Features

Jewish-Muslim meetings after attack
Since the attack on 20 year old Jewish student, David Myers, on a bus in Stamford Hill in London, a 27 year old man has been charged and appeared at the Thames magistrate courts (See British Muslims Monthly Survey for October 2000). However, this is not the only development since the stabbing. There have also been many meetings and events across the country involving Muslims and Jews to try to contain the tide of high emotions due not only to the situation in Palestine, but also to the ongoing fear since the stabbing of further episodes of violence here, and of further conflicts following the distribution of "anti-Jewish" leaflets. There have been meetings, demonstrations and interviews in the media. The chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks said that the Jews here were "seriously distressed" by the attacks on them and their synagogues. He said: "Relations between the Jewish and Muslim communities in Britain have been really good. We have no doubt that what is happening on the ground in these incidents is the work of an unrepresentative minority." The secretary general for the Muslim Council of Britain, Youssef Bhailok said: "The overwhelming majority of Muslims, certainly, have friendship for the Jews in this country and, indeed, I personally have excellent relationships with the Jewish community. We certainly do not condone violence." He said that the "right wing elements" of both the communities must not be allowed to succeed. Both Dr Sacks and Mr Bhailok said that they wanted the communities to get back to the good relations they have been enjoying for the past few years. Muslim leaders in the city of Bourne-mouth have taken a harder line against the recent events. They see the situation of the Palestinians as a "true holocaust". Swanage-born Tariq Palmer, who converted to Islam and is now managing the Bournemouth Muslim Centre, told the Bournemouth Daily Echo that, "13 towns, 49 villages and 99 tribal lands were taken over when the state of Israel was established in Palestine in 1948." So for Mr Palmer the only solution is the destruction of the state of Israel. However, he respects other faiths and would not want to see the destruction of Jewish property in Britain. Jewish leaders in Bournemouth, on the other hand spoke from the point of view of relations in this country. The Reform synagogue’s Rabbi David Soetendorp said he wanted both sides of the dispute to become "calm". He told the paper that he had visited the Muslim Centre in Bournemouth and had "shared a platform with Muslims at school" many times. He saw Arial Sharon’s visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque which started of the recent conflicts, as "ill-timed and ill-considered". He also spoke of his discussion with a Saudi Arabian student and of the many similarities between the two religions, but unfortunately no one is willing to look at this right now. Another Rabbi from the Bournemouth’s Orthodox synagogue, Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler said: "The worrying aspect of what’s going on is that there are many people who make the assumption that a Jew and a Zionist are one and the same thing. The fact the Muslims are calling for Jews to be murdered has nothing to do with the state of Israel." He went on to say that the Jewish man who was stabbed might have been from the group of Jews who do not support the state of Israel. He felt that a way of living together has to be found, as the state of Israel is going to stay in existence. He said: "I’m optimistic because I believe we have the same God. The God of Muslims and Jews is the same God and that God wants us to live together in peace and I believe the Palestinians should have their full rights in the world." In London, Muslims and Jews came together for a meeting with the Barnet Borough Police. This was to discuss the threat of violence in the streets of London. A spokesman from the Jewish Community Security Trust said: "It’s true to say that there was a general condemnation of any violence and the Muslim community agreed with us that they would support prosecution of any illegal acts." In fear of tensions escalating further the Chasidic Jews from the Torah Utfila synagogue demonstrated outside the Hackney mosque to distance themselves form the "Zionist rulers of Israel". They wanted to make it clear that Israel "does not speak for all Jews", so much so that they told the congregation at the North London mosque that they would "welcome an end to the Israeli state". They said their community was "horrified" and blamed Zionism for the persecution of the Palestinians. They said their Orthodox Jewish community believed that they should live without a state till the coming of the Messiah. Demonstrator Yakov Konig said that in denouncing the state of Israel, they were speaking for the whole Orthodox community of Stamford Hill. He said: "We are demonstrating our feelings and our disgust at what’s been happening in Israel. We wish to see the peaceful dismantlement of the state of Israel, without which we will not see peace." Director of the North London Community Centre, Ismail Amaan said that they had enjoyed good relations with the Jewish community for many years and hoped that this would continue for many years to come. Delegates from the Board of Deputies, which represents Jews in Britain, met the Home Secretary Jack Straw to discuss security issues. He condemned the stabbing as well as the "racist anti-Semitic incidents". He said: "I urge community leaders to sustain tolerance and mutual respect which are the hallmarks of good community relations in this country." (The Guardian, 18.10.00, Nottingham Evening Post, 18.10.00, Dundee Evening Telegraph, 18.10.00, Glasgow Herald, 19.10.00, Bournemouth Daily Echo, 21.10.00, Hackney Gazette & North London Advertiser, 26.10.00, Barnet-Potters Bar Times, 26.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.1]

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Outcry and reactions to "Kill the Jews"poster

Al-Muhajiroun’s leaflets quoting verses from the Qur’an as well as other slogans have caused a stir across the country, causing outcries from communities and organisations. The leaflets and posters have been distributed and displayed at mosques, private homes, community centres, colleges and universities, as well as by hand. The press reports the posters as inciting Muslims to wage a holy war and "kill the Jews". One poster says: "The final hour will not come until the Muslims kill the Jews." According to the Luton Herald & Post, another leaflet which advertised a meeting, an exhibition and a speech by a member of Al-Muhajiroun at Bury Park, had the word "Palestine" as the heading and this was followed by "Verily, the Ummah is our Ummah, their war is our war, their enemy is our enemy, the Mujahideen are our brothers, their victory or defeat is our victory or defeat." As well as this, banners and posters with slogans were carried in demonstrations across the country and a demonstration in Derby was advertised on the website of Al-Muhajiroun. It said: "The Muslims in Palestine have appealed for help. Therefore it is an obgation upon Muslims world wide to respond and help our brothers verbally, physically and financially." At this demonstration a banner was burnt. A number of government officials criticised and commented strongly on the banners. Among them was the Labour councillor for the Litchurch ward, Masud Akhtar, who said: "In this day and age you don’t go round with placards like that." However, Chief Inspector, Lynn Harris, who was on duty that day said: "This was the first event of its kind in Derby and there were no arrests. Under human rights legislation, everyone has the right to protest and assemble peacefully. There was no trouble and it passed off peacefully..."

According to The Daily Telegraph, membership of Al-Muhajiroun has risen by 25 percent. Its leader, Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohamed, said that the leaflets are "merely a warning not to support the state of Israel". He and others from Al-Muhajiroun have told the papers that the fight is with the Jews who have occupied the lands not the Jews of Britain. Nevertheless, members of the community, the police and other members of government and organisations are disturbed and some are angered by these leaflets. The President of the Board of Deputies, Jo Wagerman, wrote to the Attorney General, Lord Williams, that there was a "direct and causal link between literature which invites hatred and the level of racist violence on the street". A few days after this the attack took place on the 20 year old Jewish student, Meir David Myers. Though Al-Muhajiroun condemned the attack, Sheikh Bakri Mohamed said: "We did condemn it (the stabbing), though I may understand the psyche of the person who committed it. People in the British community should not be worried, be-cause they are not a part of the conflict. We are not at war with the Jewish nation. We are against the occupiers." He went on to say that any support given to Israel, "verbal, physical or financial", would be seen as "act of provocation." The police arrested five people for distributing leaflets in the Stamford Hill area. Scotland Yard said that their officers are asking for further help in their investigations and any information related to the publication and distribution of anti-Semitic literature. A source said: "This investigation goes deeper than looking into the mere distribution of such posters." The shadow home office minister, David Lidington, said; "Whoever is responsible for this should be investigated. I would say the same if these posters were directed against British Muslims." One of the posters carried three phone numbers and the Luton Herald & Post called them, but only one answered. Someone who gave his name as Abdul Hamid, said that these were not threats against all Jews, only against the occupiers of Palestine. He said: "We are talking about the occupiers, we are not talking about the people in England, we are talking about the military, not the civilians." He went on to tell the paper that he did not believe that the wording of the pamphlet was an incitement against the Jewish people, but he said that British people were ultimately responsible for the situation because of the Balfour agreement giving land to Israel. Whilst some Jewish students have not attended lectures and other members of the Jewish community have been in a "state of high alert", Mike Whine of the Community Security Trust, which is a volunteer force providing security for Jewish shops and synagogues, has asked the Jewish community throughout the country to go about their business as normal but to be "vigilant". (Luton Herald and Post, 12.10.00, The Daily Telegraph, 19.10.00, Morning News, 20.10.00, Scarborough Evening News,20.10.00, Wrexham Evening Leader, 20.10.00, Derby Telegraph, 20.10.00, Guernsey Press, 20.10.00, DerbyTelegraph, 21.10.00, Independent on Sunday, 22.10.00, Watford Observer, 27.10.00). [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.2]

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Reports

Community

Protests continue
Protests and demonstrations related to the situation in Israel and Palestine have continued to be reported by many newspapers. (see BMMS for October 2000). All the marches have had one aim - to bring the plight of the Palestinians not only to the forefront of the minds of ordinary people but more importantly to the top of the government agenda. Marches were arranged in cities throughout the country and all passed off very peacefully, so much so that the police chiefs praised the peaceful protest in Bolton and the Bolton Evening News was told by the police that this was "one of the calmest and best organised demonstrations ever held". This march involved around 1,500 participants. Theirs was a silent protest in memory of the civilians killed and the lands occupied in the Middle East by the Israelis. A petition with thousands of signatures was handed to the Bolton North East MP David Crausby. He also spoke on the steps of the town hall and said that he would hand the petition to the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook. He praised the participants for a very well organised, dignified and peaceful demonstration. He said: "I sympathise to an extent with the Palestinians but it is not a black and white issue. There can be no settlement without peaceful negotiation. That is the point I will make to Robin Cook and urge him to continue to work towards helping broker a resolution."

Around 60 people marched through the city centre in Sheffield, carrying placards asking for a separate state of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. In Blackburn around 100 to 150 men and boys came out to demonstrate, asking the Muslims to unite and support the Palestinians in their plight with Israel. They handed out leaflets and some carried the picture of 12 year old Mohammed Al Dhurra, who was killed during the Israeli shootings. An organiser from London, Abu Adam, said they were protesting against the support of Britain and America for Israel. In Leicester the city centre came to a standstill as 3,000 silent protestors marched with slogans and mock coffins. This march was organised by the Friends of Al-Aqsa and its chairman, Ismail Patel, said: "Muslims in three British cities have shown today that they care about the struggle for the justice in Palestine and they have done so in a way that illustrates the Islamic concern for the rights and properties of others in every respect." A rally of approximately 250 was led by 30 children in Newcastle, representing each child that had been killed in the clashes with Israel. Some children wore pictures of the dead children. The demonstrators chanted slogans asking Tony Blair and the UN to stop the killings and they proceeded to hold a short ceremony in which ten year old Zaynab Sharif read a Palestinian poem "begging God for peace in their land". They conducted funeral prayers and then released 150 white balloons symbolising the number of people killed so far in the conflict. In the south of the country a protest of 100 people took place in Swansea. A petition was presented to the Swansea Assembly Members, Val Feld and Andrew Davies, which was going to be passed to Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy and Swansea East MP Donald Anderson, who chairs the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. In Bournemouth a "200 strong crowd" demonstrated and marched on the town hall demanding that the Mayor cancel his trip to the twin town of Netanya in Israel. Mayor Ben Grower, who is Jewish, was to lead a civic trip but the Muslims see this as inappropriate and "inflammatory". Cllr Grower said that he might have visited Palestine but that is not likely now. He said: "I don’t approve of violence on either side and I’m quite distressed about it. On a personal note, I have always been a firm supporter of the state of Palestine and will continue to be." (Bolton Evening News, 20.10.00, Bournemouth Daily Echo, 21.10.00, Sheffield Star, 23.10.00, South Wales Evening Post, 23.10.00, Leicester Mercury, 23.10.00, Bolton evening News, 23.10.00, Blackburn Telegraph, 23.10.00, Bolton Evening News, 25.10.00, Sheffield Telegraph, 27.10.00, Blackburn Citizen, 27.10.00, Newcastle Journal, 28.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.3]

Muslim held in Yemen beaten up
The Muslim News carried an article regarding the latest in the situation of the five British Muslim men detained in Yemen on terrorism charges (See BMMS for April 2000). It is reported that Mohsen Ghailan was assaulted on 11 October. This was because he spoke to other Yemeni prisoners. This incident was first revealed to the British Deputy Consul from Aden, who was making a routine visit. A Foreign Office spokes-person said that the British Ambassador in Sana "immediately protested to the Yemen Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs" who is said to be looking into the matter. The British Consul flew to Aden but was refused access until 15 October. He made "an immediate" request for Ghailan to be seen by an independent doctor but this was refused. The spokesperson further told the Muslim News that the British Government was "considering urgently what action would be taken now" and expected it to be "at a high level". The Minister for Europe, Keith Vaz, visited Yemen on 5 October but was unable to visit the detainees due to a very busy schedule. Nevertheless, the aim of his visit was to "re-establish relations between the two countries". He said that he also raised the issue of the British prisoners. Keith Vaz, who was born in Aden, made this trip at the request of the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook. He met President Salah, who visited Britain the previous month and also met with the Prime Minister and members of the Yemeni Cabinet. Keith Vaz said he asked them to look into the plea for clemency for the five British men with care and compassion. Despite there being oral pleas there had been no written pleas. However, he felt that "as soon as it is made I’m quite sure that he will look at it carefully in view of the strong representations we made." He is also said to have raised the matter of "abuse in the judicial process". Despite the fact that Keith Vaz felt quite certain that the President would look into the issue of clemency, Muslim News "pressed on the issue" to which he replied: "I don’t think we should raise expectations and therefore he didn’t announce that they would be released. He said that he would look at the plea when it came in and we believe strongly that he should look at it carefully because they are British citizens." He also said that he felt that the British Government had done "more than could possibly have been expected." The report said that he would also be making a visit to the families of the detainees. (The Muslim News, No 138, 27.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.3]

Imam sentenced
Mohammed Azim has been convicted of hitting two boys with a bat, who attended his mosque in Wolverhampton (See BMMS for October 2000). Mr Azim was found guilty by a jury of attacking 13 year old Rahan Aktar and his 11 year old brother, Razwan. The Judge however, adjourned sentencing till 8 November to give time for preparation of further reports to find out more of Mr Azim’s background and his attitude to children, particularly the two boys assaulted by him. The judge, Christopher Hodson, said that his granting of bail should not be taken to suggest that he would not receive a sentence at the end of the day. Mohammed Azim, father of five children, was given a six months suspended sentence at Wolverhampton court, and was ordered to pay compensation of £100 to Razwan and £50 to his brother as well as £350 court costs. The Judge, Christopher Hodson, condemned his behaviour and told him that society did not accept "corporal punishment" on children. He went on to say that Mr Azim lost his temper and his refusal to admit to the crime must have been due to the shame he felt. He said Mr Azim had let down not only himself but also his community and that "violence against children is so serious the only penalty the courts can consider is one of imprisonment." However, due to "exceptional circumstances" he could only suspend the sentence for 18 months. He said: "I do hope your mosque management committee are able to pursue the question of further teaching for you in your responsibilities towards children." (Wolverhampton Express & Star, 18.10.00 and 20.10.00, Black Country Evening Mail, 17.11.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 17.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.4]

Council meeting turns to riot
At a meeting at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford Green, Redbridge Council unanimously refused planning permission to the Qur’ani Murkus Trust (QMS) to build a language tuition and prayer centre. The council gave three reasons for its decision. Firstly the proposed design for the building was out of character with neighbouring buildings, secondly its use would cause nuisance and disturbance to the residents and thirdly there was insufficient parking. However, this decision was not accept-ed by those who attended the meeting. According to reports both the decision and some racist remarks made by the Tory councillor, Morris Hickey, caused some young Muslims among the 300 attendants to go into the streets and cause a riot by throwing bottles and taunting the four policemen present. Further police reinforcements as well as dog units were called into the area as the violence escalated and moved on to further areas, and two policemen were injured. Passers-by were also the targets of abuse and threatening behaviour. This violent behaviour was condemned by the Asian community, and commit-tee member of the QMT, 30 year old Saeed Sheikh, said: "The violence was completely unnecessary and we are not at all happy about it." He said that the police behaved "very reasonably" with them. One man has been charged with affray and another two have been charged with minor public order offences. The police are appealing for more information from the public regarding the violence. Cllr Hickey was reported as saying that he wants the council to look into the possibility of multiple occupancy in the houses of the Muslims living in the area as he found it hard to believe that so many Muslims could live in such a small area. Afterwards he was unrepentant and would not withdraw his remarks. The QMT has threatened to report him to the Commission for Racial Equality. As well as this the Redbridge Racial Equality Council (REC) is going to meet the applicants to look into the possibility of challenging the decision on racial grounds. Spokesman from the Redbridge REC, David Landau said: "We find it a bit astonishing that despite an official recommendation for approval, all councillors were opposed to it. It left me uncomfortable and it sounded like racism, and some comments were particularly offensive." Council Spokesman, Valerie Baxter refuted these allegations and reiterated the three reasons for refusal. The Director of Redbridge REC, Michael Nunoo said: "Ethnic minorities make up 30 per cent of the population in this borough and councillors have a responsibility to serve all the people living in the borough not just the vested narrow interests of one sector of the community." Nevertheless the QMT went ahead and constructed external walls without planning permission for which action will be taken by the council against the trust. However the architect for QMT, Bob Marriot said that the building was used for teaching children and for prayers on Friday. An arson attack had made the building unsafe and so reinforcement work had to be done to make it safe. He said that most visitors were local and used public transport to get to the centre but this was still refuted by the local residents who insist that the work on the building is being done without permission and should be dealt with accordingly by the council. Following the events and the meeting with Redbridge Council, the Redbridge branch of the British National Party (BNP) have distributed leaflets in the Redbridge area (See CSIC Report, 5 December 2000). Graffiti covering the walls of the centre say "Kill" and "BNP". The leaflets distributed to the South Woodford residents condemn the Mulberry Wood centre and state: "Do you think the Redbridge Council should look after the interests of local people first rather than those who are bussed in from Newham and who are subsequently involved in a riot outside an area council meeting because they don’t agree with the outcome? It’s not just about the Mulberry Way Mosque, it’s about our entire way of life-our culture, our heritage, our traditions, our history." The Wanstead & Woodford Guardian carried comments of disgust and shock at such literature being distributed and one resident’s opinion was that the council should stop the building work till permission is granted. A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: "The council last visited the site last week and building work was being carried out by the owner occupier. A decision has now been taken to pursue legal action..." Members of the Qur’ani Murkus Trust were not available for comment. (Ilford Recorder, 05.10.00, Wanstead & Woodford Guardian, 05.10.00, Wanstead & Woodford Guardian, 16.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.4]

Muslim Association wins appeal
The Cape Hill Muslim Association won its appeal despite the Sandwell Council planning chiefs’ attempt to block the scheme. It was feared that there would be extra traffic especially as the area has had a number of road accidents. However, government inspector, Chris Frost gave the go ahead after visiting the site on the condition that there be an on-street parking restriction. (Birmingham Evening Mail, 11.10.00, Evening Mail Solihull, 11.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.5]

Human rights appeal
Two Pakistani politicians visited the Pak Muslim Welfare Association of Crawley. The former Defence Secre-tary, Choudhary Khurshid Zaman and former Minister for Co-operative and Social Welfare, Mohammed Riaz were on a European trip and have been in "high level talks" with government officials in London. Mr Zaman said: "We wholly condemn the military dictatorship in our country. Any person can be put behind bars without trial. No one can raise a voice against the present government." Former secretary of the association, Amin Mirza said: "We fully support their struggle to re-establish democracy in Pakistan and I hope the British Government will do something about it." (Crawley Observer, 11.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.5]

Unusual elections for Meadows Muslim Action Group
There has been a long running dispute at the Nottingham Community Centre. The Charity Commission had to step in, in order to resolve the battle between the different factions that have developed to try to gain control of the management of the Queen’s Walk Community Centre for more than three years. The Charity Commission has asked the city council to step in and supervise the elections, which should have taken place every two years and have not since 1990. In 1997, 70 people were locked out by the then group secretary, Mohammed Ishaq in connection with a dispute over a sacked Imam. After this an "alternative" management committee was set up known as the Meadows Muslim Action Group 1997 (and now 1999). They had their own constitution. This new group broke the locks of the main gates of the centre, attaching a note from the "trustees" which said that they were opening the centre and those who had any objections would have to take court action. This excluded Mr Ishaq, who is still excluded. In 1999 the commission tried to hold elections but due to the lack of co-operation by some members this did not work. The commission’s Tony Vail said: "There is so much confusion as to who are the members of the charity entitled to participate in an election, that the only way of resolving the impasse is to proceed to have an election authorised by order of the commission. Based on past experience, I have deep misgivings whether the parties will co-operate." The elections were to be held on the 28 November. However, Mr Ishaq, who was a founder member and trustee of the original group, said that he would not be "participating" in the elections as neither the Charity Commission nor the city council had spoken to him on the matter. Mr Latif, however, will be taking part. (Nottingham Evening Post, 12.10.00 and 17.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.5]

Multi-cultural people’s forum
East Herts Multi-cultural People’s Forum has been set up in Bishop’s Stortford as a community project specifically to deal with "loneliness and isolation and promoting racial harmony". Project spokeswoman, Shilpa Bharambee, a teacher who has moved to the area from London with her family sees this as a very positive move. Even though her experiences of racial prejudice have been "limited", she says that she knows how difficult it is for other members of the ethnic minorities, especially people like shop keepers. Ms Bahrambee tells the paper that one function of the forum is to introduce the younger generation to other religious festivals, "..with an open mind and for them to be able to enjoy them." She also wants newcomers to the town, regardless of their background, to come and use the group and make friends as well as learning of other cultures and religions. The forum is also extending its work to the elderly, especially pensioners who may be "lonely, isolated or excluded". They want to set up meetings and trips. At present the majority of the people involved are from the Indian sub-continent, but the forum wants to encourage people from all backgrounds to come and get involved. Herts and Essex Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre sees the forum as an invaluable asset in Bishop Stortford. According to the paper the former library, which is the Muslim place of worship in Bishop Stortford is "perhaps the most potent symbol of the town’s increasing religious and ethnic diversity as its population tops 30,000." Mr Ahmed praised the forum and said that they could not have survived without its help. The British National Party tried to oppose to the plans which "caused a storm" from the "disgusted" residents as they were angered that the BNP "had even attempted to raise an anti-Muslim campaign in their midst." People like Mr Ahmed have not been deterred by these events. He says that all is going well and sees the community and mosque "flourishing" with more and more facilities being used efficiently to their capacity as more Muslim families move into the area. (Dunmow Observer, 12.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.5]

Ahmadiyya Muslims raise money
 Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association together with residents from Redbridge completed a 13 mile walk in April, through the Lea Valley. They raised £2,500 for MS Action and presented the cheque to MS Action this October. (Chingford Guardian, 12.10.00, Wanstead & Woodford Guardian, 19.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.6]

Palmers Green education centre
A revised plan has been submitted to Enfield Council for a Muslim community education centre. According to the newspaper this plan "mirrors the scheme passed two years ago for a mosque and teaching rooms." This apparently led the Oakthorpe Association to Keep the Sportsground to develop in order to "thwart" the plans for the Muslim community centre. Despite this the work did go ahead but the presence of subsoil water halted construction and since then the site has remained derelict, although building work on a Hindu temple on a different site on the former sports field has continued. The new scheme will not only see the main building moved to a different site but also its minaret will be in a new position. There are also plans for a function room, nursery, kitchen, an Imam’s flat and landscaping details. Chairman of the Wolves Road Residents’ Association, Dave Tuckey, fought the original plans and is interested to see the new ones, he feels that a tall building will be "totally inappropriate". He said: "The council seem to be in favour of it and think that our objections were way out. This time we will look at the plan and make a decision. If they come up with a more ambitious plan, we’d raise an objection." The council said that the residents would be consulted and that they would be receiving "further details of the plan." (Enfield Gazette, 13.10.00, The Advertiser Enfiled, 18.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.6]

Hayes community centre bans prayers
A small section in the Harefield Gazette reported that the Muslim worshippers from the Brookside Islamic Education and Teaching Centre prayed outside the Brookside Community Centre in order to protest against their expulsion. They have been banned from praying but the Muslims have said in protest they will continue to pray outside their building every week, until they are allowed back in again. (Harefield Gazette, 18.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.6]

Appeal for Muslim parents to adopt
The Luton Herald & Post ran a two week feature on the Luton Borough Council’s adoption team. They also carried an article which highlighted the shortage and the urgency for Muslim families to come forward to adopt, especially mixed parentage families. The adoption team tries very hard to place children with families that reflect the ethnic, religious and cultural background of the child. According to statistics Luton’s Pakistani and Bangladeshi families amount to 11 per cent of the population and this is also reflected in the number of children that come from these backgrounds for adoption. The Anancy Black Families Initiative (ABFI), which was set up in 1998 by the St Francis Children’s Society has successfully managed to recruit many families of African/Caribbean back-ground. The Luton adoption team works closely with the ABFI, and Luton has employed a Muslim worker, Zardad Khan. It is hoped that this will encourage the Muslim community. The paper published a message from Mr Khan urging Muslim parents to come forward to adopt Muslim children, he said: "There are Muslim children who are living with temporary foster carers in need of loving adoptive families. Evidence suggests that Muslim children stay in temporary foster care longer then other children and we as a community need to act to do something about this." Mr Khan went on to remind Muslims of Islamic evidence that encourages a Muslim, in fact at times makes it incumbent on a Muslim to look after orphans and children in need. (Luton Herald & Post, 19.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.6]

Prisons celebrates diverse cultures
Rochester Prison held its first Multi-Cultural Day. Representatives from Kent’s ethnic minorities communities attended the event. The aim was to reflect and represent the cultures and religions of the immigration detainees and prisoners. They organised traditional music, food and displays. Among those invited to the event were Prison Service’s Muslim Advisor, Maqsood Ahmed and Medway MP, Bob Marshall Andrews. Prisoner governor Tony Robson said: "We decided to hold this event to celebrate the diversity of cultures and backgrounds of the prisoners and detainees at HMP Rochester. The staff work with different people from very different backgrounds and we are very keen to develop and strengthen our links with local communities.." (Kent Today, 18.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.6]

Jewish institutions on high alert
At the onset of the Israel-Palestine conflicts Jewish people and their organisations were placed on "high alert" and this continued for some time. Some people even took off their skullcaps for fear of being targeted. There have been many incidents of violence and attacks internationally on both Jewish people and synagogues. This and the literature and statements released by Al-Muhajiroun, prompted the Community Security Trust (CST), to issue statements to the Jewish community in this country, saying that they "should be alert to any threat at this time". The CST also maintained close links with Scotland Yard as well as other police forces. Spokesman from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Mike Whine said: "Volunteers have been placed in and around synagogues and police are proactively patrolling the Jewish areas." He also said that the attacks on the 280,000 Jewish people living in Britain, had been confined to vandalism on synagogues. He said: "We have advised the high alert will continue for the foreseeable future. But we’ve had nothing like the problems other countries are experiencing. The Israeli Ambassador, Dror Zeigerman, also called on the British Government to take "‘firm action’ against anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic acts." A visiting Israeli cabinet minister, Rabbi Michael Melchior said that his government "takes very seriously the level of anti-Semitism caused by the crisis...It’s the worst since the Second World War." However, the Muslim News carried an article highlighting that the Muslims have not been involved in the attacks on the synagogues in this country. The Metropolitan Police, revealed in a meeting with the Muslim Council of Britain that the "recent attacks on Synagogues are not the work of Muslims." (see The Muslim World, No 138, 27.10.00) Assistant Commissioner, David Veness met a delegation from the MCB which consisted of Dr Abdul Raheem Khan, Mahboob Kantaria and Tanzim Wasti. Mr Khan told the Muslim News that, "Asst. Commissioner Veness told us that no Muslim was involved in the attacks against synagogues." Neverthe-less the Asst Commissioner did express the anxiety of the Jewish community. The delegation assured the Asst. Com-missioner that they condemned the violence and that the Muslims were not against the Jewish people. Mr Khan went on to tell him how they "work closely" with both the Christian and Jewish communities and that they intend to continue "building bridges." However, Mr Khan also asked for "sensitive policing" during the demonstrations and protests against the Israeli actions. (Jewish Chronicle, 06.10.00, The Guardian, 14.10.00, Liverpool Daily Post, 14.10.00, The Daily Telegraph, 19.10.00, Evening Standard, 19.10.00, The Weekly Telegraph, 18.10.00, Jewish Chronicle, 20.10.00, The Muslim News, No 138, 27.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.7]

Jack Straw on Muslims’ attack
On the 26 October, the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, met Muslims to discuss recent events that have taken place in Britain relating to the Israeli actions. Foreign Affair spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Tanzim Wasti asked the Home Secretary in connection with attacks on synagogues: "Why are they blaming us?" He made it clear that Muslims were not in fact involved and that it has been suggested by Muslim leaders that a "third party" could be involved in this. He went on to tell Jack Straw that 20 mosques have been vandalised since the "Palestinian uprising." Jack Straw reassured the Muslims and said, "The Government and the police are willing to ensure that British Muslims and British Jews remain safe on British streets." Mr Wasti told the Muslim News that Muslim leaders told the Home Secretary that they were "not against the Jewish community in Britain." They also asked him why Britain will not condemn the "Israeli atrocities", to which Mr Straw said that he would pass on their message to the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. The MCB has also been holding meetings with the Metropolitan Police at one of which the MCB raised the issue of heavy policing at the peaceful protest outside Downing Street on 6 October. They told Muslim News that they had "suggested to the police that they should be sensitive to the Muslims as they suffer because of Islamophobia and on top of that intimidation by the police during a peaceful protest." Subsequently, it seems, the demonstration then held on 22 October had no helicopters and no close range photography. In another meeting the MCB also explained to the police about the activities and their needs during the month of Ramadan and Eid because some young Muslims had complained that when they talk outside the mosque after prayers, the police "harass" them. It was explained to the police that it was perfectly normal for the youngsters to socialise after the prayers and they "mean no harm". (Birmingham Evening Mail, 27.10.00, Sunderland Echo, 27.10.00, Wrexham Evening Leader, 27.10.00, Nottingham Evening Post, 27.10.00, Walsall Express & Star, 27.10.00, Jewish Chronicle, 03.11.00, The Muslim News, No 139, 24.,11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.7]

Sandwell’s cash boost
 Social services chiefs are said to have approved a "cash injection" of £20,000 a year into care services for the elderly members of Sandwell’s ethnic minority communities because the social services had found "a number of gaps" in community care facilities. The Yemeni Community Association should be in receipt of a grant of over £10,000 a year to develop a day-care service for elderly men living alone. The Sandwell Confederation of Bangladeshi Muslim Organisations should receive £5,000 a year for an information and advice service and £3,000 a year has been allocated for a sensory therapy scheme for elderly Asian people. (Black Country Evening Mail, 23.10.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 23.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.7]

Imams for hospitals
The Department of Health has awarded a small grant to the Multi-Faith Joint National Consultation to arrange for training courses for people from minority faiths interested in training as chaplains or "spiritual care givers". After a three-year negotiation the Muslim News reports that if there is a substantial number of patients from minority faiths, the Government is "likely" to recommend to the NHS trust that they recruit paid chaplains from all faith communities. However, the Muslim Council of Britain can only recommend those people who have been through the necessary training in the different aspects of chaplaincy so they are inviting applications from Muslims who are interested in the free training. (The Muslim News, No 138, 27.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.8]

Police intimidate Muslim news reporters
On 6 October, 2,000 British Muslims demonstrated peacefully outside Downing St. It was a peaceful protest against Israeli actions in the occupied territories. Afterwards they dispersed peacefully, and before they left they even cleaned up the area. However there was a heavy police presence not only on the ground but also in the air as a helicopter hovered above. In addition, uniformed policemen were taking photographs. The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Yousuf Bhailock told the Muslim News that they were assured by the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that there would be "low profile policing and that they would be "sensitive to the demonstrators". This was not what the protestors experienced and they condemned the "intimidation" they felt from the police. The Muslim News photographer, who had a valid press card which he wore around his neck, was told by the police to join the picket and not to take photographs. Despite telling the police that he was "an accredited journalist/ photographer", he was still told to get behind the barrier. However, the police relented when the protestors started to shout at the police to allow the Muslim News to take their photographs. A Muslim News reporter was told to move away from the area and when he said that he would go and join the tourists nearby, he was told the "he would be removed if he did that." Foreign affairs spokesman of the MCB, Tanzim Wasti told The Muslim News that, "some police were high handed" and he went on to say: "They did not allow Muslims to move to a new barricaded area even though they were being squashed in the small area provided. The police had no right to fly the police helicopter above the picket, it was seen like an Israeli helicopter intimidating us. Why the helicopter, when the demonstration was peaceful?" The MCB is said to be taking the matter of intimidation by the police to the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Mr Bhailock said that they want to ask for assurances that the photographs are not going to be used in a "detrimental" way as the Muslim community is concerned that a list of protestors could be made up and used against them in the future. (The Muslim News, No 138, 27.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.8]

Muslims want action from Tony Blair
On 4 October a meeting was organised by the President of World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League, Sayyid Muhammad al-Mousawi. It was held in central London and consisted of British Muslim leaders and activists. They wanted Tony Blair to take "stronger action" regarding the "massacre" of the Palestinians. Over a hundred Muslim organisations asked for the Israeli government to be tried for war crimes, wrote the Muslim News. At the meeting mosques were urged to tell their congregations every Friday to send protest letters to the Government "condemning the massacres of Palestinian civilians and deploring the British Government’s refusal to condemn the massacre by the Israeli security forces." They also urged to advise the congregations to organise and join in demonstrations in their cities. A petition is also to be signed by Muslims throughout Britain and this will be sent to the Prime Minister demanding "stronger action" as well as condemning the "Israeli atrocities". The meeting was told of a major rally being organised as well as many other demonstrations throughout the country. The Head of the Imams and Mosques Council, Dr Zaki Badawi spoke of the media’s biased reporting in favour of Israel. He said: "They use terms such as ‘ceasefire’, which implies two sides are fighting a war. In reality it is one sided, Israelis using helicopters gunships, tanks, anti-tank missiles and heavy arms against the mostly unarmed Palestinian civilians." He wanted the ambassadors of other Muslim countries to be moved to do something. Foreign office minister, Peter Hain made a comment which together with the Government’s "mild response" was condemned. Mr Hain said: "We are also gravely concerned over the recent terrorist violence," thereby implying that the Palestinians’ defensive action is actually "terrorist violence". A picket was held outside the Israeli Embassy and on 6 October another was held outside Downing St. (see report above on "Police intimidation..") The meeting "urged" Muslims to donate money to the British Muslim charity Interpal. This charity is helping victims of the Israeli atrocities. The organiser, Mr al-Mousawi is reported to have said: "The Zionist Government and Jews are trying to destroy al-Aqsa mosque and it is only a matter of time before they carry it out. We must protect the dignity of al-Aqsa and the lives of the Palestinians." At the meeting an 18-man committee was nominated to follow up and co-ordinate activities. (The Muslim News, No 138, 27.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.8]

Jews and Muslims for peace
An article and a letter were carried by three local newspapers outlining the efforts made by the Jewish and Muslim residents in order to keep the peace that they had been living with before the uprising in the Middle East. In Redbridge a meeting was set up by the Redbridge Racial Equality Council (REC) and religious leaders on both sides came together to "promote tolerance, understanding and goodwill." This took place after a group of young Muslims, making anti-Semitic remarks, were distributing religious leaflets at a shopping centre. The chairman of the Redbridge REC, Jagdev Purewal said: "The Jewish and Muslim communities in Redbridge have a long history of collaboration and respect for each other." In Birmingham both Jewish and Muslims spokesmen made statements. The Chair of the Representative Council of Birmingham and Midland Jewry, Dr Sam Abudarham said: "As a community we grieve for every death, Muslim and Jewish, which happens in the Middle East. It is horrible to see this happening and we don’t want to import it to this country. It is not helpful for anything to spill over into Birmingham, that kind of hatred should be discouraged. Muslims and Jews should sit on a joint committee in the city, learn more about each other and live in peace and harmony." Chair of the Central Mosque, Mohammad Naseem agreed with Dr Abudarham, he said: "There is no need for fighting between Jews and Muslims anywhere. Jewish people are good human beings just like Muslims and everyone else. Jews and Muslims should join together in the struggle for peace, understanding, justice and fairness." The north of the borough of Hackney is well known for its Hasidic Jewish community, which is the "biggest in Europe and the third largest in the world after Israel and New York". It also has a large Muslim community but nevertheless, a letter written by Liberal Democrat Councillor Shahid Achhala says that they are all living peacefully with one another, despite what is happening in the Middle East and around them in the country. This is not to say that they have no feelings for their "brethren" and that they were not "shocked and sickened" at the stabbing of the young Jewish man in London. However, they view the stabbing as an "isolated situation" and do not believe that it reflects on the Muslim community in Hackney. They all prefer to maintain the peace and live with the similarities of both religions which are "peace, tolerance, patience and under-standing." (Hackney Gazette & North London Advertiser, 26.10.00, Wanstead & Woodford Guardian, 09.11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.8]

Aga Khan’s plans
Karachi based Aga Khan University launched its first international initiative in London: an Institute of Islamic Civilisation. The Ismaili Muslim leader, the Aga Khan, said that its aim was to "engender a critical humanistic app-roach to the study of Islamic civilisations." However, initially it will be carrying out activities such as creating an electronic archive and index of works published in various languages on Islamic civilisation. Full and part-time academic programmes will be pro-vided and fields that have escaped attention, such as thematic research, will be sponsored. The article reports that in 1990, when "fundamentalism" was at its height and there was "prejudice" against Islam, the Aga Khan "recalled the role of Islamic scholars in developing medieval universities from Cairo to Andalusia." A commission set up to examine how the Aga Khan University should develop over the next 25 years, saw inter-national expansion as a priority. Plans include outposts in Canada and East Africa as well as the "sibling" University of Central Asia in Pamirs. Meanwhile, since 1984, the university has established itself as a teaching hospital, "offering first world health care in a third-world country". As well as this they offer degree level nursing education, and have launched a "schools-based in-service teacher education" in order to improve the standards of schools. (The Times Higher Education Supplement, 27.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.9]

Refusal for Romford’s cultural centre
Permission has been denied to build an Islamic cultural centre at the Havering Council’s Central Romford Community Area Forum. The decision was applauded by the residents from the homes nearby. They wrote 92 letters and a 149 signature petition was handed in against the building of the centre. This is because they felt that such a highly residential area and the narrow street would cause problems. The re-usal was based on the issues of in-sufficient parking facilities and the "inappropriate" use of the building "which would affect the locality." The majority of the councillors voted against it. Tory councillor Eric Munday said that he had "every sympathy" with the applicants wishing to "go about their devotion" and that since they use the Century Youth House, which is not available over Easter and Christmas they should be given keys to the Youth House as they were "such a responsible group of people". He went on to say that though this was "not a racist issue" he did feel that an Islamic cultural centre "could attract vandalism". However, Liberal Democrat councillor Malcolm Zetter, Labour Forum chair man, Councillor Jeff Stafford and Councillor Andrew Rosindell spoke against the recommendation and in favour of the applicants. They felt that the request for planning permission on a temporary basis for one year was "reasonable" and Cllr Zetter went as far as to say: "I am sorry, but you are depriving people of their lawful way of life." The Havering Islamic Cultural Centre’s secretary, Captain Pervez Badruddin, said: "We already own the premises and because of the small number of people involved our use will be more in keeping with the area than the previous commercial use of the building. Please give us the chance so the Muslims of the borough have somewhere to pray and conduct our meetings." The group consists of 63 members who are mostly from a professional background. They wanted to use the ground floor front room for prayer and worship on Friday lunchtime and religious education for children on Sunday mornings. Talks are continuing to see if an alternative can be found. Captain Badruddin said: "We will welcome a meeting with the council to discuss anything that is a compromise because we do not want to upset anyone." (Romford Recorder Horn-church Upminster, 27.10.00, Horn-church, Upminster Yellow Advertiser, 01.11.00, Romford Recorder Horn-church Upminster, 03.11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.9]

Legal immunity for perpetrators
Fly posters, proclaiming "the power of Islam have been distributed in the town of Bedford", according to the Bedford-shire on Sunday. Although normally people caught fly-posting would be fined £1000 under the Town and Planning Act, because it could be "politically sensitive" the perpetrators will escape prosecution. It will also not be easy to identify the perpetrators and so the matter will be dropped. The Town Hall solicitor, Andy Darkoh, wrote to the councillors on behalf of the planning department. He stated that the council should not be seen to be "targeting the activists" and due to the "political and religious sensitivity" it would "not be prudent to seek a prosecution as this is most likely to be construed as prosecuting Islamic activists" and so they will escape court action. Tory councillor, John Mingay, said: "I thought that the central tenet of most religions is that all people should be treated equally." The Commission for Racial Equality also stated that racial violence from anywhere is "completely unacceptable" and they will be pushing for stronger law enforcement against perpetrators of racial incitement and all racially aggravated violence. (Bedford-shire on Sunday, 29.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.10]

First community centre then mosque
Lord Hoyle of Warrington and Deputy Mayor, Jeff Richards, joined hundreds of guests in the official opening of the new Islamic community centre, which was completed after a year of hard work by the Warrington Islamic Association. Chairman of the association, Mushtaq Ahmed, told the Warrington Guardian that they were in need of volunteers, especially young members of the community, to help with youth projects. The centre, which had been chosen for the development, will continue its activities such as karate, as well as Islamic events, together with cultural and social events. The association will also be working with Priestley College to pro-vide computer lessons. Mr Ahmed told the paper that he hoped that they will receive planning permission for a mosque to be built next door to the centre in order to unite the Muslim community. (Warrington Guardian, 02.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.10]

Islamic Awareness Week
On 6 November, the Islamic Society of Britain launched Islamic Awareness Week. This has been taking place for the past seven years but many cities across Britain took part for the first time. The aim of the week was to eradicate the stereotypes and misconceptions of Islam and to create more understanding and build stronger links between the various communities as well as organisations and agencies across the country. One factor mentioned by many was the sensitivity that should be exercised by the media as its portrayal of Islam is a very powerful factor contributing to people’s under-standing and opinions. Hosted by Mohammed Sarwar MP, the House of Commons launched the Islamic Aware-ness Week with a video message from the Prime Minister at the reception and personal attendance and speeches by Home Secretary Jack Straw, Conservative leader, William Hague and Liberal Democrat Home Office Spokes-man, Simon Hughes. Jack Straw spoke about the recent events in the Middle East affecting the Muslim and Jewish communities. He made a pledge to the Muslims saying, "We will reassure them the police are ready to respond in effective ways to ensure British Muslims and British Jews will remain safe on our streets." He also spoke of the portrayal in the media of terrorism in relation to Muslims. He said that the putting the word Islamic in front of terrorist "did a disservice to the faith, when terrorists in Ireland were not referred to as Catholic or Protestant." William Hague backed this and also spoke of more being done to involve Black and Asian people in politics. The organisers of the event also produced a colour magazine called ‘Dis-covering Islam’ and many local news-papers carried reports on local events in which people could join in and celebrate. North East Lincolnshire had its first ever Islamic Awareness Day in Grimsby. Professor Zaghloul Najar was the special guest speaker at the event which took place at the Town Hall with other activities and exhibitions. In Woking the event was celebrated at the Shah Jehan Mosque, which was built in 1889 and is the first and the oldest mosque in England, and the Woking Review reported that Muslims have been part of Britain for the past 400 years and part of Woking for the last 100 years. Luton held an exhibition at its local library but the Luton Herald & Post reported disappointment that "no other event" was taking place and said that it had "missed a golden chance to promote racial understanding in the town." However, spokesman for the Islamic Cultural Society, Akbar Dad Khan, believed that the misconceptions "need to be allayed" and that it was up to the Muslims to do something about it. Nevertheless, he hoped that they would organise something for the summer. (Grimsby Telegraph, 01.11.00, Leicester Mercury, 03.11.00, Grimsby Telegraph, 04.11.00, Woking Review, 04.11.00, Teletext/Database Monitoring services, 06.11.00, Daily Express, 07.11.00, Morning star, 07.11.00, Business a.m, Aberdeen Press & Journal, 07.11.00, 08.11.00, Luton Herald & Post, 09.11.00, Windsor & Eton Express, 09.11.00, Morning News, 07.11.00, , Slough & Langley Express, 09.11.00, Bucks Free Press, 10.11.00, Grimsby Telegraph, 16.11.00, Woking News & Mail, 16.11.00, The Muslim News, No 139, 24.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.10]

Mobile call to prayer
Due to the impracticalities of a muezzin doing the call to prayer from a minaret, the family run Patelscornershop.com have used technology to overcome this. Muslims in the UK can receive free text, alerting them to the prayer times. Currently the messages are sent via e-muezzins who log on at the appropriate times, however, soon the call will be made by the local mosques. (Time, 06.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.10]

From pub to Muslim community centre
The Indian Muslim Association will be converting a former pub to a Muslim community centre, if councillors app-rove their plans. Walsall Council officers have recommended the Walsall area planning committee to approve the proposal. Under the scheme the out-buildings will be demolished and a two-storey extension will be built. The structure will be similar to the mosque next door, which is the base of the Indian Muslim Association. The centre would provide many activities including language classes, translation, community based care for the elderly, health awareness programmes and youth clubs as well as projects for women and children together with CV and inter-view preparation classes. (Walsall Express & Star, 13.11.00, Wolverhampton Express & Star, 13.11.00 ) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.11]

Piglet controversy There have been numerous articles and letters and reactions in the media regarding the 70 year old A A Milne character Piglet, the close friend of Winnie the Pooh. Mothercare in West Yorkshire found that mothers were bringing back the Winnie products and were "slightly embarrassed". They were asking if Mothercare sold the products without the Piglet. They were told that this could not be done and so they were given their money back. One employee said that, "It took a while for the penny to drop. All the people bringing back the products were Asian and one of our staff explained that they were undoubtedly Muslims and did not want pictures of unclean animals in their homes." Leeds Muslim leader, Nissar Ahmed, told the papers that, "There are quite strict rules about displaying pictures in a Muslim household. They would normally have a religious significance. On top of that, to our religion the pig is a dirty animal, whether or not it was the harmless character Piglet, in their homes." This has caused a reaction across the country prompting many to write to the newspapers. One reader sees it as part and parcel of the English culture and so should be accepted. Some Muslims wrote back in answer to this letter, one reiterating Mr Ahmed’s explanation in a more light hearted manner and the other clarifying the difference between not eating pork and reading the book. Nevertheless, a spokeswoman from the Watford head office of Mothercare said that they were "investigating" the matter and said: "It could be that we find we are tied by a licensing agreement and we will be unable to divorce Winnie from Piglet." (Yorkshire Evening Post, 14.11.00, Metro London, 15.11.00, Metro (West Midlands), 15.11.00, North-West News, 15.11.00, The Guardian, 15.11.00, Metro London, 16.11.00, Metro (West Midlands), 17.11.00, North-West News, 17.11.00, Metro London, 17.11.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 17.11.00, Black Country Evening Mail, 17.10.00, Yorkshire Evening Post, 18.11.00, Greater Bristol Evening Post, 18.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.11]

Hunger strike of jailed Muslim
Muslim Anthony Ackrill, 39, was charged with wounding a work colleague with intent to cause bodily harm. He was remanded in Exeter prison for six weeks at the end of which he was released as the case was dropped. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the case was dropped the day before it was to come to Exeter Crown Court because of insufficient evidence. However, whilst Mr Ackrill was in prison he lost five stones in weight. This was because he believed that the meat served was not halal and so he survived on bread and tea until the last two weeks, at which time he decided to go on a hunger strike. He said; "I made it known that I was a Muslim but was told that I either eat meat or chicken or starve." The prison’s governor, Gary Deighton said that on a visit last month an Imam was satisfied with the food and a local Muslim leader paid weekly visits to make sure that the meat was halal as well as to look at the needs of the Muslim prisoners. Mr Deighton said: "We went out of our way for him but he was refusing to accept the meat was halal meat. We have a supply of halal meat for all Muslims at the prison." Mr Ackrill has returned to his employment at the restaurant where he is working alongside the man he was accused of stabbing and says that what happened with him has been forgotten as he is a friend. He said: "I’m trying to rebuild my life but no one should have to go through what I’ve been put through." (Devon Western Morning News, 18.11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.11]

Bombs found in Muslim homes
The Observer carried an article following the dawn raid of properties in the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham. The raid was carried out by 30 police officers who are said to have "searched several properties..and a small quantity of explosives and a number of detonators were removed..". These were later destroyed in "two controlled explosions". The paper reported that according to sources in the Army’s bomb disposal unit, the quantities of the explosives were small but "highly dangerous". A car was also wrapped in plastic and taken away for forensic examination. Police told The Observer that "the inquiries were linked to international terrorism and not related to Irish affairs." The Birmingham Sunday Mercury carried its article on the same day and reported that the police were "looking for clues in a bid to piece together the background to a bizarre find which has shocked and mystified the mainly-Asian inner city suburb of Sparkbrook." They reported that two men were arrested and were helping the police with their inquiries under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. They wrote that the idea of the recent events being linked to "Muslim fundamentalism" is a notion that "was met with bemusement and disbelief." The Observer, on the other hand, reported that the West Midlands police "are believed to have smashed a ring plotting a series of terrorist attacks on religious targets." According to the neighbours the Bangladeshi man arrest-ed is a 25 year old father of two young children who lives with his wife, mother and brother. They have lived in the area for the past 15 years and were said to be "extremely religious." However, statements made in the Birmingham Sunday Mercury, by a Pakistani, Malik Javed, who also lived in the area, reported the 25 year old man to be "shy" and a regular attender at the mosque. He said: "I just can’t believe he was involved in terrorism. This must be a mistake. In any event, who would be the intended target of a Bangladeshi’s bomb? There is no terrorism associated with Bangladeshis - in Britain, Bangladesh or indeed anywhere in the world." Both papers went on to mention a previous raid made in the same area by West Midlands police, MI5 agents and Special Branch. However, this time it was on an Islamic book shop. The Observer concluded its report claiming that "Sparkbrook is home to a number of extreme movements and several mosques are said to be home to secret military training camps." The Birmingham Sunday Mercury went into further detail regarding the raid on the shop called ‘Maktabah Al Ansaar Islamic Booksellers and Publishers’. It was the first time that an arrest had been made against Midlands Muslims under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. One man was arrested in connection with fire-arms offences and the police said that "the warrants were issued in connection with links to terrorist offences committed outside the United Kingdom." Later they said that "electronic equipment" as well as a "large quantity of cash" was found. However, the paper went on to say that they discovered that the only "weapon" that was found during the raid was a single CS gas canister which was bought "many years ago by the manager for his wife’s personal protection." Also the money that was seized was in fact for "legitimate business deals" and not for funding "foreign fanatics". They explained their reason for this belief as business dealings with cash transactions were "commonplace" in this community, and the "electronic equipment" was the book shop’s computer. In the end no-one was charged and Muslim leaders claimed that the raid was a "practice run" because behind the facade of tackling "international Islamic terror-ism" they were really clamping down on the Muslims of this country. (Birmingham Sunday Mercury, 19.11.00, The Observer, 19.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.11]

[back to contents]

Education

Extra classes for Muslim teenagers
The Ikhlas Foundation has organised maths and English classes in Derby for Muslim pupils aged 14 and 15. About 15 youngsters will attend the classes. The foundation wants to improve "education and opportunities for the ethnic minorities in Derby." Both parents and children see it as a good opportunity to improve themselves and a way to achieve their goals. The teacher of maths, Aslam Siddiqi sees the Muslim community as "traditionally underachieved" and "lowest-per-forming" with regard to their education. The foundation director, Zafir Iqbal, said: "The children attending are all coming up to their GCSEs and we aim to help them improve their grades in English and maths." The classes are to run every Saturday morning. They will also be running Islamic study classes, till June. (Derby Evening Telegraph, 06.11.00, Derby Express, 16.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.12]

Closure threat for Lampeter University
Wales’ "ancient seat of learning" and Europe’s "smallest public university" is facing the threat of mergers with other universities and institutes of higher education. The Guardian carried an article detailing the threats that Welsh higher education is facing especially compared with its English counter-parts who run lesser educational outlets for the same number of students. For example, 13 institutes are serving a population of students that are served by five or six in England. Lampeter has also come a long way since it was founded in 1822 by Bishop David Burgess. As the report says, the bishop would be "spinning in his grave" to find that the college he found to train men for the church is now educating prostitutes and prisoners. However the article goes on to say that he will be "more surprised" to see a mosque "housed in the college". Although a remote and small university it now holds one of the biggest religious studies departments in the country. Here subjects like Islam Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and the Chinese tradition of Taoism and Confucianism are available and taught by believers. F.J. Ali is among the mature students, who make up 30 percent of the student body. Before coming to Lampeter, she went to art college 12 years ago and then worked in the fashion trade. The paper reports that although the Big Issue branded it "the dullest university in the country", Ms Ali still "took the plunge" and came to study anthropology and Islamic studies. In her words: "The age range is very varied. It’s an education in itself just being here - it’s very cosmopolitan for the middle of Wales! It has a family feel there’s no division between lecturers and students ....it prepares you to deal with a varied social world." However, the university intake has reduced year by year: three years ago the intake was around 450, last year 350 and this October it went down to 300. As the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David "DP", told the paper, due to the introduction of tuition fees, mature students are not able to afford full time fees and more students are living at home. Also students are opting for more vocational subjects as they want to be certain of being able to pay off their debts. This does not help the university’s intake whose strength lies in the classics, archaeology and religious studies. Nevertheless, in order to make some difference, the university’s religious studies department is now attracting more international students and they are slowly moving to part-time under-graduate and master degrees which are also provided through distance learning. (The Guardian, 14.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.12]

Al-Furqan on top of league table
Al-Furqan Community College has shot up the Birmingham league tables as their five pupils taking GCSEs have all achieved grades A to C and a "remark-able 109.8 points for their total grades." Some students gained ten A stars and five grade As. The college, like other denominational schools, has stringent entry criteria, as they expect the parents to "demonstrate a commitment to their faith". Many Muslim parents like to send their daughters there to receive an Islamic education before moving them to mainstream schooling. The head teacher, Amjad Ahmed, said: "It may be misleading to compare us to other schools, as our students take more GCSEs and they do not take them all at once. ....Nonetheless we are extremely pleased, and the results reflect the hard work of our students." He went on to tell the newspaper that, "Children may come here because they have had problems in other schools. This can include bullying or racism. Our aim is not simply to get results. Often it is to integrate our pupils into the mainstream." (Birmingham Post, 16.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.13]

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Racism

Macmillan college in race dispute
Asian families held a peaceful protest outside Macmillan College in Middle-sex against unfair treatment received by several of its Muslim pupils. Sixteen year old Farhan Boota, for example, has left the school with his friend, Faisel Shuib. He said; "I have been stereo-typed. They think I am a gang leader for Asians." He was punished for carrying a toy gun, which he said he took "accidentally". The newspaper reported him to be a "devout Muslim" and said he "had a previously unblemished record ...and good grades at GCSE." A school report described him as "an excellent student". However, after going back to school after the gun incident,, he became involved in another row over using a computer to look at a religious website with his friends. It would appear that other Muslim pupils have not been treated fairly. Another incident reported by the paper is "an alleged bullying case in which a female Asian student was thrown in a bin." Farhan’s father, Mohammed Boota, wrote his complaints to the Sunday Sun, he said: "I did not want to do this, but I feel the school has forced me to...my kid is suffering." He is also to meet representatives from the Commission for Racial Equality. The college principal, Ken Fraser, told the paper that they have agreed to hold meetings "to continue the dialogue with the family", and that it is his "wish to enable the student concerned to continue with his studies as soon as is possible." (Newcastle Sunday Sun, 22.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.13]

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Women

Muslim women demonstrate
Bashir Chaudhry, who had bought a mosque 24 years ago had resigned as the general secretary. Mr Chaudhry was going to give bail for a married man who had been accused of raping a local female student. "A storm broke out" when the women of the Reading Asian Group heard this. They held a demonstration outside Reading magistrates courts where the man was to appear. However, Mr Chaudhry by this time had already withdrawn his offer of bail. He said, in his letter of resignation, that he was regretfully resigning due to personal circumstances. He also said: "I did offer bail but I realised the situation and I decided not to offer bail. I have done nothing." The leader of the RAG, Saida Aziz said that Islam carries a penalty of death by stoning for the crime of rape and Mr Chaudhry was offering bail to the accused and this was particularly upsetting to the women. She said: "We are very happy that he has resigned. That means for the first time we have shown we can stand up and speak out. Islam says women have equal rights as men but the men never let it happen. The women stood up to say we are not having this anymore." (Reading Evening Post, 16.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.13]

First female Muslim editor
The Independent carried an article on the first Muslim female editor for the leading Muslim magazine Q News. The article described the average readership of the magazine as "a young British Muslim graduate in a professional occupation for whom English is a first language", which made the achievement of the 24 year old Shagufta Yaqub even more admirable. The report said that the appointment was not just a first in journalistic terms. It is also highly unusual for a woman, and especially a young one, to assume so prominent a role within a religious/ethnic community which is utterly dominated by middle-aged men and where overt sexism seems part of the cultural fabric. "The report went on to distinguish the readers of the Muslim News as "an older generation of people, of immigrant background, for whom the great Islamic struggles were setting up mosques and shops to sell halal meat" where as "Q News is about street-drugs, designer fashion, human rights and Hollywood movies". The article went on to praise the accomplishment of Ms Yaqub and how the Q News stands apart from any other Muslim publication, "The magazine was the first Muslim publication in the UK which wasn’t linked to one denomination or financed by one particular Arab country. But its preoccupations have been political." She will be making some additions and changes to give it more of a positive and varied image. For example she said that she is thinking of setting a limitation as to how many times the word "Islamophobia" will be used as this gives a "negative sense", as well as including more about what is good about being a Muslim rather than "portraying it as a list of don’ts." She has printed the magazine on glossier paper in full colour carrying more life-style pieces and features on children’s books, a problem page as well as a Muslim lonely hearts page. She is also planning to move to a more central location in London. However, the paper goes on to say how it will be "interesting" to see how Muslim leadership will "react to the appointment". Fuad Nahdi, who edited the magazine for ten years said: "Psychologically, it will take the middle-aged men some getting used to the idea that they can be questioned by a young Muslim woman." (The Independent, 31.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.13]

Uphill struggle of Asian women
The Guardian carried an article on the struggles and unfair treatment that Asian girls have to live with and combat, which is not the case for their male counterparts who do not seem to have the same experience. The article was referring to the problems and barriers that these girls face when the time comes for them to pursue higher education. Though this is not a new problem, there has been no investigation into it. One of the reasons could be the statistics. For example, according to UCAS statistics, there have been more and more Asian girls going into higher education and the deputy chief executive, Anthony MaClaran said: "The number of UK female students from Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani back-grounds applying to university has been steadily increasing over the years, generally at a faster rate than the total female population of higher education students." It would seem that both the NUS and UCAS do not realise that there is a problem. A "surprised" spokeswoman from NUS said: "I didn’t realise this was such a problem." and the same can be said for UCAS as their statistics gives a different impression. Despite these statistics, the percentage of Asian females applying to university is lower than their male counterparts. This is against the national trend as there are more females entering universities around the country then males. The Guardian carried interviews with two Asian girls. This gave an insight as to the kind of barriers and problems Asian girls encounter. One of them was a second year student at Cambridge University, studying English Literature; her name is Zhanara Begum. She told the paper how happy she was and how much she was gaining from her experience at the university. However, it was a struggle for her to get there. After achieving good grades at A-level and a place at Cambridge University, she wanted to pursue her education but her parents felt differently. They were afraid that she would be led "astray" and that she would move away from the "traditional lifestyle" as well as being exposed and influenced by "alcohol, drugs and sex". However, it seems that they did not have the same fears for her older brothers who had no obstacles in pursuing a university education and are now all in successful careers. Unfortunately for Miss Begum’s older sisters’ the situation was different. Even though they gained good grades at A-level, some even better than Ms Begum’s, they were not allowed to go to university. It was because of her older sisters persuasion that Ms Begum was finally allowed to go to university. As the paper reported, "In fact, it was the elder sisters’ bitterness at not going to university that was the chief catalyst in ensuring that Zhanara succeeded." Ms Begum told the paper that she understood her parent’s fears as they believed that the "reputation of a family rests on a daughter’s ‘decency’." In the end she said her parents trusted her as she is "quite religious" and it was this strong faith that persuaded her parents to allow her to attend university. Ultimately, her parents want her to get married and settle down. The principal of the Muslim College of Britain, Dr Zaki Badawi, said: "Educated women are a valuable asset to society. They are essential for the family as well as the rest of society." He viewed the restrictions as being "harmful" and prolonging the "oppression of women". He said; "There’s prejudice against women learning in the Asian community. It is a form of male domination. Often the fears of daughters going astray or becoming corrupted by all sorts of influences is an excuse to hide that prejudice." He accepted that the parents are right to fear the "moral decadence" on the campuses. However, it is the individual’s responsibility to distance him or herself. "All societies have decadence. But it is up to the individual to stay away from it." (The Guardian, 07.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.14]

Muslim nurses’ new uniform
During Islamic Awareness Week, a new uniform available for Muslim nurses has been unveiled. After a new member of staff made a request, the Royal London Hospital have their own uniforms, which have been designed by Barts and the London NHS Trust. The uniform which is an ankle-length dress with elbow-length sleeves, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country and is an alternative to the long tunic with trousers for the Muslim nurses. A headscarf is worn with both outfits. (East End Life, 13.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.14]

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Youth

Derby children encouraged to celebrate
The Pakistan Community Centre in Derby is to organise an exhibition from 1-14 December encouraging children to take part. The exhibition is to celebrate Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr. Secondary school pupils are to write a short article while primary school pupils are to design an Eid card. (Derby Evening Telegraph, 19.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.14]

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Interfaith

Christian-Muslim relations lecture
A joint venture of Bradford University and College chaplaincies’ lecture for 2000 entitled "Responsible Religious Commitment in a Pluralistic Britain: A Muslim Contribution" was to take place at Bradford University. This was to be delivered by Dr Ataullah Siddiqui from Leicester. Anglican Chaplain, the Reverand Andii Bopwsher said: "There are important issues for Muslims and the people of other faiths in dealing with pluralistic society in a positive way that has integrity for all religious viewpoints. Dr Siddiqui will help us to engage with the issue in both ways. (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 23.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.14]

Cenotaph makes place for Muslims and others
For the first time in 81 years, representatives from the Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist religions would be participate at the Cenotaph in the ceremony on Remembrance Sunday. Not only were the changes to the ceremony sanctioned by Jack Straw but an addition was made to the prayer during the commemoration which was agreed by the Queen. When the words "who have died in the service of their country" the words "and of the crown" will be added. This is to honour the contribution made by the Asian forces, most of whom were volunteers, as well as from other Commonwealth countries and Africa. The Indian Army lost 161,000 men in the two world wars. 140,000 men from the army fought with Britain in the First World War and 3m in the second. In 1914 Indian troops were moved at such speed that when they arrived in France, they were still dressed in their tropical uniforms and "within a month had won their first Victoria Cross". The Sunday Times carried an article about those who fought in the First World War but had not till now been mentioned or acknowledged in the ser-vices at the Cenotaph ceremony on Remembrance Sunday. The former Speaker of the Commons, Lord Weatherill who served in the Indian Army in the Second World War, wrote to Jack Straw who oversees the arrangements for the day. Lord Weatherill wrote: "I am in close touch with the Indian and Pakistani community, who feel very strongly that the contribution of their forebears has never been adequately understood or appreciated.." He went on to write that the Millennium year was when the acknowledgement should come and also "in the years to come." His campaign has been supported by the Royal British Legion and also helped by the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres. Chairman of the Council of Imams and Mosques, Zaki Badawi said: "It is an extremely welcome development and yet another step in the inclusion of minorities in the mainstream of the British people." Though the ceremony would remain Christian in content it would nevertheless, incorporate elements that are acceptable to other faiths. For example the hymn, O God, Our Help in Ages Past, which is taken from Psalm 90 has been acknowledged by the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths. (The Sunday Times, 29.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.14]

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Halal

Cheaper rent for halal butcher
The Blackburn Telegraph carried an article about the butchers at a Blackburn market complaining of unfair treatment because a new halal butcher has been given a reduction in rent. The other butchers see this as racist treatment. The market bosses have justified the move in order to attract more business. Black-burn with Darwen Council executive member for the regeneration, Ashley Whalley said: "The priority has to be a full market which benefits all traders. In order to do that and attract new customers we have to bring new products on to the market and hence our reduced offer to attract newcomers. However, we also value our existing tenants.." and he went on to tell the paper that they are bringing a series of "support measures" to "consolidate their business" especially as it will allow the traders to expand their products. Although the council has not disclosed the amount of the reduction the traders "fear" that it maybe as much as 50 per cent. On his first day the new halal butcher, Saim Cimen, explained that the Asian people do not eat any other meat except halal and that his customers are different from others. Nevertheless the other butchers see this as discrimination because, while they do not have an issue with halal meat, their objection is, as family business owner Frank Littler says, that it is "unfair competition". Mr Littler went on to say: "I am paying £1,000 a month and he is probably paying £300 or less. We think we should get some sort of loyalty bonus, not a kick in the teeth." Mr Littler’s family business has been serving Blackburn people for over 100 years. Similar comments were made by other butchers, one telling how a lady left after 34 years and a young man took over the stall but could not keep it going because of the high rent, and how another went out of business for the same reason. Now that a halal butcher has taken it over for half the rent it is seen as "blatant racism". Another butcher, Frank Smith, spoke of how a lot of the meat coming from New Zealand was slaughtered according to the guidelines for halal meat which is also sold by some of these butchers, he said: "A halal stall is a good thing for the market, we need one, but if he is on half rent then we want half rent." (Blackburn Telegraph, 23.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.15]

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Health

SmokeFree Ramadan
SmokeFree Ramadan, is a London based initiative, for which London Mayor Ken Livingstone made the "quit call" at the start of the campaign. The campaign is backed by the London Regional NHS and 16 other local authorities. Their aim is to spread the message to Asian communities across the country. Baroness Uddin of Bethnal Green, who also helped to launch the campaign, said: "We need to stop Asian women taking up this terrible habit." The Asian Quitline is available in many languages giving people the option to speak in their mother tongue. Bradford’s smoking cessation project can also be contacted. In addition, Barking and Dagenham have multi-lingual councillors on a help line for help and advice. Numerous articles were carried by newspapers across the country, reporting the launch of the campaign, urging Muslims, especially women, at the on-set of Ramadan to stop smoking. Official figures reveal that 18 per cent of 16-24 year olds calling the national Quitline are women while the Asian Quitline reported that 42 per cent of the same age group were women. Health officials are saying that Asian women are smoking more than ever. Chairman of the Federation of Muslim Organisations, Manzoor Moghal, said that Asian girls wanted "to imitate the western culture. There is pressure on them to be a part of the society at large by ex-pressing their individuality and independence," though the director of the Bhagini Centre, Parm Basra said: "Smoking is something lots of people do. Its not an Asian female problem." However, not everyone thinks that the month of Ramadan should be used to launch such a campaign. Director of Belgrave Baheno Women’s Centre thought that the campaign was a good idea, but she felt that there was a need to be sensitive. She said: "I would prefer an independent campaign targeting all Asian women rather than use the religious count, which could offend some Muslim women." Deputy Director of Public Health for London, Dr Penny Bevan said that smoking and its consequences may be a "hidden problem" amongst young Asian women. She said: "Official statistics put young Asian female smoking rates at around 1 to 2 per cent but these findings suggest that those statistics are wide of the mark and that smoking rates among young Asian women maybe significantly under-reported." She is also reported as saying that the use of tobacco in the Bangladeshi community shows 49 per cent of men smoking and around 50 per cent of women chewing tobacco. Also, according to Dr Bevan, 90 per cent of Bangladeshi women aged between 50 and 74 chew tobacco. (Birmingham Evening Mail, 11.11.00, Swindon Evening Advertiser, 11.11.00, Walsall Express & Star, 11.11.00, Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 11.11.00, Halifax Evening Courier, 11.11.00, Newcastle The Journal, 11.11.00, Leicester Mercury, 13.11.00, Post Barking & Dagenham, 15.11.00, Burton Mail, 15.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.15]

 

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Mosques & Burials

Banbury, Merton St
 Muslims in Banbury have protested against plans for a gurdwara to be located next to a local mosque. The Muslims felt that building a gurdwara next to the mosque was "inappropriate" and may cause conflict but Sikh representative, Cllr Surinder Dhesi, said: "I don’t think there would have been any friction between the two communities because we’ve all been getting on well together for a long time" and though they have a small house to pray in there is no place for them to hold their weddings and religious ceremonies, for which they have to travel to Leamington. A representative of the Banbury Muslim community, Sarfraz Bhatti, said they had no objection to a gurdwara in the town but not next to the mosque as it would cause "friction", he said: "The Asian community in Ban-bury wish to live in peace and harmony and this decision will allow this wish to be fulfilled." (Banbury Guardian, 12.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.16]

Batley burials
 Batley’s Muslim community handed in a 500-signature petition to the Kirklees Council. They were complaining about the "immoral" activities, such as children playing and dogs fouling, that have been taking place at Batley cemetery, their local graveyard. In response to earlier complaints, the officers at Kirklees Council, erected signs in the Muslim part of the cemetery, asking people to "respect the dead" as well as hiring a security company to patrol the cemetery at nights and weekends. Batley cemetery is one of three in Kirklees that offers Muslims a burial ground. In 1999/2000 the cemetery had 87 burials, 12 of which were of Muslims. However, the Muslims have now handed in a petition asking for "immediate action". (Yorkshire Post, 27.10.00, Batley News, 02.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.16]

Birmingham, Tilton Rd
 The Ahmadiyya Association, which was formed in Birmingham 36 years ago and built Britain’s first mosque, are planning to build the largest mosque in Birmingham. The mosque which is called Dar-ul-Barakat, already has its outer shell complete but it will be a year before its official opening. (Black Country Evening Mail, 09.11.00, Birmingham Evening Mail, 09.11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.16]

Bolton, Labernum St
 Bolton’s Muslims, who have been using the Madina Mosque in St George’s St, are making plans to re locate after 35 years. The children attend classes in the evening and the adults are worried for their safety. This is because the main road that the children need to cross in order to get to the mosque has become very dangerous. New plans have been submitted and they are now awaiting the council’s decision, though no date has been set for the consideration of the planning application. The other encouraging factors are that the new mosque’s location will boost member-ship and it will also have a community centre attached to it for the use of the young members. (Bolton Evening News, 24.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.16]

Bradford, Manningham Lane, Lumb Lane
 Two schools, one of which is a listed building are for sale together with two and a half acres of land. There are many who are vying for the site. Bradford City FC, three different mosques and the Manningham Housing Association are among the bidders. They all see the site as critical to their projects. Bradford City chairman, Geoffrey Richmond, said that the club wanted to run an "out-of-school-hours education centre for children." He told the paper that a delegation, which included the Secretary of State for Education, David Blunkett, and chairmen of the FA and the Premier League, were meeting the Bradford Council chiefs "to discuss the venture." Khadim Hussain of the Bradford Council of Mosques said that they wanted to use the buildings for full time Muslim education. He is an executive member of Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam, which runs 15 mosques around Brad-ford. He also said: "These schools were first built to serve the community....I think there is a need for Muslim schools in Bradford. There are almost 100,000 Muslims in the city and there is only Feversham College at the moment." The Manningham Housing Association wants to use part of the land for 14 family houses and the rest for an Asian restaurant, The Sweet Centre, and for a food factory and parking, and the buildings would be used as an Islamic school by a mosque. (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 26.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.16]

Coventry, Stoney Stanton Rd
 The Anjuman-e-Gujarati Muslim Society have applied for an extension to their mosque but this would mean the felling of a row of Norway maples protected by a temporary tree preservation order. Councillors were to visit the site and meet with the society in order to find a solution which would not involve the loss of the trees. The extension is "badly needed" for classrooms and a religious hall. The councillors told the paper of their support and under-standing of the plans and the need for the facilities. As well as this, the community group, Hillfields Watch, wrote in favour of the extension and believed it to be an "asset to the area". Cllr Dave Edwards said: "We are looking for a solution both to save the only tree line on Stoney Stanton Road and meet the requirements of the society." (Coventry Evening Telegraph, 25.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.17]

Edinburgh, Nicolson St
 Plans by ScotMid to convert part of its former department store into a pub, offices and two shops have been opposed by Muslims because the site is too close to the main mosque. A petition with 72 signatures has been sent to the council as they are afraid that this will not only "lower the tone of the area" but also be "counterproductive to the teaching of abstinence." The pro-posed plan sees the new place as a "‘leisure and pleasure’ experience" and not a "seedy Edinburgh pub". Five months previously they proposed a MacDonald’s restaurant in the scheme, but this was withdrawn later. Interestingly support for the protest has come from the most "unlikely source" - Scotland’s pub and landlords’ association. And backing does not stop there: there is also support from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. Their spokesman, Paul Waterson, said that though he does not see alcohol as bad, there are "far too many pubs in the city centre. Far be it for me to say we support abstinence, but if you look at the latest violence figures connected to drinking, police are having real trouble stamping it out." Opposition has also come from the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, the Southside Association and the New Pleasance Residents’ Association. They are worried about the noise pollution and the potential for increased violence, especially as there is sheltered housing close to the proposed area. They are also gaining backing from the council’s planning department, as they believe that the pub will mean loss of shopping space and this will also have "an impact on residential amenity". Officials see the plans as "unacceptable" and were going to recommend that they should be thrown out at the meeting. (Edinburgh Evening News, 09.10.00, Scottish Daily Express, 11.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.17]

Gwent, King St
 The small Muslim community in Gwent were happy when a local businessman bought a former dairy and offered it as a prayer hall to the "18 to 20" members. They were previously using a bedroom belonging to a local doctor to perform Friday prayers. However, when they applied for planning permission, it was refused not only in February but also when they applied again recently. The plan included a small extension as well as a main hall, a small kitchen and toilets for men and women. They were to demolish a garage to create parking spaces for five cars. The councillors were to meet and consider the application but the paper reported that the planning officers were going to recommend that they refuse the plans. In the event, the council did indeed decide against the scheme and refused on the grounds of "inadequate parking". Even though the application included extra parking spaces at the Market Hall public car park and at a doctor’s surgery, the Blaenau Gwent council’s director of environment and development, Peter Slater, said that these were "too far from the proposed prayer hall to be used." Blaenau Gwent GP, Dr Nasim Malik, said: "We are very disappointed and annoyed that for the second time the council has turned down our application. We do not believe it could be for parking reasons and suspect a hidden agenda." (Gwent Gazette, 09.11.00, South Wales Argus 17.11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.17]

Hounslow, Wellington Rd
 Eighty Religious Education teachers were welcomed by event organiser, Yusuf Husein at Hounslow’s only mosque. He said: "The event surpassed all expectation. The RE teachers had waited a long time to visit this purpose-built mosque funded entirely from donations from the community." The Iqra Trust gave guided tours of the building, where 150 children attend Islamic studies classes and showed other facilities as well as a slide show. (Hounslow Chronicle, 19.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.17]

Leicester, Evington Drive
 Around a 150 people attended the open day at the recently opened Masjid Umar. Among them were the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Barbara Chambers and the chief constable, David Wykro. He said: "This is a mosque of which all the people of Leicester and Leicestershire can be proud." The guests were given an introduction to the Islamic faith and the role of the mosque. They were also shown around the mosque. Imam Ibrahim Mogra addressed the people and made a plea not to "believe the stereotypical views of Islam" that were portrayed in the media nationally and internationally. The paper reported him as saying that, "Muslims wanted peace for all and were not, as the media some-times suggested, all fundamentalists carrying weapons." He also apologised to the local people if their driveways were blocked from time to time when people were attending prayers at the mosque. He said they wanted to live as "good neighbours" among "their friends of many faiths". (Leicester Mercury, 31.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.17]

Lye, Talbot St
 Plans to convert an industrial unit in Lye to a mosque for prayers and teaching children, has been approved by the members of Dudley Council’s development control committee. This is despite the 418 signature petition collected by the Ghausia Jamia Mosque in comparison to the 309 signature petition in favour of the new mosque. The Ghausia Jamia Mosque are reported to claim that they already provide the facilities and were "sufficient for the community’s religious and cultural needs". The new mosque will be replacing the Anwar-Ul-Quran centre, which was run from a house. (Walsall Express & Star, 04.11.00, Wolverhampton Express & Star, 04.11.00, Stourbridge News & County Express, 09.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.17]

Maidenhead, Ray St
 Plans to convert a bungalow into a Muslim teaching centre where after- school classes for boys would be run has been rejected by councillors. Cllr Pam Proctor said: "Whilst understanding the need of the Moslem community for a school, I do not think this is a suitable site." The newspaper reported that the garden was going to be converted into a car park with 14 spaces and around 28 cars were estimated to visit the bungalow. Cllr Proctor told the newspaper his concerns for the many elderly residents crossing the road, he said: "..that drive has no foot-paths and I am concerned if any of the children go along it on foot, especially in the dark." Nevertheless it was felt that alternatives should be found. Cllr Mike Burton said: "I would like to see the council adopt a more proactive approach. There is a need for this kind of community service." (Maidenhead Advertiser, 03.11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.18]

Old Trafford, Stamford St
 A recommendation has been made for planning permission for a revised proposal to build a mosque. The proposal, which was forwarded by the Old Trafford Muslim Society includes the demolition of an empty block of flats which have been boarded up. However, the paper stated that a condition that the place will not be used as an independent place of worship, will be made into a legal agreement for planning approval. (Area News Today, 03.11.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.18]

Plaistow, Selwyn Rd
 Planning councillors have refused proposals to alter the Islamic centre and ordered to tear down the extension built by the group. They built the extension between two of its three adjacent properties without permission and now they have also been ordered to grass over a paved area and return the Imam’s house and the education centre to a single residential unit. (City of London Recorder, 06.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.18]

Rochdale, Fishwick St
 A former pub which was empty and was being vandalised has been given to the Muslim community, who had been using a house till now, for conversion into a mosque. The director of the Rochdale planning department said in a report: "The use of the building as a mosque would represent a beneficial reuse of the building for the local community." (Rochdale Observer, 18.11.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.18]

St Albans, Hatfield Rd
 A scheme put forward on behalf of a mosque to convert a store into bed-sit accommodation, has been deferred by St Alban’s District Council’s plans (central) sub-committee. They have asked for more information. The accommodation was for someone employed by the mosque. Planning officers felt that the conversion would not provide "satisfactory living conditions" and that the change would have an effect on the privacy of neighbours as well as being damaging to the amenities. However, Cllr Jon Wright said: "My original feeling was that this scheme should be rejected out of hand but the more I look at it, the more I think it could be a good idea, we need more information about the proposed internal layout but the small size of the building should not in itself rule out conversion." (Herts Advertiser, 19.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.18]

Suffolk, Newmarket
 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rachid Al Maktoum, a member of the ruling family in Dubai, has been given per-mission by Forest Heath Council’s planning committee, to build a single storey mosque in Newmarket’s "most historic stables", the Stanley House Stables. The "revamp" will be a multi-million pound project as there will also be an equine hospital. The mosque will not have any minarets and there will be no call to prayer, but it will serve the need of around 100 Muslim employees that were to come and work for Sheikh Al Maktoum. (Anglian Daily Times, 29.09.00, Sunday Telegraph, 01.10.00, Newmarket Journal, 05.10.00, The Weekly Telegraph, 10.10.00)  [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.18]

Wolverhampton burials
 Muslims of Wolverhampton, after campaigning for a weekend and Bank Holiday burial service, have been offered a Saturday morning burial service at Tettenhall’s Danescourt Cemetery. It is to be operated on a standby basis for 12 months. The councillors have also agreed on a £200 charge for the service, in addition to the £760 charge for the interment. (Wolverhampton Express & Star, 30.10.00) [BMMS November Vol. VIII, No.11, P.18]

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