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Few UK imams born in Britain – BBC News research
Published:
06/07/07
The
Ramadhan Foundation welcomes the research commissioned by the BBC
into various aspects of Imams that operate in UK Mosques, whilst we
must stress that opinion polls and limited research is not conclusive evidence of a widespread
problem. We commend Professor Ron Geaves and his team at the University of Chester in
their sensitive way in conducting this research.
We
have for some time raised the issue of Mosques need to reform to
reflect the challenges of the new century; this means more facilities
for Young Muslims with English sermons and talks becoming
increasingly essential. The Muslim community is beginning to
recognise these challenges and in some parts of the country these
issues are being addressed. We certainly believe that the change
process is not happening fast enough. We pay tribute to both
the Imams and our elders for their excellent voluntary work and
commitment to providing services for the community.
Mr. Shazad Anwar, Chief Executive Comments:
“The Ramadhan Foundation welcomes this
important research conducted by the BBC; we congratulate Professor Ron Geaves
and his team at Chester University for carrying out this
work. The report has identified the challenges for the
Mosques and we all need to use the report to push further for more significant change. Facilities for young Muslims are very
scarce and we need to address these challenges to enable the
Mosques to return to their rightful places as the heart of the
community.
We
have to accept the huge contribution of the elders in enabling our
Mosques to be built and the religious needs of the community to be met, without their hard work and commitment we would
not have these amazing facilities. The Ramadhan Foundation pays tribute to their
hard work and we will be forever in their debt.
Having
said this we urge the Mosques to speed up the process of change and reform.
Without this we are neglecting the needs of many young Muslims.
END
Notes for editors
The Ramadhan
Foundation is the UK's leading Muslim youth organisation that is
working for peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all
communities. Based in Greater Manchester and working to also
create the platform for Muslim unity amongst our communities in the
UK.
For further
information contact:
Mr. Mohammed Shafiq
Press Spokesman
Mohammed.shafiq@ramadhanfoundation.com
07814835912
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