Ramadan 2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, #RamadanAtHome guidance, #SupportOurMosques 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
------------------------------------------------------------
April 2020 and Ramadan Update
Issue 68

============================================================
In this edition:
** Highlights (#Highlights)
| ** Upcoming Events (#Events)
| ** Media (#Media)
| ** Funding (#Funding)
| ** Consultations (#Consultation)
| ** News Members (#AffiliateZone)

#RamadanAtHome 2020 Guidelines

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the MCB has developed this year's Ramadan Guidance with the #StayAtHome message in mind. The guide includes topics such as:
* Top tips for Ramadan at Home
* Ramadan Health Fact Sheet
* Working From Home
* Studying From Home
* Home & Virtual Iftars
* Sharing Ramadan in Society
* Advice for Mosques and Prayer Facilities
* Advice for Employers

Click ** here to read the press release. ([link removed])

View the full ** #RamadanAtHome 2020 guide online ([link removed])
or ** as PDF ([link removed])
.
** ([link removed])

MCB Working to Keep Our Communities Safe

** ([link removed])

We need your support to do more.

** Donate Today! ([link removed])
** ()
Highlights this month
New Campaign: #SupportOurMosques
** ([link removed])

The MCB has partnered with the online crowdfunding platform LaunchGood to launch a national #SupportOurMosques Campaign.

With reduced donations from worshippers physically attending the mosque since the COVID-19 restrictions started, it’s now more important than ever that communities donate online to help their local mosque cover their running costs at a minimum.

Find your local mosque and give back today at ** www.supportourmosques.com ([link removed])

If your mosque isn’t already listed, make sure you ** sign-up your mosque online too and start fundraising today! ([link removed])


COVID-19 Guidance: Latest

** ([link removed])

The MCB has been frequently updating our Coronavirus Guidance on our website, and keeping up to date and in line with government and health official advice. In line with this guidance we have coined RamadanAtHome, in the effort to encourage a positive outlook on the current circumstances, despite the difficulties. For our full COVID-19 guidance and further information, please visit ** here ([link removed])
.

We have translated this guidance into multiple languages, which can be found here in: ** English ([link removed])
, ** Arabic ([link removed])
, ** Basaha ([link removed])
, ** Bangla ([link removed])
, ** French ([link removed])
, ** Hausa ([link removed])
, ** Hindi ([link removed])
, ** Turkish ([link removed])
, ** Yoruba ([link removed])
, ** Somali ([link removed])
and ** Urdu ([link removed])
.

COVID-19 Weekly Community Briefings: Listen Online

** ([link removed])

To keep the community informed with the latest updates during the COVID-19, we are continuing a weekly Community Briefing Call every Sunday 12-1pm, with key speakers on medical, burial, mental health and other topics, followed by Q&A. Throughout the month of Ramadan we are also covering spiritual topics with guest scholars every week.

Listen to the most recent call here:

** Community Briefing Call ([link removed])
– 26 April

Previous calls recordings can also be streamed ** here ([link removed])
.

All calls are recorded and can be listened to afterwards. To register for the next call on Sunday 3rd May, 12-1pm, ** click here ([link removed])
. For suggestions on topics to cover, email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

COVID-19: National Solidarity Campaign

** ([link removed])

Through the ** Campaign for National Solidarity ([link removed])
organised by the ** Muslim Charities Forum ([link removed])
, the MCB is supporting this crowdfunding campaign to provide vulnerable individuals and families in Muslim communities with hardship grants, in order to help those most in need during these difficult times. ** #TogetherWeCan ([link removed])
:

The campaign is being supported by a wide range of UK Muslim organisations and** you can support online ([link removed])
** here ([link removed])
** . ([link removed])

COVID-19: Fake News - How to Stop it

** ([link removed])

With so much information being spread about the Coronavirus and other topics during this pandemic, it’s difficult to tell what is real and what is fake.

We’ve seen a number of fake news stories which are often spread by people wishing to inform others, not realising that it might not be true. The MCB has ** produced a graphic with top tips ([link removed])
and is encouraging communities to be vigilant on this. ** Click here to share on social media as well. ([link removed])

Before forwarding, make sure what you’re sharing is true!

Statement on appointment of Trevor Phillips to Public Health England BAME inquiry

** ([link removed])

** On Friday 24th April ([link removed])
, Public Health England announced the appointment of Trevor Phillips to provide expert support to the review into the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME people.

This review is urgently needed to understand the reasons behind the huge impact on BAME communities, but the appointment of Trevor Phillips is controversial. Phillips was ** recently suspended ([link removed])
from the Labour Party over allegations of Islamophobia, and has a history of making controversial remarks about Muslims.

Read the full statement ** here ([link removed])
.
Statement on Hajj 2020
** ([link removed])

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Minister requested all prospective Hajj pilgrims to “wait before concluding contracts”, citing concerns about the safety of pilgrims amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Hajj is due to take place this year from 28th July - 2nd August 2020, with many prospective pilgrims looking to book their trips soon.

On ** 2nd April, ([link removed])
the MCB urged prospective British pilgrims to exercise a degree of caution and wait and see what the situation is closer to the time before booking. Read full ** MCB statement here ([link removed])
and more ** COVID-19 Umrah/Hajj guidance here. ([link removed])

Letter to Home Office on Places of Worship Security Consultation

** ([link removed])

Following on from the terrorist attacks at two mosques in New Zealand last year, the Home Office has launched an ** online consultation in March 2020 on protecting places of worship in Britain. ([link removed])

This deadline for the consultation, following requests from the MCB and other faith institutions, has now been extended from 10 May to 28 June 2020. Read MCB's full letter to the Home Office ** here (PDF) ([link removed])
.

Any individual, place of worship or other faith institution in England and Wales can submit a response to this consultation on how places of worship can better be protected in future. Find out more about the consultation ** here ([link removed])
or email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Help us expand this work - become a Friend of MCB today: ** www.mcb.org.uk/friends ([link removed])
** ()
Upcoming Events

Eco-Iftars 2020

** ([link removed])

As part of bringing a much needed eco-conscious element to this years Ramadan, we are hosting weekly virtual Iftars on Thursdays at 7.30pm covering topics ranging from animal agriculture, sustainable living, zero waste, and our impacts on the environment as Muslims. Click the link below to sign up for our next sessions:
* 30th April Islamic Environmental Ethics and Our Relationship with Nature - Dr. Lutfi Radwan (Willowbrook Farms) - ** Click to Register ([link removed])
* 7th May Waste Not, Want Not: Making Small Changes this Ramadan - Julian Kirby (Friends of the Earth) - ** Click to Register ([link removed])
* 14th May Stewards of the Earth: the Prophetic Tradition - Rabia Mali (Green Deen Tribe) - ** Click to Register ([link removed])

Listen back to ** 23rd April Imagining the change: Reflections on a sustainable future ([link removed])
- Mark Bryant (Director of IFEES\EcoIslam)

Read more about the ** MCB Sustainability Team's work ([link removed])
here.

Online Media Training by CfMM

** ([link removed])

The MCB's ** Centre for Media Monitoring ([link removed])
(CfMM) is working to change how Muslim communities engage with the media, so we are better equipped to deal with the effects resulting from inaccurate and sometimes biased reporting.

In order to empower Muslim communities, we offer several training workshops delivered by an experienced professional trainer, at a fraction of the cost of other training providers. Sign up to an online training workshop below:

1. ** Introduction to Media Monitoring ([link removed] )
Saturday 9 May 3 - 4.30 pm FREE

2. ** Introduction to Media Interviews ([link removed] )
Saturday 16 May 3 - 4.30 pm £25 (£15 for MCB affililates)

3. ** Introduction to Crisis Media Management ([link removed])
Saturday 23 May 3 - 4.30 pm £25 (£15 for MCB affiliates)

Notice of AGM 2020 Rescheduling

** ([link removed])

The 2020 MCB Annual General Meeting (AGM) was originally scheduled for 28th June 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has become challenging under the current circumstances to hold the event and a rescheduling has been recommended.

This situation will be kept under continuous review, and in any case reviewed every three weeks in light of the latest public heath advice. MCB Members will be informed of the new plans to hold the AGM – including a new timetable for election proceedings – as soon as those details are available. In the meantime, if you have any queries, please email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
. Read full notice ** here ([link removed])
.

** ()
MCB in the Media

Summary of MCB's media activities, interviews and appearances this month:

#RamadanAtHome Guidance
* ** Muslim Council of Britain issues guidance on how to celebrate Ramadan during coronavirus lockdown, The Telegraph ([link removed])
The MCB guidance explains that this year's festival will be "a very different experience for Muslims as we adapt to changing circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic" and offers tips on how to "adapt" in light of the lockdown and the Government's social distancing guidelines."
* Also in ** The Guardian ([link removed])
, ** The Mirror ([link removed])
, ** The Sun ([link removed])
, ** The Metro ([link removed])
, ** BBC ([link removed])
and ** here ([link removed])
, ** Express ([link removed])
, ** Sky News ([link removed])
and ** Al Jazeera ([link removed])
* ** BBC Breakfast ([link removed])
- Zainab Gulamali on #RamadanAtHome
* ** ([link removed])

Ramadan Reflections:
* ** The Muslim News ([link removed])
- Going Digital in Ramadan 2020 by Hassan Joudi, Deputy Secretary General.

Delaying bookings for Hajj 2020
* ** Muslims should delay making Hajj plans due to coronavirus fears, says Saudi Arabia, Evening Standard ([link removed])
Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "Going for Hajj is one of the biggest events in a Muslim’s life, and there is no doubt that many will have been making plans to go this year. "In these unprecedented times, it is imperative that public health is put first, and with millions of people from across the world coming to one place to perform the pilgrimage in close proximity to one another, it is sensible that we exercise a degree of caution and wait and see what the situation is closer to the time."
* Also in ** Express & Star ([link removed])
, ** Telegraph & Argus (Bradford) ([link removed])
and ** Birmingham Mail ([link removed])

Public Health England appointment of Trevor Phillips:
* ** Trevor Phillips role ‘undermines Covid-19 BAME inquiry’, The Guardian ([link removed])
Harun Khan, the secretary general of the MCB, said it was “wholly inappropriate to give that responsibility to someone being investigated … The decision is particularly insensitive given that British Muslims overwhelmingly come from BAME communities and so many Muslim doctors have died at the front line of this pandemic”.
* Also in ** The Metro ([link removed])
, ** Huffington Post ([link removed])
and ** Newsweek ([link removed])
.

** ()
Community News
MCB x My Open Iftar:
** ([link removed])
The MCB has an ongoing partnership with ** Ramadan Tent Project ([link removed])
this Ramadan, supporting their ** My Open Iftar ([link removed])
initiative. My Open Iftar will be hosting virtual iftars every night.

Visit ** www.openiftar.co.uk/my ([link removed])
for more information

** ([link removed])
NZF Hardship Grants

The National Zakat Foundation (NZF) is running a Hardship Relief Fund which gives grants of up to £400 per individual for basic costs and help with small debts to vulnerable Muslims in the UK who are unable to pay for basic living costs. ** Click here to find out more. ([link removed])

Research into Gendered Effects of COVID-19 by LSE:

A working group of academic researchers from across the globe, are conducting a study into the gendered effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact of the government response on women and marginalised groups. They are looking to interview women and men who have been affected by COVID-19 or the associated response, to understand the impact that the outbreak is having on their lives, in particular: healthcare workers and carers/care workers; domestic workers; migrant workers; people caring for children (parents, childcare workers, grandparents); those working industries particularly affected by COVID-19 (service industries, tourism industries etc); pregnant women and new mothers.

If you are able to participate, please contact ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.
** ()
Funding: COVID-19 Response
* ** National Emergencies Trust ([link removed])
(£1,000-£10,000)
* ** Tesco Bags of Help Grants ([link removed])
(Up to £2,000)
* ** London Community Response Fund ([link removed])
(Up to £5,000)

* ** Forever Manchester: Community Support Fund ([link removed])
(Up to £5,000)
* ** COVID-19 Response: RAFT ([link removed])
(Up to £5,000)
* ** Neighbourly Community Fund ([link removed])
(Up to £400)
* ** Wales Coronavirus Resilience Fund ([link removed])
(£500-£5,000)
* ** Food for Life: Small Grants ([link removed])
(Up to £1,000)

* ** MIND Mental Health Grants ([link removed])
(£20,000-£50,000)

** ()
Consultation Submissions

** ([link removed])
Completed this month:
* ** The Future of Journalism ([link removed])
– Written evidence submitted to House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee. ** View written submission here. ([link removed])

Upcoming:
* ** COVID-19 Impact Inquiry - Women and Equalities Committee ([link removed])
- Deadline: 3rd May
* ** Regulating Independent Educational Institutions -  ([link removed])
** Department for Education (DfE) Consultation ([link removed])
– Deadline: 8th May
* ** Inquiry into Religious Literacy in Print and Broadcast Media – APPG on Religion in the Media ([link removed])
– Deadline: Mid-May
* ** National Minimum Wage 2021 – Low Pay Commission (LPC) ([link removed])
– Deadline: 4th June
* ** Protecting places of worship consultation – Home Office ([link removed])
– Deadline extended to 28th June
* #WomenInMosques Conversation Toolkit - ** hold a conversation session and share your results here. ([link removed])
- Ongoing

To find out more or share your or your organisation's views with the MCB any of the above consultations, please ** get in touch here ([link removed])
.

Click here to view ** past history MCB consultation responses and submissions. ([link removed])
** ()
New Members Zone
Welcome to new MCB Members this month:

** ([link removed])

"Welwyn Islamic Society, first established in 1977 when there were only 10 Muslim families in the area. We appreciate MCB is doing a great job uniting Muslim organisations around UK and we joined MCB to be part of the bigger initiative." - ** Welwyn Islamic Society ([link removed])
** ([link removed])

"The National Huffadh Association UK recently became an affiliate of MCB because we value and appreciate the instrumental role that they are playing for the British Muslim community at large. We look forward to collaborating and maintaining a long-term relationship with MCB." - ** National Huffadh Association UK ([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])

The MCB leadership team are democratically elected, serve for two-year terms and 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 the 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 updates. 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])