Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum News

2009-07-09T14:43:00.001+01:00

Alhumdulillah - Wonderful Success

All praise is for Allah from who's mercy the Islam Daawah Fest '09 Brighton event became a wonderful success.

With over 11,000 people attending and this included children of all ages, Islam Daawah Fest '09 became the most successful event the Muslim community of Brighton and Hove has held supported by the BHMF.

The BHMF owes a BIG thanks to our vice chair, Sabri ben Ameur who worked tireless with Imam Mohammed of Al-Medina mosque on this event. They travelled up and down the south east coast over many weeks, engaging with the local Imams, Mosques and the local people.

The BHMF wishes to thank Eihab Salah, Omar Ali, Brighton and Hove Muslims group and all the volunteers for their dedication and hard work.

The BHMF also wishes to thank Kadeer Arif and Daoud Clarke, our founder members who also worked very hard to make Islam Daawah Fest '09 will be the event people will talk about for many years.

A BIG thank you to iERA and their volunteers from the Muslim community of Brighton and Hove. iERA worked day and night to make sure the Muslims in the UK saw and heard the wonderful scholars, some of whom were seen for the first time live on UK TV.

One of the highlights of the event was when a gentleman took the Shahada and became a Muslim.

The whole of the Brighton event was broadcast Live on Iqra TV and for the first time Hundreds of thousands of people saw what Brighton is all about.

2009-06-10T11:33:00.001+01:00

PRESS RELEASE

BRIGHTON & HOVE MUSLIM FORUM

Islam Daawah Fest '09 Brighton

Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum proud to host the first International Islamic conferences in the City of Brighton & Hove. Islam Daawah Fest '09 aims to address some the challenges n the Muslim Community. Muslim Scholars and leaders from around the globe will be attending at the Brighton Dome on Sunday 28^th June 2009 from 12 noon. Speakers include Shaykh Yusuf Estes (USA), Shaykh Hussain Yee (Malaysia), Shaykh Tawfique Chaudhury (Australia), Umar Weston (Mexico), Isa Garcia (Ecuador), Abdurraheem Green (UK), Yusuf Chambers (UK).

The day will include stalls and stalls with great inspirational discussion. Sabri Ben Ameur, Chair of Brighton Fest was delighted to bring this first ever Islamic international conference to the South East and also added that 'It is important to tackle some of the challenges we all face today in our communities, these difficult times will see the Muslim community rising to these challenges towards creating tolerance, respect and working towards tacking some of the issues in our communities.

Notes to the Editor

Tickets: £10 for adults, £5 for children. Seats are limited to the capacity of Brighton Dome theatre. For further information contact Sabri Ben Ameur, chair of Islam Daawah Fest Team in Brighton. Tel: 07867 773723 Email: sabri@talk21.com

Islam Daawah Fest comes to Brighton in 2009

2009-05-28T08:11:00.003+01:00

Tour Speakers

Shaykh Yusuf Estes (USA - Peace TV)
Shaykh Hussain Yee (Malaysia - Peace TV)
Abdurraheem Green (UK - Peace TV)
Yusuf Chambers (UK - Peace TV)
Omar Weston (Mexico)
Yahya Suquillo (Ecuador)
Isa Garcia (Colombia)
Dr Bilal Philips (Qatar - Peace TV)

Tour Itinerary

23rd Tuesday,Didsbury Mosque, Manchester
24th Wednesday, Venue TBC, Leeds
26th Friday, Dixie Queen Paddle Steamer, London
27th Saturday, London Muslim Centre & East London Mosque, London
27th Saturday, Venue TBC, Luton
28th Sunday, Dome, Brighton
29th Monday, Empire Museum, Bristol

For Futher Information Contact:

Sabri Ben Ameur (Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum) - 07867773723
Ehab Saleh (Brighton University) - 07888678775
Omar Ali (University of Sussex) - 07737544242
Al Medinah Mosque - 01273 737721
Masjid Al Quds - 01273 505247
Shahjalal Muslim Cultural Centre - 01273 323990

Ticket Hot Line - 08452 723533

Sisters, for further informations, please contact sister Shahida from the Brighton and Hove Muslim Womens Group on: 07877906355

In association with iERA.

2009-04-24T15:16:00.001+01:00

Adrian Hamilton:

Walking out on Ahmadinejad was just plain childish

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/adrian-hamilton/adrian-hamilton-walking-out-on-ahmadinejad-was-just-plain-childish-1672580.html

What are we trying to say? That any mention of Israel is now barred?

Thursday, 23 April 2009

Isn't it time western diplomats just grew up and stopped these infantile games over President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? All that this play-acting over boycotting of conferences because of his presence and walking out because of his words achieves is to flatter his ego, boost his poll ratings at home and play into the hands of an Israel that is desperate to prove Iran the gravest threat to its existence.

True, Iran's President is not the world's most endearing character. Some of the things he says are certainly contentious. But he is far from the most offensive leader on the block at the moment. With Silvio Berlusconi sounding off about women and sex, and Nicolas Sarkozy sounding off about everything from the quality of his fellow leaders to the unsuitability of Muslims to join the civilised nations, and a Polish president, Lech Kaczynski, giving his views on gays, Europe could claim its fair share of premiers who should not be allowed out in public.

Read Ahmadinejad's address at the UN conference on racism in Geneva this week and there is little to surprise and a certain amount to be agreed with. His accusations against the imperial powers for what they did with colonial rule and the business of slavery is pretty much part of the school curriculum now. His anger at the way the economic crisis originated in the West but has hit worst the innocent of the developing world would find a ready echo (and did) among most of the delegates.

It was not for this, however, that the countries of Europe and North America gathered up their skirts and walked out of Ahmadinejad's peroration. The UK's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Peter Gooderham, rather gave the game away when he said afterwards: "As soon as President Ahmadinejad started talking about Israel, that was the cue for us to walk out. We agreed in advance that if there was any such rhetoric there would be no tolerance for it." The Iranian leader, he went on to say, was guilty of anti-Semitisim.

Just how you can accuse a man of anti-Semitisim when you haven't stayed to hear him talk is one of those questions which the Foreign Office no doubt trains its diplomats to explain. But what basically was our representative trying to say here? That any mention of the word Israel is barred from international discussions? That the mere mention of it is enough to have the Western governments combine to still it? In fact, Ahmadinejad's speech was not anti-Semitic, not in the strict sense of the word. Nowhere in his speech did he mention his oft-quoted suggestion that Israel be expunged from the map of the world. At no point did he mention the word "Jews", only "Zionists", and then specifically in an Israeli context. Nor did he repeat his infamous Holocaust denials, although he did reportedly refer to it slightingly as "ambiguous" in its evidence.

Instead, he launched the time-honoured Middle Eastern accusation that Israel was an alien country imposed on the local population by the West, out of its own guilt for the genocide; that it was supported by a Zionist take-over of Western politics and that it pursued racist policies towards the Palestinians. Now you may find these calls offensive or far-fetched (if there is a Zionist world conspiracy, it is making a singularly bad job of it) but it is pretty much the standard view in the Muslim world. Western support of Israel is seen as a conspiracy, and it is not just prejudice. There are now books by Western academics arguing that the pro-Israeli lobby wields an influence in the US out of all proportion to its numbers. If the Western walkout in Geneva did nothing else, it rather proved the point.

Nor is it far-fetched to charge Israel with being a racist state. As the only country in the world that defines itself and its immigrants on racial grounds, it could be regarded as fair comment. And if you doubt that this founding principle leads Israel into racist attitudes to non-Israelis, then you only have to read the comments of its new Foreign Secretary, Avigdor Lieberman, to disabuse you.

Of course, Ahamadinejad was playing to his home audience. He is a politician facing re-election at a time when his domestic economic record makes him vulnerable. Most of the educated class are fed up with his cavorting on the world stage while his country goes from wrack to ruin. And, of course, international conferences of this sort, intended to spread sweetness and light, are not the most appropriate forums for such tirades.

But on these issues he does speak for the majority not just in Iran but in the region. Deny that view a hearing and you will only increase the resentment and the sense of a Western world set up against them. Which is precisely what our oh-so-sanctimonious representatives achieved this week.

2009-04-22T21:23:00.001+01:00

Foreign Office accused of hindering

human rights lawyers in Gaza Strip

British lawyers attempting to build a war crimes case against Israel have been blocked from entering the Gaza Strip because the Foreign Office has refused to support their work, the Guardian has learned.

A number of the lawyers, who have travelled to the region on fact-finding trips, could not get into the Palestinian territory because they cannot cross the border without letters from the British government authorising their visits.

One lawyer, whose MP, Diane Abbott, wrote to the Foreign Office on her behalf, was told her effort would be better spent contributing to humanitarian work.

"I recommend that Ms Maynard get in touch with the UN ... to enquire how she might best be able to assist the international humanitarian effort," Bill Rammell, a Foreign Office minister, told lawyer Kate Maynard, in a letter seen by the Guardian.

The letter confirms the government has "consistently refused to issue letter requesting facilitation to enter Gaza".

"This seems like a determined effort not to enable important witnesses to get into the Gaza Strip," said Daniel Machover, senior lawyer at London firm Hickman & Rose, who is working on cases of alleged war crimes in Gaza. "No other European country has adopted this stance. That is what is so incredible about this."

"All the letter states is that the Foreign Office has advised you not to enter Gaza and you have not accepted its advice," said Stephen Kamlish QC, who was recently refused a letter by the British embassy in Cairo. "But you have to have one to get across the border." Kamlish, who later entered Gaza with a group of French officials, is one of a growing number of British lawyers building a case against individuals within the Israeli government and military for war crimes and breaches of international humanitarian law.

But a number of lawyers, operating independently or through organisations such as the UK-based Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights, have had to turn back after waiting for days at the Rafah crossing in Egypt because of the Foreign Office's refusal to provide the official documentation. Others have been forced to rely on sources inside Gaza or Israel to provide sponsorship letters. "We are just not getting any response from the Foreign Office since the events in Gaza," said Rashad Yaqoob, a lawyer for the Human Rights Legal Aid Trust, which is funding the work of human rights lawyers in Gaza.

In February lawyers representing Palestinian charity al-Haq brought a claim against the British government at the high court, claiming it had breached its obligations under international law by failing to respond to Israel's action in the Gaza Strip. "In my opinion the Foreign Office is now under pressure from the judicial review ..." Yaqoob said. "I don't see them as being too comfortable in facilitating lawyers going across where we could be collecting evidence that could be used against them."

2009-04-01T13:36:00.001+01:00

G20 demonstration on 28^th March 2009, London to persuade Mr Obama.

An estimated 35,000 people had marched through London demanding action on poverty, climate change and jobs, ahead of next week's G20 summit.

Many people at the march felt that Mr Obama hold the key to persuading the other leaders, who have been dithering about since 2005 on the same old points for years

The "Put People First alliance" of 150 groups included trade unions, aid agencies, religious groups and environmentalists united under the slogan "Put People First" to urge world leaders meeting on April 2 to commit to fundamental reforms to make the global economy fairer.

Blowing whistles and chanting slogans and messages, the protesters marched past Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square on their way to Hyde Park where they gathered to listen to speeches.

This was an occasion to remember where British people from all over our country, young and old and from every background joined together in a peaceful demonstration to air their views. We were there to demand action on poverty, jobs and climate change.

It wonderful to see a carnival-like atmosphere with individuals, groups, choirs, brass bands, stereos on wheels, all wanting to make a point to the leaders of the G20 summit, in their own and individual way.

It seems this is going to be the year of demonstrations where the British people will demand a change from the old always. British people and the people of the world are looking to be treated in a fair and just way. It has always been the bosses who have chosen to reward themselves when things are going well but the poorer workers get punished when things do not go so well. Why should the bosses get away with it when it is they who created the problem? There must be held accountability and it is not fair and nor is it just. Why should we pay for something that is not our fault? Why should we and our families suffer for something that is not of our making?

All governments must listen to their people as the people can no longer be ignored.

All of us must persuade our neighbours and friends to put relentless pressure on our government through peaceful means. Unless we do this, our leaders will never really know how we feel.

The power of the people must never be underestimated and it was through campaigning and demonstrations that great things have been achieved, like vote for women.

We need our leaders to be bold and make pioneering decisions but also stick to them. Unlike the decisions made in 2005 when hardly any promises were delivered.

BHMF

2009-03-24T17:47:00.000Z

Invitation - Sudan, Now and Future

You are cordially invited to listen to the representatives of the Government of Sudan and other Sudanese people about what is the current truth about Sudan and its future.

This is a high level delegation. We look forward to welcoming them to our city and this includes the ambassador of Sudan to the UK.

There will be question and answer afterwards.
All are welcome.

On Tuesday, 7th April 2009 at Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton.
From 6.30pm – 8.30pm

2009-02-12T21:13:00.001Z

Brighton Gaza Convoy - Latest News

Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign

Two vehicles from Brighton will be joining the convoy - which to date
consists of over 50 vehicles, including a fire engine. To see their route
which will take 17 days go to http://www.vivapale stina.org/ route.htm

Needed: Money (cheques payable to BHPSC with 'for Gaza' on the reverse can
be sent to Brighton & Hove PSC, Brighton Peace & Environment Centre, 39-41
Surrey Street, Brighton, BN1 3PB); Medical Equipment; Blankets; Toys;
Clothes; Educational Material; Computers; Monitors.

Not needed: Food; medicines.

Please note: all items, particularly clothes, toys, blankets need to be
either brand new or in very good condition.

PLAN OF ACTION

We will be giving the Brighton contingent a SEND OFF on Friday at 4 pm

The Gaza Convoy will leave Westminster London at 11 am on Saturday 14
February (Valentine's Day).

NEWS FLASH - Gaza news reports have tonight carried the story of the
Convoy. The Convoy's progress will be relayed regularly & the publicity
as it goes through the different countries en route will be making sure
Gaza is not forgotten.

Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign

2009-02-03T21:46:00.001Z

BHMF astonished at the insensitivity of superiors.

In reply to this article below Tariq Jung said,

"This is crazy. These people need their heads testing.

Someone from the goodness of their heart does a good deed and people punish her.

Being in a hospital is one of those few rare occasions that people turn to God.

We should make every effort to bring peace, calmness and above all hope to our patients.

This is a Christian country and majority of the patients believe in God.

This was a kind and charitable gesture and we should praise the nurse.

2009-01-25T12:50:00.001Z

BBC out of touch again.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) views the BBC decision to disallow an appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for Gaza a serious derelict of its public duty. We urge the Corporation's Governors to urgently reverse its decision which would severely jeopardize efforts to raise millions of pounds of voluntary contributions for emergency humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

MCB Secretary General Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said, The excuses given by the BBC are simply untenable and the Governors need to act quickly before the Corporations image is irretrievably tarnished.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella group for 13 aid charities, launched its appeal yesterday saying the devastation in Gaza was "so huge British aid agencies were compelled to act".

For the first time in 43 years a Disaster Emergency Committee [DEC] appeal has been launched without the support of Britain's major broadcasters. The appeal was effectively sabotaged by the BBC when it made a rare breach of an agreement dating to 1963, saying it would not give free airtime to the appeal.

Dr Abdul Bari added, The need reverse this decision is even more compelling as the BBCs coverage of the carnage in Gaza was very tame and not reflective of the scale of the violations committed there.

In sabotaging the DEC appeal broadcast the BBC is clearly acting against the public interest. As custodians of the public trust in the BBC its Governors must act immediately to avoid the blame of being complicit in denying humanitarian aid to the desperate people of Gaza.

2009-01-13T23:03:00.001Z

Further Action to End Gaza Crisis

Fri 09 Jan 2009

The bishop of Exeter, Rabbi Danny Rich and Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, secretary general of the Muslim council Britain demand that Prime Minister Gordon brown renews efforts to end the suffering of 'powerless and vulnerable'.

Implement ceasefire now. UK faith leaders demand Gordon Brown take further action to end Gaza crisis. Continuing violence in Gaza will "exacerbate tensions and nurture hatred" say religious leaders.

Leaders of all major faiths in the UK have joined Christian Aid today in calling for an immediate ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza.

In a joint call, faith leaders including the Bishop of Exeter the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Rabbi Danny Rich and Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of The Muslim Council of Britain demand that Prime Minister Gordon Brown renews efforts to end the suffering of 'the powerless and the vulnerable'.

Sharing 'a basic commitment to human rights', they also call on ordinary citizens of the UK to take action because 'we all bear responsibility for what is happening'.

Christian Aid is asking members of the public to email the prime minister telling him: 'Not in our neighbourhood.'

"Behind all the horrors of death and destruction in Gaza are human faces and human stories. Behind all the statistics for those killed and wounded, on either side, are human beings, each one a child of God" said The Rt Revd Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter.

In a call on UK citizens to take a stand the Bishop continued:

'When a child of God suffers no believer in God can stand idly by. Urgent action is required to end the violence, to secure immediate and effective humanitarian relief, and to encourage a genuine dialogue for justice and peace.'

Rabbi Danny Rich, chief executive of Liberal Judaism, said: 'I am convinced that the continuing violence in the region will exacerbate tensions, nurture hatred, and make more difficult a peaceful resolution which is in the interests of both the Palestinian people and the State of Israel.

'I believe that, in accordance with my Jewish teaching and humanitarian instinct, the appropriate reaction is to call for an immediate ceasefire which may prevent further tragedy engulfing the Palestinian civilian population and save injury and worse to both Israelis in uniform and their fellow citizens in their homes.

'I am strengthened by the verse in Isaiah 62:1 "For the sake of Zion I will not be silent" and I am comforted by my confidence and hope that in time the Israeli and Palestinian peoples will have the opportunity to fulfil the Micah 4:4 vision of a land and two states 'where every person shall sit under the vine or the fig tree and no one shall disturb the other.

'I am aware that my actions may be misinterpreted and misused by those who have no real interest in supporting peace in the region and would deny the right of the State of Israel to exist, and by those who, fearful of anti-Semitism and anti Israel activity, believe that this is a time for the British Jewish community to speak with one voice.

I have only gone public with these serious reservations done so after much prayer, reflection and thought. And because I do not wish Israel's relationship with the EU to be damaged.'

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of The Muslim Council of Britain, said: 'The scale of this man-made tragedy requires maximum international support and participation.

'The Muslim Council of Britain welcomes the efforts of Christian Aid to deliver relief to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.'

'While this emergency aid will undoubtedly go a long way toward easing the pain and distress the MCB reaffirms its call for a political solution to that ensures; an end to the siege of Gaza, a reopening of all border crossings and an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian land.'

Stephen Poxon, President of the Methodist Conference, said: 'So often during violent conflict the powerless and vulnerable suffer most said .The shelling of schools and other civilian targets is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances.

'Our hearts go out to the people of Gaza. They have suffered from lack of food and fuel and yet over the past 18 months Israel has often blocked or limited the passage of relief aid. At this critical time both sides must agree to an immediate end to fighting in order that the humanitarian needs can be addressed.

'It is clear that the international community needs to find fresh approaches to managing and resolving this conflict. A new US administration must make the achievement of international consensus a high priority. We commit ourselves to prayer for a lasting resolution built on justice and rights for Israelis and Palestinians.'

Graham Sparkes of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, said: 'The crisis unfolding in Gaza should fill us all with horror because we all bear responsibility for what is happening. Together we share a commitment to basic human rights, and so we cannot allow the current situation to go unchallenged. There must be an immediate ceasefire and the provision of vital humanitarian aid. Nothing less is acceptable.

'When power is used to kill innocent civilians, then it is an abuse of power and must be condemned. A new future can never be shaped by violence; it will come about only through a just settlement that allows the people of Gaza to live with freedom and hope. It is vital we support partners in the region who seek genuine peace with justice.'

Christian Aid is calling for an immediate permanent cessation of violence and unfettered humanitarian access so that our partners can provide essential services and make a real difference for the people of Gaza.

We welcome the UN Security Council Resolution and Britain's role in promoting it, but it is absolutely critical that the resolution is implemented immediately to allow desperately needed humanitarian relief to reach the people of Gaza.

Email Gordon Brown to make your voice heard. www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/gaza-crisis/take_action_on_gaza.aspx

2009-01-08T08:30:00.001Z

Lister to Dr Gilbert on what Israel is doing

http://www.opednews.com/populum/diarypage.php?did=11490

Dr. Mads Gilbert: All that is happening in Gaza here now is against international law, it is against humanity and I think it is against what it means to be a decent person. You don't treat other people like this. Even if you disagree with him… maybe even if you fight with them, you don't treat civilians, children and women like this.

Dr. Mads Gilbert:I can tell you that we have clear evidence that the Israelis are using a new type of very high explosive weapons which are called Dense Inert Metal Explosive (DIME) and are made out of a tungsten alloy.

These weapons have an enormous power to explode.

The power of the explosion dissipates very quickly and the strength does not travel long, maybe 10 meters, but those humans who are hit by this explosion, this pressure wave are cut in pieces.

This was first used in Lebanon in 2006, it was used here in Gaza in 2006 and the injuries that we see in Shifa [Hospital] now, many many of them I suspect and we all suspect are the effect of DIME weapons used by the Israelis.

2009-01-08T07:59:00.000Z

Boycott - start now

Please check out www.inminds.co.uk.

The site brings proofs behind why each company/label should be boycotted through their relationship with Israel.

It also brings some fatawa from the scholars as to the importance of boycott.

It is time we try to do our bit to help the Palestinian cause.

2009-01-05T23:47:00.001Z

Support Gaza

All activist groups in Brighton are called upon to join the national
protest to stop the massacre in Gaza

Many people from SmashEDO, PSC and other activist groups will be
traveling up to the national demo on Saturday 10th January. We will be
meeting at Brighton Train Station at 10-30 (prompt) to travel together
by train as it will be cheaper in groups. There will also be a number of
cheaper places available on mini-buses also meeting at the station.
Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Please pass this on to friends and colleagues.

For those traveling up independently the details are as follows:

Assemble 12.30pm Speakers Corner, Hyde Park
March to Israeli Embassy, High St Kensington, London

2009-01-01T22:36:00.001Z

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

Ahead of Jumuah tomorrow, the MCB is asking all affiliated mosques and Islamic associations to remember the plight of the Palestinians during Friday prayers. The opportunity could also be used to remind the community of effective campaigns that have been initiated to stop the barbarous assault of the Israeli government. This popular campaign involves all British people who care about humanity. We list possible action points for your community below. On Saturday, there will be a number of peaceful protests around the country, with a national demonstration in central London. Please see the list below and encourage your community to join.

In addition, the MCB, joined by a number of leading Ulama (scholars), calls upon mosques and imams to lead their congregations in the special supplication of Qunooot Al-Nazilah in the face of the destruction unleashed by Israel against the occupied people of Gaza. At this critical and challenging time we must turn to the Almighty and pray for help. Details are listed below.

It has almost been a week since the Israeli government unleashed its military machine to devastating and murderous effect. More than 300 Palestinians have lost their lives and despite popular outcry across faiths in this country, our government has stopped short of speaking out firmly and with clarity against what the Palestinian President has called a "barbaric and criminal aggression". Along with the United States, our government thwarted a UN draft resolution calling for an end to Israeli air assaults.

We hope our community comes together with other Britons to remind our government of its international obligations and of its commitment to justice and peace.

Wassalam

Dr Daud Abdullah
Deputy Secretary General, MCB

Ways to make a difference to the people of Gaza
Help make a difference, and do things yourself in your own community and call for change from the grassroots:

1. Donate Money - The Palestinian people are in urgent need for your donations for urgent medical aid and you can donate to:
MCB affiliate - Interpal, the specialist charity helping Palestinians:
Phone: Call the Interpal hotline: 02089619993
Online: Go to www.interpal.org and follow the online instructions
Interpal Account Details:
Account Name: Interpal
Bank: Islamic Bank of Britain
Sort Code: 30-00-83
Account Number: 01095401
BG52LOYD3096401024192
Other MCB charity affiliates specialising in the region are: Islamic Relief (www.islamic-relief.org.uk ), Muslim Aid (www.muslimaid.org ), Muslim Hands (www.muslimhands.org) and Ummah Welfare Trust www.uwt.org

2. Demonstrate: Join a Peaceful Protest and let your voice be heard
National Protest Saturday 3rd January 2009: 2pm onward (Trafalgar Square, starting at Embankment at 1230pm, London)
Details of other demonstrations across the country can be found here: http://www.mcb.org.uk/article_detail.php?article=announcement-763

3. Sign online petitions: http://www.petitiononline.com/gaza2812/petition.html. There is also a petition underway on the Downing Street website: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Israel-Sanctions/

4. Lobby your MP. Get your community to write, call and meet your Member of Parliament. Our MPs have been elected to serve us and we should make sure that we contact them and pressurise them to do something against this Israeli brutality. Lobby your MP to sign or initiate an Early Day Motion that calls on our government to condemn the Israeli government for massacre of Palestinians. Be polite, to the point and make your request specific. You can find out you your MP is here: www.theyworkforyou.com

5. Get yourself heard. Participate by writing letters to the editor and taking part in television, radio and online discussion forums. Remember to keep your points succinct and polite. You can find some letter-writing tips here: (www.arabmediawatch.com/amw/Resources/LetterWritingTips/tabid/134/Default.aspx).

6. Seek Coalitions. Change starts at home so you might also wish to seek local coalitions and work with people around you, of all faiths, to highlight the plight of the Palestinians. This is an issue of humanity and we should work to seek coalitions across faiths.

7. Lobby the Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Express your concern with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, please call 020 7008 1500.

8. Remember the power of prayer. MCB is initiating amongst its affiliates and the ulema Special prayers, Qunooot Al-Nazilah, this prayer of the Prophet is recited when Muslims face calamities. For further information, go to http://www.mcb.org.uk/article_detail.php?article=announcement-765

The MCB has joined others in writing to the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, asking for tougher action against Israeli war crimes. We will be seeking a meeting with key influencers to make our points known. See the open letter (published in the press on Wednesday) here: http://www.mcb.org.uk/article_detail.php?article=announcement-764

2008-12-31T19:57:00.001Z

Gaza Vigil

for the dead and injured

In Brighton

Saturday 3^rd January

at 12.30pm

Churchill Square

2008-12-30T23:06:00.001Z

Please help the Palestinians

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

You will by now have witnessed the horrific scenes of murder of Palestinians at the hands of Israeli missiles. There has been widespread revulsion about this massacre and a sense of helplessness from people around the world, unable to do anything about it. Aside from our prayers to Allah to seek His Mercy, many of us may wonder what we can do to help the people of Palestine and persuade our government to condemn the Israeli military machine and stop giving it diplomatic cover to carry out its task with impunity.

I am writing this email to suggest ways you can join other MCB affiliates to make a difference, and do things yourself in your own community and call for change from the grassroots:

1. Donate Money - The Palestinian people are in urgent need for your donations for urgent medical aid and you can donate to:

MCB affiliate - Interpal, the specialist charity helping Palestinians:
Phone: Call the Interpal hotline: 02089619993
Online: Go to www.interpal.org and follow the online instructions
Interpal Account Details:
Account Name: Interpal
Bank: Islamic Bank of Britain
Sort Code: 30-00-83
Account Number: 01095401
BG52LOYD3096401024192

Other MCB charity affiliates specialising in the region are: Islamic Relief (www.islamic-relief.org.uk ), Muslim Aid (www.muslimaid.org ), Muslim Hands (www.muslimhands.org) and Ummah Welfare Trust www.uwt.org

2. Join a Peaceful Protest and let your voice be heard

A list of events can be found here:

Tuesday 30th December 2008: 2pm � 4pm (In front of the Israeli Embassy, 2 Palace Green, Kensington High Street tube station London W8 4QB)

Wednesday 31st December 2008: 2pm � 4pm (In front of the Israeli Embassy)

Thursday 1st January 2009: 2pm � 4pm (In front of the Israeli Embassy)

Friday 2nd January 2009: 2pm � 4pm (In front of the Egyptian Embassy, 26 South Street London,W1K 1DW)

National Protest Saturday 3rd January 2009: 2pm onward (Trafalgar Square London)

3. Sign the following petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/gaza2812/petition.html

4. Get your community to write, call and meet your Member of Parliament. Our MPs have been elected to serve us and we should make sure that we contact them and pressurise them to do something against this Israeli brutality. Lobby your MP to sign or initiate an Early Day Motion that calls on our government to condemn the Israeli government for massacre of Palestinians. Be polite, to the point and make your request specific. You can find out you your MP is here: www.theyworkforyou.com

5. Let others know. Participate by writing letters to the editor and taking part in television, radio and online discussion forums. Remember to keep your points succinct and polite. You can find some letter-writing tips here: (www.arabmediawatch.com/amw/Resources/LetterWritingTips/tabid/134/Default.aspx). Change starts at home so you might also wish to seek local coalitions and work with people around you, of all faiths, to highlight the plight of the Palestinians.

6. Call the Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Express your concern with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, please call 020 7008 1500.

The MCB will also be writing to the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary and will be asking for tougher action against Israeli war crimes. We will be seeking a meeting with key influencers to make our points known. In addition, a wide coalition of groups will be publishing an open letter in the press tomorrow.

And finally, do not forget the power of Dua, our work should always be coupled with our prayers to Allah to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Wassalam

Dr Daud Abdullah
Deputy Secretary General, MCB

2008-12-27T20:45:00.001Z

MCB Condemns Israel's Massacre

of Palestinians in Gaza

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) condemns in the strongest terms Israel's military campaign in the blockaded Gaza Strip. The MCB is appalled by this excessive and indiscriminate use of state sanctioned terror. Israel's decision to commence its attack in the early afternoon of 27th December as children were leaving their schools, causing the maximum casualties with some 205 civilians being killed so far. By any measure of respect for innocent human life, this is unacceptable.

'The Israelis have once again chosen to stage their assault when Western governments are in recess', said Dr Daud Abdullah Deputy Secretary General. "We call on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to take a firm stand against this disgraceful attack. The time has come for a total lifting of the political and diplomatic cover that has allowed Israel to perpetrate these atrocities", he added.

Israel's use of F16 war-planes against civilian targets in the Gaza Strip confirms yet again the failure of our government to fulfil our international obligation (under the Fourth Geneva Convention) to end the Israeli Occupation and its unmitigated use of state sanctioned terror against the Palestinian people. That it comes just days after it denied entry to the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights to the Occupied Palestinian Territories suggests that the Israeli leadership clearly intended to conceal the evidence of its war crimes.

'After the failure of its siege of the Gaza Strip the Israeli political leadership has resorted to these desperate measures to change the political realties in Gaza', said Dr Abdullah

The MCB demands an immediate end to the Israeli state's terrorisation of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip and its full compliance with all international resolutions.

2008-12-25T17:45:00.001Z

Targeting of Charities Wholly Unacceptable

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is deeply concerned by closure of account notices served upon a number of Muslim charities some of whom are our affiliates, the latest of these being Ummah Welfare Trust who have been given 30 days by the Barclays Bank to close their account.

We are astonished and angered by these developments because in every reported instance no explicit reasons are given by the banks, said Dr Daud Abdullah Deputy Secretary General. Clearly those worst affected would not be the officials who administer the charities but the tens of thousands of impoverished people who rely on their humanitarian aid and support, he added.

Where there is no breach of British law or the statutory regulations governing their charity status the MCB sees no justification for these summary closures and denial of services. In the event of breaches, these should be set these forth in writing. We have already communicated our concerns to the highest level of government, the Charity Commission and the banks concerned and despite having received assurances that the matter is receiving urgent attention with a view to equitable resolution, we find that the actions against Muslim charities are being escalated, said Dr Abdullah.

Dr Daud Abdullah also said, Given the growing anxiety caused by the actions of the banks the MCB urges the Prime Minister to expedite his intervention to ensure that all charities are afforded the same facilities and treatment as other British institutions without prejudice or favour and that no pressure from any foreign government or agency is allowed to cause detriment to any Muslim charity unless there is evidence of wrong doing. We also call upon the Banks concerned once again to carefully re-consider their manifestly unjust decisions so that they can regain the confidence of Muslim communities in their financial probity and ethics.

2008-12-25T17:42:00.001Z

BHMF urge the Prime Minister on recycling

Dear Prime Minister

I am writing to you today in the hope that you will encourage businesses and members of the public to take more seriously the issue of recycling. As you will be aware in 2005/06 household waste increased by around 14 kilograms per person and yet around only 26% of total waste was recycled. This is much lower than many European countries, some of whom manage to recycle approximately 50% of their waste.

I would urge the government to encourage retailers and small businesses to make a concerted effort to implement effective recycling policies. As an individual who spent many years working in retail, I can say with first hand experience, that many national stores simply throw away all their rubbish and provide their staff with no ways in which to recycle. At the very least businesses should provide a way to recycle paper but many stores, such as Argos and Arcadia branches (Topshop, Wallis, Topman, Burton etc) do not even offer that. A relative who works for Arcadia has pointed out that there are no paper recycling facilities and the plastic bags on offer to customers cannot be recycled. Reams of daily and weekly paperwork are simply thrown in the rubbish bins and there is no attempt to correctly dispose of glass or drink cans. Our trains and tubes are one of the best examples where literally tons of newspapers can be collected and recycled each day.

While it is wonderful that many companies and supermarkets are actively encouraging shoppers to reuse plastic carrier bags or shop with fabric bags, this is not going to be enough in the long run. We appreciate that the government cannot force companies to adopt environmentally friendly policies overnight but perhaps if you encourage them perhaps with financial incentives or reward schemes for recycling then they may be quick to listen.

I appreciate that the environment is one of the fore fronts of the government's concerns but I fear that companies are simply not doing enough and in fact, making the little achieved so far, somewhat redundant.

Yours sincerely,

--
Tariq Jung
BHMF

2008-12-05T19:55:00.001Z

Eid Mubarak everyone….

Fron BHMF

"Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah;

wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi'l-hamd

(Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah;

Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise),"

2008-12-01T17:50:00.001Z

BHMF invited to World Muslim Summit

The BHMF has been invited to this year's World Muslim Summit that will take place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Sabri ben Ameur, our vice chair will represent us.

"This is a great privilege for us all in Brighton and Hove. This is the second occasion we have been invited and we are grateful for the recognition of our work", said Tariq Jung the chair of the forum.

2008-12-01T14:56:00.001Z

Month of Dhul Hijjah

How do the first ten days of the Month of Dhul Hijjah differ from other days of the year?

Praise be to Allaah Who has created Time and has made some times better than others, some months and days and nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. This encourages them to do more righteous deeds and makes them more eager to worship Him, so that the Muslim renews his efforts to gain a greater share of reward, prepare himself for death and supply himself in readiness for the Day of Judgement.

This season of worship brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one's faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Every one of these special occasions involves some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allaah, and some kind of blessing though which Allaah bestows His favour and mercy upon whomsoever He will. The happy person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours and draws nearer to his Lord during these times through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allaah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell.
(Ibn Rajab, al-Lataa'if, p.8)

The Muslim must understand the value of his life, increase his worship of Allaah and persist in doing good deeds until the moment of death.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty." [al-Hijr 15:99] The mufassireen (commentators) said: "'The certainty' means death."

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, which Allaah has preferred over all the other days of the year. Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allaah, nor greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice." He was asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwaa', 3/398).

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better, because they include Laylat al-Qadr ("the Night of Power"), which is better than a thousand months. Thus the various reports may be reconciled. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412).

You should know, my sisters in Islaam, that the virtue of these ten days is based on many things:
Allaah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Ibn 'Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) testified that these are the best days of this world, as we have already quoted above from saheeh ahaadeeth.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) encouraged people to do righteous deeds because of the virtue of this season for people throughout the world, and also because of the virtue of the place - for the Hujjaaj (pilgrims) to the Sacred House of Allaah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during this time. 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill-Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

These ten days include Yawm 'Arafaah (the Day of 'Arafaah), on which Allaah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.

Question: What must the Muslim avoid during these ten days if he wants to offer a sacrifice?

The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When you see the new moon of Dhu'l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice." According to another report he said: "He should not remove (literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin." (reported by Muslim with four isnaads, 13/146)

The Prophet's instruction here makes one thing obligatory and his prohibition makes another haraam, according to the soundest opinion, because these commands and prohibitions are unconditional and unavoidable. However, if a person does any of these things deliberately, he must seek Allaah's forgiveness but is not required to offer (an extra) sacrifice in expiation; his sacrifice will be acceptable. Whoever needs to remove some hair, nails, etc. because it is harming him, such as having a broken nail or a wound in a site where there is hair, should do so, and there is nothing wrong with that. The state of ihraam is so important that it is permitted to cut one's hair if leaving it will cause harm. There is nothing wrong with men or women washing their heads during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) only forbade cutting the hair, not washing it.

The wisdom behind this prohibition of the one who wants to offer a sacrifice from cutting his hair etc., is so that he may resemble those in ihraam in some aspects of the rituals performed, and so that he may draw closer to Allaah by offering the sacrifice. So he leaves his hair and nails alone until the time when he has offered his sacrifice, in the hope that Allaah will save him in his entirety from the Fire. And Allaah knows best.

If a person has cut his hair or nails during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides later, during the ten days, to offer a sacrifice, then he must refrain from cutting his hair and nails from the moment he makes this decision.

Some women may delegate their brothers or sons to make the sacrifice on their behalf, then cut their hair during these ten days. This is not correct, because the ruling applies to the one who is offering the sacrifice, whether or not he (or she) delegates someone else to carry out the actual deed. The prohibition does not apply to the person delegated, only to the person who is making the sacrifice, as is indicated in the hadeeth. The person who is sacrificing on behalf of someone else, for whatever reason, does not have to adhere to this prohibition.

This prohibition appears to apply only to the one who is offering the sacrifice, not to his wife and children, unless any of them is offering a sacrifice in his or her own right, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to sacrifice "on behalf of the family of Muhammad," but there are no reports that say he forbade them to cut their hair or nails at that time.

If a person was planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides to go and perform Hajj, he should not cut his hair or nails if he wants to enter ihraam, because the Sunnah is only to cut hair and nails when necessary. But if he is performing Tamattu' [whereby he performs 'Umrah, comes out of ihraam and enters ihraam anew for Hajj], he should trim his hair at the end of his 'Umrah because this is part of the ritual.
The things that are described above as being prohibited for the person who is planning to offer a sacrifice are reported in the hadeeth quoted above; the person is not forbidden to wear perfume, have marital relations, wear sewn garments, etc.

Concerning the types of worship to be performed during these ten days: one must understand that these days are a great blessing from Allaah to His slave, which is appreciated properly by the actively righteous. It is the Muslim's duty to appreciate this blessing and make the most of the opportunity, by devoting these ten days to paying more attention to striving hard in worship. Among His blessings to His slaves, Allaah has given us many ways in which to do good and worship Him, so that the Muslim may be constantly active and consistent in his worship of his Lord.

Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah are:

Fasting. It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. Allaah has chosen fasting for Himself, as is stated in the hadeeth qudsi: "Allaah says: 'All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.'" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1805).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu'l-Hijjah, on the day of 'Aashooraa', on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month." (Reported by al-Nisaa'i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462).

Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allaah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allaah") during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted.
Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)..." [al-Hajj 22:28]
The majority of scholars agree that the "appointed days" are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father): "The 'appointed days' are the first ten days (of Dhu'l-Hijjah)."

The Takbeer may include the words "Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi'l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

Takbeer at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been forgotten, especially during the early part of this period, so much so that one hardly ever hears Takbeer, except from a few people. This Takbeer should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent. There is sound evidence that Ibn 'Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. The idea behind reminding the people to recite Takbeer is that each one should recite it individually, not in unison, as there is no basis in Sharee'ah for doing this.

Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this is a hasan hadeeth because of corroborating asaaneed).

Performing Hajj and 'Umrah. One of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days is to perform Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah. The one whom Allaah helps to go on Hajj to His House and to perform all the rituals properly is included in the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise."

Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allaah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur'an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du'aa'), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.

Sacrifice. One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allaah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allaah.

Sincere repentance. One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allaah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin. Repentance means coming back to Allaah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allaah loves.

If a Muslim commits a sin, he must hasten to repent at once, without delay, firstly because he does not know when he will die, and secondly because one evil deed leads to another.

Repentance at special times is very important because in most cases people's thoughts turn towards worship at these times, and they are keen to do good, which leads to them recognizing their sins and feeling regret for the past. Repentance is obligatory at all times, but when the Muslim combines sincere repentance with good deeds during the days of most virtue, this is a sign of success, insha Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [al-Qasas 28:67]

The Muslim should make sure that he does not miss any of these important occasion, because time is passing quickly. Let him prepare himself by doing good deeds which will bring him reward when he is most in need of it, for no matter how much reward he earns, he will find it is less than he needs; the time of departure is at hand, the journey is frightening, delusions are widespread, and the road is long, but Allaah is ever watchful, and to Him will we return and render account. As the Qur'aan says (interpretation of the meaning):

"So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it,
And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it."
[al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

There is much to be gained, so make the most of the opportunity afforded by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good works, before death strikes, before one can regret one's negligence and failure to act, before one is asked to return to a place where no prayers will be answered, before death intervenes between the hopeful one and the things he hopes for, before you are trapped with your deeds in the grave.

O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light and became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord's mercy during these ten days, for Allaah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills, and whoever is touched by it will be happy on the Day of Judgement.

May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions. Aameen.

2008-11-27T14:26:00.001Z

MCB condemns terrorist attacks in Mumbai,

extends condolences to victims' families

26 November 2008

The Muslim Council of Britain this evening condemned unequivocally the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that has resulted scores of deaths. The brutal murder of Indians and foreign nationals is unacceptable, there is no excuse for such acts, whatever the cause may be. Expressing his shock, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said "I condemn this heinous act and extend my sympathies and condolences to the bereaved. Many Britons have deep links with the city of Mumbai and India and I join them in this hour of sadness and anxiety."

2008-11-05T21:54:00.000Z

British Muslims Congratulate

President-elect Obama

The Muslim Council of Britain today sent a congratulatory letter to Mr Robert H. Tuttle, the US Ambassador in London, following the victory of Senator Barack Obama in the Presidential Elections.

Writing to Mr Tuttle, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said:

"I take this opportunity to congratulate you and your fellow citizens in crossing this historic threshold. The election of Senator Obama to be your country's 44th President has been hugely symbolic and will no doubt be a cornerstone of inspiration for people well beyond the shores of the USA."

"The campaign has been followed by many people who have no vote in your great democracy. Nevertheless, they have witnessed democracy in action and will no doubt be enthused to enhance democracy and voter participation in their own countries."

"I wish Senator Obama well as he takes over the mantle of leadership. He inherits a situation where we are still discovering the extent of the global financial crisis, a fragile world where our peace has been threatened and where injustice continues to go unresolved. We hope he carries the goodwill of the world with him as he tries to tackle these problems".

Commenting on the election, Dr Bari added: "Senator Obama will no doubt be a role model for many people, particularly for young British Muslims. He demonstrates the art of the possible and restores faith inn our democratic ideals. I wish him well as he proceeds to fix the damage done in our international system and in the Muslim world following the misadventure in Iraq."