BMHCNEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 / ISSUE 15 Reg. Charity No. 1110104
BMHC COMMUNITY GREATER MANCHESTER’S FIRST
EVER MAYORAL ELECTION
VISIT MY MOSQUE OPEN DAY SCOUTS CHARITY WALK HEALTH, FITNESS AND SPORTING
ACTIVITIES ARCHERY AT THE BMHC YOUTH ACTIVITIES AT THE BMHC: SCOUTS AT THE BMHC GIRLS YOUTH ACTIVITIES BY SHINE JUMMAH AT THE AT THE BMHC
BMHC ACADEMY SCHOOL VISIT GCSE ISLAMIC STUDIES CLASS CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS
AWARENESS OF ISLAM AND MUSLIM WITH UK ARMED FORCES 7 DEADLY SINS IN ISLAM SEMINAR BY USTADH REHAN SALIM THE DANGERS OF EXTREMISM - BY SHAIKH YAHYA IBRAHIM (AUSTRALIA) SEMINAR ON MARRIAGE BY USTADH NASAR ISHFAQ 12 WEEK ARABIC LANGUAGE COURSE (INTERMEDIATE) GUIDING LIGHT COURSE NO DOUBT: GOD, RELIGION AND POLITICS IN THE MODERN WORLD BY SHEIKH DR YASIR QADI WHEN THE DEAD RISE BY SHAIKH ABDUR-RAHEEM MCCARTHY (AMERICA) FIVE AMAZING PROPHETS DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY FROM AN ISLAMIC VIEWPOINT
Take part in the biggest event of Greater Manchester’s first ever Mayoral Election.
BMHC DEVELOPMENT
of Greater Manchester’s first ever Mayoral election. This major ticket only event will
GREATER MANCHESTER’S FIRST EVER MAYORAL ELECTION Communities across Greater Manchester will decide who takes office as the first ever Mayor for our region on 4th May 2017. The new Mayor will lead on decisions which will significantly affect the lives and prospects of people across our communities. The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) with faith institutions, schools, colleges, universities, trade union branches, housing associations, NGO’S and other community groups from across Greater Manchester is organising the biggest event
BMHC STRATEGY
be held on Bank Holiday Monday, 1st May 2017.
BMHC ENTERPRISE
CONTINUED INSIDE >>>
HERITAGE ASIAN WEDDING
EXHIBITION HERITAGE RADIO VENUE FOR HIRE
COLLEGE ROAD, WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHESTER, M16 8BP 0161 881 8062 ADMINISTRATOR@BMHC.ORG.UK WWW.BMHC.ORG.UK
“Oh mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other...” - Quran 49:13
BMHC COMMUNITY
TIMETABLE & EVENTS MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY
Arabic Language Class
Al-Huda Qur’an Tafseer for Ladies
Al-Huda Qur’an Tafseer for Ladies
(for beginners)
(English or Urdu)
(English or Urdu)
7:00pm - 9:00pm
10:00am - 1:30pm
10:00am - 1:00pm
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
Email: alhudamanchester@gmail.com
Email: alhudamanchester@gmail.com
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Tel: 07866 313 010 / 07738 940 319
Tel: 07866 313 010 / 07738 940 319
07403 296 539 Heritage Academy 5:15pm - 7:00pm
Heritage Academy
SUNDAY
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
5:15pm - 7:00pm
Al-Huda Qur’an Tafseer for Ladies
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
(English)
Tel: 0161 881 8062
10:00am - 1:30pm Email: alhudamanchester@gmail.com
BMHC Archery Club
Tel: 07866 313 010 / 07738 940 319
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Quran Reflections Class
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
BMHC Scouts Group
Tel: 0161 881 8062
10:00am - 12:00pm • Beavers Group: 6 - 8 yrs
TUESDAY
• Cubs Group: 8 - 10½ yrs
English Language Course for
THURSDAY
• Scouts (Girls) Group: 10½ - 14 yrs
Ladies (for beginners)
Al-Huda Qur’an Tafseer for Ladies
• Scouts (Boys) Group: 10½ - 14 yrs
10:30am - 12:30pm
(English or Urdu)
Email: waqas.qadir@
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
10:00am - 1:30pm
mansouthscouts.org.uk
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Email: alhudamanchester@gmail.com
Tel: 0161 881 8062 / 07415 387400
Tel: 07866 313 010 / 07738 940 319 Heritage Academy
BMHC Archery Club
5:15pm - 7:00pm
Heritage Academy
12:00am - 5:00pm
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
5:15pm - 7:00pm
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Tel: 0161 881 8062 GCSE Religious Education (Islamic Studies) 7:00pm - 8:30pm
FRIDAY
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
Jummah Prayer
caryl.clavering@yahoo.co.uk
1:00pm
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk Tel: 0161 881 8062
BMHC Archery Club 4:00pm - 7:00pm
SHINE Girls Youth Club
Email: administrator@bmhc.org.uk
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Tel: 0161 881 8062
Email: admin@youth-shine.org.uk Tel: 07757 365 458
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BMHC COMMUNITY
>>> CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Every organisation has been working over the last few months engaging and listening to their respective community groups to identify issues which communities feel should be at the top of the new Mayor’s priority list. We have decided on our top 4 priority issues that we will be taking forward to the Mayoral Assembly. These are: 1) Social Care 2) Hate Crime 3) Living Wage 4) Housing and Homelessness On 1st May 2017 together with up to 2,000 citizens from across Greater Manchester you will have the opportunity to ask questions and witness each Mayoral candidate set out their views on these top priorities. We seek to establish a public and accountable relationship with whoever becomes our Mayor on a common good agenda. We have booked the Lowry Theatre at Salford Quays for Greater Manchester’s first ever Mayoral Assembly. Places are FREE to all affiliates and users of the BMHC. To take part in this historic day book your FREE tickets via: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/31835330330/ If you have any questions please contact Furqan Naeem, Lead Community Organiser at Greater
VISIT MY MOSQUE OPEN DAY On Sunday February 5, mosques across the United Kingdom invited the general public to come in and have a look around to find out what goes on. This was the third annual ‘Visit My Mosque’ day which was set up by the Muslim Council of Britain to provide a platform for Muslims to reach out to fellow Brits and explain their faith and community beyond the headlines. More than 150 mosques took part - almost double the number that took part last year and many faiths, civil and political leaders also took part. The British Muslim Heritage Centre opened its doors to more than 200 visitors who popped along to enjoy an exhibition about Islam, Arabic calligraphy workshop, a Stories of Sacrifice exhibition about the contribution of Muslims during World War One and the chance to ask questions about Islam - all served up with free refreshments! One of the visitors to the British Muslim Heritage Centre’s Visit My Mosque Day, Barbara Warrington said she was surprised at how welcoming organisers and community members were. She said: “I am a Christian and I see churches as places that welcome all in society but I didn’t think Mosques were until I visited. That was an assumption I had made. But me and my husband were made to feel very comfortable and we learned a lot about Islam. It was very interesting.”
Manchester Citizens - furqan.naeem@citizensuk.org
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BMHC ACADEMY
TRUST ME
BY ADNAN SAIF
You must have been in a conversation where one of the
It is for this core purpose that the BMHC is working
parties to the discussion invokes the ultimate challenge
to build trust between Muslims and the rest of society
“trust me”, followed by some thing like “I know what I
through the development of collaborative and pioneering
am doing”, or “just follow me”, or “just accept what I am
initiatives that promote and celebrates Muslim heritage
saying”.
and culture making it accessible to all.
What do you do in such a situation? Probably you will
Islam and Muslims have been around for more than 14
politely respond with something like: “sorry, you have to
centuries, during which they have put on the world stage
show me the evidence” or “of course I do”.
some of the most vibrant civilisations the world has ever seen. Muslim contribution to human civilisation has
This is all very well on a one to one level; but how do you
been well recognised; yet more recently is conveniently
begin to understand ‘trust’ at a societal level, between
forgotten, ignored or misunderstood. The BMHC
groups and communities?
believes that by exploring, promoting and celebrating the contribution Muslim civilisations made to human
Trust, it is often said, must be preceded by understanding
development can offer an opportunity for dialogue,
and respect of the other. The dominant unfortunate image
bring greater understanding and respect and lead to the
of Muslims these days is one of anger, extremism and
necessary work of trust building to realise strong and
terror. All this has led to a rise in both hate and extremism
cohesive communities.
to levels that undermine community cohesion and the long-term wellbeing of our society.
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But what does ‘trust building’ mean? What does it look like in practice? How can we practically build trust
BMHC ACADEMY
between communities?
relations between communities?
One element common to many usages of “trust” is the
Such work cannot be accomplished easily, by any single
notion of expectation or predictability. Mutual suspicion
group or agency or in a short space of time. What role
exists when each person expects the other person to
should be played and by whom? How can the different
produce a malevolent event in regard to him and, in turn,
groups, organisations and agencies play their part more
is ready to produce a malevolent event for the other
effectively within the limited resources each has?
based upon this expectation. These are questions that the BMHC is actively We often try to think of trust building not only in terms of
exploring through our various programmes, activities
helping the other to understand us better (whoever they
and partnerships. We hope to contribute to make the
may be), but also in terms of some element of self-interest
‘expectation’ and ‘predictability’ in community relations
(theirs and ours). In other words, by demonstrating that
in our society a positive one, that does not default to the
we are all likely to be better off economically, also in
expectation of a malevolent event by the other.
terms of safety, community resilience, sustainability and in generating a more caring, compassionate, peaceful and open society, if we are living together in trusting
QATARI AMBASSADOR VISIT
relationships rather than apart in fear and doubt about each other.
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) hosted a reception in honour of His Excellency Yousef Ali
In their path-breaking report published in 1997,
Al-Khater, Ambassador of The State of Qatar to the
'Islamophobia: A Challenge for Us All,' Runnymede
Court of St James’s. The reception and dinner took
examined the growth, features and consequences of anti-
place 6th of April 2017 with distinguished guests
Muslim racism in Britain. The report warned then about
from community, academia and commerce, MPs and
the dangers of ‘closed’ views of Islam and Muslims, and
MEPs.
pressured for a more ‘open’ perspective and dialogue, not only as a way of countering anti-Muslim racism but as a necessity ‘for the well-being of society as a whole’. Nearly twenty years on, it seems that the challenge remains as vital today as it did then - perhaps even more so. (Runnymede Trust, 2013) Given this picture, we need need to consider the specific barriers to the process of building a trusting relationship between Muslims and the rest of society. What is particularly unique to being a ‘Muslim’ in today’s world? What are the issues impacting the level of trust between Muslims and the rest of society in today’s Britain? Whatever the barriers may be, Muslims and society at large cannot afford for the current perilous trend in intercommunity relations to continue. What can we learn, and how, from the experiences of other communities and societies who have and are striving to build trusting
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BMHC COMMUNITY
ARCHERY AT THE BMHC
GIRLS YOUTH CLUB
The Whalley Range Archery Club (WRAC) at the
Youth-SHINE organise fun-filled evening sessions for
British Muslim Heritage Centre was established in
girls every Friday, 6.30-9:00pm at the British Muslim
October 2015 and has continued to grow ever since.
Heritage Centre.
So far we have successfully run many 6 weeks beginners course and we will be open to take new
Youth-SHINE offers a dynamic Islamic social and
members from September 2016.
educational environment with fun and enjoyment at its heart.
We run a regular 6 week beginners course for adults (age 16+) and juniors (age 10 - 16). Upon completion
As this year marks the first-ever intake of
of the beginners course, an individual can join any
college aged girls there will be separate
Archery Club in the UK including WRAC at the BMHC.
programs for both the younger and older age ranges.
All equipment is provided for the beginners courses. Please contact admin@youth-shine.org.uk or call All participants need to do is bring themselves and plenty of enthusiasm. For more information about registering for the 6 weeks beginners’ course or to volunteer to help run the Archery Club at the BMHC please call 0161 881 8062, or email administrator@bmhc.org.uk
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07754 867573
BMHC COMMUNITY
SCOUTS AT THE BMHC Fun challenges and adventure for young people Scouting offers fun challenges and everyday adventure to over 450,000 young people in UK alone. The principles of Scouting encourage young people to develop inner discipline, be involved in group activities with others, understand the world around them and help create a more tolerant and caring society. BMHC Scout Group was established in November 2014 and has continued to grow ever since. We currently have four Scouts groups over three sections: Beaver Scouts (6 to 8 year olds), Cub Scouts (8 to 10½ year olds) and two Scouts (10½ to 14 year olds). The weekly sessions take place at British Muslim Heritage Centre during school terms. If you have any questions or would like to get your child involved in Scouting, please contact our Group Scout Leader (GSL): Waqas Qadir: 07415 387400, waqas. qadir@mansouthscouts.org.uk
SCOUTS CHARITY WALK 22ND JANUARY 2017 The British Muslim Heritage Centre Scout Group took part in charity walk on 22nd January 2017. The Group raised funds to make a difference to the lives of expectant mothers and new-born in Gaza, Palestine. Funds raised from the walk exceeded the original target of £5,000 and they ended up raising a total of £6,100.00. Abdullah & Maryam: We are doing the winter walk so we can raise money for the babies and mothers of Gaza because they don't have hospitals and facilities like we do. It's a long walk and it will be hard for us all. But in Gaza people have to walk far to get clean water, food and medicine. So please donate generously.
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BMHC ACADEMY
UK ARMED FORCES LEARN ABOUT ISLAM The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) hosted senior
Introduction Islam and Islamic Practices
members of the UK Armed Forces from across the region
Dispelling Myths about Islam
on 13th March 2017. The officers attended our full-day in-house ‘Cultural and Religious Awareness of Islam and Muslim’ course where we covered topics such as: Introduction to Islam Dispelling Myths about Islam Women in Islam History of Muslims in the UK Muslim Contribution to Civilisation
SCHOOL VISIT The ‘Stories of Sacrifice’ exhibition was launched in January 2016, dedicated to the bravery and sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of Muslim soldiers who fought for Britain in World War One (WW1). Since its launch, we have been receiving and continue to receive regular visits to the exhibition from the local community to national and international visitors. During November 2016, around Remembrance Day we had 16 separate Schools visits from across the North West totalling over 500 students.
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Women in Islam History of Muslims in the UK Muslim Contribution to Civilisation
BMHC ACADEMY
7 TIPS TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE DURING RAMADAN Fasting for 17+ hours is no easy feat, and chances are
important things. Those that aren’t as urgent can be
you get tired in the day.
saved for the next day.
Sometimes you feel so lazy and so tired that you get very little done when you’re fasting. Here are some tips on how to be productive: 1 Do things right after suhoor You just ate, which means you have the most energy at this time of day. Think of the most important stuff you have to do during the day, whether it’s writing emails, doing school work, reciting Quran, etc. and do them early in the morning. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish! If you have to go back to sleep to get rest before
3 Make goals for the month and divide them up Many of us make the goal of reading Quran and learning new surahs during the month of Ramadan. We may have set ourselves a big target, but often we don’t accomplish it because it was too ambitious and we feel overwhelmed! Instead, divide up your main goal into smaller goals that you can accomplish daily without feeling overwhelmed. So if you’re trying to learn a new surah, tell yourself you’re going to memorise two lines a day. This way you’ll actually feel motivated to accomplish that goal.
work or school, similarly do the things you need most energy for right after you wake up. You’ll still have energy in the earlier part of the day and it’ll be easier for you to get things done.
4 Give yourself a break! Some of us still operate during Ramadan like we do during the rest of the year, and that’s what exhausts
2 Make a list of things you need to get done daily
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us even more. So cut yourself some slack! It’s okay to feel tired and to not get the same amount of
Some people love to have a schedule because it helps
work done. Just be realistic with yourself and your
them plan their day. Your schedule will need to let up
expectations of what you can get done, so you don’t
a bit when you’re fasting, because you probably won’t
feel burnt out by the time it’s iftar.
get as much done. But still make a list of the most
BMHC ACADEMY
5 Take a nap
5 AMAZING PROPHETS
For those of us who work or have to go to school, the day can seem so long, especially when we’re not
Over the winter holidays, the British Muslim
eating. Even if you’re not at work or school, fasting
Heritage Centre arranged an evening of
does take a toll on you. Either way, it’s a good idea
inspirational talks for all the family on the lives of
to take a nap in the day. Do it a few hours before iftar
the five major Prophets mentioned in the Qur'an:
to refresh yourself; it’ll give you energy for that final
Prophet Nuh (Noah), Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham),
stretch of fasting, and also get you through the night if
Prophet Musa (Moses), Prophet Isa (Jesus) and
you’re at the masjid praying all night.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
6 Plan some downtime It’s so easy to waste your day stalking people on Facebook, looking at recipes on Pinterest, and watching cat videos on YouTube. Before you know it, you made it to iftar! And while it definitely makes the day go by, there’s probably a lot more you wanted to accomplish. If you plan an hour in your day that you can do all the those, it’ll make you much more productive, knowing
The lectures were delivered by Ustadh Nasar Ishfaq and were well attended by young and old, who enjoyed hearing the stories of the Prophets. The series of lectures were filmed and can be viewed on the BMHC YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/BMHCMedia
that you have that time already allotted. 7 Eat a good suhoor and a light iftar The food we eat has such a big impact on the way our bodies feel. And when we stuff ourselves with fried and oily food, it’s no wonder we feel lethargic and lazy throughout the day and well into the night. Pick foods that are nutritious and that give you energy for both meals. Have a bowl of oatmeal, rather than a bowl of sugary cereal, for suhoor, along with tons of fruit, and a glass of milk. For iftar, eat slowly and have food that is light, rather than heavy. You’ll find you get full pretty fast! If you’re still hungry later, eat after the night prayers.
GUIDING LIGHT (QURAN COURSE) The BMHC recently launched two 12 week courses entitled 'Guiding Light' to help students improve their recitation of the Qur'an. The course also helped students to memorize the last chapter of the Qur'an. The courses are taight by a high qualified teacher of the Qur'an from Yemen, Shaikh Sadek Kassim.
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BMHC DEVELOPMENT
BMHC STRATEGY OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
A trusting relationship between
Building trust between Muslims and the rest of society through
Muslims and the rest of society,
the development of collaborative and pioneering initiatives that
based on shared understanding
promote and celebrates Muslim heritage and culture making it
and shared values.
accessible to all.
OUR AIM Our aim to celebrate Muslim heritage is by raising
FRIEND OF BMHC
awareness of what Islam is through:
This is an opportunity for you to help contribute to
Pioneering projects and initiatives including the world
the vision of BMHC, and be part of an inspiring and
class exhibitions of Muslim Heritage and Culture/
unique project which aims to enrich, bring together,
Civilisation.
and benefit all members of the community. Through
Breakthrough research and publications into Muslim heritage and culture. Providing rich and stimulating opportunities for
a monthly subscription of only £10 per month, the scheme aims to: Raise the profile of the BMHC
learning and debate on the role of minority Muslim
Raise much needed revenue to run activities
communities in the wider cultural development of
Offer exclusive benefits to members including:
society.
-
Priority booking for BMHC events
-
Annual Friends Dinner
being of the residents of Greater Manchester and
-
Exclusive preview of exhibitions, book
Britain through appropriate community engagement
Realising the potential of the BMHC as a cultural institution in the economic development and well-
programmes and partnership working.
-
launches and other similar events Regular email newsletter of developments.
Utilising the potential of the iconic building of the BMHC as a visitor attraction and the power of
Send us the following details and we’ll do the rest:
broadcast media and the internet. Name: The BMHC will only achieve these aspirations with your
_______________________________________________
help through the following: We invite you to become a member of the Friends of
BMHC scheme.
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers. You can donate to the ongoing work directly to the
Address:
BMHC bank account:
_______________________________________________ Tel: _______________________________________________
Royal Bank of Scotland, Withington Branch 467 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 9AP
A/C No.:10088053
Sort Code: 16-34-27
IBAN: GB85RBOS
Swift: RBOSGB2L
Email: ______________________________________________
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BMHC ENTERPRISE
VENUE FOR HIRE The Marquee is an impressive, modern, purpose built
Please contact our Events Team on 0161 881 8062 /
structure, set amidst the stunning backdrop of the
07587 212 123 or by email: events@bmhc.org.uk
BMHC a unique Grade II* listed building, enveloped within eight acres of greenery. With the ability to accommodate banqueting for over 600 people, the option of sectioning-off the marquee into smaller segments for privacy and/or a smaller event is another feature we are able to offer. The Marquee is provisioned to cater for a variety of events all year round 365 days of the year. This exciting new space aims to be the ideal location for: Weddings
Conferences/Seminars
Charitable Events/Fundraising Private Events
Exhibitions
Special Occasions
Our event management team offer their bespoke services to assist the planning of your event, giving you the opportunity to personalise your event. Call 0161 881 8062
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