Rochdale Council refuses to disclose PVE funded groups

By Majed Iqbal- A new report issued by the Tax payer’s alliance has singled out Rochdale Council, after it refused to disclose key information on how the Prevention for Violent Extremism (PVE) money had been distributed in Rochdale.

The Tax payer’s alliance, an independent body who research where tax payers money is being spent by the government, rubbished the Government “Prevent” strategy which was designed to tackle ‘radicalisation’ as part of efforts in its counter terrorism strategy. The Government promised £45 million to local authorities over three years as PVE grants, allocated to those Councils with Muslim populations of more than 5 per cent.

The new report by the Taxpayers’ Alliance used the Freedom of Information requests to compile the data, listing all the organisations that had received PVE (Prevention of Violent Extremism) funding in the last two years by their local councils.

WEEKLY TALK- Approaching the Quran Truly and Completely

   The following is the text of an Islamic Circle delivered earlier this week in Rochdale on how to approach the Quran completely and comprehensively

By Majed Iqbal- Here we are now in the first week of the month of Ramadhan. The Quran which has been resting on the top of our shelves for days, weeks and for some months and has now found itself back in the hands of the believers.

We are now inshallah habitually reading it and trying our best to understand its meaning by deeply pondering over its purposes. Were hearing the Quran recited eloquently and beautifully by the Qari’s at Salaat-ul Taraweeh.

Many of us have realised that the Quran, its message, its verses and the vision of life which it proposes is no joke. We have also realised that it was in this blessed month that this noble kitaab was revealed and finalised for mankind as the last and final revelation for humanity and what Allah (swt) wishes for his creation to do on this Earth.

Allah (swt) says in the Quran in Surah al Hashr:

WEEKLY TALK- Preparing the Mind, Body and Soul for the Month of Ramadhan

The following is the text of an Islamic Circle delivered earlier this week in Rochdale on the preparation for Ramadhan

By Majed Iqbal- The blessed month of Ramadhan is just around the corner as we all await eagerly for this blessed guest to illuminate our lives once again.

This is the month of opportunity, the month for change, the month for addressing ourselves, the month of charity, the month of generosity, the month of looking at the state of affairs of the Ummah and making change and the month of evaluating our relationship with Allah (swt) and with what his final and beloved messenger, Muhammad al-Mustafa (saw) bought- The final revelation and the Furqan.

However, we can only reap the true benefits of Ramadhan if we truly understand our sole purpose of existence. Only by addressing this fundamental question can we truly appreciate what Ramadhan is, our relationship with this month and the benefits and consequences of fulfilling or not fulfilling its due.

ASIAN NEWS ARTICLE- Muslim Communities in the North Reject Government PVE strategy

Pubished on the Asian News Website-

By Majed Iqbal- A report released last week by think-tank the New Local Government Network (NLGN) has criticised the flagship £70 million Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) programme launched by the government two years back because it alienates Muslims.

Community groups across the North West and Yorkshire have refused to join a Government-funded scheme to prevent violent Islamic extremism because it “victimises” Muslims, it has been claimed.

The PVE programme was modeled to “promote shared values, support local solutions, build civic capacity and leadership and strengthen the role of faith institutions and leaders”.

The generic nature of the strategy was welcomed initially at the first look but rejected once the details became further apparent. The plans were considered divisive and an effort to divide the Muslim community on the lines of moderates and extremists by branding what ideas of Islam will be acceptable in Britain and what won’t.

Rochdale Muslims to participate in Consultation against Compulsory Sex Education for 5 year olds

In the last months, there has been an active campaign to mobilise the Rochdale community against new  Government plans to introduce compulsory sex education for 5 year old children.

The group “Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds” has played an active public role in highlighting these proposals and demonstrating exactly how the Muslim Community specifically and the wider community in general will be affected by this.

The group “Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds” now will be participating in the national consultation process on this issue.

We have gathered over 1000 petition signatures, and have led a Facebook campaign with at the time of writing, galvanised 388 Facebook group members on board, organised Weekly public stalls in busy areas in Rochdale, promoted the issue through a locally created YouTube advert, presented information packs to all Rochdale Mosques, visited churches and opened dialogue with local councillors.

Rochdale unites against Government proposals for compulsory Sex education for 5 year olds

By Majed Iqbal- Rochdale’s campaign against the introduction of compulsory sex education for 5 year olds stepped into the next phase with the first of its public events.

At Kashmir youth project, Rochdale, over 50 members of the local community, consisting of teachers, Deputy heads, Parents, Primary School Governors, Councillors, Mosque representatives, Youth parliament delegate, local activists and parents gathered together to listen to the key discussions on the pressing issue of governments proposals on sex education for 5 year olds onwards.

After over four weeks of galvanizing support through public stalls in busy areas in Rochdale, an active online campaign through face book, YouTube and a local blog which has grew exponentially over the last weeks, presenting information packs to all Rochdale Mosques, visiting churches, dialoguing with local councillors, the event was held to present the detailed propositions made by the government and its effects it would have on the local community in Rochdale.

Majed Iqbal, organiser of the event introduced the event to a well balanced and mixed audience of Muslims and non-Muslims and a healthy attendance by women.

SLIDESHOW- Rochdale Stall for SRE Campaign

Campaign stalls have been running for 2 weeks highlighting the growing concern on Government plans to introduce Sex Education for 5 year old children.

The slideshow shows  the Weekly Saturdays Stall for the SRE Campaign that is growing in support in Rochdale

MUSLIMS.NET ARTICLE- Britons against sex classes for children

 (Part of Al-jazeerah publishing)- CAIRO - With the British government planning to offer sex classes in primary schools, a campaign has been launched on the world’s largest social network Facebook to counter the move, reported the Rochdale Observer on Saturday, April 25.

“We believe the teaching of SRE (sex and relationship education) in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached as well as the resources used,” campaigner Majed Iqbal said.

Iqbal, a British Muslim, has launched a Facebook group themed “Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds” to campaign against plans to introduce sex classes in primary schools.

“There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behavior ‘safe’ rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behavior acceptable.”

The government has unveiled plans to offer sex classes for pupils as part of efforts to protect children from early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

ISLAMONLINE Article- Britons Against Sex Classes for Children

 CAIRO -  “Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong,” Iqbal said.  With the British government planning to offer sex classes in primary schools, a campaign has been launched on the world’s largest social network Facebook to counter the move, reported the Rochdale Observer on Saturday, April 25.

“We believe the teaching of SRE (sex and relationship education) in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached as well as the resources used,” campaigner Majed Iqbal said.

Iqbal, a British Muslim, has launched a Facebook group themed “Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds” to campaign against plans to introduce sex classes in primary schools.

“There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behavior ‘safe’ rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behavior acceptable.”

VIDEO- UK Youth Parliament- “Key” Promoters of SRE for 5 Year olds

The UK Youth Parliament has been a key force behind the introduction of Sex and Relationships Education for Primary Schools. As a body, they firmly believe that learning around this topic for children as young as five years could provide the answers for the serious social problems that Britain is facing today.

Unfortunately, none of the Muslim Representatives of the Youth Parliament have raised any concerns or issues about the proposals. Despite the Youth parliament having 15 Muslim members, with 7 alone in the North West and Yorkshire region, protest against this new project has been absent.

ROCHDALE OBSERVER ARTICLE- School sex class faces opposition

The following article appeared in the Rochdale Observer Newspaper highlighting the Rochdale Campaign by the Muslim Community on the SRE issue.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched against government plans to introduce sex and relationship education to primary school children as young as five.

Majed Iqbal, a Rochdale Muslim community activist, has set up a Facebook group and created a campaign video, which can be seen on the internet video site YouTube, to challenge the plans and he is urging both Muslim and non-Muslim parents to join.

He believes the onus is on parents to teach children about sex and not teachers.

The department for children, schools and families announced plans last year to make sex education and lessons about the dangers of drugs and alcoholcompulsory in primary and secondary schools under government moves to protect young people from pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

ASIAN IMAGE Article- Sex education for five year olds?

A campaign has been launched in Rochdale following a new government project for primary schools which is set to be rolled out later this year.

The controversial Sex and relationships (SRE) studies, aimed to open up the minds of five year old primary school children towards understanding sexual behaviour, orientation and managing relationships is currently in the consultation process but has already sparked debate in many communities across the UK.

Rochdale residents have shown growing concern as many people had not been made aware of these plans for their children’s education.

Further, once in fruition, parents do not have the choice to opt their children out of the lessons.

The studies were designed with the perceived wisdom that ‘good sex education’ leads to better informed children and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), teenage pregnancies.

Britain remains the lead country in Europe with the highest figures of teenage pregnancies whilst number of abortions carried out on girls aged under 18 in Wales was at a five-year high, assembly government figures show.

Majed Iqbal, a Rochdale based blogger and community activist has embarked on a campaign to challenge the SRE project to be taught at primary schools.

North West Women’s conference addresses the future of Gaza

    By Majed Iqbal- While international pressure seems to have produced a ceasefire in Gaza, feelings of outrage have not dissipated easily left by the international silence by leading powers whilst the aggression was taking place in Gaza. Bitter taste can be felt resounding in many countries and seemed no different for the Muslim community in the UK.

Beyond the Gaza episode and the alleged ceasefire by Israeli forces, debates and discussions continue to look at a viable alternative to achieving territorial integrity and liberation for the Palestinians and mapping out the main obstacle in the way of achieving this.

To discuss these issues over a 150 women attended a one day Conference which looked beyond the ‘ceasefire’, evaluated the practical steps that could have prevented such atrocities and mapped out a future political set up to ensure stability and peace for the region

The women’s chapter of the Islamic political party Hizb ut-Tahrir organised the conference in Longsight, Manchester opening a robust debate on the Gaza issue.

ASIAN NEWS COVERAGE: Madrassah beating claims is scare tactic

   The following article was published on the Asian News Website detailing the views from various Community leaders in Rochdale on the Mosque Child beating Fiasco which has hit national press. Comments from this blog also featured in the article.

MOSQUE leaders and community members have hit back at an unpublished report by a Rochdale imam who has claimed students at some madrassahs are being regularly beaten and abused by their teachers.

Imam Irfan Chishti, a former government adviser on Islamic affairs and religious education teacher who runs the Light of Islam Academy on Milkstone Road, Rochdale, compiled the report based on interviews with victims in madrassahs in the north of England.

He told The Times, which also carried out its own investigation in Rochdale, that he was “shocked” how even victims had accepted the abuse and said there was a “culture that accepts it.” He said part of the problem was that madrassah teachers were ignorant of British law which bans corporal punishment.

Both Mr Chishti’s and the Times report suggest that children are regularly slapped, punched and even had their ears twisted. One student was “picked up by one leg and spun around” while another said a madrassah teacher was “kicking in my head – like a football”.

Rochdale Imam accuses local Mosques of ‘Child Beatings’

By Majed Iqbal- According to a new report compiled by Irfan Chishti, a government adviser on Islamic affairs and a close ally to Hazel Blears on her agenda to tackle Extremism, has stated that Muslim children are being beaten and abused regularly by teachers at some madrassas. 

Students have been slapped, punched and had their ears twisted, according to the unpublished report by the Rochdale imam based on interviews with victims in the north of England.

The times newspaper, who ran the story and claimed Exclusive coverage for it, was forthright in painting a bleak picture of Muslims In Rochdale and their institutions. It is yet to be verified as to how the report came to the attention of the times newspaper.

Rochdale Muslims have met the news with utter disgust and have been sceptical over the last months of the direct repeated references being made about Rochdale Muslims in Press and Government Circles. This news story adds to the frenzy which has gradually been whipped up in recent weeks.

VIDEO- Hazel Blear’s ‘Off the mark’ plans

Hazel Blears launched a dedicated campaign in her  new report ‘Preventing Violent Extremism: Next Steps for Communities’ which builds on the cross-government strategy published in June.

She said “The Government has always been clear that communities must be at the centre of the response to violent extremism. Over the last year we have been working with communities and local authorities in developing their capacity to confront violent extremism effectively, marginalise and undermine those actively peddling these views and support vulnerable young people. “

One of her areas of work has been with women as shown in the video. Muslim communities must make a correct stand on theses issues. Whilst no one disagrees that women in Britain in general need support, guidance and oppurtunities, to single out Muslim women fro empowerment courses tells clear tales of how conniving ministers can be in their pursuits of twisting the rationale for violence and the link to the Muslim community.

Exclusive Video- Stand For Islam Documentary

By Majeds Video Blog Team- The last few years have seen increased Propaganda and rhetoric issued against Muslims living in Europe. Despite quotations aired in scripted style by Politicians, Media and government on freedom, tolerance and pluralism, the reality seems to be far from Muslims when it comes to their treatment.

Publishing of the Insulting cartoons against the Prophet of Islam in Denmark and their consequent republishing in Europe, Geert Wilders film Fitna which asked for most of the pages of the Quran to be ripped out, Anti-terror legislation designed for the Muslims, Fake evidence to justify raids as in Forest Gate (UK, criminalising the Muslim community over voicing concern on Foreign policy issues, voicing he creation for a “British” and “European” form of Islam, the banning of the Hijab in France and numerous other examples clearly build a picture of an environment which is breeding intolerance and misrepresenting Islam and Muslims.

This exclusive documentary produced by Majeds Blog aims to give confidence to Muslims in Britain in upholding their identity and showing the host society as to how Muslims can make a positive contribution in society.

Additional Reading:

Are British Muslms attention Seekers?

Asian Leader Article- Are British Muslms attention Seekers?

Rochdale at the Khilafah Conference 2008- “The need for Political Unity”

Thousands of delegates attended Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain’s national Conference: Khilafah – The Need for Political Unity in London earlier today. This conference was part of a month of global activities following similar events in Palestine, Iraq, Indonesia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Mombasa, Australia, Pakistan and Yemen.

Rochdale participated in the Conference with over 50 brothers and sisters making their journey early in the morning. Everyone was eagerly awaiting to listen to the Keynote speeches on the future of the Muslim world in light of the Food and Oil Crisis, amassed debt, Poverty and War stricken areas.

The speeches focused on tackling the issues of Unity amongst muslim countries under the shade of the khilafah State (caliphate) possible when there is ethnic, cultural, regional and jurispundential disputes amongst Muslims?

One speech specifically looked at the case study for Khilafah in Pakistan and how specific Islamic policies could fundamentally root out problems the people are facing like corruption and economic mismanagement of State and Public resources.

Rochdale’s Event- “Calls to ban the Quran- How Should Muslims Respond?”

In line with the Stand for Islam Campaign launched over two weeks ago, Hizb ut-Tahrir organised a seminar in Rochdale on the subject “Calls to ban the Quran” to address the concerns and the form of activism muslims should undertake  to tackle the discussions.

The crowd was addressed by Media Representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir, Taji Mustafa and Mazhar Khan who deliberated upon the topic and questioned the climate that is being created by Politicians under the guise of tackling “radicalisation” and “extremism” under the pretext of “War on tERROR”.

Mazhar Khan drew comparisions with the Salman Rushdie affair and asked how did Insulting the Prophet of Islam and his wifes contribute towards any cohesion of communities in this country by hiding behind Freedom of Speech and drew similrarities to the Dutch MP calling for the ban of the Quran.

NEW CAMPAIGN in Rochdale- “Stand for Islam” launched

By Majed Iqbal- A new campaign has been launched in Rochdale which plans to open up discussion and debate over the increasing levels of intolerance currently witnessed throughout Europe against Muslims and their way of life, Islam.

Hizb ut-Tahrir has launched this campaign, titled ‘Stand for Islam’ in Rochdale to tackle the various challenges dawning over the Muslim Community. Majeds Blog will be providing exclusive coverage of the whole campaign and the messages being relayed to the Rochdale Muslim Community.

In recent years, especially the last few, have seen many attempts which have mocked Shariah law, equated the Niqab to segregation of British Society, a ban on the Hijab in France, Mosque applications denied in Italy, caricatures of the Prophet of Islam arrogantly published by Danish Media, the British Government trying to threaten islamic grous with bans after being heavily challenged on Foreign Policy in the Muslim World, Dutch MP Geert Wilders calling for the ban of the Quran, and the viable alternative of governance in the Muslim world, the Caliphate (khilafah) heavily attacked as being outdated, irrelevant and a system which demonises minorities, denies womens rights and equated to a dictatorship.