In this edition: Recent Statements & Office Engagements | Black History Month | Muslim Mental HealthConference | 9/11 20 years of War on Terror | In the Media | Community News
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MCB Secretary-General Attended G20 Interfaith Forum
On 12th of September, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara Mohammed, attended the annual G20 Interfaith Forum – This year’s conference takes place in Bologna, Italy, the theme being: ‘Time to Heal – Peace Among Cultures, Understanding Among Religions. SG Zara Mohammed contributed to the symposium entitled ‘Racism: Religious Leadership Towards Reconciliation.
Secretary-General, Zara Mohammed said:
“This Forum comes at a critical time. The world is grappling with a multitude of unprecedented challenges; from the COVID-19 pandemic, to the climate emergency and civil liberties movements such as Black Lives Matter sparking vital conversations around identity, belonging and systemic racism, and future generations will suffer the consequences unless we act.The G20 Interfaith Forum will be crucial in helping shape global policy on the key challenges of our time. The universal principles of justice, fairness and compassion – shared by all faiths – need to be at the core of policy decisions, so we can build a more peaceful, equal and thriving world for us all.”
Medical CRG
Operationvaccination.com is back encouraging Muslims who are eligible to get the flu vaccine. Please share the videos and the website with your local community. bit.ly/mmhconference2021
Disabled Muslims CRG
Muslims with disabilities: An Introduction bit.ly/mcbdiscrg921
Economic CRG
We are encouraging young Muslims to share their stories on how the lack of Halal student loans has impacted them. Please get in touch [email protected]
Mosques CRG
We are working on a health and safety toolkit for mosques.
The Muslim Council of Britain is delighted to welcome the start of Black History Month. Alongside this year’s theme ‘Proud to Be,’ the MCB has adopted the theme ‘Black History Matters’.
Follow for a series of reflections that recognise & celebrate the histories, achievements & aspirations of Black Muslim communities in the UK. Knowledge of our respective histories & heritage helps shape our identity, root us in the place we call home. #BlackHistoryMatters#BHM
The impact of 9/11, 20 years of the ‘War on Terror. Reflections upon lessons learned, what’s next for British Muslim communities. A discussion of MCB SG past and present, activists, academics and commentators.
Muslim Council of Britain Partners with Muslim Charities Forum and The Climate Coalition for The Great Big Green Week 2021. As Muslims, we have a duty to care for our planet. We have been instructed to refrain from committing abuse of Allah SWT creations, instead treading upon this Earth with consideration and consuming to fulfill our needs in moderation. Indeed, “the servants of the Lord of Mercy are those that walk gently upon the Earth…” (Qur’an 25:63).
Afghan families have been arriving to the UK in recent weeks under official resettlement schemes. Many are currently quarantining in hotels near arrival airports, and remain in desperate need of help and support as they continue navigating the resettlement process.
The Muslim Council of Britain has compiled a comprehensive 5-step guide for mosques interested in supporting and/or leading on local community-based efforts to aide in the resettlement and hosting of refugees, including newly arrived Afghans.
The guide details key information on the plight and rights of refugees and provides practical tips on how mosques communities can assist refugees in accessing key essential services, education and training.
1 August - Fundraising campaign for Palestine2021: Hassan Joudi, Deputy Secretary General, attended a dinner organised by Islamic Relief UK in support of a rebuilding fundraising campaign for Palestine.
5 August - MCB Secretary-General Zara Mohammed has been featured in @BritishVogue’s fourth annual line-up of The Vogue 25: the remarkable women shaping 2021 and beyond. Here's to all the incredible women leading in their fields, paving the way for us all. | Social media
18 August - The MCB joins @JCWI_UK & 90+ other UK organisations in urging Gov't to grant immediate asylum to Afghans already waiting in the UK, scrap the 'resettlement-only' plan & expand access to safe routes into the UK for refugees. | Social media
19 August - Day of Ashura A day of great significance - spent fasting, praying & in remembrance of Allah SWT. A day on which the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed PBUH, Imam Husayn, gave his life standing against injustice. Today, may the Almighty shower His mercy unto all.
2 - September - Responding to the publishing on 2nd September 2021 of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) report Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings, Zara Mohammed, SG of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "The report makes for difficult reading and underlines the importance of education centred around the wellbeing of children. The protection of children is rooted in our religious traditions and should be at the centre of all Muslim institutions. This includes child safeguarding policies and regular on-going training. Crucially, children must feel confident in reporting any concerns they have. The MCB is committed to providing resources and support for our affiliated organisations, and to sharing good practice already out there, to foster safe and nurturing environments for children in Religious settings” | Social media
25 August - SG Zara Mohammed, hosted some of our Women affiliate organisations, they shared their insights and reflections on how we can better support Muslim women in our communities.
Secretary General, Zara Mohammed alongside Executive Board, ASG Rashidat Hassan, Head of Education, Mujidah Mebude hosted the MCB women’s organization and affiliate groups for a roundtable to discuss key issues impacting Muslim women and strategy for MCB to adopt. We look forward to formalising this work and implenting this strategy moving forward.
Br Ufuk Segcin, Head of International Affairs hosted a roundtable to discuss the alarming situation impacting Muslims in india. A workstream has been formed to see what further support the MCB and British Muslim communities can offer.
5 September -SG Zara Mohammed spoke with a distinguished panel celebrating 20 years, Her Message "we need leadership that is inclusive & in touch with those we represent, addressing broader issues from Islamophobia to climate change in partnership with wider society".
10 September - Hassan Joudi and Mansur Safdar, Chair of Research & Documentation Committee, met with leadership team members at Palmers Green Mosque companies to do more against such conduct.
10 September - Defining Islamophobia: A Contemporary Understanding of How Expressions of Muslimness are Targeted. | Social media
12 September - MCB Secretary-General Attends G20 Interfaith Forum 2021: SG Mohammed shared critical insight on the global phenomenon that is Islamophobia, its impact on Muslim communities, and put forth pragmatic solutions on how faith communities can come together to address institutional racism in its many guises | Social media|Click here to read the press release
21 September - 9/11 and the War on Terror: SG Mohammed engaged in a discussion on The impact of 9/11, 20 years of the ‘War on Terror,' and reflect upon lessons learned, what’s next for British Muslim communities. | Social media|Click here to read the press release.
25 September - MCB's 5-Step Guide to Welcome Refugees: supporting #Afghan refugees. Looking for practical tips on helping refugees access essential goods, services, education & more. | Social media|Click here to read the press release.
27 September -Muslims In Britain: Environmental Sustainability Conference 2021: How do British Muslims understand, and engage with, environmental sustainability? This year our conference is in collaboration with @ManchesterSCI | Social media
29 September - Muslims with Disabilities: An introduction. There are many within Muslim communities that are differently abled, and yet surprisingly little discussion is centered around their experiences. A discussion took place at mental health conference. Contact MCB's CRG:[email protected]
3 October - SG Mohammed at the Young Muslim Leadership Program shared what it’s been like to be a leader in the public eye. The importance of what we do but also who we become in the process. | Social media
12 October - SG, Zara Mohammed and Ufuk Secgin met and had a discussion with HE Ambassador Ümit Yalçın at the
Turkish embassy. They shared MCB’s work & strategic priorities & discussed a wide range of issues from women in leadership over Muslim participation in politics to #islamophobia.| Social media
11 October -SG and Ufuk Secgin also had a constructive meeting with HE Ambassador at the Palestinian Embassy in #London on Tuesday, about the latest situation in #Palestine, the ongoing illegal occupation by #Israel and the way forward to achieve lasting peace.
MCB in the Media
Huffington Post- It's been 20 years since the attacks on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001. That day changed the lives of young Muslims in ways they could never expect
Huck Mag- To mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Gen Z Muslims reflect on how the tragedy spurred on Islamophobia in Britain, and the impact it’s had on their lives
Leftfootforward- Government slammed over “complete disregard for Muslim communities and the discrimination they face.”
Arab News - MPs urge UK govt to take action against Islamophobia
The New Arab- Big Green Jummah': UK mosques dedicate Friday sermon to climate change
Politics Home- Conservative Chairman Warned Not To Neglect Tackling Islamophobia In the Party
ITV News- Bradford Council for Mosques celebrates 40 years of championing diversity
Welcome New Affiliates
A wholehearted welcome to our new affiliates - welcome to the MCB Family:
Islamic Network - London
Convert Muslim Foundation - Leicester
Quwwat-ul-Islam Society - London
Muslim Research and Development Foundation - London
Rochdale Dawah Centre - Rochdale
Ummah Welfare Trust - Bolton
Community News
Introducing The BIG READ!
We're gathering as many people as we can to take part in THE BIG READ of Imam Nawawi's 40 Hadith on the weekend of Saturday 20th November ( International Children’s Day).
Challenge yourself to see how many you can read and make a big impact by raising money for orphans too! The more people that get involved, the more we raise. Each person has a target of sponsoring a single orphan, so that’s £360 for a year. Together we can really do something amazing. So please come and join us with READ Foundation and change an orphans life forever!
Join our growing team of talented individuals working to strengthen the voice of British Muslims
Role:Financial Controller (Part-Time)
Part Time, 24 hours per week/ 3 days -
Closing date: Friday 5pm, 15th October 2021 - Interview date: week commencing 18th October 2021
We’re looking for a Financial Controller to join the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the UK’s largest and most diverse national Muslim umbrella organisation with over 500 members including mosques, schools, charitable associations, and professional networks. Our mission is empowering Muslim communities to achieving a just, cohesive, and successful British society.