Month: June 2017

Ramadan Appeal

On By sabahwaqasIn News, TripsLeave a comment
HAPPY RAMADAN FOOD PACKS
by Sabah Sufi

The inspired words of the late Jo Cox – “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us” have become synonymous with bringing communities together all over the UK.

The Great get-together campaign this year, inspired a group of Muslim women to come together and start a charity drive, raise money together and compile Ramadan food packs and distribute during the middle weekends of June as part of this celebration of caring for one another in society, sharing the same values and being there for one another.
There was overwhelming response to the justgiving crowdfunding campaign
as over a £1000 was raised in 48 hours of the page being set up.
The goal was to make 200 packs but with the blessings of Ramadan we got huge discounts when buying items for packs and we are able to make over 400 packs for distribution to various homeless charities in London.
Muslim Women of Merton (MWM) distributed 190 packs at Lincolns Inn Fields on Sunday 11th June alongside the volunteers of Children of Adam and 70 packs were delivered to a charity in Croydon. Next weekend on Sunday 18th June we will again be distributing over 150 packs packs at Lincolns Inn Fields, a drop in centre in Merton and donating the remaining unused items at the “Food Relief” food bank in Morden,
One woman,  whilst distributing her own charity goods,  conveyed her delight with the message on our stickers saying” its very thoughtful and I love it how it says London Muslim Community so it includes all the Muslims in London.”
Yes!! I thought. That’s exactly right 🙂 as more than forty donors contributed from all over London.
I found,  whilst distributing the packs at Lincolns Inn Fields, that as people were being offered the ramadan iftari packs, they accepted them so courteously and said thanks with a smile and were glad to receive the snacks, keeping them for later.
The best feeling in the world .. being the reason for someone’s smile!!!
Distribution at Lincoln’s Inn Field on Sunday afternoon

Inter-faith Woking Mosque Visit

On By muslimwomenmertonIn News, TripsLeave a comment

 

NISA-NASHIM INTERFAITH WOKING MOSQUE VISIT SUNDAY 7TH MAY 2017

May 20, 2017

By Fareeda Bader
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A group of 7 Jewish ladies and 10 Muslim ladies met at the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking on a crisp Sunday morning. We were welcomed by Brother Mohammad, the mosque’s manager, who showed us the original 128-year-old mosque, the first purpose-built one in the UK. The founder was Gottlieb Leitner, a Hungarian Jew who was educated in Turkey and who could speak 50 languages! His vision was to build an orientalist centre of learning comprising a temple, mosque, synagogue and church; however, he died before this could be realised. The interior of the mosque, designed by a Christian architect, W I Chambers, was beautifully decorated, with both Turkish and Mughal influences. Following the introduction of the history of the mosque, we were also given an overview of the pillars of Islam and the opportunity to ask questions. We then visited the prayer buildings, which can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, and encountered the Sunday school for children learning Arabic and reading Qur’an.

IMG-20170602-WA0017.jpgIMG-20170602-WA0016.jpgAfter a quick break for some much-needed refreshments, we drove the short distance to Brookwood Cemetery, which is the largest in Europe. The cemetery has different sections for Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Zoroastrian graves. We were able to see the graves of some very prominent people involved in early Islam in Britain, such as Abdullah Quilliam and Marmaduke Pickthall, as well as Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Gai Eaton.

Finally, a group of us visited the Peace Garden, a short drive from the Shah Jahan mosque. This was a special garden, opened in 2015, in memory of the 4 million Muslim men who were killed fighting for the British during both World Wars.

We all felt it was a truly positive and enjoyable experience. There was a wealth of hidden history especially regarding the vast scale of Muslim casualties during the wars and it was inspirational to learn about the work of early British Muslims

We strongly condemn London Attacks

On By muslimwomenmertonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Muslim Women of Merton strongly condemn these acts of terrorism that have occurred in London.

Extract from the Statement released by Muslim Council of Britain.

“The MCB has released a statement to the press, expressing our initial reaction. You can see this statement below:

http://www.mcb.org.uk/london-bridge-attack-muslim-council-of-britain/

London Bridge Attack: Muslim Council of Britain Response”

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain has issued the following statement after the terrorist incident in London:

“I am appalled and angered by the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market, in my home city. These acts of violence were truly shocking and I condemn them in the strongest terms.

Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons. That this should happen in this month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith. “