Archive for the ‘Community’ Category
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)
Administrator on August 26th, 2011
Islam places huge emphasis on gaining knowledge, so much so that the first revelation was about “Read in the name of Your Lord”. [96:1]
Education is also crucial to integration and social cohesion in a diverse multicultural and multi-faith society.
One third of Muslims are under age 16 and there are approximately half a million Muslim children and young people currently receiving education in British schools and colleges. There is significant diversity in what Muslim parents want. While some would like to send their children to schools with an Islamic ethos, others merely want single-sex schooling. The majority of Muslims in the UK attend community school. However, at present many parents, including Muslims, feel that community schools are not meeting the needs of their children.
The key educational issues concerning Muslim parents are: the continuing poor academic results of Muslim children and the inadequacy of spirituals and moral education that schools provide. There are many reasons for this and a number of stakeholders have a vital role to play if things are to change any time soon.
The Muslim community of Leeds has embarked on a new initiative to build a nursery, with a view to eventually establishing a school.
The management committee of Al-Madina Jamia Masjid and Makkah Masjid, Leeds Muslim Council, believes teaching Islam is not only about learning the basic duties such as praying. It is teaching the children manners, as well as cleanliness, and remembrance of Allah. Something as simple as having the children wash their hands and say ‘bismillah’ before they eat, teaches them how to act as Muslims on a daily basis. A Nursery shall provide an Islamic environment to the children and will instil in them good morals, which will help them become good Muslims. A good Muslim is a good citizen, a gentle and caring member of the society.
The education of children is an on-going reality. In this blessed month of Ramadan, help us towards giving a better future to our children and earn multiple rewards. Pay your Sadaqah/donations towards education and building the nursery to assist young Muslims to have a better future, insha’Allah.
When a Muslim will make a donation to the school, this will Inshallah be a Sadaqa Jariya, which will bring continuous reward until the day of Judgement.
The Prophet (Sallallahhualihiwasalam) said “When the son of Adam dies his actions come to an end except three things, a continuing charity or knowledge which gives benefit or a pious child who prays for him” [Sahih Muslim]
Yorkshire Evening Post has written a feature on Muslim community seeking to establish Nursery. Please click on the attached link: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/leeds_mosques_on_fast_track_for_new_schools_1_3715547
Administrator on August 25th, 2011
Tonight is a very blessed night. It could be a night of power – Laylat-ul-Qadr.
At Leeds Makkah Masjid, we will have a full night session of worshipping Allah Almighty.
So pelase do join us at Leeds Makkah Masjid tonight and make it a very memorable night of worshipping Allah Almighty. Sehri will be offered in the morning for keeping the fast.
The schedule for tonight is:
9.15pm – Start of the session, with youth reciting Holy Quran and Nasheed.
10.00pm – Isha and Taraweh prayer
11.00pm – Khatam-ul-Quran dua
11.30pm – English speeches by brother Muhammad Umar of Ummah Channel and Hafiz Muhammad Gul of Jamia al-Karam
12.30pm – Break
1.00am – Salatul Tasbih offered with Jamat – a very important prayer during this night.
2.00am – Zikr and Awraad – remembering Allah Almighty and sending salutations on Rasulullah.
2.30am - Salatul Layl offered with Jamat – addition prayers offered during this night.
3.00am – Sehri – food will be served for the Sehri
3.44am – End of sehri and start of the fasting
3.45am – Final Dua
4.15am – Fajr prayer
Administrator on August 18th, 2011
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. [Muslim].
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has also encouraged Muslims to find the night of Shab-e-Qadr/ Laylat-ul-Qadr / the Night of Power in the odd numbered nights in the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. [Bukhari]
Special devotion should be made to Allah in these nights. One may engage in lengthy rakaats of additional prayer (nawafil), Tilaawat of the Qur’an, Zikr, and Dua.
In Makkah Masjid, special Qiyam-ul-Lail programme shall be organised on the following nights after Taraweeh prayer.
In addition to special prayers, recitation of the Noble Qur’an the following talks will be given by Imam of the mosque, Qari Muhammad Asim.
Saturday 21 August: The path to Perfection
Monday 23 August: A night with the Prophet (peace be upon him)
Wednesday 25 August: Deen & Dunya/Faith & World
Friday 25 August: Living the Glorious Qur’an
Sunday 27 August: Sins Without Pleasure
Administrator on August 17th, 2011
I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque of men with the intention of gaining closeness to Allah. This was the practise of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, in particular during the last ten days of Ramadan.
This Year 2011, I`tikaf shall start before Maghrib prayer on Saturday 20th August and end at Maghrib prayer on Tuesday 30th August.
Ahadith about I`tikaf
‘Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan” [Bukhari]
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (R.A) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed i’tikaaf during the first ten days of Ramadan, then he observed i’tikaaf during the middle ten days in a small tent at the door of which was a reed mat. He took the mat in his hand and lifted it. Then he put his head out and spoke to the people, and they came close to him. He said: “I observed i’tikaaf during the first ten days seeking this night, then I observed i’tikaaf during the middle ten days. Then someone came and said to me that it is in the last ten days, so whoever among you wishes to observe i’tikaaf let him do so.” So the people observed i’tikaaf with him. [Muslim]
`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha also reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, “Used to perform i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. [Bukhari and Muslim]
‘Aisha reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him. [Bukhari]
Benefits of I`tikaf
I`tikaf, spiritual retreat, is a means of great reward and closeness to Allah as the person performing I`tikaf submits his/her entire person to the worship of Allah Most High in order to;
- seeks closeness;
- - renew himself by submitting totally towards Allah.
- - distances himself/herself from the worldly distractions that prevent one from such closeness;
- devotes his entire time in actual or effective worship; and
- makes the one in retreat resemble the angels who do not disobey the command of Allah and do what they are commanded, while glorifying Allah by night and day without tiring.
Communal Sunnah
I`tikaf is a communal sunna and therefore at least some people in each community must make i`tikaf for the entire last 10 days of Ramadan. It is blameworthy upon the community as a whole not to arrange and implement this.
I`tikaf for Women at Home
It is recommended for women to do i`tikaf (spiritual retreat) in a specific place in their house, a quiet room, for example, whenever they have the time and are able to do so without neglecting their family duties and other responsibilities.
Things permitted during I`tikaf
Everything normally permissible, besides sexual relations, is permitted during i`tikaf, such as eating, drinking, and talk.
A person performing I`tikaf should busy oneself with the beneficial things as much as one meaningfully can, such as:
1. Voluntary prayer,
2. Reciting the Book of Allah,
3. Remembrance of Allah, in all its forms,
4. Gaining beneficial knowledge, reading and listening to inspiring religious discourses,
5. Reflecting upon the creation and his/her own circumstances
One should avoid simply wasting time in talking and indulging things bereft of benefit, let alone committing sinful/ haram activities.
Administrator on July 27th, 2011
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast which involves refraining from food, drink, smoking and conjugal relations from dawn until sunset for a whole month. Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam and over 2 million Muslims in the UK will be fasting for a month to detox their bodies and to re-direct their hearts and souls. It is an act of worship which is designed to bring believers closer to Allah and to rediscover and re-direct themselves and teach self-discipline.
One of the amazing traditions of Ramadan is sharing food with others. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has said: He who gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting persons reward.” (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibbaan, Saheeh).
In the spirit of sharing and giving food to others, each year at Leeds Makkah Masjid, iftar food is provided to everyone who comes to break its fast in the mosque.
Should you wish to earn the reward mentioned by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the hadith and participate in the community spirit by offering Iftari on one of the evenings, please contact us at Makkah Mosque.
Leeds Muslim Council will then allocate an evening to you.
Administrator on July 19th, 2011
The Norway tragedy has been a shock for everyone. On 22 July 2011, the Norway Far-Right extremist donated a bomb that killed seven in downtown Oslo. Then Breivik embarked on a shooting spree at a summer youth camp on Utøya island, killing at least 86, the biggest massacre by a single gunman in modern times.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families as in Islam even the loss of a single life can never be justified, let alone so many young lives who had everything to live for.
It is reported that the perpetrator of the tragic massacre was fuelled by a hatred of Muslims, their place in Western society and multi-culturalism. In his bizarre and Islamophobic 1,500-plus page manifesto and video, Breivik expressed his desire for “genuine Europeans” to fight multicultural society and cleanse the continent of Muslims.
This wave of hateful, unjust and discriminatory approach to Muslims and the faith of Islam must be considered at all levels.
Imam of Makkah Masjid, Qari Asim, said the tragic events in Norway are a reminder that far-right extremism is a major and growing threat. Despite the rise of far-right in Europe, political leaders have not taken far-right extremism seriously enough. It is encouraging that the UK National Security Council has called on police and security services to re-assess the level of scrutiny of far right groups.
The horrific event also highlights the rise of Islamphobia in Europe, as pointed out by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi earlier in the year. Other minority communities have suffered intimidation before and we do not want the history to be repeated in the same way. It is the responsibility of the press, the government and the Muslim community, to deal with it. Usually, Islamophobia arises as a result of misunderstanding and each community can do more at learning about other community’s faith, culture and lifestyle, he said”
This unfortunate tragedy and loss of innocent human life has, once again shown biased approach taken by certain quarters of the news media. A number of popular news channels and news papers made the usual assumption and pointed the finger towards AQ. The Sun rolled out the heading “Al-Qaeda” Massacre: NORWAY’S 9/11.
‘Jumping the gun’ in this particular context can actually have short-term consequences that are unacceptable along with their long-term affects: people could have assaulted some Muslims in Norway before it came to light that the perpetrator(s) was/were not Muslims.
The issue of how “terrorism” is defined has, once again, been raised; is killing and terrorizing of innocent for political or other gains a “terrorist” act or is this label only used when so-called Muslims commit such heinous crime?
Mr Breivik has said he was part of an anti-Islam network that has two cells in Norway and several more abroad are in operation. We urge the authorites to pay due attention to the rise of anti-Islam movements and tackle this issue appropriately. Any myths that exist about the peaceful faith of Islam must be debunked. Anti-Muslim and right-wing thinkers must also carefully examine whether their ideologies, conspiracy theories and demonization of Muslims have the potential of radicalizing individuals.
Administrator on July 1st, 2011
There is clear distinction between “forced marriages” and “arranged marriages. “Arranged is where the couple are happy and families facilitate the marriage, but forced is forced,” said Imam Qari Muhammad Asim in an interview with Yorkshire Evening Post.
For details, please click on the link below:
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/leeds_action_on_forced_brides_1_3532922
