Bringing unity to Muslim communities' response to COVID-19, EHRC submission on Islamophobia and more.

View this email in your browser ([link removed])
The Muslim Council of Britain | Providing a voice for British Muslims
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]


**
Monthly Briefing
------------------------------------------------------------
March 2020 & COVID-19 Update
Issue 67

============================================================
In this edition:
** COVID-19 Response (#covid19)
| ** Upcoming Events (#Upcoming)
| ** Leadership Activities (#Leadership)
| ** MCB in the Media (#Media)
| ** Support MCB (#Community)
March has no doubt been an unprecedented month, and it feels as if we live in a very different world now as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to all Muslim community members who have acted swiftly and who are working round the clock to keep our communities safe.

As part of bringing unity to the Muslim communities' response to the COVID-19 crisis, the MCB is collaborating with leads from a range of national, regional and specialist Muslim community organisations to co-ordinate the community response efforts.

This is summarised in the newsletter below, and for any queries, please email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
. May Allah (swt) grant us increased strength to support each other and wider society in the coming months.

** ()
COVID-19 response co-ordination

Since launching a guidance web page in late February (** www.mcb.org.uk/coronavirus ([link removed])
), the situation has rapidly developed. We took steps to ramp up communication to Muslim communities nationwide, including:
* ** 12 March (#12March)
- Guidance poster translated into seven community languages
* ** 16 March ([link removed])
- Press release strongly calling for the suspension of all congregational activities in Muslim communities
* ** 23 March ([link removed])
- Lobbying for amendments to the emergency Coronavirus Bill to avoid cremations on the grounds of faith
* ** 26 March (#26March_toolkit)
- Updated Toolkit for UK Muslim communities in dealing with the pandemic
* ** Weekly (#breifings)
- Holding Community Briefing Calls every Sunday at 11am.
* ** Setting up of several CRGs (#CRG)
(Community Response Groups) to co-ordinate efforts
* ** Promoting COVID-19 Muslim Volunteer Initiatives (#volunteer)
with the ** Muslim Charities Forum ([link removed])

Click on the links or read below for further information.

For regular updates:
* Join WhatsApp ** broadcast group ([link removed])
* Join the COVID-19 ** mailing list ([link removed])
* View the latest guidance at ** www.mcb.org.uk/coronavirus ([link removed])

** ()
Translating essential guidance

** ([link removed])

On 12 March, in collaboration with the ** British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) ([link removed])
we issued guidance specifically to mosques, advising mosque leaders to prepare for suspension of congregational activities. The guidance was translated into 7 community languages, including Urdu, Arabic, Bengali, Somali, Turkish, Gujarati and Yoruba.

Harun Khan, Secretary General also ** wrote to all MCB Affiliates on 12 March with advice here. ([link removed])

** ()
Calling for suspension of all congregational activities

** ([link removed])

On 16 March, following the UK’s Chief Scientific Advisers call for extraordinary social distancing measures, ** we issued a Press Release on the same evening ([link removed])
with the unprecendeted step of strongly recommending for mosques and Islamic centres to temporarily suspend their congregational activities.

We continued to support MCB members and wider UK Muslim communities throughout that highly emotional week to understand and implement this very difficult decision and encourage worshippers that it is safer for them to pray at home.

** ()
Lobbying for amendments to the emergency Coronavirus legislation

** ([link removed])

On 23 March, we ** welcomed the UK Government’s amendment to the emergency Coronavirus Bill ([link removed])
, recognising the importance of ensuring faith communities are able to bury the deceased instead of cremating, in the event of significant number of deaths due to Coronavirus.

After constructive engagement by the MCB, National Burial Council and other faith communities, as well as several MPs, most notably Naz Shah MP, an amendment was agreed that protects the religious freedoms of religious minorities, in particular Jewish and Muslim communities, as we all pull together to support each other during this national crisis.

** ()
Updated Toolkit - 26 March

** ([link removed])

As the situation rapidly developed, we collated an updated Toolkit for UK Muslim Communities (26 March) that focused on how best to protect ourselves and our loved ones, both physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Key messages included
1. Stay At Home - everybody must suspend congregational activities
2. Keep Connected - including through Social Media/WhatsApp, volunteer phone calls or drop offs/collections
3. Support - mobilising volunteers to support the socially vulnerable and isolated.

Download the ** full Toolkit here (PDF) ([link removed])

Download ** Editable Poster version here ([link removed])
: (Microsoft PowerPoint required)
** Download Toolkit (PDF) ([link removed])

** ()
Community Briefing Calls

** ([link removed])

To keep the community informed with the latest updates, we facilitated a weekly Community Briefing Call every Sunday morning, with key speakers on medical, burial, mental health and other topics, followed by Q&A.

Listen to the most recent call here:

** Community Briefing Call ([link removed])
– 29 March

Archive:
* ** Call 2 ([link removed])
– 22 March
* ** Call 1 ([link removed])
– 14 March

All calls are recorded and can be listened to afterwards. To register for the next call on Sunday 5 April, click here. For suggestions on topics to cover, email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

** ()
Uniting COVID-19 response efforts

** ([link removed])

As part of bringing unity to the Muslim communities’ response to the COVID-19 crisis, the MCB is collaborating with the leads from a range of national, regional and specialist Muslim community organisations to co-ordinate community response efforts.

Several Community Response Groups have been established using WhatsApp and Zoom calls to enable volunteers and leads within each field to discuss and co-ordinate efforts. These include Medical, Burials, Charities & Relief, Online Service Delivery, Mental Health, Financial Support/Business advice, Hajj & Umrah and Publicity. ** Click here to read more or to get involved. ([link removed])

** ()
COVID-19 Muslim volunteer initiatives

** ([link removed])

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seek out the vulnerable among you. Verily, you are only given provision and support due to your support of the weak.” (Tirmidhi).

We've collated a list of over 80 volunteer initiatives started by mosques or Muslim groups since the COVID-19 pandemic started, together with the ** Muslim Charities Forum ([link removed])
.

** Click here to view over 70 Volunteer Initiatives. ([link removed])

May Allah (swt) reward generously everybody who has mobilised swiftly to support the social vulnerable or isolated in their local neighbours in these difficult times.

** View over 80 COVID-19 Volunteer Initiatives ([link removed])
Help us expand this work - become a Friend of MCB today: ** www.mcb.org.uk/friends ([link removed])

Media coverage

* Calling for the suspension of congregational activities - The MCB's call for all congregational activities in Muslim communities to be suspended was echoed by the ** Mayor of London ([link removed])
, and covered by the ** BBC ([link removed])
, ** The Telegraph ([link removed])
, ** The Guardian ([link removed])
and ** The Mirror ([link removed])
. Deputy Secretary General, Hassan Joudi, was featured on** BBC local radio ([link removed])
discussing this.
* Social distancing in Muslim communities - Zainab Gulamali, Public Affairs Manager, joined Dr Sufian Ali of the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) on the ** Sky News podcast ([link removed])
to discuss the response in Muslim communities.
* COVID-19 and Muslims - Harun Khan, Secretary General, and Maswood Ahmed, Assistant Secretary General, have been featuring on Islam Channel's Coronavirus Emergency programmes, highlighting the support available to Muslims.

Paying tribute to Muslim physicians

** ([link removed])

30 March - The MCB and the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) recognise the invaluable work of the four Muslim medical professionals who have lost their lives in recent days to Coronavirus. They are:
* Dr Adil El Tayar - Organ Transplant Consultant, London
* Dr Habib Zaidi - GP, Essex
* Mr Amged El-Hawrani, Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant, Burton
* Dr Alfa Sa'adu, Retired Geriatric Physician, London

In addition, thousands of Muslims across Britain will have been affected by the loss of a loved one from COVID-19 so far, and more will be affected in the coming weeks, and we pray for their health and forbearance as well. ** Click here to read full statement. ([link removed])
** ()
Other news this month

Anniversary of the Christchurch massacre

** ([link removed])

Sunday 15 March marked the 1st year anniversary of the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Despite cancellations of remembrance events due to COVID-19, millions across the world remembered the 51 Muslim victims who were slaughtered whilst attending Friday prayers that day, as well as their families and communities.

The Muslim Council of Britain remembers and sends prayers to those affected by this tragedy, as well as to all those who have suffered from all forms of hate. ** Click here to read statement. ([link removed])

EHRC Submission: updated dossier on Islamophobia in the Conservative Party

** ([link removed])

On 5 March, we renewed calls for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to investigate the Conservative Party over allegations of Islamophobia, by submitting a new dossier. ** Click here to view press release. ([link removed])

The dossier details incidents involving over 300 individuals, including councillors and party members, new MPs and even Number 10 special advisers, including Dominic Cummings and Andrew Sabisky.

Harun Khan,Secretary General, said, “Having furnished the Equality and Human Rights Commission with evidence of over 100 incidents of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party ten months ago, we find it extraordinary that the Commission has failed to give any response, let alone inform us and British Muslims as to whether action will be taken."

Read the ** full submission to the EHRC here ([link removed])
.

EHRC submission media coverage


The MCB's dossier was featured on the evening news on the ** BBC ([link removed])
, ** Sky ([link removed])
, ** ITV ([link removed])
and ** Channel 4 ([link removed])
.

It was also covered by ** The Guardian ([link removed])
, ** The Mirror ([link removed])
, ** The Metro ([link removed])
, ** The Independent ([link removed])
, ** iNews ([link removed])
, ** Huffington Post ([link removed])
, ** Politics Home ([link removed])
, ** The New European ([link removed])
, ** Middle East Eye ([link removed])
, ** Eastern Eye ([link removed])
, ** The National ([link removed])
and a number of local papers.

Miqdaad Versi, spokesperson for the MCB, was also interviewed by ** LBC's James O'Brien ([link removed])
and ** TalkRADIO's Julia Hartley-Brewer ([link removed])
.
** ()
New Members Zone
Welcome to new MCB Member:

** ([link removed])

The City Retreat (Leicester)
"The City Retreat, Leicester, was set up to make Islam and its spiritual and social values accessible to all the people we share our city with, with a café, courtyard and a commitment to education, sharing, and partnering on social projects with other organisations, Muslim and non-Muslim.
We are inspired by the work of the MCB both in representing Muslim communities in the UK and also its collaborative work in broader society, and we have welcomed the opportunity to become a member of MCB." -** The City Retreat ([link removed])
Make sure YOU have a voice in MCB's work too - Find out about ** becoming an MCB Member here. ([link removed])

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])
Help us provide a strong voice for British Muslims - become a Friend of MCB today: ** www.mcb.org.uk/friends ([link removed])
Is your organisation not already an MCB member? Join: ** www.mcb.org.uk/join-mcb ([link removed])
Keep in touch!

We always welcome feedback on this monthly briefing. Please share your feedback to ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Was this email forwarded to you? ** Subscribe to our mailing list ([link removed])
to receive instant MCB email updates
** Get involved ([link removed])
** Get involved ([link removed])
** Support our work ([link removed])
** Get involved ([link removed])
** Find out more ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
Our mailing address is:** ([link removed])

P.O Box 57330
London
E1 2WJ

Copyright © 2020 Muslim Council of Britain, All rights reserved.

** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
** update subscription preferences ([link removed])