Late Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn (1940-2019)

Obituary

Lord Adam Hafezjee Patel

of Blackburn (1940-2019)

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I was shocked and saddened to learn that Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, the former Chairman of the British Hajj Delegation (2001-2010) has passed away on Wednesday, 29^th of May 2019, during the last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Lord Patel was one of my best friends. He was a humble, kind-hearted devoted to family human being. He was a devout religious person who wanted to cement bond of relationship among all the religious communities. He always took me to the prayer room in the House of Lords for afternoon (Asr) prayer and sometimes evening (Maghreb) prayer. Sometimes he invited me to his residence in Mile End, London.

Lord Adam Hafezjee Patel was appointed a member of the House of Lords on 1^st January 2000. He happened to be the only Muslim and of a non-European background among six others inducted to the Upper House of the British Parliament that year. Having a strong social service background, Lord Patel has many friends in both Houses of Parliament because of his affiliation with the Labour Party. I had the opportunity to meet and interview Lord Patel of Blackburn in the House of Lords, in London, in March 2000. He spoke at length about Muslim issues, in general, and the situation of the Muslim community in Britain, in particular.

I actually met him first in the House of Lords after his appointment as Peer of the House of Lords and interviewed him in 2000. When he was appointed Leader of the British Hajj Delegation in 2001, it became a routine affair for me to meet him regularly before and after the Hajj.

Since his appointment as head of the British Hajj Delegation in 2001, we were very close and every time during the launching of the British Hajj Delegation and after his return from the Hajj I used to meet him in the House of Lords and he discussed with me his experience during the Hajj. He took keen interest in the Hajj Delegation and wanted to serve and care for the welfare of the Hajjis in the Holy city of Makkah al-Mukarramah and Madinah al-Munawwarah.

He was devoted to his family and loved his children and grandchildren. He was the most family devoted person.

May Allah Subhanahu wa Taala bless his soul and grant him the highest place in the Jannatul Firdaus and give patience and Sabr to his family and friends who lost their dear and near ones.

Lord Adam Patel: Life and activities

Adam Hafezjee Patel was born in Bharuch district, 250 miles from Bombay, in the state of Gujarat, India. He studied at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat. From where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accountancy and Business Management. He came to England in 1965.  He worked with chartered accountants. He gave up the course after practising accountancy for four years and joined his relatives. Lord Adam said, he came to Blackburn in 1966 to serve his people. He said, “I thought that our people need some sort of voluntary organization and in order to have that, I must join a political party, as I had the aspiration to do something for the Muslim community.”

The political career of Lord Patel started in 1966 when he joined the Labour Party. He started taking active interest in its activities and took initiative in representation the needs of the Muslim community in the party forums. With this objective, he invited representative from the Conservative, Liberal and Labour parties and formed a community Relations Council with representatives from the three parties. This organization is now known as Racial Equality Council.

Britain, being a member of the Commonwealth, Lord Patel founded a Commonwealth Friendship Society which was active during the late sixties. He also served as a Treasurer and later as Chairman and presently life-term Vice President of the Community Relations Council, now called Blackburn Racial Equality Council. Lord Patel also served as the governor of Preston High School from 1968-1974.

Lord Patel, then, thought of forming an umbrella organization grouping all the mosques of Lancashire County, not only of Blackburn. There were mosques for the Muslim communities of the Indian, Bengali and Pakistani origin in Lancashire and there are Sunnis, Shias and followers of other sects living in Lancashire. Lord Patel met the various groups of Muslims and convinced those of the need of have one umbrella organization representing all Muslim interests. They agreed and established Lancashire Council of Mosques. Lord Patel was the founder-chairman and later president of the Council of Mosques.

Lord Patel was one of the five Counsellors of the MCB (Muslim Council of Britain), an organization representing Muslims, which was formed late 90’s.

In 1997, the British Government decided that the minority ethnic groups must have a voice in the decisions of the government. The Home Secretary appointed a Board of 25 members. They approached Lord Patel for inclusion in the Race Relations Board, on which he served as a member since 1997 elections.

Lord Patel told me earlier in one of my interviews, “To improve and uplift Muslims educationally, we started Lancashire Muslim Girls School and to have now drawn up plans to help our boys’ schools too. We shall impart our code of conduct to our children, and in fact, to all other children studying in these schools in such a way that they become a role-model for the society at large.”

Lord Patel was quite optimistic about the future of Muslim schools in Britain. Lord Patel also pleaded for the teaching of Islam in the evening or during the day and called for revolutionary changes in the methods the Muslims were following in teaching Islam. “Allah the Almighty has given us the Qur’an and Our Prophet (peace very upon him) himself practised the Islamic precepts first and then gave lessons to his companions to put them into practise. His Companions then taught other people. Whatever messages we received from Almighty Allah through our Prophet (peace be upon him) they were meant to be practised – they were not meant for just increasing our knowledge. We have got everything in our religion, every aspect of life is dealt with and not a single aspect is left untouched.”

Tributes to Lord Adam Patel

Tributes paid to Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78. MP Keith Vaz described the Gujarati-born father of eight, who was made a life peer in 2000, as "Labour's northern rock".

Jack Straw

Lord Patel, known locally as Lord Adam, came to Blackburn in the 1960s to study accountancy at Blackburn College after graduating from the University of Baroda in Gujarat State, India. The town's former MP, Jack Straw, a former foreign secretary, said he had no hesitation in nominating him for a peerage, adding: "I'll never forget his joy, and that of his family, when he was formally ennobled in February 2000."

He said Lord Patel was "wise, very intelligent, replete with integrity, and completely committed to honouring his faith and to making Britain a better place for everyone".

Lord Patel served as director of the East Lancashire Training Enterprise Council, president of Lancashire Council of Mosques, vice-president of the Blackburn Community Relations Council and head of The British Hajj Delegation, which looked after the interests of Muslims going on pilgrimage to Makkah al-Mukarramah.

Keith Vaz, MP

MP Keith Vaz described the Gujarati-born father of eight, who was made a life peer in 2000, as "Labour's northern rock". Keith Vaz said: "Adam Patel's life embodies the very essence of the journey taken by so many British Asians since their arrival in the UK.  "He was Labour through and through but also kept his deep roots in the British Muslim community of the north-west even after he entered the House of Lords.

'Loyal and strong'

"His desire to help everyone who needed it frustrated his large family circle who had to cope with people visiting his home well after midnight.

"He was loyal, devoted to family, strong and dedicated to his causes."

Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham

Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham sent me his messages saying, “Lord Adam Patel was a loyal, committed and dedicated member of the Labour Party who was liked by many people in Parliament. He was proud of his identity as a British Indian Gujrati Muslim (his unique dress code in Parliament) and therefore spent a lot of time supporting his brothers’ charitable hospital. He was a calm, softly spoken wise man.”

Baroness Manzila Uddin

Baroness Manzila Uddin of Bethnal Green and Bow emailed me her tributes as follows: “The Hon Lord Patel was much respected member of the House. He was a gentle and calm person, even at the most chaotic period in the House. Most importantly and personally, he was my elder brother and treated me with utmost care and affection, particularly during testing times.

She also said, “He was a man of utmost integrity and personal honour and was devoted to the betterment of all people and his friendship group in the House reflected the diversity which he championed throughout his life, in the community and in Parliament, whilst maintaining deference for his faith and tradition.”

Baroness Uddin mentioned, “He was a Labour man and we worked together on numerous political issues in order to advance the causes of the Labour Government, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11 and 7/7 tragedy. He was steadfast in ensuring that national and local community organisations were able to participate and have a voice.”

She added, “Nominated by several of us and with support of the then Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Jack Straw, the Hon Lord Patel lead the UK Hajj Delegation to Makkah for over a decade and his leadership was invaluable for thousands of Hajjis and officials alike.”

Baronress Manzila Uddin made a special prayer for Lord Adam Patel. She said, “My condolences and duas go to Lady Patel and his loving family, I am proud to have been recipient of his care and affection for which I remain indebted. May Allah Bless our brother the highest place in Jannah, Ameen.”

Dr Iyad Ameen Madani

In memory of Lord Adam Patel, Dr Iyad Ameen Madani, the former Minister of Hajj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (1999 – 2005) and former Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (2012-2016), wrote on Thursday 30^th May 2019 (25^th of Ramadan 1440H) from Madinah Al Munawwarah: “I am saddened to hear of the passing away of Lord Patel, May Allah SWT bless his soul in this blissful month.”

Dr. Madani said, “As a Minister of Hajj in Saudi Arabia, I had the opportunity to work with Lord Patel who used to head the British Hajj Delegation for many years. He was always well informed, dedicated to the well being of his Hajjis, aware of the magnitude of organizing the mass movement of Hajjis and ready to share in finding solutions to logical needs.”

Dr. Madani also mentioned, “Beyond Hajj, the story of Lord Patel rise from an accountant to the House of Lords, was a story of discipline, hardwork and clear vision that resulted in his admirable accomplishments and success. A distinguished British citizen he was, but never shy to stress diversity, he kept to his traditional dress even in the House of Lords. He will be missed.”

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London emailed me the following message: “Lord Patel, or “Lord Adam” as he was widely known after his appointment to the House of Lords in 2000, became such an admired figure to the British community across the nation.

Among his major tasks:

·                                 Retired managing director of a clothing manufacturing company,

·                                 Director of the East Lancashire Training Enterprise Council, and Enterprise plc,

·                                 served as President of Lancashire Council of Mosques, Vice-President of the Blackburn Community Relations Council,

·                                 Counsellor of the Muslim Council of Britain and

·                                 Chairman of the British Hajj Delegation (2001-2010)

·                                 Establishing a powerful role between the Foreign Office and the Islamic Cultural Centre (London).

“Adam Hafejee Patel, Baron Patel of Blackburn, businessman and politician, born 7 June 1940; died 29 May 2019.

Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned, “Patel, who died aged 78, drew his strength from the combination of his status as a profoundly devout Muslim with his belief in civic responsibility.”

Sir Iqbal Sacranie

Sir Iqbal Sacranie, the founder and the former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), sent me through whatsup his messages on Late Lord Adam Patel today. He said, “The Late Lord Adam Patel was a wonderful & humble human being. MCB appointed him as one of the first members of the Board of Counsellors in view of his commitment to unity of Muslims in the UK. He was always very supportive of the positive integration of the Muslim community and fought ardently against discrimination and prejudice within the society.”

Sir Iqbal also mentioned, “He will always be remembered for his ever smiling face and passion for community cohesion.”

Julia Langdon, the Guardian

Julia Langdon wrote in The Guardian, “Adam Patel was regarded as having played a pivotal role in stabilising and integrating the Muslim community in Blackburn with the white population.

“He become a leading businessman, a pioneer in the development of successful community relations and a hugely respected character in the political and commercial life of what became his adopted home town.

Langdon also added, “Patel, who has died aged 78, drew his strength from the combination of his status as a profoundly devout Muslim with his belief in civic responsibility. A highly intelligent man who exuded a sense of wisdom, he had the instincts of a natural leader.”

Jeremy Corbyn Visits ICC for an Iftar & Dinner Event

Jeremy Corbyn Visits ICC

for Iftar and Dinner Event

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition Party Rt. Hon. Jeremy Corbyn visited Islamic Cultural Centre & Central London Mosque Trusts for a Special Iftar & Dinner held at the Library Conference Hall of the Centre, on 25 May 2019. Her Majesty’s Opposition Party leader, Rt Hon. Jeremy Corbyn was accompanied by Karen Buck MP and Naz Shah, MP. The event was attended by the Trustees of the Centre which included Ambassadors and representatives of many embassies such as Algeria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Representatives of Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen. Among the attendees there were also government officials and leaders of the Muslim community and other dignitaries.  

Dr Ahmad al-Dubayan

Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, welcomed the guests and addressed the gathering with the greetings of Islam, Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahe wa Barakatuh. Peace be upon all of you here. On behalf of myself, I would like to welcome you; and we are so happy to have you here in the Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque.”

Introducing the Islamic Cultural Centre, Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned, “This is one of the biggest and oldest Islamic Organisations, not only in the UK but also in Europe. We can recall the opening of this place in 1944 when His Majesty King George VI himself came here to announce the opening of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London and the Centre here is a result of the continuous efforts done by many Muslims from the Muslim communities; from Muslim countries and also the land was granted by the government.”

Speaking about the role and activities of the Centre, Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned, “Since that day this Centre has been serving the Muslim community in many aspects and in many areas; teaching Islam, teaching languages like Arabic and English, interfaith activities, empowerment for women, social services, etc. etc. and many members of the government and other parties also came here one time or more actually to deliver speeches, or to attend and participate in different activities and we are so happy for that because this is the real role of the Islamic Cultural Centre to be interacting all the time with the British society and with all the institutions around and with the civil society.”

Ramadan – the Month of Blessing, Peace

and the month of the Qur’an

Dr. Al-Dubayan mentioned about the importance of Ramadan and Fasting. He said, “Ramadan is the month of blessing, the month of peace, the month of the Qur’an. We would like you and the Rt Hon. Guests today with us also to test the blessings of Ramadan with us today and to have some, and to catch some moments of the spirituality of this month.”

“The month of Ramadan for every Muslim is the most important season also with Hajj in two months after. It is the turning point for every Muslim to see his works, to see and to balance his  relation with God, with Allah, to balance  his relations with the society; to see actually to correct himself in the level of manners, the level of actions, his relations with his relatives, his relations with his neighbours, everything. And also to improve himself at the end of the month to be better person, better than before, and improved person. And as they say, usually Muslims say, if the month of Ramadan comes to an end and you find yourself you are better than before then your Ramadan is accepted by Allah. If you feel you are the same then you have to check yourselves, may be you have not done properly,” mentioned Dr. Al-Dubayan.

Mentioning about the recent terror attacks happened in New Zealand and also in Sri Lanka after that, Dr. Al-Dubayan said, “It is important after these terror attacks that we meet that we have to ask some questions and a lot of very important questions around the wider society and among the Muslim community too. One of them is the solidarity together against all these hatreds and these attacks and radicalisation and extremism.”

“How do we do it? How do we do the solidarity? How can we achieve that? How can we face the new issues arising around us? For example, how can the Muslim organisations, especially the big organisations contribute in the government work, in the government plans and policies?” Dr. Al-Dubayan raised these questions and added, “I am sure Muslims have some opinions about something, they must have some inputs for many things around.”

The ICC chief extended his hands of cooperation with the government to fight every issue. He said, “We would like to have our hands together with the government, hand to hand, shoulder to shoulder, to fight all kinds of extremism, radicalisation, hatred, incitement of hatred around us among the people, discrimination against anybody, whoever he is. How can we do this? This is one of the most important question. How can we solve or address the issues of identity for the new generations? This is one of the urgent issues.”

“It is very important and many of these young people become radical; because originally they are having the problem of identity,” mentioned the ICC Director General.

Islamophobia

Dr. al-Dubayan then mentioned the issue of Islamophobia. He said, “Islamophobia rise now as we all know and we all see some results of it. Islamophobia has made every Muslim and everybody worried, not only in the UK; but everywhere and we, Jeremy, we appreciate so much actually all the efforts you are doing against the Islamophobia; to clarify this also and we appreciate really what you have done regarding the definition of Islamophobia recently and we know that leads us to more peaceful society and better relations with everybody.”

“We also appreciate what the parties are doing for the Muslim community and we know the problems with the Islamophobia. Islamophobia is an action; actually there is a reaction comes after it and that is the problem of it. If you leave this action happens, then there will be reaction against it; by what happened in Sri Lanka. And then there might be another action against that; the reaction itself. So it will like be a chain. Spreading hatred, spreading fighting; shedding blood everywhere around; so this chain must be stopped somehow; we must put our hands together to stop it for everyone and everywhere,” said Dr. Al-Dubayan

Rise of Far Right

Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned about the rise of far right. He said, “We are worried honestly about the rise of far right wing in the discourses, some politicians’ speeches, not only in the UK; everywhere; in the United States, in Europe. The discourses itself sometimes unintentionally or intentionally; I don’t know, but it really supports some people, Far Right wings and others also to hate Muslims and to start this Islamophobia again.”

“There are those people who reject to live in the present time; they live only in history; and they always recall history. They will damage the present time and the future because of something happened in the past. We should look at the future in a better way. These are some words just in my hearts. I wanted to say everyone and I am sure everybody carrying the same worries in his heart and everybody having the same concerns in his mind. Thank you very much again,” said the ICC Director General.

After this Dr. al-Dubayan welcomed again the Opposition Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and his staff and ICC staff, and all the scholars to the Islamic Cultural Centre again.

Rt. Hon. Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of

Her Majesty’s Opposition Party

Her Majesty’s Opposition Party Leader Rt. Hon Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute and thanked the Islamic Cultural Centre and the Central London Mosque for inviting him for Iftar & Dinner and also mentioned that he saw lots of colleagues here this evening.

Rt. Hon. Corbyn then mentioned about Ramadan and Iftar. He said, “There is something very special about Ramadan and about Iftar Sahoor during Ramadan when the whole community comes together this wonderful spiritual feeling on the streets among the communities. A number of colleagues is with me this evening, Karen Buck who is MP for this area did come but she had a bit of emergency, she had to rash away just now. Apologies from her. She is clearly and very strongly friend of this Mosque as well as the entire community. Also I like to pay a very special and very warm welcome to my friend and colleague Naz Shah MP for Bradford, for the wonderful speech she made in Parliament earlier this week; describing the way Islamophobia destroys our society and the enormous contributions made by the Muslim community to our lives all over Britain. So, Naz thank you for that. Thank you the way you put it; it is extraordinary.”

Rt. Hon. Corbyn mentioned about the presence of so many ambassadors of so many countries from around the world and also mentioned about the Trustees of the Mosque. He said, “We are joined by the Ambassadors of many countries around the world and by the Trustees of the Mosque. And the role the Muslim community in Britain plays in our society is absolutely huge; the donations of hundred million pounds to charities is incredible and the Muslim communities as a whole in Britain is not necessarily wealthy community but they have the principle of donations to charities is absolutely the heart of the faith - is something the wider society needs to understand.”

Role of the Mosque

The leader of the Opposition Party Jeremy Corbyn mentioned about the issues around us which we have to deal with. He said, “There are enormous issues that we have to deal with around the world. The suffering of the poorest people around the world is just as much as the suffering of poorest people within our society. It is mosques around Britain opened their doors to the homelessness; to those who are often given honourable hope and to those who are desperate to have something to eat. The role it plays in helping people is absolutely praiseworthy.”

Appreciating the work the Mosques do and thanking them for their work, Jeremy Corbyn said, “I think, we need a stronger, much better, systematic social security that prevents falling into destitution in the first place.  But I wanted to thank Mosques all over Britain which opened their doors to help people going somewhere deepest and darkest people of their life. Thank you very much for what you do to people irrespective of their faith, I understand.”

Crises Around the World

While speaking about the crises around the world in general, Rt. Hon Corbyn especially mentioned about Rohingya and Ughur people. He said, “There are crises around the world that we have to recognise and deal with; the crisis - the Rohingya people are facing and still face the way they were treated and driven out of their own homes and gone to take shelter into Bangladesh. And the support necessary for Bangladesh but also it is necessary for political settlement in Myanmar so that they can actually go back home and live in safety and security and be free to practice their faith.”

Refugees in general –

More than 60 million

Speaking about the refugees throughout the world, Opposition leader mentioned there are more than 60 million people. He said, “The Ughur people and many others around the world are suffering because of their faith. And then in the wider scale the world is faced with two huge issues, the number of refugees or people who were displaced from their homes around the world is more than 60 million.  60 million people in the world who are displaced as refugees, unable to return to their own homes; that is the equivalent to the entire population of the United Kingdom and around the world. And those that are refugees are human beings just like all of us; human beings wanting to live and wanting to make contribution to their society. And we should look upon them wanting to survive. And the spirit of hope are huge among the refugees. I was saying this earlier today when I was speaking in a Gurudawar.”

Jeremy Corbyn mentioned one of the most inspiring moment of his life. He said, “One of the most inspiring moment in my own life was meeting refugees in the refugee camps before on the borders of Syria, on the borders of Iraq; Iraq and Syria. Never mind the reasons, why they are there; they are people, they are refugees; and they are in the camps. They are poor, they are hungry; they are in cold; and they are wet and their tents are being burnt. And some are died because of that.”

“I was talking to the families what their lives are like; what their hopes are were; the young girl, fourteen or there about. I asked her what you wanted to do in your life. What you wanted to achieve in your life? She looked at me; straight to my face, and said sir, I want to be a doctor; a 14 year old girl in a refugee camp, unrecognised refugee camp;  in an apparently hopeless situation wanted to do something to help other people in the world,” said Jeremy Corbyn and enquired, “Can’t our media people look at the refugee as our people that want to make contribution rather than treating them as  a  threat to the whole of the continent; to the whole of our society. I think we need to recalibrate some of the languages we used to those people as victims.”  

Environment and Climate change

The Leader of the Opposition Party also mentioned about environment and Climate change. He said, “The other issues that faced that of environmental and climate emergency; that affects everybody around the world. It is not equal in the way side effects but it does affect. I don’t want the poorest children in the most polluted cities in China and India; Western Europe or in the United States, where they die early; because they are breathing foul, polluted air and we should, all of us, use our resources wisely with nature, rather than against nature; in order to, we can preserve the natural world and the planet as a whole.”

Education

Speaking about education, Jeremy Corbyn said, “Now it is about education, it is about people; how we can bring people up and again it is the sanctity of the mosque in this country; the work they do in helping and supporting young people; particularly the young Muslims to understand the society they live in and the principles that is behind it.”

Rise of Far Right and Hate Crime

Her Majesty’s Opposition Party Leader lamented, “Sadly, though, there is another agenda around; it is not just in this country, or across Europe or the United States and that is the rise of the far right and the rise of hate crime in our society. After Naz has made a wonderful speech in the Parliament and her colleague Imran Khan made exactly the same kind of message; I went through the social media and feel the way what they said; and I was sick just reading the abuse they received online because of the way they spoken for the community and for the victims of hate crimes.”

Terror Attack at Finsbury Park Mosque

Rt. Hon Corbyn mentioned about racist attack at Finsbury Park Mosque. He said, “Friends are here, friends from the Finsbury Park Masjid; Muslim Welfare House, Finsbury Park Mosque. Two years ago, Mokram Ali lost his life on the road outside where I live; because a racist drove into the crowd people walking home from prayers and killed him; we mourned his life, but in response to that the entire community came out onto the street, came out in front of the mosque, the Muslim Welfare House, led by Christians, led by Jewish people, led by  Muslims; and the people of no faith saying that we want to live in a society that does not tolerate but respect each other’s faith and each other’s values.”

He continued, “And so when the Far Right attacked  synagogue in Pittsburgh, attacked a mosque in Christchurch or attacked people going to prayer in Colombo in Sri Lanka, all are abusive to individuals on the street; because of what they wear; because of what they look like; or because of the faith they follow; they are actually being abusive to every single one of us; the attack on anyone in a place of worship is an attack on all of us; be a synagogue, mosque or a church  or a temple. We have to deal with the issues with the rise of the Far Right and recognise that racist language or the racist division can solve nothing in our society; it only creates the horrible hordes of hate which is easy to do but at the end of it you have not solved any of the problems of the society; you have not build a house you have try to teach her you have not help the child to take or build a hospital.”

Annual Interfaith Iftar and Dinner at ICC

Annual Interfaith Iftar and Dinner Party

at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Islamic Cultural Centre has organised an Annual Interfaith Iftar & Dinner Party & Dinner at its Library conference Hall on Thursday 16^th of May, 2019. More than 150 guests including Members of Parliament, diplomats, members and representatives of many embassies, members of interfaith and different Faith groups attended the Iftar & Dinner party. Ambassadors of Bahrain, Algeria and Arab League also attended the Iftar & Dinner party. This Ifter & Dinner Party was sponsored by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, London.

Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre & Central London Mosque Trust, London, welcomed the guests. In his welcoming address, he talked about interfaith as well as the importance of Ramadan and Fasting.

Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan

Dr. al-Dubayan said, “Muslims dedicated their time to more service for the society, for their families, and for their worshippers.”

Ramadan – the Month of Generosity

“It is the month of generosity; it is the month and time when you have to check and not forget those whom you have forgotten whole year - your neighbours; your parents, sometimes, they are away from your place; your friends, even those who there is a chance to give them something or do something for them. It is like a change points or points of change. All Muslims in the year revise their daily lives, revise their relations, revise their worships, revise their connections with Allah whether everything is going right or I need to correct myself,” mentioned ICC chief.

Lot of traditions around Ramadan

Dr. al-Dubayan also mentioned, “In the early generation of Islam when Ramadan starts they dedicated most of the time actually for reading the Qur’an; worship and for giving to those who need help around. There are lot of traditions, of course, came with the month of Ramadan throughout the world; if you go to Africa, you will find traditions; if you go to Asia. Arab world, Middle East everywhere; even the European Muslims for the last fifty years since they became citizens of Europe they are establishing their traditions of the month of Ramadan - about their food, customs, music; food  timing, gathering with families; gathering with friends. There are some dishes actually; we see really in the month of Ramadan, we don’t see in other times.”

All Faiths Sharing Values

“There are lots of literature and heritage about this spiritual month of Ramadan. That’s why; we called to share this. We believe also it is all faiths sharing values - value of peace, value of mercy, value of justice, value of doing something good to everybody; value of protection of environment - of animals and human rights and everything. So we think it is the time to highlight this meaning. When we come together; when we share together this spirit of this month, that means, we are showing you the spirit of Islam which so far the people think as faith as they are sharing different areas and values together,” mentioned the ICC Director General.

It is also the month of peace

The ICC chief also said about the importance and significance of the month of Ramadan. He said, “Ramadan is the month of peace. Everyone wants this peace. But how to do this? is a big question. But it is really for everyone. Peace does not start if things do not start from the heart. When our hearts are full of peace, then peace will dominate everywhere and accepted everywhere. If the hearts are still full of hatred, full of wrong ideas about people, full of stereotypes about others, then peace  does not have space to come; still far to come. That’s why; for all this reason we are here with our friends - Christian friends, our Jewish friends, our Hindu friends, Sikh friends, Buddhist friends, and others also - we all come here together with us and we are so happy here together.”

2019 – The Year of Tolerance

Dr. al-Dubayan also mentioned about the special importance of this day. He said, “This day is a special day from another side. It is greatly sponsored by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).” He just mentioned about the meaning of tolerance and said, “I am not going to talk about it because we have Rawadha, she is here, who is going to talk about it. UAE has announced this year the Year 2019 a Year of Tolerance. So we are also celebrating this and sharing this together.”  

Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon

Minister of Foreign Affairs UK

Lord Tariq Ahmad, Peer of the House of Lords, British Parliament, started in the name of Allah the Most Gracious and Most Merciful. He said Good Evening and  Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahe wa Barakatuh.

Lord Ahmad attended in two capacities

Lord Ahmad said, “It is my immense pleasure to be here on behalf of the government in two capacities; I am a Minister of the Foreign Office and I am also Prime Minister’s Envoy of Freedom of Religion and Belief. As I was coming this evening I was thinking about for a few moments that I have what to share; and the coming together Iftar as Dr Ahmad had said realised here. We have from one Ahmad to another Ahmad; so we have got an abundance of Ahmads. I am saying ahmad means blessing hopefully that reflection of all the evenings that is truly blessed. This is not about one ahmad to another; however many ahmad we have.”

“It is about coming together; and I reflected actually before entered into parliament and government in the city of London a number of years ago, 20 years,” mentioned Lord Ahmad.

Lord Ahmad narrated a story about the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. He mentioned, “One day I have a conversation I said to Michael I cannot come tomorrow It’s a day of Eid; he said, hold on a minute, you had Tariq; you cannot come you had Eid of course, you had Eid ul Fitr. At which point I said to him, Michael, we actually had two Eids, Eid-ul Fitr which actually we had after the end of Ramadan but we have another Eid called Eid ul Adha. He asked, tell me about that Eid. I said you know the story of sacrifice by Prophet Abraham; he said, hold on, you believe in Prophet Abraham; yes I do; I said it’s the story of Sacrifice when Prophet Abraham was instructed to sacrifice his son and he obediently did that. yes yes I know that; we believed in that as well, said Michael and then he said, hold on a minute; he said it was Issac; no no then he picked up the phone and called Robert James, our very diligent finance director; he said Robert come in here; we got an important business; Robert was the finance director; of course, he comes in Michael office; all files in hand as if we have an important business meeting.”

“He  said you are a practising Christian; Prophet Abraham you believed in him; he said of course; I did; he said  about the story of sacrifice and the direction of Prophet Abraham He said  absolutely; Now is the crux of the question; Robert which son? Ismael or Issac? Well Robert said We Christian we believe it was Issac; he turned round to me and said you are a politicians we believe in democracy; two to one; we are right we are right. I share that ladies and gentlemen,” said Lord Ahmad.

It is about Faith, about

People coming together

Lord Ahmad said, “Because it is about faith, it is about community; how people work together; it is our people together; so whether you are in the city of London or in the beautiful setting at the grand mosque at the Regents Park; it is about people coming together; sharing beliefs; sharing ideals; we have  differences; we have  different perspectives;  different interpretations; but the real strength of humanity; that is how we come together unity; and that is, in essence that Dr Ahmad was saying; when we look at the holy month of Ramadan, we come together as communities; it’s about sharing, long term.”

Ramadan is a time of Reflection

Lord Ahmad also said, “Ramadan is a time of reflection; it is time of prayer; we have our challenges; Ahmad, Siddiqa and myself get up early in the morning before the crack of  dawn, we have sahoor in the morning that we can show you we do; fill our bodies with right nutrition trying to avoid spicy foods as we are talking earlier; just at the point when you finish the prayer, read the holy Qur’an and I can bear you can probably have an hour and a half before you get up next call of the day. Half passed Five we have to say mami dadi it is morning time; it is about family as well; it is about community. And that’s why Ramadan defined.”

It is the reflection of bringing together

Reflection of Ramadan

Lord Ahmad also mentioned about the reflection of Ramadan of bringing together. He said, “The holy Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (sallallu wa sallam) peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: The true definition of a person is that he desires for himself what he should desire for all. That is a reflection of the hospitality that we receive here, at the mosque today. It is the reflection of bringing together, is the reflection of Ramadan that community, of whatever the faith belief you may be; be together. Therefore I am ready be honoured to come board in this evening.”

No better virtue than true neighbourliness,

true humanity friendship, true affection

Thanking Dr Ahmad for his kind invitation, Lord Ahmad said, “I am sure I speak for each and every one of your guests here in this evening. We are entirely grateful for your hospitality and there is no better virtue true neighbourliness, true humanity friendship, true affection and love than breaking the bread you do later this evening.”  

H.E. Rawdha Al Otaiba Talked

about breaking barriers of intolerance

H.E. Rawdha Al Otaiba, Deputy Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates also spoke on the need to break barriers of intolerance and work towards a global peace initiative. She said, I am delighted and honoured to be amongst you here at this wonderful gathering to share with you today’s breaking of the fast Iftar in these wonderful surroundings of the London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre. Notably what could be more fitting than a place of worship to invite people of all faiths to join us to live the joy experienced by more than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world during this blessed month of Ramadan? Indeed Ramadan is about not only food or lack thereof, but most importantly about the values it instils in us Muslims, of which is tolerance.”

In UAE, tolerance is a way of life

And not a concession

Speaking about tolerance in the UAE, H.E. Al Otaiba mentioned, “In the UAE, tolerance is a way of life and not a concession. We pride ourselves on the achievement of creating one of the most tolerant societies in the world. Our nation, of which >85% are non-Nationals is now a template of co-existence of over 200 nationalities from different race, religions and abilities. Today there are over 1 million of Christians and many more who are Jewish, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs who have made the UAE their home, benefitting from a Constitution as old as the Union that guarantees freedom of worship to all faiths.”

Pope Francis’ visit to the UAE

Referring to the Pope Francis’ visit to the UAE, Ambassador Al Otaiba said, “Pope Francis made history early this year when he visited the UAE, conducting an open air mass attended by 180,000 people. It was the first time a pope had ever visited the Arabian Peninsula. The visit was the perfect answer to extremists who claim other religions are not welcome in the land of Islam’s founding.”

Tolerance is also about Acceptance

H. E. Al Otaiba said, “Tolerance for us is also about acceptance. In March this year the UAE hosted the Special Olympics World Games 2019 for the first time in the Middle East North Africa since the movement’s founding over 50 years ago. The games highlighted the integral part of local, national and regional plans to expand opportunities for people of determination in line with the UAE’s shared vision of a unified and inclusive society.”

Rabbi Herchel Gluck OBE

Rabbi Herchel Gluck, Chairman of the Muslim-Jewish Forum also spoke on the occasion.

Dr. Lakshmi Viyas

Dr. Lakshmi Viyas, President Hindu Forum of Europe, chair of Education Hindu Forum of Britain & member of the Religious Council of the UK also spoke at the event.

Javid Rana

Javid Rana, chair of the Association of Muslim Police started with saying Happy Ramadan and he just liked to say: “I am happy to be here for two reasons; the first reason is I am Muslim and the second reason is I am a police officer. It is brilliant to see so many different faiths are here and I would like to thank the mosque the excellent ongoing engagement work with the community. So well done.”

Rana also mentioned, “We find in the Metropolitan Police Service which said in order to effectively serve the public we need to become part of the public; by consent that means we listen to act which tell us and learn and work together that is really really important.”

Rana wanted give some messages. He said, “the first one is about tackling crime; there is absolutely no space for hate crime in the society, the disease we need to eradicate we need to work together; if anyone is victim of hate crime and it is because of your faith, it could be colour, it could be other protective characteristics, please please come forward and report it.”

“Secondly London is such a multicultural place to work in, to live in and now you know that. It is a melting pot. We called it in the world. The police needs to represent every corner of the world.”

John Parry

John Parry, Director of Interfaith Centre, said, “In 1993 an archaeological started in a village somewhere between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. They dug and found the building went back to century. Between the year 500 and 800 that building had been used by both Muslims and Christians together as they remember this was the place where Mary was sent before she went on to give birth to Jesus in Bethlehem. And in that single building also they found there was a place where Christians could worship and there was a place where Muslims could say their prayers in one single building.”

“Move on between 792 and 1492 in the Iberian peninsula that was a time when people were living together; when Jews, Christians and Muslims lived together side by side. Where we have gone wrong? That’s the question,” asked John Parry.

John Parry lamented, “It is sad that we are living at a time when evil people try to keep us apart. I am grateful to Dr Ahmad and the Regents Park Mosque for the way you bring people together and from my point of view as the Director of the Interfaith Centre; from my point of view as a Christian I join with you in determining to gather people together; so they understand and stand together. That, I belief, is the way of God.”