Leeds Makkah Masjid

This year, BBC Look North covered the Open Days & Islamic Exhibition 2008 event. You can click on the following link to view the coverage.

Click here to view all the images from the Islamic Exhibition and Open Days at Leeds Makkah Masjid

Click here to view all the images from the Connecting Cultures event

Leeds Makkah Mosque recently opened its doors and invited members of the wider community to learn about the Muslim faith and culture, with a view to spreading and celebrating the city’s diverse and multi-faith spiritual heritage. This was in keeping with the Mosque’s longstanding aim of promoting and encouraging understanding and mutual respect within the wider community. The management of the Mosque, Leeds Muslim Council, has historically been committed to helping achieve harmony within the local community by planning initiatives that actively engage with different community organisations, with the aim of providing opportunities for visitors to explore and share the beauty of Islam.

Makkah Mosque hoped that by developing a better understanding of the message of peace propagated by Islam within the wider community, the barriers created by underlying suspicion between different communities could be broken down and the message that Islam truly does equal “Peace” could be spread. With these objectives in mind, Leeds Muslim Council got involved in the Leeds wide ‘Treasures Revealed’ initiative and opened the doors of the Mosque to the general public, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

With Yorkshire’s largest ever Islamic exhibition on display, information about the miracles of the Qur’an, comprehensiveness and applicability of Islam to our modern society, as well as the tremendous contribution Muslims have historically made in the fields of mathematics, medical science, geography and astronomy, was displayed. Highlights included a tour of the Mosque, a detailed description and explanation of the calligraphy and Islamic artwork inside the dome. The centre piece of the display was, without doubt, the spectacular calligraphy on the inside of the Mosque’s dome, which was produced by the Gold-medalist, renowned Pakistani calligrapher, Naveed Bhatti, in 2006.

The calligraphy work comprises of the ninty-nine names of Allah and His beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the names of the famous companions, various verses from the holy Quran and a complete chapter of the holy Quran (surah Ar-Rahman). The calligraphy has been produced in a combination of breathtaking colours, the result of which is truly magnificent, inspiring and spiritually uplifting. The art form developed by Muslim artists, namely the art of arabesque, is also used inside the dome. Multiple coloured leaf patterns fill the inside of the dome to create a sense of a heavenly garden overlooking the congregation in prayer and meditation. There is more calligraphy work done to the inner dome of the mosque than any other mosque in the UK.

Guests at the Connecting Cultures event at Leeds Makkah Mosque

As well as the Islamic exhibition which was opened to the general public, a special ‘Connecting Cultures’ session was held for senior members of local statutory bodies: the education, voluntary, community and faith sectors. The guests included Hilary Benn, Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs, John Battle MP, former faith advisor, Greg Mulholland MP, Lord Mayor of Leeds, Leader of Leeds City Council, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, Divisional Commander for North West Leeds, Pro-Vice-Chancellors of Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan University, Rev Canon McCreadie (Leeds Cathedral Dean), Rev John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rev Dr Elizabeth Smith, Chair of Methodist Church, lectures from Universities and representatives from local council, the education, voluntary, community and faith sectors also attended the event.

Former faith advisor MP John Battle said “[Makkah Mosque] is a place of prayer and community that is not locked inside these four walls but radiate out into the neighbourhood and into our city to show and demonstrate that in the 21st century we can be a place of hospitality, stability and real enjoyable community.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Met University, Professor Anne Gregory

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Leeds University, Professor Stephen Scott noted that multi-faith initiatives help promote peace in our communities. Pro Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Met University, Professor Anne Gregory remarked that “peace does not happen. It is to be worked at and happens when communities understand each other.” Professor Gregory then went on to highlight some of the peace initiatives that the students of Leeds Met University were invloved in locally and in the Middle East. Following the same theme, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police Sir Norman Bettison, praised Leeds Muslim Council’s efforts and commented that “it is impossible to know anything about another community unless you try to understand your neighbourhood, your community and inviting people to the Mosque is a step towards that.”

Rev Canon McCreadie (Cathedral Dean) said: “Diversity in our city gives rise to new challenges to reflect on the core principles of a democratic society which must have in its heart the recognising of religious liberty as a basic human rights. [The annual Connecting Cultures event is] very important event in our city to discover the core values that we all share and how we can promote mutual understanding.”

MP Greg Mullholand

MP Greg Mullholand said that “There is nothing more powerful in terms of breaking down barriers than opening doors and saying ‘come in to meet us, talk to us and learn a little built more about who we are’. Once we have more understanding we are more accepting and tolerant, which then leads to friendship. Makkah Masjid symbolises the 21st century Leeds.”

MP Hilary Benn

Hilary Benn, Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs said: “I applaud the community for the initiative to open the doors and invite the community of Leeds inside this magnificent place. This gives us hope and encouragement that as a world we will live to learn alongside each other. I thank you for the step that you have taken and I wish you every success in the coming months and years”.

Chief Superintendent Whitehouse said: “I was delighted to be able to attend this opening event at the Mosque which offered me the opportunity to meet representatives from all communities who were present. I am very much looking forward to working with the Muslim community in North West Leeds and building on the excellent relationship that already exists between them and the local police.”
A key aim of the event was to create a platform for organisations from a wide spectrum of sectors to get together to experience and understand the message of peace and harmony that forms the cornerstone of the Islamic faith. The intention was to demonstrate not only the positive contribution Muslims have made to civilisations throughout history through the historic artefacts on display as part of the exhibition, but also to highlight the positive contribution Muslims make in today’s society. The underlying message of the event was that a partnership based approach is a key to maintaining harmonious relations between different sections of society and promoting community cohesion.

Imam Hafiz Asim speaking at the event.

During the course of the open days around 3,000 people visited the Mosque. For some of the visitors, this was their first ever visit to a mosque and many found the experience over-whelming, whilst others found it so spiritually-uplifting that they returned for a second visit! In brief, the event was immensely successful in bringing the diverse communities of Leeds together under one roof. Commenting on the success of the event, Imam of Makkah Masjid, Hafiz Asim said: “The event was an eye-opener for many. The general consensus amongst those who attended the Mosque was that the experience was informative, enjoyable and spiritually uplifting. It is hoped that by providing an opportunity for people of other faiths to explore the beauty of Islam within the setting of the Mosque’s traditional architectural designs and contemporary styles, the whole community has benefited from greater respect and mutual understanding. God-willing, the event will further help in bringing the different communities of Leeds together and in harmonising relations between communities.”

Audience at the Connecting Cultures event

The feedback received on the Open Days has, without exception, been positive. The comments of one visitor, who found the Open Days to be “very insightful and a great opportunity to see the beautiful [Mosque]” summed up the general consensus amongst the visitors that the experience has been a positive one. A representative from Leeds Initiative found the event to be “superb” and commented that “everyone should come to events like this.” Some of the other comments included: “very professional”, “brilliant presentation”, “Fantastic opportunity. Thank you for being such welcoming hosts. I have learnt a lot.” “Really interesting to see what goes on in here. Thanks for your hospitality.”

Finally, we would like to thank all the volunteers who helped in making this a successful event. May Allah Almighty give them reward in abundance for their sincere work in this world and in the Hereafter.

Click here to view all the images from the Islamic Exhibition and Open Days at Leeds Makkah Masjid

Click here to view all the images from the Connecting Cultures event

May 5th and 6th Sisters only exhibition and lectures
May 7th - 11th All welcome

We will be holding the annual islamic exhibition at Makkah Masjid in the month of May this year, insha Allah. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into a Muslim faith organisation working hard to connect cultures and foster real community cohesion. Your attendance would be a tremendous boost for the volunteers involved and recognition of the efforts to reach out to all to improve community life.

The exhibits will include coins from the early Islamic period, as well as extracts from copies of the Holy Qur’an from the second and third centuries. There will also be information on display highlighting the vital role Islam and Muslims have played throughout the ages in the development of a variety of fields, including science, medicine and art.

In addition to the general exhibition, we are holding a special session for dignitaries and community leaders on Friday 9th May 2008 at 3:00pm. Our invitees include the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Leader of Leeds City Council, Church leaders, lecturers from Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan University, representative from West Yorkshire Police and representatives from local primary care trusts. Also represented will be members from the voluntary, community and faith sector, interfaith organisations, local school heads and local councillors. We are also arranging to have local TV and press coverage for the event.

Please note that there will be a Sisters’ Exclusive Islamic Exhibition and lectures on 5th May and 6th May when the mosque will be solely managed by sisters and only sisters will be allowed in the mosque except for prayer times.

We look forward to seeing you at the exhibition!

A right-wing Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, has made a 15 minute long film called Fitna (Arabic term for strife, chaos). The film largely consists of archive footage showing the acts of terrorism that bloodied the streets of New York (9/11), London (7/7) and Madrid. The horrific images are set against passages from the Quran which are distorted, deliberately misinterpreted and taken out of context. Further, the film is interspersed with sermons by Muslims, and Dutch newspaper headlines reporting. The film also shows Muslim demonstrators in a variety of different countries holding up placards making statements, such as “God bless Hitler”. It depicts the beheading of a white Caucasian man by a group of so-called Muslim terrorists dressed in black, reciting verses from the Qur’an. Towards the end of the film, the following message appears: “The government insists that you respect Islam, but Islam has no respect for you. Islam wants to rule, submit, and seeks to destroy our Western civilization”.

The film seeks to project the Quran as a scripture that justifies and legitimizes terrorism and violence perpetrated against innocent civilians. Its aim is to demonstrate that Muslims wish to exterminate people of other faiths and therefore that Muslims should be dealt with harshly.

The official response, although not going far enough, has been a welcome first step. Speaking immediately after the release of the film on Thursday, 27 March 2008, Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende said that the cabinet regretted the showing of the short film whose only aim is ‘to upset people’s feelings’. The EU was, however, more outspoken in its criticism. In a statement it issued,  the EU presidency said that the film’s only purpose was to ‘incite hatred’. It pointed out that the EU stood ‘fully’ behind the Dutch government. Dutch law-makers have concluded that the film does not go as far as inciting hatred and as such is within legal boundaries. Since the release of the film does not break the law of the land, the Dutch government cannot prevent the release of the film. The film, since its release, has been roundly criticized in the media as”cheap,” “empty” and “bourgeois.” “It’s old, already years old news, and tells nothing new or exciting,” remarked one news editor on Dutch television.

Muslims in different parts of the world have been holding demonstrations to protest against the release of the film. There has also been a proposal from some Muslim scholars and politicians, such as the former Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, to boycott Dutch products around the globe. Others have simply decided to ignore the film maintaining that the image it portrays is far from true and it does not make any revelations other than the ill-intentions of Geer t Wilders. It seems that the film has been a stunt to gain publicity. Muslims have been protesting against the film because it presents a distorted image of their holy scripture and it will encourage hatred and violence. Freedom of expression is a right and Muslims respect that but it is not an excuse to upset fellow human beings. Freedom of expression should never be allowed to be used to instigate hatred, racism, insult and discrimination. Each right has to be checked with a responsibility.

The claim made by Geert Wilders that the Qur’an promotes violence is not accurate. Wilders has tried to depict this distorting picture of Islam and Muslims by using verses of the Qur’an out of context. Common sense dictates that when selecting a sentence from a text, the background to that particular text, the preceding and succeeding passages should not be ignored.

In the context of the Qur’an, interpreting each sentence in its accurate context is even more paramount. The Qur’ān was revealed in fragments and therefore it is all the more important that a reader is aware of the background to the revelation of a particular passage in the Qur’an since the Qur’an deals with a wide range of issues including family affairs of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), customs prevalent in Saudi Arabia at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the situations faced by Muslims during the time of the Prophet (e.g weddings, battles etc.) and guidelines for spiritual, social, political and economic issues affecting the Muslims. Therefore, the context in which a verse is revealed is important. In addition to the circumstantial evidence relating to a particular revelation, it is crucial that a reader reads the preceding and succeeding verses of a particular passage as there is a strong relationship between verses of a particular passage. Further, each passage of a particular chapter is linked, supporting the central theme of a particular chapter, or surah.

The Qur’ān has stated universal, individualistic and historical arguments on various fundamental principles in different surahs. These arguments have been stated in an extremely wise arrangement and order. When a person who is well-acquainted with the arrangement and order of the verses of a surah and recites the sūrah intelligently and thoughtfully, he feels that he has read a very comprehensive, logical, rational and appealing oration. On the contrary, the person who is unaware of this well-arranged order or decides to ignore the theme of a particular passage(s), though he may become familiar with parts, he remains completely devoid and deprived of the hikmah and wisdom described in the surah as a whole. This method of picking and choosing verses out of context can lead to a distorted picture of the message of the Qur’an. Many of the questions which may arise out of a certain passage of the Qur’ân have their explanation in other parts of the very same book. For instance, one verse in the Qur’an states that the Qur’an was revealed in a blessed night. ‘We sent it down during a blessed night’ (44: 3). This begs the question, which was the blessed night in which the Qur’an was sent down? Surah 97 informs us that ‘We have indeed revealed this [Qur’an] in the night of Power (97: 1)’. Night of Power is usually considered to be one of odd-numberd nights in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.

Having understood the importance of context to obtain the true meaning of a verse, it is important to examine the opening verse that Wilders has used in his film. It is verse 60 of Surah 8 (al-Anfal), which reads as follows:
“ Hence, make ready against them whatever force and war mounts you are able to muster, so that you might deter thereby the enemies of God, who are your enemies as well, and others besides them of whom you may be unaware, [but] of whom God is aware; and whatever you may expend in God’s cause shall be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.”

The theme that revolves around Surah 8 is the Battle of Badr which occurred in the second year after the Hijra of the Prophet from Makkah to Madina. This was the first battle that took place between Muslims and non-Muslims after they had been driven out of their homes from Makkah. After having discussed the issue relating to battles and having outlined the rules of engagement, verses 55 - 59 highlight the sanctity of treaties and the Muslims are commanded to observe them as long as the other party does not break them. Then verses 60 - 66 go on to state that if the other party to a treaty or covenant is in breach of a covenant, Muslims should always be prepared for war. However, Muslims should also be ready to make peace if the other party is inclined towards it after having breached the treaty. For the benefit of the readers, the full translation of verses 56-59 is set out below:
“As for those with whom thou hast made a covenant, and who thereupon break their covenant on every occasion, not being conscious of God-(56) if thou find them at war [with you], make of them a fearsome example for those who follow them, so that they might take it to heart; (57) or, if thou hast reason to fear treachery from people [with whom thou hast made a covenant], cast it back at them in an equitable manner: for, verily, God does not love the treacherous! (58) And let them not think - those who are bent on denying the truth -that they shall escapee’ [God]: behold, they can never frustrate [His purpose] (59).

In the forgoing verses, the principal elements of international relations between Muslims and non-Muslims are set out. Unlike the alleged claim that the Muslims wish to annihilate people of other faiths from the world, the Qur’an states that the Muslim community can enter into agreements with other communities. However, if the other party manipulates the agreements and uses them as a shield to cover up its deceitful designs, the Muslim leadership can terminate the agreements, making the other side fully aware of the termination before taking any steps to launch an assault on the other party for breaking the terms of the agreement. The context of verse 60 indicates that the Muslims are told to prepare themselves with whatever force and war weapons they are able to muster against those who have violated the peace treaty. It is not an open-ended command to wage a war against non-Muslims and massacre them.

The verse immediately succeeding the aforementioned verse 60 (verse 61) makes it clear that if those who have broken the peace treaty with you show an inclination to peace then do not ignore their offer despite the fact that they may be entering into a peace agreement because they realize that this is their only option otherwise they will be crushed in the battlefield. Verse 61 reads:
“But if they incline to peace, incline you to it as well, and place you trust in God: verily, He alone is all-hearing, all-knowing!”
Muslims are commanded to take up the offer of peace for the sake of establishing peace in society. It is regrettable that Wilders fails to include the verse that immediately follows the verse that he has made a focus point of his short film. His selective quoting from te Quran in this manner shows malice and ill-intentions at best, and an attempt to provoke violence and hatred for Muslims at worst.

The whole passage from verse 55-61 indicates that Islam wishes to establish peaceful co-existence between communities by urging each party to honour and respect the treaties made in this effort. However, if one community keeps violating the terms of a treaty when the circumstances are in its favour and uses the treaties as a cover-up to design treacherous plots against the Muslims, the Muslims should not ignore them, rather they should teach them a lesson so that they do not manipulate others and disturb the peace of a community. In Islam, the main aim of the war is not to obtain revenge or exterminate non-Muslims but rather in most cases, it is an act of self-defence and not an act of aggression. If the aggressor ceases to fight then Muslims are obliged to stop as well for the sake of peace, as is indicated by verse 61. Islam encourages peace even against those who may have destroyed a peaceful society in the first place.

In other words, Muslims are to respond to peace, and maintain it as far as possible, but they should also be ready to fight those who destroy peace. If, however, those who wish to destroy peace subsequently  wish to revert to it, Muslims are not to hesitate if peace is a real prospect. Those who destroy harmony and upset the balance of a society, those who disturb the peace of a community, the peace of a city, the peace of a country or the peace of the world –whether it is an individual or a state – are not following Islam. Their actions are not driven by the faith of Islam but by their own desires.

Wilders uses four other verses, namely, surah 4, verses 56 and 89; surah 8, verses 39 and 60; and surah 47, verse 4. Rather than analysing each verse, we urge the readers to pick up a commentary of the Qur’an and read the passages before and after these verses together with an understanding of the historical context in which they were revealed. Wilders has used these verses not only in a manner which cuts them off from the rest of the Quran, but he also removes them from their historical contexts.

It should also be borne in mind that there are references to violence in most holy scriptures —the Torah and the Talmud; the old and new Testaments; the Quran and the ahadith; the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. Giving instructions relating to battles or dealing with those who are guarding their faith is not something new in the Qur’an or unique to it. Similar commandments relating to killings and shedding blood are found in the Old Testament. For instance, the command to utterly destroy the Canaanites reads:.
“And when the Lord your God delivers it into your hands, you shall strike every male in it with the edge of the sword. But the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall plunder for yourself; and you shall eat the enemies’ plunder which the Lord your God gives you. Thus you shall do to all the cities which are very far from you, which are not of the cities of these nations. But of the cities of these peoples which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, you shall let nothing that breathes remain alive, but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God has commanded you, lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the Lord your God rules of engagement o in the Qur’an is nothing new.” (Deutronomy 20:12-18).

However, it would be unjust and inequitable not to mention the preceding passage to the aforementioned passage, which encourages the attackers to offer them a chance to make peace.

“When you go near a city to fight against it, then proclaim an offer of peace to it. And it shall be that if they accept your offer of peace, and open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be placed under tribute to you, and serve you.”(Deutronomy 20:10-11).

It is therefore important that we study all religious texts in their proper context. When these texts are not read in their proper textual and historical contexts, the result is that they are manipulated and distorted. Taking the Qur’anic verses out of their historical context to defame Islam is an outmoded method of trying to undermine the fact that Islam is a religion which advocates peace and harmony and not acts of terrorism, and it is a shame that even in this day and age, this method of promoting hatred and violence has not yet ceased.

Indeed, even in today’s modern age, there are numerous international agreements which govern the rules of engagement and set out acceptable practices during wartime. These include the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions. Therefore the fact that the Quran sets out the rules on war applicable to Muslims is not something which should come as a surprise, given that the Quran is a complete rule book for Muslims to follow in all aspects of their lives, whether social, ecomonic or political.

In conclusion, the 15 minutes “Fitna” is not a film in the true sense. It is rather a slideshow, which uses five verses from three chapters of the Quran, that are distorted, taken out of context and interspersed with horrific footage of terrorist acts. As for the response of the Muslim community “Fitna,” is no more than a fitna. The second meaning of the word fitna is a test and trial. Muslims should pass through this fitna by showing patience and promoting greater understanding of their faith.

Alhamdullilah, we are honoured again for the auspicious occasion of Rabi-ul-Awal. The month of the birth of the Essence of Mercy,  the most beloved of Allah, the last and final Messenger Muhmammad Mustafa (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has started! Makkah Masjid invites everyone to celebrate and rejoice on this favour of Allah.

In Celebration of the Beloved (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa-Alihi Wasalam), Jalsa Milad-un-Nabi will be held on Sunday 9 March 2008 after Zuhr prayer at 1:30pm.

Let us pray as much as we can and send salutations upon the beloved of Allah to express our love for our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Makkah Masjid took part in a series of lectures organized by Leeds Interfaith Fellowship, Concord, on understanding the scriptures of the faiths.

The Imam of Makkah Masjid, Hafiz Asim, gave people of other faiths an introduction to the Qur’an, explaining how the Qur’an was revealed and written down during the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Imam illustrated the structure of the Quran, the different themes which it teaches
and its immense importance in Muslim faith, worship and daily life.

To read the full report please click here

Alhamdulillah Allah Almighty has blessed us with an aesthetically magnificent mosque, of which the Muslim community of Leeds is extremely proud. Makkah Masjid has won many accolades for its beauty and arguably is one of the most striking mosques in the country.

Due to Makkah Mosque’s splendid exterior, from time to time television programmes and films include shots of the mosque without the knowledge of the management committee of the mosque, Leeds Muslim Council. The Makkah Mosque’s exterior has been featured in a movie called “Mischief Night” and most recently it was featured in the much publicised Channel 4 drama “Britz”. Unfortunately, those who produce such programmes or films do not consult with Leeds Muslim Council about the depiction of the mosque, as we would wish them to do given the sensitivities surrounding the issues many of these programmes deal with.

Accordingly, Leeds Muslim Council wishes to make it clear that it has not endorsed the use of Makkah Masjid in television programmes of this nature.

The following information was published in the Leeds Guide, Issue No. 150 (09 - 24 August 2006)