| 24 Sep 2004
In a landmark initiative, the Muslim Council of Britain is due, on Saturday 25th September 2004, to launch their new Pocket Guide for British Muslims entitled ‘Know Your Rights & Responsibilities’ at a conference in the brand new London Muslim Centre, Whitechapel. Half a million copies of the new Pocket Guide are to be distributed across Britain. `These recent months and years have been very difficult for British Muslims. The combination of the anti-terror raids, the large increase in police ‘stop & search’ activities, and the constant denigration in the media of Islam and its followers, has left many British Muslims feeling unsettled and even fearful. This Pocket Guide seeks to reassure Muslims about their rights and remind them of the responsibilities we all share to help build a more just and cohesive society,’ said Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary-General of the MCB. The Pocket Guide contains information about what to do if, in the unfortunate situation, Muslims are arrested, detained at ports or have their houses searched by the police. It also contains advice on how to help increase the educational attainment levels of Muslim children and urges British Muslims to participate in the mainstream political parties with a view to seeking the common good. In the wake of the terror threat facing these isles, the Pocket Guide lists the police Anti-Terror Hotline number and describes the averting of possible terrorist attacks as `an Islamic imperative’. The Muslim Council of Britain is also planning to translate the Pocket Guide into the Urdu, Bengali, Arabic, Gujarati and Turkish languages for release later this year. [Ends] Note for Editors: The 2001 Census revealed that there were 411,000 Muslim households in the UK. The Pocket Guide will be launched at the MCB seminar on ‘A Guide To The British Media’ which begins at 9.00am on Saturday 25th September 2004 at the London Muslim Centre, situated adjacent to the well-known East London Mosque at 82-92 Whitechapel Road, London, E1. Call 07956353738 for more details. Below we list comments the MCB has already received about this initiative from various Muslim organisations and individuals across the length and breadth of Britain. Statements of Support For The MCB Pocket Guide From British Muslims `It is a very welcome effort. I am sure it will be a great help to both British Muslims and the wider community.’ `I applaud the decision to produce this Pocket Guide. It is very much needed in the current atmosphere.’ ‘Yet another ground-braking MCB initiative. Small in size, huge in significance.’ `An essential guide in these uncertain times. Every Muslim should carry a copy.’ `A tremendous effort that will be of benefit to all British Muslims, insha’ Allah’ ‘A good reminder and full of useful tips for all Muslims.’ ‘Innovative, relevant and simple. A welcome contribution to the debate on civil liberties and rights.’ `A timely and invaluable legal document.’ ‘An indispensable companion in these times of peril.’ ‘Long overdue. Will provide support, guidance and understanding to every Muslim.’ For further information please contact Tel: 07708 065 150 |
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