Archive for the ‘Community’ Category
Administrator on January 28th, 2012
Makkah Masjid and Deen Foundation present a seminar on ’A Forced Marriage is No Marriage, in fact it is a Crime’ in association with the British High Commission Islamabad and The Khari Sharif Welfare Society, Mirpur, Azad Kashmir
Programme: The programme is held on Wednesday 1st of February 2012 between 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Venue: Makkah Masjid on Thornville Road/ Brudenell Road, Leeds LS6 1JY.
The following issues will be discussed as part of the event:
- The difference between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage;
- What factors give rise to forced marriages;
- What Shariah Law pertaining to the act of marriage states in respect of forced marriages;
- What effects such marriages have on the families involved;
- What legal recourse is available to the victims of such crimes;
- What action is taken by the British High Commission, Islamabad, when such a marriage is referred to them;
- What the community must be prepared to do in order to challenge such issues.
Imam of Makkah Masjid, Qari Muhammad Asim, who has worked extensively on this issue, said: ‘There is a clear distinction between “forced marriages” and “arranged marriages”. Arranged is where the couple consent to the marriage and families facilitate the marriage, but a “forced marriage” is forced and such marriage is not recognised by Islam.’
People of all faiths and background are welcome.
Refreshments will be provided.
Administrator on December 6th, 2011
We invite you to a course on “Superstition, Fortune-Telling and Trust in Allah”, organised by Leeds Makkah Masjid and Deen Foundation.
Dates: Sunday 20th November and Sunday 11 December 2011
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm
Venue: Makkah Masjid, 36 Thornville Road Leeds LS6 1JY
Brothers and sisters are welcome.
In order to receive updates from the mosque about its activities, please register yourselves by texting “LMM” to 07572 201 201.
Administrator on November 26th, 2011
Leeds Muslim Council, the management committee of Makkah and Madina mosques, invites you to an Eid Party and to celebrate the beginning of the Islamic New Year on Sunday 27 November 2011.
Time and Date: 1-3pm Sunday 27 November 2011
Venue: Woodsley Community Centre Woodsley Road Leeds
Last year, 1432 A.H and 2011 C.E, the theme of the Islamic New Year party was peace and security. This year, 1433 A.H and 2012 C.E the theme of the event will be “Healthy Living”.
Islam has encouraged Muslims to try their best to take up a healthy living lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a balance between material and spiritual needs. Makkah Masjid has been working with NHS Leeds on a number of Health related projects.
Leeds Muslim Council takes this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Islamic New Year.
We ask Allah 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).
As 1432 AH/2011 CE closes on us, we remember all those moments when our burdens were too heavy to bear; when we wronged ourselves; when we neglected our physical and spiritual being and how at times it seemed that our faith was slipping away from us….recalling those moments, we sincerely seek repentance and thank Allah for being there for us.
The beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) reminded Muslims to take benefit, amongst other things, of health, before sickness [Hadith- al-Hakim, al-Bayhaqee].
Administrator on November 23rd, 2011
Leeds Makkah Masjid has come together with NHS Leeds to develop a guide for the Muslim community to tackle the taboo subject of domestic violence which will be launched on Friday 25 November 1pm.
‘Domestic abuse – a guide for Muslim communities’ will be launched before Friday prayers at Makkah Masjid in Hyde Park Leeds. The guide aims to help the Muslim community to understand, raise awareness and respond appropriately to domestic abuse.
Thousands of women, as well as men, around the world are victims of abuse every year by their husbands and other family members, usually in-laws. Domestic abuse and violence occurs against women in all societies. However, Muslim victims of domestic abuse find it more difficult to seek help due to cultural pressures.
This new resource helps the Muslim community to identify and understand what domestic abuse is, recognise the signs that someone is at risk of domestic abuse and ensure that they are aware of support services available to them locally.
Bushara Bostan, Health Improvement Specialist for NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds, says: “Domestic abuse – a guide for Muslim communities’ deals with domestic abuse in the Muslim community. It aims to help the Muslim community to understand, raise awareness and respond appropriately to domestic abuse. This guide has been produced not because Muslim women are more likely to be subjected to violence than non-Muslim women, but because the way it impacts on them can be different.
“It is hoped that Muslim advocates and communities can use this resource to understand the issue of domestic abuse and provide appropriate support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse.”
Qari Muhammad Asim, Imam for Makkah Masjid, adds: “Makkah Masjid is pleased to support the development of this guide and hopes that it helps to reduce incidences of domestic abuse within the Muslim community. We also hope that it will help people to talk more openly about any concerns they may have both in their own households or those of their friends and families.
“Domestic abuse and violence occurs against women in all societies regardless of culture, ethnicity, religious background and socioeconomic status. This guide reminds Muslims that such un-Islamic practices should not take place in Muslim households.”
Maulana Shahid Raza OBE, Chair of the MINAB said:
“The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) welcomes the efforts of the Leeds Makkah Masjid and NHS (Leeds) who have produced this guide to support Muslim communities to tackle domestic abuse. The guide provides practical recommendations to enable faith institutions, leaders and their congregations to respond to domestic abuse.”
”This is an excellent example of how faith institutions and statutory agencies can work together to address pertinent issues by providing resources, guidance and advice which is both practical and culturally sensitive.”
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse (also referred to as domestic violence) is any form of physical, non physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse that takes place within the context of a close relationship. This relationship will usually be between partners or ex-partners (usually in the home) but it can also occur in extended family situations where abuse may be from other family members.
Some common abusive acts include:
- physical assaults i.e. hitting, punching, slapping, kicking;
- calling your partner names;
- not allowing them to see friends or relatives;
- refusing to interpret properly; and
- blaming your partner for your own behaviour
Key facts about domestic abuse
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience at least one incident of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Women are more likely to experience multiple repeat incidents and fear as a result of this pattern.
- In Europe, domestic abuse is the major cause of ill health for women aged between 16-44, more common than cancer or traffic accidents.
- In the UK at least 2 women are killed each week by a current or former partner
- The Police in the UK receive one call from the public every minute for assistance for domestic violence.
- In an average year 1 in 10 women are known to have experienced violence form a partner or ex-partner. In Leeds this equates to over 35,000 women.
- Although men are also victims of abuse, the vast majority of victims are women.
- Domestic abuse has direct health consequences including higher rates of mental illness in women, contributing to depression, anxiety, stress, self-harm and suicide.
- For children the emotional effects of witnessing domestic violence are very similar to the psychological trauma associated with being a victim of child abuse.
Administrator on November 14th, 2011
Date: Saturday 19th – Monday 21st November 2011
Time: 12-6pm
Venue: Makkah Masjid, 36 Thornville Road Leeds LS6 1JY
Visit Makkah Masjid’s magnificent exhibition and see the beauty of Islamic Art which has inspired people across the globe for centuries.
The exhibition will showcase spectacular handpainted art work and calligraphy on traditional canvases, framed using beautiful coloured material.
Most of the art work is available to buy. Look no further for your perfect unique Islamic New Year gift for family and friends.
Everyone is welcome.
Administrator on November 11th, 2011
Leeds Makkah Masjid invites you to the Caring for the Local Community event which is being held as part of the National Inter Faith Week 2011. The event will be held 20th November 2011 between 1-4pm.
The Muslim community, like other faith communities, has a long history of contributing to social action and is able to impact on areas of high social needs, respond to local priorities, increase volunteering and has a history of working in the spirit of localism.
Event Partners
As part of this event, Makkah Masjid will bring together faith communities and local civil and business partners. The event partners include:
- members of the following institutions: Baab Ul Ilm, Iqra centre and Abu Hurairah Masjid
- people from across other faiths including members of All Hallows church and members of faith forums in Leeds;
- local businesses, including Co-Op superstore.
Event Activities
The activities shall include:
- Young people from across the communities visiting the elderly, serving tea and coffees, listening to their experiences and sharing experiences with them;
- Collecting Food for the homeless and those in desperate need; and
- Workshops & discussions.
The workshops & discussions will cover the following topics:
(i) Caring for the community in the Muslim faith
(ii) Volunteerism
(iii) Youth engagement/disengagement
(iv) Nature, Art & Well-being
The event will be open to people of all faiths and no faiths. Everyone who is interested in the role and contribution of faith in society is welcome.
Administrator on November 5th, 2011
The recent economic crisis has affected everyone but there are some that have been affected more than others. It has left many Britons struggling to make ends meet. As a result homeless and refugees have been affected even more so.
Leeds Makkah Masjid, Deen Foundation, Young Minds and Woodsley Community Centre is therefore running a Food Campaign between 1-November 2011- 31 December 2011.
Caring for those in need is at the heart of Islamic teachings. The Glorious Qur’an describes righteous people as those who, ‘…feed the poor, the orphans and the captives out of the love of God, saying, “We only feed you for the sake of God Alone; we seek from you neither reward nor thanks.”’ (76:8-9)
After the Holy Qur’an, the Prophetic actions (Sunnah) and sayings (Ahadith) are the most important guidance for Muslims. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked “What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, ‘To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not Know’ [Bukhari]
Further, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
“He is not a Muslim who eats his fill when his neighbour goes hungry.” [Bayhaqi]
“Visit the sick, feed the hungry and liberate those in bondage.” [Bukhari]
Islam emphasizes the need to bring relief to people suffering from difficulties. As a result, Leeds Makkah Masjid, Deen Foundation, Young Minds and Woodsley Community Centre have partnered with a number of local and regional charities to provide food to those in need. Food is donated by local people and businesses which is distributed amongst the homeless and refugees and also given to charities that specialise in this area.
On Sunday 20th November, trips will be organised to various organisations/charities for people to see the impact of their contribution on those who are in desperate need.
Join us by donating a few items of food this winter and increase your reward bank.
Administrator on October 27th, 2011
Free Babar Ahmad campaign is gathering momentum and we ask you to do your bit. Babar Ahmad is a British Citizen, born and brought up in South London.
Babar Ahmad was later arrested again in August 2004 on an extradition request by the US. He is in his eighth year behind bars, making him the longest British detainee held without trial.
Full Story: http://www.freebabarahmad.com/the-story
If 100,000 signatures are obtained by 10TH NOVEMBER 2011 – his case will be eligible for a debate in Parliament.
The petition is not asking for Babar Ahmed to be freed, it is asking for him to be given a fair trial in the UK on the basis of charges and evidence, which is one of the fundamental human rights of an individual.
Do your bit and sign the petition BEFORE 10th November 2011 deadline
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/885
Administrator on October 4th, 2011
Launch of the Smoke Free Homes Resource Pack for Imams &
Launch of the Health Resource for Muslims Communities
Date & time: Wednesday 19 October 5pm
Venue: Makkah Mosque, 36 Thornville Road Hyde Park, Leeds LS6 1JY
Leeds Makkah Masjid believes in working with local partners from across the board to improve the lives of the communities living in the region.
Leeds Makkah Masjid is delighted to invite you to the launch of the Smoke Free Homes & Healthy Living resource packs for Muslim communities.
The Smoke Free Homes Resource Pack
The Smoke Free Homes resource pack for imams is the first of its kind in England. It will support Muslim religious teachers and Imams to work with their communities to encourage people not to smoke within their homes. This will help reduce the serious health risks to smokers and for non-smokers from second hand smoke.
At the launch you will get the chance to hear about the innovative partnership approach that has helped develop this resource as well as how the project is already having an impact in Leeds and in Pakistan. In addition to this you will see a lesson taking place showing how the pack is going to be used in mosques and Islamic study circles in Leeds. You will also have an opportunity to tour the award-winning Makkah Mosque.
The resource pack has been the result of an innovative partnership involving healthcare professionals and Muslim teachers in Leeds and in Pakistan.
The work has been supported by researchers from the University of Leeds, the Institute of Public Health in Pakistan and ASD Pakistan.
The Smoke Free Homes Resource Pack will be launched by Linda Pollard OBE (Chair for NHS Leeds, Pro Chancellor for the University of Leeds), Dr Ian Cameron (Director of Public Health) and Qari Asim (Imam of Makkah Masjid).
The Healthy Living Guide
Leeds Makakh Masjid in partnership with NHS Leeds has produced a health promotion resource. Good health is the key to happiness and Islam encourages Muslims to ensure that they are mindful of their health. The blessed Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Take advantage of the good health before illnesses afflict you”.
The resource deals with some of the more common lifestyle issues that are prevalent amongst the Asian community (Diabetes, Heart disease, cancer etc). It is hoped that this guide, alongside the other public health work will help to raise awareness and understanding of the health and lifestyle issues prevalent in the Asian community so that people are able to make more informed choices about their health, what they can do to prevent ill health/minimise future problems as well as where they can go for further help and support.
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has encouraged Muslims to try their best to take up healthy living lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a balance between material and spiritual needs. With this in mind, Makkah Masjid has been working hard to raise awareness about healthy living and the Smoke Free Homes Resource Pack and the Healthy Living Guide will support Muslim religious teachers and Imams to give practical advice to their communities.” said Qari Asim, Imam of Makkah Masjid.
Refreshmnets will be provided. Please let us know if you wish to attend.
Administrator on September 10th, 2011
On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, around 60 British Muslim organisations have united to express their solidarity with victims of terrorism and to tell the terrorists that a decade on ‘they failed’ in seeking to divide society on religious grounds.
Imam of Leeds Makkah Mosque, Qari Asim, said : “violent extremism, terrorism and taking lives of innocent people is against the teachings of Islam. Muslims have always stood against such evil and distorted ideology. On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, all human beings must resolve to work towards creating a better world for all – a world full of hope, compassion and mercy – and eliminate root causes that lead to violence, despair and injustice.”
STATEMENT
As the tenth anniversary of the atrocities of September 11th 2001 draws closer, we wish to take this opportunity to come together to reiterate our profound sympathy for the victims of the attacks in the US. We also honour the memory of all victims of terrorism in all nations around the world.
The last ten years have not been easy. Tragically, we have seen thousands more people from all walks of life become victims of terrorism. We have also seen the impact of the conflicts resulting from 9/11 in different parts of the Muslim world and experienced the terrible consequences of acts of terror here in Britain on 7th July 2005. The recent tragic events in Oslo show us that terrorists still continue to plan and carry out attacks against people regardless of their race, religion, gender or social circumstance.
As a community we have rejected the terrorists, the emptiness of their words and the futility of their actions. They have nothing to offer the world. Those who seek to divide society have failed. Indeed, their destructive actions have only brought communities closer together. Their message that terrorism is the only way to achieve change has been rejected by ordinary citizens standing in peaceful protest for greater political participation and freedom across the Middle East and North Africa.
Ten years on from the 9/11 attacks, our communities are growing stronger and more resilient. Communities have come together to find common ground and resolve differences. For those of us who are Muslims, our faith gives us hope– a hope shared by people of all faiths and of none – for a world free from terror and injustice.
Now is the time to look to the future with greater optimism. Our common humanity, our spirit of community, the values we share as human beings, will give us the strength to confront those who seek to divide rather than unite us, now and in the future. We will continue to stand together in troubled times, not just against terrorism but against all forms of criminality that pervade our society – as we saw during the riots that spread across the UK in recent weeks. Only together can we defeat such problems. Only together can we work to build communities whose unity honours the memory of the victims of September 11th and victims of conflicts and terror around the world.
BELOW IS A LIST OF BRITISH MUSLIM ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING LEEDS MAKKAH MASJID THAT HAVE SIGNED THE STATEMENT:
- Ahlul Bayt TV
- Al-Khoei Foundation
- An-Nisa Society
- Association of British Muslims (AOBM)
- Association of Muslim Lawyers (AML)
- Ayesha Community Education
- Bristol Muslim Women’s Network
- British Muslim Forum (BMF)
- British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD)
- BritSlam Partnership
- Canopus Consulting
- CENTRI
- City Circle
- Embrace Foundation
- Federation of Muslim Organisations
- Harlesden Islamic Cultural Centre
- Help Somalia Foundation
- Hosseinieh Foundation, Bristol
- Inspire
- International Forum For Islamic Dialogue
- International Imam Hussein Council
- Iraqi Welfare Association
- Islamic Circles
- Islamic Society of Britain
- JIMAS
- Karimia Institute
- Khayaal Theatre Company
- Khazra Central Mosque, Glasgow
- Leeds Makkah Masjid
- Leicester Central Mosque
- Light of Guidance Theatre
- London Academy of Iranian Studies (LAIS)
- London Fatwa Council
- MAWAH, London (Muslim Active Women Around Hounslow)
- Mecca 2 Medina
- Milton Keynes Arts and Culture Organisation
- Minhaj-ul-Quran International, UK
- Muhammadi Trust of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
- Muslim Association of Britain (MAB)
- Muslim Youth Association (MYA)
- Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH)
- Noor Trust
- Pakistan Community Centre, Willesden, London
- Ramadhan Foundation
- Rabita Ltd
- Radical Middle Way
- Sefydliad Materion Mwslemaidd Cymru (Wales Institute for Muslim Affairs)
- Shia Professionals of London
- Sri Lanka Islamic Forum UK (SLIF UK)
- Somali Family Support Group London (SFSG)
- The Leaf Network
- The Muslim College
- The Salam Project
- The Zahra Trust
- UK Islamic Mission (UKIM)
- World Islamic Mission
- Young Muslims Advisory Group (YMAG)
