 3]Oxford Centre battles continues
Despite the decision made by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, to allow the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies to be built, opponents continued to voice their concerns and asked for another council meeting (See BMMS for September, October and November 1999 and March, April, May and June 2000). Tory councillor, Barbara Burgess, asked for the full council to take a vote on this proposal, hoping they would overturn the decision. However, the council, which met on 17 July, passed the development by a majority of one. Lord Mayor Maureen Christian had to use her casting vote after city councillors were split equally on whether to ask the planning committee to reconsider the plans. Cllr Christian said she felt it was right to uphold the original decision. David Taylor, director of corporate services, warned councillors that they would have to have strong reasons for changing their minds because the council could face an expensive planning appeal. But Councillor Mike Woodin, deputy chairman of the planning committee said: "I am sure that we have a case to sustain. There are clear and substantial reasons for refusal" (Oxford Mail, 18.07.00, Oxford Mail, 05.07.00, Oxford Mail, 06.07.00, Oxford Times, 07.07.00, Oxford Mail, 10.07.00, The Sunday Times, 16.07.00, Times Higher Education Supplement, 21.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 3]Imam jailed for assault
An imam in Bristol has been jailed for 30 months after being convicted of indecently assaulting two young girls (See BMMS for February and June 2000). Muhammad Mukit, who was teaching Arabic and religious studies to the children who were 11 and 12 at the time, could also be deported. The 29-year old had been brought to Britain as an imam to teach the Qur’an and give religious instruction. Judge Shaun Lyons, sitting at Swindon Crown Court, told Mr Mukit: "Men who abuse and sexually assault children must expect to go to prison." He added that a serious aspect of the case was the abuse of trust by the imam who was held to be a respected member of the Bangladeshi Muslim community (Western Daily Press, 27.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 3]Trainee imam dies in crash
A 21-year old trainee imam was killed on 25 June when a people carrier he was travelling in was hit head-on by a car being chased by police in Greater Manchester. Khubib Ahmed was studying at Darul-Uloom College in Bury, and was in his final year. Mr Ahmed was among a group of students returning from a night out, and eight others were injured in the crash. Family friend Sefa Begum said that Mr Ahmed had been studying Islam and theology at the college for six years, and was due to leave this summer to follow his father and brothers into becoming an imam. Ms Begum said: "He was a fit and healthy young man who had lots of friends. Everyone is deeply shocked by what has happened and we are trying to come to terms with it" (Birmingham Evening Mail, 26.06.00, Bury Times,, 27.06.00, Bolton Evening News, 27.06.00, Rossendale Free Press, 30.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 3]Cardiff exhibition on Islam
The first annual Islamic exhibition was to take place over three separate weeks at Cardiff Central Library. The free exhibition was to feature literature about the religion. The first week of the exhibition was to run until July 1st. The second was between July 25 and July 31, with the final week running between August 1 and August 8 (South Wales Echo, 27.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 3]Police station to cater for Muslims
A unique development has been launched in Redditch in an effort to improve relations between Redditch police and the Muslim community. For the first time in the force’s history, Redditch police station has made efforts to provide religious facilities for any Muslim residents who come into custody. Two copies of the Qur’an have been provided in the cells at the Grove Street station and officers have also marked out the direction of Makkah. Inspector Gareth Prosser said: "We have a reasonable sized Asian community in the town and have had discussions about facilities for Muslims to pray to Mecca when they come into custody. We identified a need to provide the Koran and found out where Mecca lies, towards the south east." The station already has Bibles in cells. Mr Prosser added: "We are trying to improve relationships with the Muslim community and break down any barriers. If people are devout Muslims they need to pray to Mecca five times a day." Spokesman for the Muslim community Mahboob Ali said: "I donated the prayer mats and the Koran. It is a really positive move forward to improve relations between the police and the Muslim community" (Alcester Chronicle, 28.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 3/4]Muslims welcome hospital prayer room
Muslims in Gloucester have welcomed the opening of a prayer room in the city’s hospital, provided to help fulfil the spiritual needs of workers and patients at the hospital. Community social worker Haroon Kadodia said: "We are very pleased and excited by this because Muslims have a fundamental duty to pray five times a day, irrespective of illness." Formerly used as an office and a hairdresser’s salon, it is fully carpeted, is fully air conditioned, and has a basin to allow Muslims to perform their ablutions. The chairman of Gloucestershire’s Islamic Trust, Ayoob Bhaiyat, said: "It is not very big, but it is big enough for us and we are very grateful to have it. It will come in very handy for patients, visitors and staff who work there and will be most useful because we can say our prayers." The hospital’s surgical services manager, Tim Tomlinson, said: "We already have a hospital chapel for those religions that feel they can use that sort of facility and we thought we should have a similar facility for Muslims. It is part of our plan to extend the amount of spiritual capacity we have got" (Stroud Citizen, 28.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 4]Offensive advert painted out
A billboard poster has been painted out in Bradford which was considered offensive to the Muslims living in the area. The poster features tennis star Anna Kournikova advertising a sports bra, and was said to have caused a stir amongst the Asian community. Bradford Councillor Amir Hussain said that advertisers should show more sensitivity in multi-cultural areas like Bradford. Khadim Hussain, from the Bradford Council of Mosques, said: "A poster like this doesn’t look nice when you are going out with a family." The picture was painted out in the middle of the night, soon after it was put up. However, the vandalism has been branded as over the top by some Muslims. Mohammed Ajeeb, formerly Bradford and Britain’s first Asian Lord Mayor, said: "If someone is offended by it, that doesn’t mean they should go out and vandalise or damage it. There are other means to express their disapproval without this." Resident Mahmood Khan said: "It was not offending me but maybe advertisers should be more sensitive because there are Muslims who wouldn’t have a picture like this in their house" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 28.06.00). The Advertising Standards Agency said they have received three complaints about the advert (The Times, 28.06.00, Daily Record, 28.06.00, Daily Star, 28.06.00, Daily Sport, 28.06.00, The Independent, 12.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 4]Man clears name after 13 years
A man who spent two years in jail has won a 13-year fight to clear his name after the Appeal Court ruled that a confession he supposedly made to the police had been re-written by a police officer. Mohammed Yusuf Patel said: "My life is in ruins. I was let down by every part of the criminal justice system." In November 1987, Mr Patel was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment after allegedly tipping off drug traffickers being investigated by police. Mr Patel was an accountant at the Muslim Commercial Bank and was visiting the house of a client in Essex. At the same time, police were raiding the client’s house and found five kilograms of heroin. Mr Patel had gone to the house to pick up the client’s children to take them to his daughter’s birthday party. He insisted he did not know anything about the drugs. But the police issued an order banning him from communicating with a number of clients in Portugal who were under suspicion of international drug-traffick- ing. The prosecution claimed he compromised the case by contacting those clients and that he admitted his guilt during interviews. Mr Patel protested his innocence during his prison sentence, during which he also studied law. He personally applied for leave to Appeal in March 1989, and after he was released in 1990 he worked hard to prove his innocence. He had been convicted on little evidence and his barrister had failed to challenge the admissibility of the police interviews as well as telling him he could not criticise the police. His new solicitors obtained the original records of his interviews with the police and sent them for electrostatic document analysis tests. These showed that the pages had been re-written, supporting Mr Patel’s claims that his testimony had been fabricated. However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) refused to release these documents saying that Mr Patel had leaked information which they claimed was protected by a Public Interest Immunity (PII) certificate. After various appeals to the Home Secretary, the case was finally heard in May. Forty eight hours before the hearing, the CPS finally conceded that the information that was supposedly covered by PII for eight years did not actually exist. Mr Patel cried as he was cleared of the charges. He said: "I have been vindicated" (Muslim News, 30.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 4]Islam exhibition in Bedford
An exhibition held in Bedford aimed to give the wider public a better understanding of Islam. The Islamic Experience, hosted by Bedfordshire County Council, was the first in a series of events looking into different faiths and cultures. The exhibition featured displays, pictures, videos, models and interactive computer programmes. Paul Brett, strategic director for learning, said: "Islam is now Britain’s second largest religion and is being taught in schools as part of the new religious education syllabus." The exhibition ran until July 7 (Bedford Times & Citizen, 30.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 4]Keighley Mela success
The Keighley News (30.06.00) reports on the success of the Keighley Mela, where more than 5,000 people attended the weekend’s events. The mela had returned to Keighley for the first time in several years. The events included stage performances, sports competitions and poetry recitals, as well as stalls for food and crafts. The highlight of the sporting events was a kabadi match featuring the Pakistan team, who had come to England to play teams in Southall. Javed Bashir, who organised the entertainment, was delighted that the mela had attracted many local families as well as people from Birmingham and London. He said: "This year’s mela was not just for promoting the arts, but promoting local interest and local talent. People from Pakistan who came to Keighley were impressed. It shows that Keighley does need an event like this for the community to get together. Normally there isn’t much entertainment in Keighley for the whole family. There are no Asian cinemas or Asian bands in Keighley." Mr Bashir believes the mela will now go from strength to strength as it builds on the success of this year’s event. He said; "The reputation of the mela has dropped in recent years and by having two or three years’ break it was hard to come back. But this year we’ve built a platform to work on." [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 4/5]Interview with Iqbal Sacranie OBE
The Third Way (01.07.00) carries an interview with Iqbal Sacranie, OBE, who was general-secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain until earlier this year. He is asked about the best part of his job when he was working for the MCB, to which he replied: "The satisfaction one gets when there is some achievement on issues which have been of concern to the community for many, many years. It is a challenging task: there is an enormous amount to be done." He is also asked about having a religious mindset in a secularised country and the role of Muslims in this country and about the relations the Muslim community has with Christians, both in Britain and abroad, and how easy it is to get along with people who are of a different faith. Asked about the positive aspects of living in Britain, Mr Sacranie replied: "It’s amazing, when we look at the society in which we live, how comfortable, how free from any form of restrictions we are. The key area of concern as a Muslim is that I am free to practise my religion in the way I want to. The laws of this country are such that they do not prevent me from carrying out activities which I think are for the benefit of the society at large. There is nothing that violates my faith or my beliefs - and I have freedom to express my views." Asked about the downside of living as a Muslim in this country, he says: "What worries me is the developing trend that we see towards a more liberal, secular society…If, for example, Section 28 were to be repealed, there is a very serious probability that our children will be taught about a culture which is not just illegal but an affront against humanity…Also, we can see from the statistics that we read in the papers the trends in violent crime (particularly by young persons), teenage pregnancy, divorce, the abuse of young children. All of these are on the increase." He also acknowledged the increase in the Muslim prison population and the problems of drug abuse amongst youths, which he said is partly to do with the poor social conditions they are living in. But he says that more education is needed and more tolerance and understanding between the faith groups so that they can work together to improve the current situation. [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 5]5,000 attend wedding in Bradford
Around 5,000 people recently attended one of the biggest weddings in Bradford. The marriage of Mohammed Azad, 28, and Saima Akhtar, 23, was attended by prominent members of the Muslim community, as well as leaders from other faiths including Nirmal Singh Sekhon MBE, Harbals Singh Kharia and the Deputy Lady Mayoress Phyllis Petit. Mr Azad is a businessman and a member of a prominent Muslim family in West Yorkshire. His father was best known for running an Asian cinema in Manningham in the 1970s. Fazal Hussain, MBE, a friend of the groom’s family, said: "This is one of the biggest weddings in Bradford for a number of years" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 03.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 5]Oxford student goes missing
A 15-year old Oxford student, described as a child prodigy, who went missing after her exams on June 22, has been found but apparently asked police not to tell her family of her whereabouts. Sufiah Yusof is one of five children who was educated at home by her father Farooq and mother Halimah, in what has been described as an accelerated learning technique. The family hit the headlines in 1997 when the then 12-year old was about to become one of Britain’s youngest university students, and many people were taking an interest in the family’s methods of learning. Farooq never claimed his family were geniuses or gifted, just that he had taught them properly, and claimed he could teach any child in the same way. There were strict rules involving a cold house to improve concentration, Islamic prayers had to be said first thing in the morning, which were followed by stretching and breathing exercises. However, it is thought that these methods inhibited the children’s social development, which is one reason Sufiah is thought to have run away. In an email sent to her father after she disappeared, which he claims was not written by her, Sufiah said that: "I’ve finally had enough of 15 years of physical and emotional abuse," and said she would not return to the "living hell" of home. The message also claimed that she had tried to kill herself twice before she began her course at Oxford, and threatened to go to the press with her side of the story. However, her father claims that she has been brainwashed by socialist groups with which she has recently been involved, saying: "They have disengaged her from her strength, which is her family and specifically myself. They have got into her mind. Brainwashing is I think the correct term …Even if we get her back it won’t be the same Sufiah" (The Guardian, 07.07.00, The Daily Telegraph, 04.07.00, The Times, 04.07.00, Cardiff Western Mail, 04.07.00, South Wales Echo, 04.07.00, The Independent, 04.07.00, Cardiff Western Mail, 05.07.00, Aberdeen Evening Express, 06.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 5]Tribute to Bradford community leader
Thousands of mourners in Bradford have paid tribute to a well-known community leader who died of a heart attack. Mohammed Siddiq was a teacher when he came to West Yorkshire in 1961. He was a founder member of Keighley Mosque and a leading member of the Safa Tul Islam mosque in Bradford, where his funeral was held. Fazal Hussain MBE, a friend of Mr Saddiq, said: "He was a very popular man and his funeral was one of the biggest ever seen by the Muslim community in Bradford. People came from across the country at very short notice because he was so popular. And he was a figure of unity in the community who worked very hard in race relations." Mr Sadiq, who lived in Manningham, leaves a wife, five daughters and two sons (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 05.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 5/6]Teacher escapes jail
A former teacher at a mosque, who made false allegations about the imam of the mosque to the police and the charity Childline, has narrowly avoided a jail sentence. Haroon Rashid told police that Ijaz Ahmed, imam at the Madina Mosque, had assaulted young children. Magistrates in Sheffield heard how he telephoned Childline and repeated fabricated allegations about Mr Ahmed and children he had taught at the mosque. David Marshall, prosecuting, said Mr Rashid was also a teacher at the mosque and did not get on with Mr Ahmed who was in charge. When Mr Ahmed visited Pakistan, Mr Rashid decided to enact revenge because he felt he had been humiliated in front of the children he was teaching. Mr Rashid pretended Mr Ahmed had phoned him from Pakistan and given permission for him to go into his private quarters for documents. While inside, Mr Rashid took two items, and then ordered books worth £54.90. Mr Marshall told the court that South Yorkshire police had wasted time investigating Mr Ahmed over the allegations of abuse, and that Childline had also wasted valuable resources. When interviewed by police, Mr Rashid admitted the allegations were not true and had not realised the gravity of his actions. He pleaded guilty to harassment, burglary and obtaining by deception. Joy Harrison, defending, said Mr Rashid was of previous good character and had brought shame on himself and his family. He had been extremely frightened by his interviews with the police and his court appearances. She said he felt Mr Ahmed had been abusive towards him, but rather than deal with it through proper channels he had stupidly resorted to crime. Mr Ahmed was no longer imam at the mosque after complaints had been made against him by other people. Mr Rashid was told he was lucky he was not going "for a long stretch of porridge." He was given 160 hours community service (Barnsley Star, 07.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 6]Pork seller moved
A row broke out at a food and drink festival when a pork farmer was moved following complaints from a Muslim taxi driver. The family business Hogsters set up a pig roast outside Telford Shopping Centre as part of the Heart of England Food and Drink Festival in Telford. However, Jon and Jo Hooper were moved from their town centre pitch to outside a McDonald’s after taxi drivers protested to the authorities. Mr Hooper said: "About half an hour after we set up yesterday a spokesman for the taxi drivers said that carving a cooked pig in front of them was insulting their religion. We were not happy to move. It was about 12:30pm, which was our key selling time." The couple estimated that they had lost hundreds of pounds of business, and decided not to return for the final two days of the festival. Telford & Wrekin Council’s taxi licensing officer was called in after one taxi driver made a complaint. A council spokesman said that the driver was concerned that the pig roast stall was very close to the taxi rank. He also apparently complained on religious grounds as he did not eat pork. The spokesman said: "It was agreed that the stall should relocate to another part of the centre" (Shropshire Star, 07.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 6]Police wrongly arrest imam
Council bailiffs face legal action after arresting an imam, whom they wrongly accused of owing council tax, on the steps of his mosque. Imran Shakiel Nawaz was confronted as he left the building in Drummond Road, but despite protesting his innocence he was led away and held in a police cell until his friends arrived with his passport to confirm his identity. Mr Nawaz’s solicitor, Jaroslaw Stachiw, said: "There were a number of people coming out of the mosque who told the bailiffs they had got the wrong man. But one of them said he had a photographic memory and insisted he had seen him before." Mr Stachiw said the man the bailiffs were looking for was Mr Nawaz’a brother, Zahoor Ahmed, who bears no striking resemblance to him. He said: "This was a very distressing and embarrassing ordeal for a man who has never been in trouble in his life. The bailiffs’ action was aggressive and unwarranted and came at a time when he had literally just finished leading a prayer meeting." He said he had initiated proceedings against the Council for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and defamation of character. Councillor Sajawal Hussain said: "This has cause immense uproar and feelings are running very high in the community. As ward councillor, I am appalled at this action… Fifteen people were there and they were all saying that it was the wrong man. This man had just been there for worship. They had finished prayers and they had arrested him. I think Bradford Council should say goodbye to the services of such people. It isn’t one person who felt insulted, it’s an entire community within that mosque." A council spokesman said: "We regret that an incident like this has taken place. At this stage no complaint has been received from the individual concerned. Once we have been provided with details we will carry out a full investigation and, if necessary, take appropriate action" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 11.07.00, Yorkshire Post, 12.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 6]Mela at mosque
More than 1,200 people attended a mela held at Shah Jehan Mosque on Woking. The event which is now in its fourth year was attended by the imam of the mosque, the Mayor of Woking, Council lor Ian Eastwood, and MP Humfrey Malins. Thirty different organisations set up stalls and displays including Victim Support, The Red Cross, Woking College, Woking Hospice and Age Concern. There was an Asian lunch provided and a fairground for the child ren to enjoy. Chairman of the organising committee, Sergeant Chris Roberts, said: "It was a lovely day and enjoyed by all that attended. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t good but it was still a great success." He added: "The mosque provides an excellent location to interact with the local communities in the area." All funds raised from the event will go to wards the mosque building programme (Woking News & Mail, 13.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 6/7]Community centre planned in Croydon
Croydon Council has agreed to allow an Islamic cultural and community centre to be built on the site of empty printing workshops and offices. The plans to de molish and convert buildings in Clifford Road were approved by members of the planning, environment and regeneration committee. Prayer and worship, com munity meetings, job club, social events, counselling, martial arts and aerobics are among the activities planned for the centre. A number of flats will also be created for some of the people working at the centre. Residents had opposed the development claiming it would create traffic problems. But planning officers said that because the site was near a rail way station, a public car park and bus routes there was no reason to turn it down (Croydon Advertiser, 14.07.00, Caterham & District Advertiser, 14.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 7]Keighley men visit York
Elderly men from a community centre in Keighley visited York combining reli gion with history. The men travelled by minibus and began their visit with a trip to the UK Islamic Missions Mosque, where they offered afternoon prayers. Their tour of York then took them to the city’s famous buildings, countryside, river, churches, cathedrals, markets and castle. On the way home, the group called in on the Bilal Mosque in Leeds for Asr prayers (Keighley News, 14.07.00, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 15.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 7]Ahmadiyya Association gathering
Around 20,000 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association were to attend an international convention in Surrey. The event was due to take place from 28th to 30th July. The Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya community, Mirza Tahir Ahmad, was to address the convention on all three days, with his speeches translated into 12 languages for transmission on their own global satellite channel. The event is set to be broadcast in 150 countries. Politicians, such as Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokes man Simon Hughes MP, was to be one of the many Members of Parliament, Foreign Ministers, civic dignitaries and scholars who were to be participating in the event (Coventry Evening Telegraph, 17.07.00, Rugby Evening Telegraph, 17.07.00, Slough & Windsor Herald & Post, 21.07.00, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 21.07.00, Putney & Wimbledon Times, 28.07.00, Huddersfield Examiner, 28.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 7]Somali community in Sheffield
The Barnsley Star (17.07.00) carries an article about the Somali community in Sheffield and the work they are doing within their community centre to help the growing community. The Israac Community Centre (which means unity) has been used for the past 19 years as a place for Somalis to meet, socialise and provide a focus for the community. But it has recently taken on a new role. With management passed to younger, professional members of the community, they hope to provide a better future for Somalis who have escaped the horror of war but are now faced with the despair of unemployment. Ahmed Mohammed, secretary of Israac, said: "Somalis have the highest unemployment rate in the city." In the past many Somali men settled in Sheffield during the war years to provide labour for the steel industry, and sent money home to their families. But some brought their families to the city creating a small community. In recent years other asylum seekers have made their way to Sheffield and there are now an estimated 4,000-5,000 Soma lis in the community. Mr Mohammed said he understands the difficulty of arriving in a foreign country, particularly as a youngster, as he arrived in Britain when he was 17 yrs old. He did not like the unfriendliness of London, and was much happier when he started university in Sheffield. He said: "The people in Sheffield were so friendly. They would take time to help you out, not like London." He says that helping new arrivals is one of the tasks of Israac, and they will be running language courses and computer training courses. They have also started a homework club for youngsters whose parents did not go through the education system and who need support with their studies. The centre also wants to set up a support network for children and teenagers at school, but is seeking extra funding for these projects. He said: "We did get £5,000 lottery cash to help with transla tion and SRB funding for a centre co-ordinator, but we can still only staff the centre five days a week from 9-5pm at present." [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 7]Book launch at House of Lords
A Walsall consultant has earned the praise of Tony Blair and Prince Charles for a book he co-wrote on how to take care of Muslims in hospital. The book, Caring for Muslim Patients, was compiled and edited by Dr Abdul Rashid Gatrad, a paediatric consultant at Walsall Manor Hospital, and Dr Aziz Sheikh of the Imperial College Medical School in London. The book was officially launched at the House of Lords, and is designed to bridge cultural gaps and address common misunderstandings about Islamic care. It deals with issues surrounding birth, death and bereave ment and fasting, and offers advice for healthcare professionals to provide the appropriate care. Dr Gatrad said he hoped the book would help "improve health care delivery." He added: "I wrote the book because there was no similar book that addressed, in a non prescriptive way, the interface between health and faith" (Birmingham Post, 25.07.00). Mr Blair said it was a useful guide to the medical profession and added: "To those of us who have faith, it is very important that our values are respected by those we come into contact with in day to day life. Lack of know ledge can sometimes cause both great inconvenience and offence" (Birming ham Evening Mail, 26.07.00, Sandwell Express & Star, 26.07.00, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 20.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 7]Skipton Islamic exhibition
Skipton Town Hall was the location of an Islamic awareness exhibition. Follow ing the success of the exhibition in the past two years, the event was moved to a more central location, and ran for one week as opposed to one day. On display were art works, historical artefacts, scriptures and various other items relat ing to all aspects of Islam. As part of the programme, Abdur Raheem Green gave a talk on the purpose of creation, and Abdul Haq Baker, imam of Brixton Mosque, was the guest speaker at talks on Fridays (Craven Herald & Pioneer, 21.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 8]Scholar to visit Luton
An internationally known Sufi and Muslim scholar, Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri, was to visit Luton to give a talk on the teachings of the Qur’an. The event was organised by the Zahra Trust and the Luton Council of Faiths, which includes representatives of several different faiths. Muslims and non-Muslims were welcome to attend the event (Luton News, 26.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 8]Muslim football team win tournament
A Muslim football team, Bacca Football Club, has won the Men’s Trophy in this year’s National 5-A-Side Football Championship. It is the first time in any national tournament that an all Muslim team has won in the final. Twenty-six-year old Nisar Ahmed, from the Leeds-based team, said: "It’s a great achieve ment and we’re really proud we got this far." He added: "We thank Allah for keeping our feet on the ground. We were very confident we could do it. When we were playing, we didn’t actually believe anyone could beat us." He said his team’s conviction comes from the fact that they have been playing together as a team since they were at college. He said: "We have played so long together so the experience is there. And we’re capable of playing all the positions, so we are very versatile." The sponsors of the tournament, which included Harrods, Sky Television and the News of the World, said there was a definite chance that the team could compete in a mini world-cup style championship in the future. Ahmed said: "The sponsors were fantastic. We were judged on our ability and not on our ethnicity, which is the way it should be." However, he admit ted that the reaction of the non-Muslim crowd when they won the final was mixed. He said: "A lot of the English would probably frown on it. We weren’t getting all smiles and cheers from them, although we didn’t encounter any major problems. In our breaks we would pray and it wouldn’t be an issue. This level of sport doesn’t attract as much attention or criticism." The team was presented with the trophy by Harry Redknapp, manager of West Ham United, and a cheque for £5,000, of which a large proportion was to be given to a charity for Chechnya (Muslim News, 28.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 8]Slough Mela
The Pakistan Welfare Association in Slough recently held a free mela in Upton Court Park. Admission charges were abandoned after the PWA managed to secure sponsorship from Slough busi nesses and a donation from the National Lottery, with the help of Slough’s MP Fiona McTaggart. Tory cabinet minister Steven Norris was invited to the mela, and said: "I saw the great ethnic diver sity we have in this country during my campaign, and it is something to cele brate. The Asian community shares many of the key Conservative values such as marriage, the family, respect for the law and police, and a belief in business enterprise." The Conservative Party recently set up a ‘cultural unit’ to try to attract more votes from the Asian and black communities. Mr Norris added that the Conservatives had been out of touch with the ethnic communities in the past and that was something that had to change, and supporting them at these events was one way of doing that. There was a music tent set up featuring Bhangra music and a Pakistani band. Outside there was henna painting, Indian food and a large funfair. There was also a stall set up by teenage volunteers from ‘Aik Saath’, an organisation which advises youths on how to deal with prob lems such as racism in the classroom, bullying or conflicts between religious groups. Sabhia Zahid, 18, said: "I think it is good to see both Muslim and Sikh people here together. There has been trouble in the past, but everyone seems to be getting along well and celebrating the Asian communities together. It is a chance for us all to get together and enjoy ourselves" (Slough & Langley Observer, 28.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 8]
Education
Islamic Foundation plan opposed
Residents in Markfield are opposing a planning application to extend the Islamic Foundation building to accom modate an extra 300 students. The appli cation for the extension is the second which has been submitted to the council after the first was rejected earlier in the year. Residents near the centre are worried that the whole village could be destroyed as the infrastructure was already poor. One resident said: "We cannot cope with 300 students entering the village on a daily basis let alone living here. The infrastructure is very poor and the acceptance of this planning application will leave a huge and unde sirable impact on Markfield. Matthew Lay, chairman of Markfield parish coun cil advised the residents to look at ways of accepting the proposal on their terms as he as afraid that the council would give permission for the scheme. However, he eventually agreed to object to the application on behalf of the parish council. He said: "The council will ob ject to the planning application on the grounds of inadequate highways and that the development would cause upheaval for the existing residents in Markfield. I believe that a compromise should be made to ensure the planning application if accepted is as small as possible." Joanna Couch of Well Associates Architects, which has submitted the applica tion on behalf of the Islamic Foundation, said: "I hope that the planning applica tion is accepted. I do not think that it is a large development and residents should not be concerned about the amount of people moving to the village because the majority of people will travel into the area in cars." The scheme is also backed by Markfield county councillor Leslie Neville. He said: "The main point is that the extension will fall on the boundary of what they already own. It will not be built on greenfield sites which is something I oppose. The main problem will be the traffic as the majority of stu dents will come into Markfield in cars. Along with the height of the building as it is three storey. I think Markfield will cope with the large numbers of people and I think they should look at it as something to be proud of, as it is a centre of excellence" (Ashby Echo, 12.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 8/9]Teacher disciplined for sitting on Qur’an
The case of a Religious Education teacher in Luton who claims he was racially discriminated against, has been adjourned. Stephan Shimkin, 52, who has taught at Denbigh High School for seven years, was suspended for one year following an incident where Mr Shimkin is said to have sat on a copy of the Qur’an in his class. He said that he sat on the Qur’an to stop rowdy pupils from grabbing it. Mr Shimkin also said that he had been the subject of repeated abuse from the pupils, 90 per cent of whom are Muslims, including death threats and racist language. But he claims he received no support from the governors and headmistress, saying they were more interested in ‘placating’ unruly pupils than taking action against them. He told the tribunal: "The boys were coming towards me wanting the book. They wouldn’t take no. I do treat the Qur’an with respect. I always have done." After the incident, five former pupils came to the school and told him "You are dead" (Daily Mail, 28.06.00). However, headteacher Yasmin Bevan said that Mr Shimkin had acted unprofessionally. She said he should have been aware of his pupils’ sensitivities when he sat on the Qur’an. Following the incident, some year ten pupils are said to have com plained and demanded he apologise. He received a written warning from the head. Ms Bevan said: "The major cause of the disciplinary procedures was the way he handled the situation. He com pounded the situation, saying it was his book and he could do what he liked with it. He subsequently gave a Bible to children so they could do what they liked. The action clearly upset pupils. There is no doubt it caused genuine distress and was in breach of the school’s equal opportunities policy. It was conduct unbecoming of a teacher, especially a teacher of religious education. He should have been aware of the sensitivities of the use of the Koran." Ms Bevan said that a letter sent to Luton Council by Mr Shimkin did not "show due deference to the management and pupils of Denbigh High School." She said its contents included the use of managing pupils by retaliation and con travened the school’s equal opportunities policy. She added: "He gave the school no opportunity to respond. He didn’t tell me or the senior staff. He made deroga tory comments about the school. It was a breach of mutual trust and honesty." Ms Bevan told the court that in October 1999 Mr Shimkin received a final writ ten warning for physically restraining a boy, and was subsequently suspended. The tribunal was to publish its findings at a later date (Dunstable Gazette, 05.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 9]New school in Liverpool
Building work has started on a new school in Liverpool which will be the first school in the country to have an Islamic ethos. Kingsley Community Primary School in Granby will have prayer facilities, including a room facing Makkah. There will also be a kitchen to prepare halal foods, a parents’ room, nursery and community centre. It is hoped that the school, which will teach more than 300 three to eleven-year olds, will be finished in time for the new school year in 2001. Councillor Paul Clein, executive member for education, said: "Kingsley will be the first school of its kind where the needs of Muslim children have been incorporated into the design of the building. It will enable youngsters from different cultures and faiths to learn side by side with the facilities to allow them to observe religion. The new building will send a very positive message of community, respect and tolerance to the children of the area. It will be a school everyone can be proud of, a 21st century facility which will play a key part in raising levels of achievement and aspiration." Although the school will mainly cater for Muslim pupils, it will accept children of all faiths. Mohammed Qadri, vice-chairman of governors at the school, said: "This is something which is inno vative and we are looking forward to immensely. It does the city council cre dit for having accepted the proposal to base the school on an Islamic ethos" (Liverpool Echo, 10.07.00, Asian Age, 15.07.00, The Big Issue in the North, 17.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 9]Prince visits Birmingham school
Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, brother of the late King Hussein of Jordan, met with community leaders and teachers at Al-Hijra School when he officially opened their new premises. The prince, who is a patron of the school’s charitable trust fund, said that education could help to heal conflicts between different cultures and religions. Al-Hijrah was founded in 1988 as the city’s first Mus lim school. It offers lessons in Arabic and Islamic Studies as well as the full national curriculum, and was placed 16th in Birmingham’s school league tables in 1999. In his speech, the prince talked about dialogue between different cultures and nations, and that education aided this dialogue. After the event he said: "I believe in a multi-cultural society. I believe in the importance of educa tion in forging links between Muslims and non-Muslims." Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Cllr Teresa Stewart also spoke at the opening saying: "We welcome the culture and spirituality that the people who have brought Islam to this city have brought to us all" (Birmingham post, 12.07.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 12.07.00, Muslim News, 28.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 9]
Politics
Kingston mayor celebrates at mosque
The new Mayor of Kingston, at a cele bration held in his honour at Kingston Mosque, told the congregation that he would be a "mayor for all people." The event was also filmed for a Pakistani TV channel which is available on digital television. Being the first Muslim Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Shiraz Mirza was keen to emphasise that despite his faith, he would serve and represent all citizens of the Royal borough who required his help. He told the audience of his hopes and aspirations for the borough. He said that the mosque was open to all people with problems and difficulties, and surgeries had been held at the mosque where Cllr Mirza trans lated for constituents on many occasions as they spoke to their councillors or MPs. He said that although the mosque was a Muslim place of worship it also served a role in the community and was therefore open to all members of the public. Also addressing the gathering were the mosque’s imam and MP Edward Davey. All those who attended agreed that there was still work needed to be done to stamp out prejudices and racism, including Islamophobia (Kingston, Surbiton & New Malden Times, 23.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 9/10]Muslim News interview with Gary Streeter
The Muslim News (30.06.00) has printed a wide-ranging interview with Gary Streeter, Shadow Secretary of State for International Development. He is asked if the Conservative Party are in any way thinking of a settlement for accommoda ting the needs and interests of the British Muslim community, as was done with the Jewish community in the last century, to which Mr Streeter replied: "I think that our policy is not yet as developed as that. I think that we’re at a stage now of recognising that we have failed to properly connect with the Muslim community in the past and we want to put that right." He is also asked about the fact that Muslims seem to be margin alised in the Tory Party, despite being the largest ethnic minority community in this country, which Mr Streeter admitted the Tory’s had got "horribly wrong." He said the party is now hoping to bring in some change and recognise people from the black and Asian communities. Mr Streeter was also asked about Con servative policies on the funding of Muslim schools, legislation on religious discrimination, the use of negative Islamic terminology, such as "Islamic extremists" as used by the last Prime Minister John Major, and aid to foreign countries. [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 10]Private Members Bill on religious discrimination
Q News (No321, 01.07.00) has printed in full the Private Members Bill speech on religious discrimination by Lord Nazir Ahmed in the House of Lords on June 7. He "seeks to extend the ambit of the Race Relations Act 1976 to include discrimination on grounds of religion." He said that the current laws do not protect those who face discrimination on grounds of their religion. He first points out the difference between religious worship and philosophical worship, as the former refers to the worship of a deity and would therefore exclude evil cults which may try to seek protection through the religious discrimination legislation. He goes on to give examples of where Muslims cannot find redress in the law and ways in which this can be changed. The article also includes a speech given by Baroness Uddin in support of Lord Ahmed’s proposals. [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 10]Prof Ali Mazrui addresses Lords
Q News (No321, 01.07.00) carries a feature on Professor Ali Al-Amin Mazrui, a leading Academic and intellectual, who became the first African to launch a book and address a distin guished audience at the House of Lords. The magazine has published tributes paid to the Professor by Lord Nazir Ahmed, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat and Professor Mohamed Bakari, Professor of Linguistics at Faith University, Istanbul, and University of Nairobi. It also features many messages of support sent by dignitaries who could not attend the event, including General Secretary of the UN Kofi Annan and includes the speech given by Prof. Mazrui on ‘The English Language and it’s Rivals: From Latin to the Internet’. [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 10]Postal vote for women a mistake
A leading Burnley councillor has said that the former chief executive was wrong to give dispensation to Asian women to vote by post at the next local election. Roger Ellis gave the dispensa tion to hundreds of women on religious and cultural grounds after it was said they feared the stress of going to the polling stations in person His decision followed representations from Liberal democrat election chiefs who argued that Muslim teaching said women should not have close contact with male strangers and that they would be stressed if they went to busy polling stations. The move brought widespread criticism in the town. Councillor Stuart Caddy said the chief executive’s decision was wrong: "He was the returning officer and his decision stands and he received support from Government Office. Despite that I believe he was wrong" (Burnley Citizen, 13.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 10]Sarwar faces court action
Mohammed Sarwar, MP for Glasgow Govan who was last year cleared of charges of election fraud, now faces a civil court action. The Court of Session in Edinburgh agreed to hear the defama tion case brought forward by Peter Paton, who stood as an Independent can didate against Mr Sarwar in the 1997 general election. Mr Paton claims that Mr Sarwar accused him of being behind last minute bulk voting the day before the general Election, which sparked the investigation into election fraud. Deny ing these allegations, Mr Sarwar said: "I have nothing to worry about and nothing to fear. I have a lot more constructive things to do than worry about Peter Paton." Mr Paton said: "I would like to establish the truth of what happened in the election. I am determined for the truth to come out. I am confident I will be cleared of the false allegations of election fraud levelled against me." Mr Sarwar’s solicitor, Chris Kelly, said: "Our position has always been that there is no merit to Mr Paton’s claim and we are quite happy for the court to adjudi cate on that as soon as possible." The hearing has been set for October 26 later this year (Asian Times, 18.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 10]Muslims in Honours list
The Muslim News (28.07.00) carries a list of Muslims honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, although it says that there were again a lower number of Muslims awarded than any other minor ity group. Twelve Muslims received honours (2 OBE’s and 10 MBE’s), while 15 Sikhs and Hindus were awarded and 17 people from the Jewish community.One of the Muslims honoured, Dr Muhammad Manazir Ahsan, was award ed an MBE for his service to the Lam beth Community Group - a multi-faith community group of which he is the only Muslim member. He said he was "delighted" with the honour: "It’s won derful that something like this has come along without asking for it - but the real honour is with Allah and the Muslim community." Other recipients of MBE’s were: Sabiha Qureishi, for serving com munity relations in Hounslow; Shahzad Khan, for services to business; Malika Abdullah, for serving the Probation Service and community relations; Mazrullah Awan, for serving the vehicle repair industry in South East London; Masood Ul Hasnain, for services to manufacturing and employment in Hartlepool, Teeside; Jawaid Mohammed Ishaq, for serving community relations in South Humberside and North Lincolnshire; Zia Ul-Islam, for services to the community and interfaith relations; Ghulam Rabbani, for serving community relations to the Pakistani community in Glasgow; and Ayesha Vernon, for serv ing community relations and disability equality. The two OBE’s went to Mohammed Surur Hoda for serving community relations and international human rights, and Rafeek Hosni Mahmood, for services to medical management. [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 10/11]
Racism
Men attacked at mosque
Police in south east London have condemned a gang of racists who carried out an attack on five elderly worshippers, in three separate incidents, as they walked home from the mosque. Three men were injured in the attack which took place outside the Uxbridge Pub in Elephant and Castle as the men were passing on their way back from Baril Aziz Islamic Centre. In the first attack the thugs taunted two men, aged 61 and 65, knocking one’s hat to the ground before punching him in the face. Minutes later a 63-year-old man, with his 68-year-old friend, was pushed to the ground and kicked. In the final attack a 71-year old man was pushed to the ground and repeatedly kicked. An ambulance took him to hospital where he was treated for a broken collar bone. The three men who carried out the attacks are said to be white, aged around 35, and of stocky build. The main suspect is said to be bald, possibly a skinhead. Police have so far been unsuccessful in their appeals for witnesses to come forward. They believe the attacks could have been pre meditated with the assailants following their victims as they came out of the mosque. PC Will McLaughlin of the Rotherhithe Crime Support Unit, said: "This is a cowardly crime - we are talk ing about men in their 30’s picking on elderly Asian men. It’s so cowardly, it’s unbelievable" (Q News, No321, 01.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 11]Community centre attacked
A Muslim community centre in South Wales recently had racist graffiti daubed on its doors, walls and steps. Vandals painted swastikas and racist slogans in white paint across the front of St Robert’s Hall in Aberkenfig. Local councillor described the vandals as "mindless racists and bigots." The former Catholic church hall was bought by the Muslim community earlier in the year, so that Muslims across South Wales could attend regular prayer meetings. Councillor Suleman Hawas said: "All religions are welcome to use the hall and clubs should contact us if they want to use it for karate or scout meetings. People will be able to use it for wedding receptions and even bingo, although we do not believe in gambling." Bridgend Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them (Cardiff Western Mail, 21.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 11]
Women
Forced Marriages
Following the government working group report on forced marriages, mem bers of the working group have been visiting organisations around the country to discuss the practice and ways of stop ping it (See BMMS for June 2000). In Luton, Baroness Uddin and Lord Ahmed visited the Bury Park Community Centre, which was packed with people wanting to discuss the issue from their point of view. Highlighting some of the points surrounding the issue, Sharon Roopra, an educational guidance coun sellor at the University of the Luton, said some students are forced to go overseas and marry at a crucial point in their final year of study. She said: "They ask me to hold copies of their passports in case they don’t come back - and sometimes they don’t." The meeting was called by Margaret Moran MP amid concern that there is a lack of advice agencies and safe houses in Luton. She said: "I have had many young women come to see me. They are desperate. Some have been forced to Pakistan or Bangladesh and threatened with violence if they do not marry. There is terrible pressure on them." Even when the authorities do get involved, the pressure on the girl from the family can be so great that the com plaint will be dropped before the case comes to court. Ms Moran added: "Here in Luton there is an urgent need for a place where young people can find safe ty and space to discuss the issue and receive appropriate counselling" (Luton Herald & Post, 29.06.00). Other articles discussed the recommendations of the report, A Right to Choice, and how effective these recommendations will be (Muslim News, 30.06.00, The Scotsman, 30.06.00, Q News, No321, 01.07.00, Sunday Express, 02.07.00, Keighley News, 07.07.00, Bucks Free Press, 21.07.00, Muslim News, 28.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 11]Women ask for female swimming time
Two Muslim schoolgirls in Paddington have written to the Marylebone & Paddington Mercury (13.07.00) explain ing their need for single-sex swimming lessons. They say that they have asked at their local pool, Porchester Baths, for girls-only sessions with female life- guards as well. The two girls inter viewed a group of pupils at their school to find out if they were aware of the problem. Most people agreed with the girls saying that facilities should be pro vided for Muslims who need to swim in an all-female environment. Their teach er, Emma Bamforth, explained: "At first I didn’t understand why certain Muslim girls would not swim and some would. When it was explained to me I was sympathetic. I think that in an area like this where there are a large number of Muslims we should adapt facilities so all people can use them. I know the swim ming pool offers two ladies’ sessions, but maybe they could adapt one so it’s for girls too. I hope secondary schools with much larger groups of children can arrange sessions for the Muslim girls." Headteacher Ms Okitikpi said: "I think that women and men should be offered separate sessions if the swimming pool has the time and space to allow it. I’m not sure if there are any female-only facilities at all, but there should be some on offer." [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 11/12]Women’s art displayed in fitness centre
A group of elderly Asian women aged between 65 and 99 have had their art- work displayed at a Birmingham city fitness centre. Three silk banners created by the Apna Ghar Elderly Day Centre in Balsall Heath have been put up at the Moseley School Health and Fitness Centre. The colourful hand-painted designs took months to make and show different areas of Asian women’s lives. They also represent the three Asian communities - Hindu, Sikh and Muslim - which live in the area (Birmingham Evening Mail, 14.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 12]Batley women encouraged to study
Muslim women in Batley are being encouraged to enrol for further education, following the success of a 66-year old woman who was recently awarded a university degree. Sumiya Mann was awarded the second class honours degree in Modern Arabic after studying part-time for five years at the University of Leeds. She said: "I am a Muslim, and it is very important to understand Arabic because it is the language of the Koran. I am also keen to inspire other Muslim ladies that they should also do some thing like this because it is part of their religion." She added: "It is very import ant that we should seek education from the cradle to the grave and this is very much in touch with the Government’s policy of lifelong learning." Cambridge-born Ms Mann lived in Cairo for many years, and has also spent time in Algeria and the Atlas Mountains to improve her understanding of Arabic. She said she hoped her achievement would encourage other older people to have the confi dence to undertake studies (Batley News, 20.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 12]
Youth
New project started for young Muslims
The Young Muslim Association in Hayes has started a new project for young Muslims to give them something to do rather than hanging around street corners. Javed Deen decided it was time something was done to get young people together to socialise and participate in sports. Mr Deen said: "The problem is facilities in Hillingdon are so expensive to hire young people cannot take advan tage of them. Hopefully the association will be able to provide somewhere for them to go and do the things they want to do. We had a good night and a good turnout. People are very enthusiastic because this is a completely new venture. We are starting in Hayes, but even tually hope to cover the whole of London." His first aims are to set up a cricket team and find a permanent base for the group. They are also organising a conference in September to find out what needs to be done to improve the lives of Muslims in London, and what it will cost (Harefield Gazette, 12.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 12]
Halal
EU rules force small firms to close
New European Union meat hygiene regulations, which require abattoirs to meet the cost of inspections, are forcing halal slaughterhouses to close. A major supplier of halal meat in Birmingham, Universal Halal Meat, is the latest to have closed after being unable to pay the heavy toll imposed by the safety checks, resulting in a loss of 38 jobs. The company, which was set up over a year ago by Tariq Siddiqui, said: "It’s very sad because we supplied up to 250 shops and outlets for the Muslim community and our closure will leave a very big gap in the market. The meat hygiene charges for visits by inspectors have been our biggest burden and by the end it was costing us around £2,800 per week.Obviously it’s disappointing that we’re closing after only a year and that 38 people are going to lose their jobs. If it had not been for the hygiene charges we would have survived." Its closure came as a government commissioned report dealing with the controversial scheme was to be published for public consultation. The Pooley Review recommended a task force to look at the impact the regulations are having on smaller slaughterhouses. Under these regulations, enforced by the Food Standards Agency, each animal must be subjected to an ante-mortem and post-mortem examination by on-site vets. Each abattoir must pay his or her professional costs. A spokesman for the Food Stan dards Agency said: "Since the EU hygiene regulations were adopted in 1995 abattoirs have had to foot the bill themselves. Since these rules are not based on throughput, that has hurt some of the smaller and medium-sized businesses. But starting this month, the task force appointed by the Pooley Review will be exploring ways of removing the burden" (Q News, No321, 01.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 12]
Prosecution of bogus halal meat supplier
A London council has become the first to prosecute a meat supplier for falsely supplying meat it claimed was halal. Brenda Anita Askarian who passed off haram meat as halal was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of nearly the same amount. The co-proprietor of Upton Park Halal Meat in east London pleaded guilty at Stratford Magistrates Court to five counts of selling mis described meat and poultry, after being caught by a routine inspection. Shaheen Zar, an environmental health officer, visited the store on 12 February last year and found mutton being sold as goat’s meat and non-halal poultry as halal. Mr and Mrs Askarian, the proprietors, were warned and advised to cease the practice, but when health officers revisited the store on 30 July 1999 they found that the practice of selling misdescribed meat and poultry was continuing. Alex Cosgrove, head of Newham Council’s environmental health division, said: "We will not tolerate offences of this nature as they undermine the religious practices of the community who have to rely on the good faith of traders to sup ply them with foods prepared in accor dance with their faith." The authority has been trying to clean up the trade, and sent letters to all local butchers in 1996 warning them of the possibility of legal action for selling misdescribed meats. Since then a number of formal cautions have been issued to various halal butchers in Newham following com plaints from the public. Councillor John Saunders, cabinet member for the envir onment department, said: "Let this be a warning for other traders who may be flouting the law in similar fashion. We will not hesitate to take formal action where necessary" (Q News, No321, 01.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 12/13]Halal meals in Staffordshire schools
Halal meals are to be introduced in three Staffordshire schools. The schools in Stoke-on-Trent will promote the meals after consultation between the city council, community groups and the Racial Equality Council. The city council’s catering service decided to introduce the foods after a number of requests from parents and children. Belinda Mifflin, assistant director of contract services, said: "During the past year, consultation has taken place within the pilot schools, involving pupils, Muslim parents, school staff and governors. Tasting sessions have been held in three schools" (Walsall Express & Star, 01.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 13]
Health
Hospital staff given seminar on Muslims
Staff at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital have attended a seminar on Muslim culture to help them gain a better understanding of the needs of Muslim patients. The seminar featured an introduction to Islam, focusing on awareness, misunderstandings, misconceptions, culture and religion. Speakers included Dr Shahid Akram, consultant cardiologist at the hospital, and Dr Madiha Ahmad from the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, who is also vice-chairperson of the Association of Muslim Professionals.The six-hour event also included a session on addressing the needs of Muslim patients. Patient liaison service manager Florinday Hall said: "We live in a multi-racial community. If we are to provide care for people from a differing religion and culture, it is important we are aware of their basic practices and beliefs." She added: "I hope the seminar has not only raised awareness, but also celebrated the cultural diversity and our working together to enhance the quality of care we provide" (South Wales Argus, 18.07.00, Abergavenny Chron icle, 20.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 13]
Employment
Woman loses discrimination case
Nadia Hussain, a Birmingham Univer sity graduate in East Mediterranean History, said she was "shattered" when she heard she lost her discrimination case in a landmark decision at an em ployment tribunal hearing on June 8. She said: "It has shattered my confidence. I do not know if I will ever be able to get a job. I am angry and disgusted because I have now found out that, as a Muslim, I do not have any protection in this country." Ms Hussain was em ployed as an agency worker by a staff agency, Tempstaff Ltd in the summer of 1999. The agency sent her to work as a packer at Midland Cosmetic Sales Plc in Birmingham, and she went to work wearing her hijab. Ms Hussain was asked by Ms Rahman, her supervisor, to remove her hijab and wear a protective head cover. This was in accordance with the health and safety policy applied at the site. She refused to remove her head scarf and told Ms Rahman that this "would be contrary to my religious beliefs." Ms Rahman spoke to the Pro duction Manager, T Stannaway, who said that Ms Hussain would have to wear the protective headgear. Ms Hussain left the site without starting work and returned to the employment agency. She took the case to the Employment Tri bunal alleging indirect racial discrimination.The solicitors for the CRE, who repre sented Ms Hussain, presented the case on the basis that she was of Pakistani national origin and a practising Muslim who had to wear the hijab in accordance with her religious beliefs. In its judge ment the tribunal made its own interpre tation of a verse in the Qur’an. The Tri bunal said that verse 33:59 meant that "there was a requirement for female Muslims to wear some form of head covering which came down over the face." Ms Hussain disputed this and said that the requirement was "covering or concealing by wearing a scarf which covered the head and neck leaving the face visible." The Tribunal rejected this statement saying it was not supported by any independent evidence. Ms Rahman, giving evidence for the company, said she was a practising Muslim of Pakistani origin and in her experience, "the major ity of women of Pakistani origins who are practising Muslims, did not wear headscarves." The Tribunal rejected the case under the Race Relations Act 1976 as Ms Hussain’s solicitors could not demonstrate the requirement that "disproportionate impact amounted to in direct discrimination." Ms Hussain said that she would definitely be appealing against the decision (Muslim News, 30.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 13]
Mosques & Burials
Cuffley burials
A government inspector has rejected plans for a Muslim cemetery in Cuffley, to the delight of local councillors (See BMMS for June 2000). The cemetery was intended for the Turkish-Cypriot community and was rejected by councillors, but Mehmet Khan, who sub mitted the proposal, appealed against the decision. Councillor John Mansfield said: "It would be an absolute obscenity for a cemetery of any sort there - Mus lim or otherwise. But to have a Muslim cemetery would be totally out of keeping with what is traditionally rural farm land." Planning inspector Philip Ware said: "Overall, the site is in an isolated rural location and is surrounded by gently-rolling open fields. It comprises some 2.9 hectares of open land currently partly-grazed by sheep and slopes gently upwards from the public track." He also considered parking and said it would be a "highly intrusive and alien feature". Even though Mr Khan’s plan was for no more than two burials a day, or ten a week, Mr Ware said: "I am concerned at the enforceability of such a decision. In this case I consider it would be unrea sonable to require the council to monitor the number of funerals" (Cheshunt & Waltham Mercury, 23.06.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 13/14]Keighley, Emily St
The centrepiece of Keighley’s new mosque has been fitted and it is now thought the mosque will be ready for opening at the end of this year (See BMMS for August 1999, January, February and March 2000). Crowds gathered to watch as the giant dome was fitted in place. The dome’s metal frame, nine metres in diameter, five metres in height and weighing around seven tonnes, will sit directly above the women’s prayer area. The dome and the 27-metre minaret will form the visual focus of the £1 million mosque. Keighley Muslim Association press officer, Javed Bashir, said: "The dome and the minaret are very important traditional symbols for mosques all over the world. It will be a beautiful feature with calligraphy on the inside, windows around it to bring in natural light and a large chandelier in the centre. The first phase of the building should be com pleted by mid-November and we are hoping it will be ready for the beginning of Ramadan." The second phase of the project will be a mortuary and refrigera tion system where bodies can be pre pared for burial. Mr Bashir added: "It will be the first purpose-built mortuary in Keighley and it will enable us to carry out burial as quickly as possible" (Keighley News, 21.07.00, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 18.07.00, Keighley Target, 19.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 14]Oxford, Manzil Way
Muslims in Oxford are one step closer to being able to provide prayer facilities at their mosque for women. Oxford City Council agreed in principle to lift the restriction on Oxford Central Mosque Society, which stops it from building a large mosque at Manzil Way, but the vote was subject to the society proving to council officials that it has enough money for the scheme. Two other mosques in the city are small and do not have space to accommodate women. Monawar Hussain, personal assistant to the chairman of the mosque society, wiped tears of happiness from his eyes as he said: "We are all very pleased. We thank the councillors. This is a great vic tory for the whole of Oxford Muslim men and women. It is going to be a mosque for the whole community. Currently, women cannot worship because we don’t have the space" (Oxford mail, 20.07.00). [BMMS July 2000 Vol. VIII, No. 7, p. 14]
