Archive for the ‘Community’ Category
Administrator on May 25th, 2013
SAVAGE MURDER SHALL NOT DIVIDE OUR COMMUNITIES
The Chair of Leeds Faith Forum and the Imam of Leeds Makkah Masjid unreservedly and unequivocally condemn the horrific brutal murder carried out in Woolwich, London, on 22 May 2013.
Imam of Leeds Makakh Masjid, Qari Asim, MBE said: “Woolwich has witnessed an unspeakable, horrific and barbaric act of murder. It is disgusting to note that the perpetrators of this sickening murder chanted the name of Allah at the scene of the crime. Islam does not permit vigilante attacks on anyone and therefore such inhumane acts have no place in Islam. There is no room for any argument or suggestion that this type of callous, cold murder is in any way justified in or ratified by the teachings of Islam.”
“Muslims have a long and proud tradition of serving in the British army and have fought alongside soldiers of other faiths to bring peace and stability throughout the world. The random, unprovoked attack on a British soldier has shocked and dismayed British Muslims, alongside other communities”, said Imam Asim
Chair of Leeds Faith Forum, Canon Charles Dobbin, said “I am horrified by the brutal murder in Woolwich and firmly believe that in absolutely no way does it represent the views of Islam. This is a time when people of different faiths should support each other and show that the love of God crosses all boundaries.”
“ Where there is difference or grievance between communities the way forward must be dialogue, understanding and cooperation. This terrible crime must not be allowed to destabilise the good relationships that exist between different faith groups in Britain. Rather, this is precisely where the relationships we have built up can help to create peaceful and strong communities.”
We call on everyone to stand united against violence and not let acts of hatred or terrorism divide our communities.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim of this heinous attack. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers at this distressing time.
For more information contact Leeds Faith Forum on 07753359766
or Leeds Makkah Masjid on MakkahMosque@yahoo.com
Administrator on May 23rd, 2013
Leeds Makkah Masjid unreservedly and unequivocally condemns the horrific violence carried out on the streets of Woolwich, London, on 22 May 2013.
Imam of Leeds Makakh Masjid, Qari Asim, MBE said: “Today London has witnessed an unspeakable, horrific and barbaric act of murder. Early reports suggest that the perpetrators of this sickening attack chanted the name of God at the scene of the crime. Islam does not permit vigilante attacks on anyone and therefore such inhumane acts have no place in Islam. Islam places unparalleled value on the sanctity of human life, teaching that the killing of one innocent person is equivalent to the killing of the entire human race. There is no room for any argument or suggestion that this type of callous, cold murder is in any way justified in or ratified by the teachings of Islam.”
“One of the perpetrators is seen referring to violence being committed in “our lands” in video footage which has been released following the attack. For Muslims, wherever they live in peace is their land, and certainly many recent surveys of young British Muslims have indicated that they see Britain as being their home”, said Imam Asim
“It is reported that the victim is a serving British soldier. Muslims have served in the British army for over a century and have fought alongside soldiers of other faiths to bring peace and stability throughout the world. British Muslims continue to serve their country with pride and dignity. The random, unprovoked attack on a British soldier has shocked and dismayed British Muslims, alongside other communities”, said a representative of Leeds Muslim Council.
We call on everyone to stand united against violence and not let acts of hatred or terrorism divide our communities.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim of this heinous attack. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers at this distressing time.
For more information contact us on MakkahMosque@yahoo.com or visit us at www.makkahmasjid.co.uk
Leeds Makkah Masjid is one of the UK’s leading mosques and has won the award of being UK’s Model Mosque.
Administrator on March 8th, 2013
This week, 4-10 March 2013, is marked as “Climate Week”. The environmental crisis that we are facing requires the attention and action of everyone. The Muslim community has an important role to play in this respect, given that we belong to a “green” faith.
Long before it became fashionable or ‘politically correct’ to care about the environment, the Qur’an and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) encouraged Muslims to care for nature and other creation of God.
Imam of Makkah Masjid, Qari Asim, MBE said: “The challenge that we human face is enormous. Man is effectively a trustee/guardian of the resources that are at his disposal. A trustee does not destroy those that are in his trust; rather a trustee takes every caution to protect the life, home and amenities that are enjoyed by those in his guardianship.”
Qari Asim has produced a leaflet to raise awareness which has been circulated by the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board to Mosques throughout the UK, and has called for Mosques to raise awareness through sermons, events, Madrassahs and community activities.
Makkah Masjid will be marking the Climate Week by holding a number of activities from 8-10 March by increasing awareness about our duty to the environment and by putting into action the 3 R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle.
Administrator on February 13th, 2013
We report this with great sadness that Ibrahim Lorgat has passed away.
Ibrahim Lorgat was co-ordinator of Al Haqq Supplementary School, a local supplementary study support group based at Woodsley Community Centre.
His Funeral will be held on Wednesday 13th February 2013 at 1.30pm at Madina Masjid, Purlwell Lane, Batley, WF17 7NQ
On behalf of Makkah Masjid management committees and congregation, our heart felt condolences go out to the bereaved family. We pray to Allah Almighty that He gives patience to the bereaved family and grants Ibrahim a place in Jannat Firdaus. Aameen.
Administrator on February 12th, 2013
Woodlsey Centre is holding a community fun day with Co-Operative Membership.
Its taking place at Woodsley Centre on 16th February between 10am – 2pm.
Fun activities for men, women and children.
Activities will include:
Healthy Cookery Class
Product Samples
Health Information & Health Checks
Art & Craft Activity for youth
Crèche provided for toddlers
Lunch will be provided.
Administrator on January 17th, 2013
We have wonderful classes running at the Woodsley Centre to help the young people in their school education. We are looking for wonderful volunteers to help us to deliver these sessions and to improve them.
Volunteering with us will give you practical work experience in teaching and managing classrooms.
- We are particularly looking for volunteers in English / Maths / Science and Computer Studies.
We will not be able to pay you but perhaps we can tempt you with a slice of pizza at the end of the sessions.
We are also looking for volunteers in the following field:
- Posters, Leaflets, Logo and Website designers
- Journalists – writing articles about our activities
- Sales & Marketing
- Sports – Male and Female
Can you dedicate 2 hours a week for your community? We are sure you can, insha-allah.
For further details please contact Woodsley Centre by emailing mail@woodsleycentre.org
Administrator on January 1st, 2013
Today, on 1st January 2013 C.E (1434 A.H), Makkah Masjid takes the opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year. We ask Allah Almighty to continue to shower His blessings on all of us and make this a year in which we experience His Divine presence more than ever and live according to the example set by the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
We also take this opportunity to reflect upon the year 2012; we remember all those moments when our burdens were too heavy to bear; when we wronged ourselves; when we neglected our duties and how at times it seemed that our faith was slipping away from us….recalling those moments, we sincerely seek repentance and thank our Creator for being there for us. We show our gratitude for everything that He gave us in 2012 CE/1432 AH.
We pray to our Lord that whatever New Year brings, we meet it with a truly sincere heart and are able to make the most of it for this world and in the hereafter.
Administrator on January 1st, 2013
As New year 2013 approaches us, millions of people throughout the world are making new year resolutions. People resolve to bring about changes in their lives and make their lives better. 1 January is a time to get rid of bad habits and start anew. The popular New year Resolutions include:
•Get a Better Job •Lose Weight •Spend more time with family •Manage Time and Stress •Quit Smoking •Save Money •Gat married • Help Others
These are all very worthy resolutions but join us in making a one more resolution this year.
YEAR 2013 – MAKE A PLEDGE
In 2013, Makkah Masjid is asking the Muslim community to MAKE ONE ADDITIONAL RESOLUTIONS – to recite darood/ salutations on the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The objective of this resolution is to get closer to Alllah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) – which every Muslim aspires to.
Therefore, we urge Muslims to make a NEW YEAR RESOLUTION to send AT LEAST 10 TIMES darood/ salutations on the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) EVERY DAY – IT WILL TAKE LESS THAN A MINUTE, depending on how short/long darood a person chooses to recite. Sallal laahu alaihi wa-alihi wasallam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Prophet & his family) is the shortest darood sharif.
There are already many Muslims within our community who, every day, recite thousands of times salawat/darud/ salutations on the beloved of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and may Allah continue to bless them. This resolution/challenge is not aimed at them.
We are asking those brothers and sisters to make this pledge to recite AT LEAST 10 TIMES salawat/darood on the Messenger (peace be upon him) EVERY DAY who do not recite darood sharif on the Messenger 10 times even in a month.
CAN YOU GIVE 1 MINUTE?
By the grace of Allah, there are ALREADY HUNDREDS OF BROTHERS & SISTERS who have taken up this challenge and have made a promise/pledge to recite salawat/darood on the Messenger (peace be upon him) 10 TIMES EVERY DAY.
Are YOU ready to join us?
Are you willing to give up ONE MINUTE for the beloved of Allah?
Do you want to receive ’salam’ back from the Mercy to Mankind (peace and blessings be upon him)?
Do you want 100 blessings from Allah every day?
Do you want all your worries to go away this year?
If the answer is YES, then JOIN US NOW…..
To learn about the benefits of sending darud/ salutations on the last and final Messenger peace and blessings be upon him)and to learn about different daroods that can be recited, please click on the link below.
http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk/wp/index.php/2011/01/27/salutations-on-the-beloved-prophet/
More salutation/darood on the beloved Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) can be found in Seeking Allah’s Protection booklet by Imam Qari Muhammad Asim – http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk/wp/index.php/2011/02/24/lunch-of-booklets/
Administrator on January 1st, 2013
End of a year is a time of deep reflection, looking back at what went well and what more could be done. It is also a time to thank all those who made things work; without their support, in whatever shape and form, we would not have been able to deliver much.
Year 2012 has been yet another eventful year in many ways. However, below is a brief summary of some of the events/programmes that were organised in year 2012 by Leeds Makkah Mosque and its sister organisations: Al-Madina Jamia Mosque and Woodsley Community Centre – All of these organisations are managed by Leeds Muslim Council.
CONSTRUCTION WORK
- Completion of Woodsley Centre Nursery – a new childcare provision for the local community.
- Start of a madrasah in Pakistan to provide education to those who may not be able to afford otherwise.
ACTIVITIES
- Makkah Masjid protesting against the release of the deeply offensive and despicable film Innocence of Muslims by organising petitions and coaches to attend peaceful demonstrations.
- Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations held at Woodsley Community Centre.
- Eid Parties held to celebrate both Eids at Woodsley Community Centre, where hundreds of the locals attended the parties and celebrated.
- ShariaMarriages.com- after running a series of workshops and seminars on the issue of marriage, Makkah Masjid promoted alternative options available to parents and youngsters looking to get married.
- A consultation held at Makkah Mosque on the issue of Forced Marriages and Honour Killing: A forced marriage is no marriage campaign ran.
- Launch of Domestic Abuse- a guide for Muslim communities in Urdu.
- Fundraising for various charities to help those in need throughout the world.
INTER-COMMUNITY / INTER-FAITH
- Community Iftar – Makkah Masjid invited everyone –people of faiths and no faith- to share a meal with them.
- Makkah Masjid once again opened its doors as part of the national Heritage Open Days initiative.
- Mosque Opens Days & Annual exhibitions held.
- Hosted School Visits- over thousand school children visited Makkah mosque to learn about Islam & Muslims.
- Launched Kristiane Backer, former leading MTV Europe presenter’s recent memoir, From MTV to Mecca at Leeds Makkah Mosque.
- Took part in Leeds Remembrance Day and held workshop to highlight the contribution of Muslims in World War I & II.
- Faith Matters launched the TELL MAMA(Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) project in Makkah Mosque . Tell MAMA is about countering/reporting anti-Muslim hate crimes/ incidents.
- As part of the Feeding 2012 initiative, Makkah Masjid fed 2012 people in the month of Ramadan. As part of this initiative, Makkah Masjid worked with local church community cafe, PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum seekers), the Salvation Army and St George’s Crypt.
EDUCATION
- New monthly Seerah Study circles – Journey with the Prophet Mushammad (peace be upon him) every first Sunday of the month
- Beginners’ Tajweed study circles held at Al-Madina Masjid & Woodsley Centre
- Leeds Islamic Summer School held @ Woodsley Community Centre
- Sisters Weekly Study Circles held at Woodsley Community Centre
- GCSE help classes and youth employability workshops @ Woodsley Community Centre
- Urdu classes- every Saturday at Al-Madina Masjid
- Arabic classes – every Sunday at Al-Madina Masjid
- “Preparing for Ramadan: Preparing for Success” workshops held and information distributed.
In addition to the usual events & talks held, various lectures on topical issues affecting British Muslims were organised including:
- Greed, Moral Meltdown & Financial Crisis,
- Gangs, Grooming & Drugs
- Love, Marriage & Art of Living Together
- Black Majic
- Living, not Dying, for Islam
- Mental Health
- Lost Ummah
- Life: is your destiny in your hands?
- Common Misconceptions about Islam
- Shaping a British Muslim Identity
- The Arab Awakening, Muslim Ummah and the West
- Forced Marriages and Honour Killing
- Marriage, Spirituality & Age of Paradox
- Superstition, Fortune-Telling and Trust in God
AWARDS
- Imam of Makkah Masjid, Qari Muhammad Asim awarded an MBE for his groundbreaking initiatives in enhancing community relations and for his work in engaging young people.
- Qari Asim MBE won Pakistan Power 100 Award, in which he was recognised as one of the 100 influential British Pakistanis.
- Imam Asim met HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and the Archbishop of Canterbury and talked about British Muslims.
- Imam Qari Asim re-appointed to the executive board of Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board.
MEDIA
- An article describing ‘A Week in the life of’ Imam of Makkah Masjid, Qari Asim MBE, was published in one of the editions of Emel, Muslim Lifestyle magazine.
- Makkah Masjid featured in the new innovative Muslim Youth magazine: Fifteen21.com
- Terrible Hit-and-Run accident took place outside Makkah mosque and the mosque worked with the family of the children involved and the authorities to raise awareness about road safety.
- Makkah Masjid Radio shows- Imams of Makkah Mosque, Qari Asim & Qari Qasim, conducted radio shows on Asian Fever 107.3 FM throughout the month of Ramadan
- Makkah Masjid hosts a ‘religious talk’ show on Asian Fever 107.3 FM every Friday.
- Imam of Makkah Mosque discussed one various media outlets the issue of British Pakistanis and Grooming.
- Imam of Makkah mosque appearing on various Muslim channels on religious shows.
STAYING IN TOUCH
Text Service – A new Text service introduced for providing updates regarding the mosque’s activities, Text “LMM” to 0786 786 0113 to register for the service.
Twitter – @MakkahMasjid
@WRC_EVENTS for WoodsleyRoadCentre
We are indebted to all the brother and sisters who have;
(i) volunteered and worked with us in delivering these programmes; and
(ii) participated in these programmes/events and have made them successful.
Your minor/major contribution, in whichever form, is ‘banked’ with Allah and His will insha’Allah reward your according to your sincerity. We pray to Allah Almighty that He may enable us to continue to work together with sincerity for the benefit of mankind.
Administrator on November 19th, 2012
A new local group has been started to teach and learn more about cooking and learning new recipes.
It will also be a great place to make new friends.
Please read the following poster for more details.
