World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012

Real dialogue started more than 1400 years ago
by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Real dialogue started more than 1400 years ago by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said Lord Ahmad of Rotherham, Labour Peer at the VIP Event - Islamic Cultural Exhibition which was arranged as part of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012, on Tuesday, 7th of February, 2012, at the Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque. The Islamic Cultural Centre, London and Exhibition Islam jointly organised this VIP Event which was attended by members of Parliament, including Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, Lord Sheikh of Cornhill, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, Ambassadors of the Muslim Countries, representatives of embassies, members of different interfaith organisations,

Many organisations in the United Kingdom celebrated UN World Interfaith Harmony Week on 6th and 7th of February. 2012. World Interfaith Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in a resolution: “Proclaimed the first week of February every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs” adopted on 20 October, 2010.

Lord Sheikh
Speaking at the VIP Event at ICC, Lord Sheikh quoted from his speech in the House of Lords where he stated, “Unfortunately, there is a demonisation of Islam in certain quarters, and it is important that the media act in a responsible manner in this regard and avoid use of inflammatory language. In regard to suicide bombings, Islam forbids suicide. In the holy Qur’an it is written that,“ whoever kills a human being … it as though he has killed all mankind, and whoever saves a human life, it is as though he saved all mankind”. This saying is similar to what is written in the Talmud, where it is written, “if you save one life, it is as if you have saved the world”.”

Lord Sheikh also said, “I believe that there are more similarities than differences between people and we should highlight the similarities in order to establish closer links between communities.”

Highlight the similarities
Referring to the Exhibition Islam at the Islamic Cultural Centre, Lord Sheikh said, “At the Exhibition today we can see displays of various items which give a very brief description of achievements of the Muslims and their contributions to the world in various fields. All these empires and dynasties have contributed a great deal to the understanding and promotion of the subjects I have described.”

Referring to the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum, Lord Sheikh said, Hajj Exhibition “explains one of the pillars of Islam and creates better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.”

Islam teaches us to celebrate differences
Lord Sheikh also said, “Mutual understanding, respect, and inter-faith dialogue are essential if we are all to coexist peacefully. Islam teaches us to celebrate the difference and diversity which God has purposefully created in our world.”

Finally, Lord Sheikh said, “Islam is indeed a religion of peace and everyone one of us should therefore be an Ambassador to convey this message and help promote peace and harmony between various racial and religious groups.”

Lord Ahmad
Lord Ahmad of Rotherham spoke about interfaith dialogue. He said, “It is important that the Islamic Cultural Centre is providing platform for dialogue but the real dialogue started 1400 years ago by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Real dialogue started 1400 years ago
by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Lord Ahmed mentioned, “Even long before revelation, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made a society Halful Fazul and also entered into agreement with the Jewish community and people with faith or no faith.

Lord Ahmed also mentioned about Caliph Omar. He said, “When Caliph Omar (may Allah be please with him) conquered Jerusalem he allowed the Jewish community to return to Jerusalem after 300 years when they have been excluded and he included them in all the decision making process.”

Responsibility to neighbours
“So dialogue started all ago and so we have responsibility to our neighbours,” said Lord Ahmad and then he quoted from the Holy Qur’an, which says, “There is no compulsion in religion.”

This stunning exhibition outlines: Islam – The Religion; Islamic History; Islam’s Relations with other faiths. It also allows visitors to view Historic Qur’ans, Torah Scrolls and Bible fragments from across the Islamic World.

The Interfaith Relations Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) organised an event under the heading “Building Trust, Peace & Harmony through Interfaith Relations”, on Monday, the 6th of February, 2012 at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Sheikh of Cornhill. Lord Sheikh who chaired the event, welcomed the audiences including the Guest of Honour Princess Badiya El-Hassan of Jordan who presented a message on behalf of her father, HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan.

In this connection, it may be pointed out that many Muslim countries sponsored the resolution to create United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week as the first week of February each year.

British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011 Launch

Launch of British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011
At the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011 was launched at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the presence of Baroness Warsi, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio, Jeremy Browne, M.P. Foreign Office Minister and His Excellency Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Monday, the 10th of October, 2011. The launching event was attended by Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives of different Muslim Embassies in London, Community leaders and journalists.

Saudi Arabia provides excellent services
Jeremy Browne, Foreign Office Minister
While launching this year British Hajj Consular Delegation, Foreign Office Minister, Jeremy Browne, M.P. thanked the Saudi Government for their “excellent services to all pilgrims”. Mr. Browne said, “The government of Saudi Arabia provides excellent services to all pilgrims. We are very grateful for their close cooperation with the British Embassy and the Consulate Directorate here in London.”

He also assured to make the pilgrimage “enjoyable and trouble-free experience as much as possible”. Foreign Office Minister also introduced Ms Nagina Akhtar who is going to be the delegation leader this year and she is a very experienced consular officer, said Browne and added, “I am told she will be the first woman to perform this duty on our behalf.”

Referring to last year activities of the Delegation, Mr. Browne said, “Last year Consular delegation provided a wide range of support; provide emergency travel documents; to replace stolen or lost passports; support the hospitalised pilgrims, provide consular assistance in the event of death and advice to the British pilgrims who were victims of tour operators.”

As a Minister responsible for the UK Consular, Mr. Browne mentioned, “I have taken a special interest in the preparation of this year Hajj Delegation along with Baroness Warsi.”

Hajj was a huge amount of investment
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
In her Opening Remarks, Baroness Warsi, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio, mentioned, “I have the privilege of doing Hajj last year as the guest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provided me with the first hand experience how challenging, how rewarding, how amazing, how moving, how completely life-changing experience of Hajj is. Some 20,000 pilgrims from Britain have the privilege of performing Hajj every year.”

Baroness Warsi also mentioned about people that she was travelling who had performed Hajj and her own experience of performing Umrah in the last. She said, “Hajj was a huge amount of investment that is going on to make the experience of Hajj and Umrah easier on so many different levels, whether that is infrastructure, healthcare in which you are moving around in a very small place in a very limited time which is Hajj becomes.”

“Of course, by nature Hajj is a demanding and our consular services are there hopefully to provide a support,” Baroness Warsi said and she also added, “Nagina Akhina will be leading the Delegation along with consular offices in Riyadh and Jeddah. Our Consular General in Jeddah, Mr. Shaukat, may be many of you will be familiar with, will be there.”

Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf
While thanking Baroness Warsi and Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne for their kind words, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, also thanked the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Gulf Team and the Hajj Desk at Her Majesty’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office for the invaluable support they extend, annually, to British Hajj Delegation. Such support has proven to be instrumental in the success of the many delegations throughout the years. Needless to say, the support offered by the British Government to the Hajj Delegation is an embodiment of the care and attention it gives to British Muslims as an integral part of this country’s demographic combination – a care and attention that unquestionably strengthens all British Muslims’ sense of belonging to their national homeland and reinforces their commitment and dedication to the well-being and development of their communities and the country as a whole,” said Prince Mohammed.

Hajj as the most beautiful and moving
Prince Mohammed mentioned, “In a world full of religious rituals, one must certainly list the Hajj as the most beautiful and moving, and it can be regarded so not only because it is the largest on earth, but for three further reasons; which I shall summarize as the purpose, the people, and the passion.”

Purpose of Hajj: to fulfil the obligation of the fifth pillar
Explaining and elaborating the three reasons, Prince Mohammed said, “First, the purpose: What is the purpose of the Hajj? It is, first and foremost, to fulfil the obligation of the fifth pillar which is that every Muslim of able body and means must do the Hajj. But, of course, in performing such an obligation the pilgrim carries out other profound and important tasks. He demonstrates his solidarity with the Muslim people. He exhibits his devotion to the birthplace and the life of the Prophet, peace be upon him. And, most of all, he actively proves what he verbally expresses during the first Tawaf: Bism Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lil Lahi Alhamd – In the name of God, God is Great, God is Great, God is Great and praise be to God.”

The People: They travel from Diaspora to divinity
Mentioning about the second reason, Prince Mohammed said, “The second reason that the Hajj is so unique and spiritually stirring is the people that perform it. For we must not forget that the individuals who call themselves Muslims, and who perform the Hajj, live within diverse cultures and cross numerous borders to carry out their Islamic duty. They are Malaysians, Canadians, Chinese, Kenyans, Azerbaijanis, Germans, and more. Yet for each, the reality remains the same - they travel from different lands to one land – from places where their religion can make them feel foreign at times to a place that has always been the home of their religion - in short, they travel from Diaspora to divinity.”

The Passion: passions of devotion, of commitment,
“Finally, the Hajj is an incredible experience due to the passions that are exhibited by the pilgrims – the passions of devotion, of commitment, of service; of community, of humility, and of the desire to live by the purest and most peaceful principles. For with its simple, unified and soul-touching rituals, the Hajj stands as a true reflection that is at the heart of Islam. For all are equal in the Hajj, all are motivated by the same force, and all go to serve the same God, blessed be Allah, humbly and obediently. It is rare in today’s world to find such deep and tireless devotion, especially to the performing of an act that is at its heart done to serve nothing more than the passionate cause of peace, love and unity,” said Prince Mohammed.

The Saudi Ambassador mentioned, the Hajj is an amazing journey, a profound religious ritual, and a testament to the power of Islam. I have no doubt that many of our British Muslim brothers and sisters have experienced the truth of this claim first hand, and I further trust that the members of this year’s Hajj Delegation will discover it as well as they undertake their blessed journey, he said.

Prince Mohammed said, “Of course, as a Muslim and as a Saudi, I feel exceedingly proud to be representing the nation that - as always - will have the honour and privilege of hosting this dedicated Delegation of Muslims – and millions more like them – who will be coming from all over the world this year to perform Hajj. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we believe that God Almighty has blessed our nation with the honour and responsibility of being the Custodians and servitors of Islam’s most sacred mosques in Makkah and Madinah. This is a blessing that we thank God for, and a responsibility that we take very seriously.”

Speaking about those who are in the Saudi Embassy in London, the Saudi Ambassador said, “We are honoured to be a part of the efforts exerted by our country to live up to its esteemed responsibility. It is no small task, as many of you know, to play host to millions of pilgrims, for it poses huge on-going administrative, organisational, logistical and safety challenges.”

“Fortunately, our leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, his Crown Prince and the Second Vice Premier, personally lead all sectors of the Saudi government in putting forth sizeable efforts to face these challenges effectively and efficiently. This requires the allocation and proficient management of huge human, financial and cultural resources, but it is an effort that the Kingdom is only too honoured to be allowed to make in the name of Islam,” said Prince Mohammed.

Improving the services and expansion of Haramain
Referring to the improving the services and the expansion of the Haramain, the Saudi Ambassador said, “Throughout the past years, the British Hajj Delegation and the many other visitors to the Holy Places in Makkah and Madinah have seen a large-scale projects that have been launched and completed to continue improving the services provided to them. This year, however, the visitors to the Holy Places will notice an exceptionally impressive addition to these efforts. Under the direction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz - who has already carried out the expansion of Al-Masaa and the construction of the massive Al-Jamaraat Bridge Complex – the foundation was laid just in the last few weeks for even more large scale projects in Makkah and Madinah, including the biggest expansion in history of the Holy Mosque in Makkah. This expansion will increase the capacity of the Holy Mosque in Makkah.”

Prince Mohammed also said, “This expansion will increase the capacity of the Holy Mosque by more than 150%; from six hundred thousand to over one and a half million worshippers will now be able to be contained within its walls. All of these massive construction projects are aimed at making Hajj and Umrah easier, safer and more comfortable for our honoured guests.”

Out of approximately 2 million Muslims in the United Kingdom about 25,000 British citizens are expected to perform Hajj this year. The Saudi Ambassador assured them “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will spare no effort to ensure that their pilgrimage to the Holy Places begins and concludes safely and peacefully and that it is as fulfilling as befits such an important experience. Further, we in the Saudi Embassy hold it as our highest obligation to be at the service of these pilgrims should they require our assistance in any way”, said the Saudi Ambassador. .

Saudi Ambassador wishes blissful visit to the
Holy Places, an ideal Hajj and a safe return to their homes
The Saudi Ambassador concluded his speech by wishing the British Hajj Delegation, and all British Muslims who are performing Hajj this year, “a blissful visit to the Holy Places, an ideal Hajj and a safe return to their homes and loved ones.”

Foreign Office advises British nationals to prepare
Before travelling to the Hajj
Britons travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj should prepare carefully and follow travel safety advice. Around 20,000 are expected to make the journey from 4-9 November.

The Foreign Office is urging Hajj pilgrims to get comprehensive travel insurance and essential vaccinations before embarking on their journey: The Foreign Office said:
- it is compulsory for travellers to the Hajj to have a Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate in order to obtain a Hajj visa
- we strongly recommend that you have a seasonal influenza vaccination prior to embarking on your trip
-you should take out fully comprehensive travel insurance in advance
-check the Foreign Office travel advice for the latest on the situation in Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Office will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending a delegation of consular staff. The majority of cases that the delegation handled last year were replacing travel documents. Pilgrims should ensure they look after personal belongings and should take particular care with travel documents, tickets and other valuables.

The delegation will be located at the Elaf Al Khalil Hotel, Makkah. You can find contact details and information on what the delegation can and can’t do in our travel advice for Hajj pilgrims.

Nagina Akhtar leading the British Hajj Delegation
Nagina Akhtar, an experienced Consular Officer from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be leading this year British Hajj Consular Delegation.

British Hajj Delegation: Background
Looking back at the formation of British Hajj Delegation, it may be mentioned that as early as September, 1990, the Twentieth Annual Conference of the Union of Muslim Organizations, UK & Eire (UMO), under the leadership of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, held in London, called upon the UMO to “continue its negotiations with the British Government to establish an official Hajj Mission to assist the increasing number of British Muslims who are performing Hajj every year.” Next year, again in September, 1991, at its Twenty-First Annual Conference held at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London under the chairmanship of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, UMO General Secretary, passed resolution to the effect that this conference “called upon the British Foreign Office to reconsider its position with regard to the establishment of an official Hajj Mission in coordination with the UMO.”

Dr. Pasha has been continuing calling upon the government till Lord Nazir Ahmed was appointed a Peer in the House of Lords when Lord Ahmed, as he has been in the House of Lords, asked the British government to form a delegation that can lead the Muslim members of the British community to Hajj. As a result, the British government was the first European or rather first western government that actually appointed Lord Ahmed as head of the British Hajj Delegation in 1999. British Hajj Delegation was started in 1999 and Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham led the first British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia. From next year, 2000 to last year, 2009, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn led the British Hajj Delegation. The British Hajj Delegation, since it has started, has directly supported over 23,000 British Pilgrims over the last 13 years.

“Lord Patel has done tremendous amount of work and Lord Ahmed who set up the delegation also did tremendous amount of work,” said Baroness Warsi, Minister without Portfolio, at the launching of the British Hajj Delegation on 27th of October 2010 from the Durbar Court, Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), London.

Don't fear Islam and Muslims, says Imam Shaykh al-Sudais at Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam in Blackburn

Don’t fear Islam and Muslims – says al-Sudais
at Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam in Blackburn

Dr. Mozammel Haque

“We want to tell the world: Don’t fear Islam and Muslims,” says Dr. Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, the Head Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid-ul-Haram in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, while delivering his Friday Khutbah at the Tauheedul Islam Mosque in Blackburn, Lancashire, UK on 16th of July 2010. On the same day evening, Sheikh al-Sudais led the evening prayer and delivered a speech.

While addressing the large gathering at the Mosque, Dr. Al-Sudais recited so many verses of the Qur’an and quoting verses of the Qur’an, Imam of the Masjid al-Haram emphasized that there is no difference between peoples and there is complete equality in the eyes of Allah. Al-Sudais said Islam advocates mercy and tolerance as well as respect for human rights and human dignity.

“We want to tell the world: Don’t fear Islam and Muslims,” emphasized the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram and added, “Islam came to protect the interests of humanity, prevent evils and build bridges with all communities. It offers a great message of mercy and tolerance.”

Sheikh al-Sudais asked Muslims to learn from the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who used to visit his Jewish neighbour. “When the Prophet died his armour was kept with a Jew as a security,” he said, urging Muslims to establish good relations with non-Muslims. “This is the best way to attract them to Islam.”

Dr. Al-Sudais urged Muslims to cooperate with each other and to maintain good relations with non-Muslims. “We want to tell the world: Don’t fear Islam and Muslims and don’t get worried about the presence of Mosques because they advocate peace and tolerance even with non-Muslims,” he said.

Sheikh Al-Sudais also told the Muslims living in the West to serve as ambassadors of their religion. “My advice to Muslims living in the West is to remain good models and good ambassadors of their religion, nation and values,” Sheikh Al-Sudais added.

The Imam of the Masjid-ul-Haram, Sheikh Al-Sudais said: “You should uphold the great Islamic values while dealing with Muslims as well as non-Muslims and should not engage in any corrupt or unjust practices.”

He urged Muslims to be advocates of virtues, peace, safety and respect of law and order as well as to behave as constructive members of society and to refrain from any act that undermines stability. “You should be a positive and constructive factor in the community you live in and should not involve yourselves in activities that would undermine its security and stability,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Al-Sudais as saying.

Dr. Al-Sudais reiterated that Islam advocates co-existence and establishing contacts with other civilisations and said Islam does not tolerate isolation, but it urges Muslims to become influential persons in society.

Dr. Al-Sudais also said that Islam does not advocate terrorism. Reciting the verses of the Qur’an, Sheikh Al-Sudais said that you must read Qur’an and practice it so that you would be better citizens automatically.

Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn
While welcoming and thanking the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, the President of the Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam, who has led the project, said, you are travelling all the way from Makkah to open the mosque, “simply to be with us. It is a source of immense happiness for us all.”

The Muslims of Blackburn were celebrating this occasion to mark the opening of the new Masjid, the Central Mosque of Blackburn, Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam. They celebrated the opening of the Mosque a week earlier which Lord Patel coined as “our community” opening. While introducing the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Lord Patel said, “Here we have before us a unique opportunity for everyone to gain the spiritual light that is nearly extinguished in our lives, to strengthen the bond with our Creator and to re-establish the Masjid as the centre of our community and our lives.”

Lord Patel said, “In 21st century Britain, the role of the Masjid is as important as it was in the time of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).”

Lord Patel also said, “At Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam our purpose is to advance the Islamic faith through the provision of a wide range of spiritual, educational and social services enriched with Islamic values that fulfil the needs of our members and the wider community.”

“Our vision is to become a centre of excellence for Islamic learning and practice providing a beacon for both Muslims and other faith communities who wish to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of Islam – a place where one can experience and embrace the genuine beauty of our faith,” said Lord Patel.

Addressing the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Lord Patel said, “Your voice is a calling of immense beauty and artistic excellence, guiding all of us towards the true Word of Allah and depicting the elevated majesty of the Haram. Your voice and Tilaawat is an icon to hundreds of millions of Muslims across the globe; it is an oratory ambassador calling the whole of humanity towards the righteous path.”

Lord Patel also mentioned that the elegance and beauty of the recitation of the Qur’an by Sheikh Al-Sudais “has inspired a love of our Holy Book in hundreds and millions of Muslims, young and old, around the world.”

“Millions of children have been introduced to the correct recitation of the Qur’an through the inspirational act of listening to your voice on cassettes and CDs,” mentioned Lord Patel.

Speaking about his spiritual and moral leadership to the Ummah, Lord Patel mentioned, “At times of crises and despair for Muslims across the globe, you have provided the spiritual and moral leadership to the Ummah through the emotive Duaas from the Masjid al-Haram.”

“You have shown a love for the persecuted and oppressed, whether they are in Palestine or Iraq or Afghanistan… and this love has endeared you to the Ummah and provided great strength and comfort to all of our brothers and sisters who suffer today,” mentioned Lord Patel.

Lord Patel also said, “Your moving voice and the verses of the Holy Qur’an soften the most hardened of hearts, stir the most resolute of souls and bring tears to the most barren of eyes; your recitation of the Word of the Almighty Allah illuminates the darkest of atmospheres, shatters the arrogance of the most pretentious and inspires divine blessings to the most undeserving of people.”

“We simply cannot repay our debt of gratitude to you,” saying this Lord Patel prayed to Almighty Allah to “reward your generous spirit, showers you with countless Mercies and elevates your status to the highest of levels on the Day of Judgement. Ameen.”

Background of the Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam
I have the privilege to interview Lord Patel about the background of the establishment of the Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam in Blackburn. The Tauheedul Islam Mosque - five-storey building - is the biggest and largest Mosque in the whole of Lancashire and “most beautiful Mosque in the whole country,” said Lord Patel in an interview with me. The total cost for the building of the Mosque was 3.5 million pounds. Qatar’s Royal family provided an initial 1.5 million donation for the basic construction of the Mosque, with the remainder of the funds generated from the Blackburn community.

The community had outgrown the much smaller mosque which was established at the same site in the 1960s. As well as being the largest in Lancashire, the new building is one of the biggest in the UK.

The total Muslim population of Blackburn at present is 35,000. There are more than 35, probably 40 Mosques and Madrasahs in Blackburn. But the Muslim community in the 60’s was few in number, had little or no funds to feed and clothe their families. They could not think of establishing a centre for prayer for the community. But those days there are some very dedicated leaders and founders in the Muslim community of Blackburn who had a sincere conscience and concern for the spiritual future of their own co-religionists. They struggled to establish their families and their homes.

Lord Patel told me, “People from the districts Barooj and Surat, Gujarat of India, started coming to UK in the 1956 and settled in Blackburn. It was a problem for them; they could not find a job; they could not speak English language. They had no money at all; so they were struggling for survival.”

“But after couple of years, they thought we had to have our families and they started bringing their families. In two areas, they bought terrace houses very cheaply. Wherever the Muslims go, Alhamdo lillah, by the Grace of Almighty, the first need is the Masjid and Madrasah. So they established Masjid and Madrasah for their children to learn religious education. They bought only one house and that was a Terrace house. In those days, there were not many families arrived from India or Pakistan or elsewhere. That was sufficient,” Lord Patel mentioned.

Lord Patel also said, “But when people kept coming they bought another adjoining house and converted into the mosque. Blackburn politicians were very kind; they kept giving permission to the terrace houses converted into mosque. We also bought another house in another area where some more people settled. But slowly and gradually the population became very very large.”

“In 1976 then John’s School, it was a primary school, they had a big premises in our area. We negotiated with the Churches and Town people supported us converting it into a big mosque. We bought it in 1977 only in 19,000 pound sterling in those days. Even to raise those 19,000 pounds it was very very difficult,” said Lord Patel.

“The Founders of our community had the vision and forbearance to endeavour to establish a Masjid at the heart of our community,” said Lord Patel to me in an interview.

Lord Patel also added, “By the grace of Almighty Allah, and the prayers of many distinguished scholars and well-wishers, presently within the Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam campus, we also manage one of the largest Madrasahs in the UK, and the only government funded Islamic Girls High School in the North West of England.”

Tauheedul Islam Girls School
The Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam campus has facilities for the Islamic education of children and it is next to Tauheedul Islam Girls High School.

The Head Imam of Masjidul Haram, Sheikh Al-Sudais, later visited the Tauheedul Islam Girls High School, which was recently awarded Voluntary Aided status and became the first government-funded Islamic school in the region. Imam Al-Sudais urged Muslim men to take care of their women and commended the school authorities for their efforts to provide proper Islamic education to their children.

Speaking about this school, Lord Patel told me, “Tauheedul Islam Girls School is the second best school in the country. In Lancashire it is the best. It is grant-aided public school, not only that, there are no admission criteria, there is no test whatsoever. Our parents, our teachers, our head-teachers and students are very very eager to acquire knowledge. If some girls are weak and shy in science, they used to come to teachers in the evenings or weekends. If girls are weak in English language, they used to come to learn English language in the Evenings and weekends and the teachers were giving them free coaching. That’s why it is one of the best in the whole country. Even the Ofstead Inspectors recognised it, wrote it in their report and they gave the excellent report about it.”

A female student described Sheikh Al-Sudais as a model for hundreds of millions of people by virtue of leading prayers at Masjid al-Haram and reciting the Holy Qur’an as well as serving charitable societies.

Imam Sheikh Al-Sudais led Friday Jumah Prayer at Tauheedul Islam Mosque Blackburn

Imam Sheikh Al-Sudais led Jumah Prayer at

Tauheedul Islam Mosque in Blackburn

Dr. Mozammel Haque

London: Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the Head Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah al-Mukarramah, led and delivered his Friday Jumah Khutbah (sermon) at the Tauheedul Islam Mosque in Blackburn, Lancashire, UK.

The Tauheedul Islam Mosque - the two-storey building - is the largest Mosque in Lancashire. The total cost for the building of the Mosque was 3.5 million pounds. Qatar's Royal family provided an initial 1.5 million pounds donation for the basic construction of the Mosque, with the remainder of the funds generated from the Blackburn community.

The community had outgrown the much smaller Mosque which was established at the same site in the 1960s. Being largest in Lancashire, the new building is one of the biggest in the UK.

While delivering his Friday sermon, Imam Sheikh al-Sudais said, "You should uphold the great Islamic values while dealing with Muslims as well as non-Muslims and should not engage in any corrupt or unjust practices."

Sheikh Al-Sudais also told Muslims to serve as ambassadors of their religion.

Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, the President of the Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam, who has led the project, said, "In the 21st century Britain, the role of the Masjid is as important as it was in the time of our Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him)."

Lord Patel also said, "At Masjid Tauheedul Islam our purpose is to advance the Islamic faith through the provision of a wide range of spiritual, educational and social services enriched with Islamic values that fulfil the needs of our members and the wider community."

"Our vision is to become a centre of excellence for the Islamic learning and practice providing a beacon for Muslims and other faith communities who wish to get a deeper knowledge and understanding of Islam - a place where one can experience and embrace the genuine beauty of our faith," said Lord Patel.

Lord Patel also added, "By the grace of Almighty Allah, and the prayers of many distinguished scholars and well-wishers, presently within the Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam campus, we also manage one of the largest Madrasahs in the UK, and the only government-funded Islamic Girls High School in the North West of England."

The Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam has also the facilities for Islamic education of children and it is next to Tauheedul Islam Girls High School.

The Head Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Sheikh al-Sudais, later visited Tauheedul Islam Girls High School, which was recently awarded Valuntary Aided status and became the first government-funded Islamic school in the region. Imam Sheikh Al-Sudais urged Muslim men to take care of their women and commended the school authorities for their efforts to provide proper Islamic education to their children.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband launches 10th Hajj Delegation 2009

Foreign Secretary David Miliband Launches

Tenth Hajj Delegation 2009

Dr. Mozammel Haque

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has launched this year’s UK Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia, yesterday, Tuesday, the 27th of October 2009 from the Blue Room of the Foreign Secretary’s Residence, London, in the presence of Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Lord Adam Patel and diplomats and other members of the Hajj Delegation, guests and community leaders. Twenty-five thousand UK Muslims will go this year to perform the annual pilgrimage in Makkah with the British government offering advice, support and medical care to its citizens going there. British Hajj Delegation is a team that will provide on the ground medical and consular support for British pilgrims attending the Hajj later next month.

Referring to recently held Eid Reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Foreign Secretary said three messages came through for the non-Muslims to understand better some of the importance of the Hajj; “one is the message of empathy for others that was brought home to me by the various conversations I had. The second is the Islamic belief in the interconnectiveness of all people, which I think is a very important theme. And thirdly the values of Islam of compassion, of equality, of sacrifice, that are an important part of this important time of the year. And I think these are very important messages for all of us, whether or not we’re Muslim or non Muslim, and the chance for the whole of Britain to be educated about the faith and commitments of two million of our fellow citizens is I think an important wider message that comes through this Hajj Delegation that is now such an important part of British Muslim life,” mentioned Foreign Secretary.

Referring to French Hajj Delegation, Miliband, M.P. said, “I gather that our French friends have now copied us and now have a French Hajj Delegation. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and so we should welcome the fact, in a funny way, that Britain is not now the only European country with a Government sponsored Hajj Delegation, but it certainly gives me great pleasure that ours is the first and the best Hajj Delegation. And I’m confident that this year’s Hajj Delegation will live up to the enormously high standard of its predecessors and make the contribution to British society as well as more broadly, that I think is very, very important.”

Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Ireland, said, “During Hajj, millions of Muslims from all over the world gather in the same spots to perform the same rituals at the same times, standing together on equal footing and dressed as one.”

Speaking about the importance of Hajj, Prince Mohammad said, “Hajj is a true reflection of the exalted principles of equality, modesty and human brotherhood that are at the heart of Islam. This also makes Hajj the most impressive manifestation of Islam’s ability to cross borders and cultures and unite nations.”

Speaking about the recent development of the Haramain for the convenience of the Pilgrims, the Saudi Ambassador mentioned the massive expansion programme and new projects have been implemented. He said, “Those who will perform Hajj this year will see stunning developments.”

“The huge expansion of the Mas’a, the extensive development of the Mena area and the expansion of the open courtyard around the Holy Mosque are just a few examples of such accomplishments,” mentioned the Saudi Ambassador.

Prince Mohammad also spoke about the Swine Flu and the medical preparation that the Government of Saudi Arabia has undertaken. As regards the vaccination against HINI Flu, the Saudi Ambassador said, “This year, however, the Saudi Health Authorities have taken additional measures to deal with any adverse effects of this new strain of flu.”

“The Kingdom has taken additional precautions by stockpiling sufficient quantities of anti-viral drugs. There will be three laboratories in Makkah and a fourth at the Holy places of Mina and Muzdalifah, specially dedicated to conducting tests on anyone displaying symptoms of the HINI flu Virus. Moreover an additional 15,000 medical personnel have been recruited to serve the needs of the pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah and the other Holy places,” mentioned the Saudi Ambassador.

Prince Mohammad also added, “In addition the Saudi Health authorities have launched a system for the automated tracking of epidemics during the Hajj season which will create a centralised database, which will assist the development of health services for pilgrims this year and beyond.,”

The Saudi Ambassador also informed, “Out of approximately two million British Muslims in the United Kingdom, about 50,000 on average, performed Hajj or Umrah last year and the year before. A similar or a larger number is expected this year. Mentioning about the British Hujjaj, the Saudi Ambassador assured that the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will do everything it can to ensure that this year’s pilgrimage begins and concludes safely and peacefully, that the mission of the British Hajj Delegation is a successful one, and that the British Pilgrims’ journey to the Holy places in Saudi Arabia is a safe and fulfilling one.”

Praising the British Hajj Delegation, the Saudi Ambassador expressed his “sincere thanks and appreciation firstly to the Foreign Secretary and secondly to the Hajj Desk at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office – for the invaluable support they extend annually to the British Hajj Delegation, said Prince Mohammad and also thanked the chairman and all members of the British Hajj Delegation “for their contribution to the success of the Hajj pilgrimage.”

The Saudi Ambassador concluded his speech by “wishing the British Hajj Delegation and all British Muslims who are performing Hajj this year, a safe journey, a blissful visit to the Holy Places, an accepted Hajj and a safe return to their homes and loved ones.”

The British Hajj Delegation teams will leave for Jeddah on 11 November and is scheduled to return on 5 December.