Challenging Islamophobia, coronavirus advice, upcoming events, #VisitMyMosque torkshops, leadership activities and much more...!

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The Muslim Council of Britain | Providing a voice for British Muslims
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**
Monthly Briefing
------------------------------------------------------------
February 2020
Issue 66

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In this edition:
** MCB in the Media (#Media)
| ** Upcoming Events (#Upcoming)
| ** Consultations (#Consultations)
| ** Leadership Activities (#Leadership)

** ()
MCB in the Media this Month

It's been a busy month in the media with MCB engaging with dozens of media outlet to get the voice of MCB members heard in the mainstream media. Highlights include:



* Challenging discrimination - ** Sky News, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary accused of racism for saying terrorists are 'generally Muslim men'. ([link removed])
"He openly advocates discrimination against 'males of a Muslim persuasion', which presumably is not based on specific intelligence but solely whether someone 'looks or acts like a Muslim'," an MCB spokeswoman said. "It is a shame that such racism is being expressed so openly, and that the CEO of a large airline would so want to discriminate against his customers so brazenly."
* Also featured on ** ITV ([link removed])
, ** BBC ([link removed])
, ** Mail Online ([link removed])
, ** The Sun ([link removed])
, ** The Times ([link removed])
, ** The Mirror ([link removed])
, ** Al-Jazeera ([link removed])
and ** Asian Image ([link removed])
.

* Islamophobia in the Conservative Party - ** The Telegraph, Tory MP escapes suspension for speaking at far-Right event ([link removed])
An MCB spokesman added: "Serious questions must be asked about why this was allowed in the first place, why the party now feels it was unacceptable, and why it feels a mere slap on the wrist is sufficient. "Kawczynski should have the whip removed, and be subject to a thorough investigation if the Conservatives want to claim, at least in this case, a 'zero tolerance' policy on all forms of racism."
* Also featured in ** Evening Standard ([link removed])
, ** The Independent ([link removed])
, ** Sky News ([link removed])
, and ** The Mirror ([link removed])
.
* MCB spokesperson Miqdaad Versi also wrote an op-ed in the New Statesman: ** As Sajid Javid departs, the Tory Islamophobia scandal reaches a new low ([link removed])

* ** London Central Mosque stabbing attack ([link removed])
, "Zainab Gulamali from the Muslim Council of Britain told ITV News: 'It's really shocking, and I know lots of people are really concerned. The Regent's Park Mosque is a great mosque, it's very friendly, Central London, so it's a real community hub. And it's really distressing for people – not just Muslims, but people of lots of faiths who worship at particular places of worship that this sort of thing could happen and particularly at a prayer time."
* Also featured on ** BBC ([link removed])
, ** Sky News ([link removed])
, LBC's Iain Dale and Nick Ferrari, BBC's Jeremy Vine Show, ** The Guardian ([link removed])
, ** CNN ([link removed])
, ** New York Times ([link removed])
and ** The Muslim News ([link removed])

ITVnews_22Feb

Skynews_21Feb

Speaking up for British Muslims

** ([link removed])

Can you help us provide a strong voice for British Muslims? Become a ** Friend of the MCB ([link removed])
today with a £10/month donation and make sure a strong community-rooted voice for British Muslim communities can continue.

#VisitMyMosque Day - 21 June!

** ([link removed])
It's only 4 months left until #VisitMyMosque Day, taking place for the first time on a summer date on 21 June 2020. This is your chance to get involved and show the true face of Islam to your neighbours and local community! Register your mosque online today ** www.visitmymosque.org/register ([link removed])
.
** ([link removed])

** ([link removed])

Need support, ideas or inspiration for your mosque open day? Attend a free training workshop taking place at over 8 cities nationwide, including:
* Blackburn, 1 March - ** Book a place ([link removed])
* Leicester, 8 March - ** Book a place ([link removed])
* Manchester, 14 March - ** Book a place ([link removed])
* Leeds, 15 March - ** Book a place ([link removed])
* Birmingham, 21 March - ** Book a place ([link removed])
* London, 28 March - ** Book a place ([link removed])
* Glasgow, 28 March - ** Book a place ([link removed])
* Cardiff, 31 May - ** Book a place ([link removed])

Book online at ** www.visitmymosque.org/training ([link removed])

Don't forget that you can also download FREE resources (templates letters, sample press release, posters, checklists, feedback forms) online at: ** www.visitmymosque.org/resources ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
** Download Free Open Day Resources! ([link removed])

Coronavirus Guidance for Mosques, Madrassas and Umrah Pilgrims

** ([link removed])

We have compiled an advice page which is being updated regularly at:
** www.mcb.org.uk/mcb-updates/coronavirus-guidance-for-mosques-and-madrassas/ ([link removed])

including advice for Umrah Pilgrims who are affected by the temporary suspension announced by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The current ** NHS advice ([link removed])
is that we should be continuing to follow good hygiene practices in our mosques and madrassas, and ** display posters ([link removed])
in your mosque e.g. "Catch it, Bin it, Kill it"

It is particularly important for Muslim institutions to advise their community members (congregation members, volunteers, staff etc.) who have travelled back to the UK from specific regions of the world as highlighted by the Foreign Office in the last 14 days and develop symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, to self-isolate (do not leave home) and call NHS 111 immediately.

Keep up to date with the latest ** Public Health England advice here ([link removed])
.

Elderly Care Report: Arabic Translation

** ([link removed])

An Arabic translation summary of the 2019 MCB report: "Elderly and End of Life Care for Muslims in the UK", is now available to download online at: ** wwww.mcb.org.uk/report/elderly-and-end-of-life-care-for-muslims-in-the-uk/ ([link removed])

Key report findings include:
* The number of Muslims aged 65 and over is estimated to increase from 110,000 in 2011, to 450,000 by 2036.
* 38% of Muslim women aged 65+ self-declared having bad or very bad health.

We hope that Arabic-speaking community members find this translation useful. Further translations into other community languages are also planned. For more info email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

NLE Report Launch on 9th April

** ([link removed])

We're excited to announce the date for the first report launch of the National Listening Exercise on 9th April* 2020, 6.30-8.30pm in Manchester.

This is a free evening event including a panel discussion with a diverse range of speakers and Q&A. ** Register online today by clicking here ([link removed])
or email ** NLE (mailto:[email protected].)
** @mcb.org.uk (mailto:[email protected])
.

*This event was previously advertised for the 27^th February but has been moved to the 9^th April. We apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Save the Date - AGM on 28 June

** ([link removed])

The 23rd MCB Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be taking place on Sunday 28 June 2020 in London – ** save the date! ([link removed])

Registered MCB members have voting rights in the leadership elections. If you are not already a registered MCB member, find out more about ** joining MCB here ([link removed])
. New members must apply by 25 March to enable sufficient time to receive your delegate forms/papers ahead of the AGM.

Open Tender: Terminology Web Portal

** ([link removed])

As part of the MCB ** Centre for Media Monitoring ([link removed])
’s work, we are launching a new terminology web portal showcasing the centre’s analysis on how language is used in the media to report on Islam & Muslims. If you are a web developer and would like to offer a proposal to carry out this work, please email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.
** ()
Upcoming Events and Campaigns
** #VisitMyMosque Day training workshops ([link removed])
- Nationwide throughout March 2020

** Media Awareness Workshop with Centre for Media Monitoring ([link removed])
- 7 March, London

Media Terminology Roundtable – 10 March, London. RSVP to ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Centre for Media Monitoring report launch - 15th March, TBC

** Football Clubs and Young Muslims Roundtable - 1 April, London ([link removed])

** National Listening Exercise report launch – 9 April, Manchester ([link removed])

Mayoral Elections - With mayoral elections coming up across England in May 2020, the MCB will be working with mayoral candidates and local communities in London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. If you are based in one of these regions and are interested in being involved with this campaign, please get in touch with ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
** ()
Consultations
Completed
** Submission to Mayor of London Manifesto consultation ([link removed])

Ongoing
Counter-Terrorism policy - The MCB National Listening Exercise (NLE) survey is shortly closing. Last chance to share your views if you haven't already at ** www.mcb.org.uk/nle ([link removed])

#WomenInMosques Conversation Toolkit - ** hold a conversation session and share your results here. ([link removed])

** Public Inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland ([link removed])
by Scottish Cross-Party Group on Tackling Islamophobia

** Regulating Independent Educational Institutions - ([link removed])
** Department for Education (DfE) Consultation ([link removed])

** Funerals Market Investigation - CMA Working Papers Published ([link removed])

To find out more or get involved in any of the above consultations, ** get in touch here ([link removed])
.
New Members Zone

** ([link removed])

Welcome to new MCB member: Masjid Al-Farouq (Walsall)
"We believe as British Muslims we have a duty to each other and society, nevertheless there are many challenges we as a community face as well. We felt the MCB since 1997 have done great work in representing, articulating and highlighting Muslim causes, concerns and issues - now it is the time to remain united and have a strong umbrella body" -Masjid Al Farouq
Make sure you have a voice in MCB's work! Find out more about ** becoming an MCB member here. ([link removed])
** ()
MCB Leadership Activities

1st February
Hassan Joudi, Deputy Secretary General attended 'Muslim Youth in Crisis' event at Balham Mosque & Tooting Islamic Centre.

3rd February
Zainab Gulamali, Public Affairs Manager, had a community meeting with the Met Police following the Streatham attack.

Harun Khan, Secretary General met with and discussed Muslim community issues with a dozen Muslim professionals in the City of London.

5th February
The MCB Office hosted a delegation from the Belgian Muslim Students Association.

Rizwana Hamid, Director of Centre for Media Monitoring delivered a presentation on the misrepresentation of Muslims & Islam in the media to journalism and media students at Middlesex University.

Hassan Joudi met with the Muslim Charities Forum to discuss areas of collaboration.

6th February
Dr Shuja Shafi, Research & Documentation (ReDoc) Committee Chair met with Eternal Gardens, who provide affordable burial service to Muslim Londoners, mainly at the Green Acres Kemnal Park Cemetery in Sidcup. Following its 2019 report '** Elderly and End of Life Care in the UK ([link removed])
', the MCB is continuing to collate information on best practice around burial/end-of-life issues to help facilitate and promote coordination, For more information email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])


7th February
Dr Shuja Shafi and Ehtasham Haque, ReDoc Committee Members, attended a Marie Curie joint Working Group meeting.

8th February
Harun Khan attended the inaugural Climate Assembly UK event in Birmingham. ** Read statement here. ([link removed])

12th February
Navshir Jaffer, Treasurer, attended the FA "Bringing Opportunities to Communities" workshop tour in London.

Rizwana Hamid attended an "Our Youth Our Future" event organised by Minhaj Welfare Foundation which also saw the launch of a new local community radio station "Revive FM".
Hassan Joudi and Lamine Konate, Assistant Treasurer, attended an Interfaith Network Community Forum meeting.

13th February
Research & Documentation (ReDoc) committee members met the Chairman of a North London Housing Association and the director of the North London Community Centre, as well as senior team members from Raha Care, Nursing and Residential Care Home project

Hassan Joudi attended a Christian-Muslim Forum farewell event for outgoing Director, Catriona Robertson.

15th February
National Council members met for the penultimate quarterly NC meeting of the current 2018-20 session at Finsbury Park Mosque, London

18th February
Rizwana Hamid met the new chair of the press regulator IPSO, Lord Edward Faulks, and shared CfMM’s evidence on the British media's reporting of Islam and Muslims.

Zainab Gulamali held a meeting with Rebecca Long-Bailey regarding the Labour Party Leadership elections.

22nd February
Hassan Joudi attended a "Meet the Board" event of the Association for Black & Minority Ethnic Engineers.

Lamine Konate, attended the Muslim Association of Britain's (MAB) General Assembly event in Nottingham.

24th February
Zainab Gulamali attended an Indian Muslim Federation event in the House of Commons regarding the ongoing crisis around Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Ehtasham Haque, ReDoc Committee Member, ran the first of the Councillors Workshops exploring how publicly available borough and ward level socio-economic data, combined with FoI requests, can be used for local representation and advocacy work.

29th February
Zainab Gulamali attended the Husayn Summit event at KSIMC Birmingham.
** ()
Community News
** ([link removed])

Let's talk about Organ Donation
The law around organ donation is changing in England. This means that from 20 May 2020, all adults in England will be considered an organ donor when they die unless they opt-out.

MCB member, the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has produced resources based on medical and scholarly voices from within Muslim communities to enable Muslim adults in England to make informed choices, as well as running workshops at mosques nationwide. Please visit:

** www.britishima.org/organ-donation/ ([link removed] )

** www.britishima.org/resources/organ-donation-texts/ ([link removed] )

** ([link removed])

Muslim Women Creating New Futures
Muslim Welfare House Trust (MWH) is holding a disruptive conference on the future of Muslim women, including:
* Protecting rights to meeting demands of women
* Beyond the confines of the kitchen and the drama of board rooms
* Sexual objectification and obfuscation
* Charting new territories
* Living life fully and responsibly
* Multi-faceted roles in leading society

on 15th March 2020, 10am-6pm, London.

For further details or to book, visit:
** www.mwht.org.uk/muslim-women-creating-new-futures/ ([link removed])
** ([link removed])

Healthy Ramadan Campaign 2020
Ahead of the start of the Month of Ramadan in late April 2020, mosques and community centres nationwide can "Request a Speaker" who is a medical professional, from MCB member, the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA).

Their talks are tailored to educate community members on healthy lifestyle advice during Ramadan; with a focus on practical tips and managing conditions such as diabetes and other conditions in Ramadan.

** Click here to Request a BIMA Speaker ([link removed])

For more information, email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

** ([link removed])

Encouraging more Muslim Foster Families
Foster Friday on 20 March 2020 is an annual day to raise awareness about fostering and adopting within Muslim communities via a Jummah Khutbah.

Over 4,000 Muslim children living in care, many of whom are living with carers of other or no faith background. Therefore there is an an urgent need for more adults from Muslim communities to become foster carers.

** Click here to Register for Foster Friday ([link removed])

** Click here to download the template Jummah Khutbah on fostering (PDF) ([link removed])

For more information, please email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

MCB Leadership Team 2018-20

** ([link removed])

All MCB Office Bearers perform their duties in a voluntary capacity. For further information, please visit: ** www.mcb.org.uk/about/team/office-bearers ([link removed])

Have a question for one of our Office Bearers? Don't hesitate to get in touch at ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Keep in touch!

We always welcome feedback on this monthly update by email to to ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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