MINAB leads the way for the standard based approach towards self regulation

29th November 2007

MINAB leads the way for the standard based approach towards self regulation

The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) launched a wide-ranging consultation process with key stakeholders across the country on its proposed constitution and standard based approach towards self regulation of mosques and imams.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said:
“The constitution and the standards being published today are a positive sign. It shows that Muslim communities want to make the changes that will build community cohesion and ensure that mosques are playing a role at the heart of communities. It is important that mosques and community leaders now sign up and commit to working with MINAB to ensure that Muslim communities see real improvements in standards.

The changes are important because they are coming from within the community itself. Whilst we can support them, determining the way that mosques are run is not something that the Government can do from the outside. It has to come from within.”

Chairman of the Conservative Ethnic Diversity Council Lord Sheikh said:
`MINAB will take a very positive step providing practical advice, guidance and support which will enable the stakeholders to achieve self-regulation. It will also help to improve the quality of work they undertake and the provision of various services.

This will enable the Muslims to be better citizens and interact more fully with other communities in the country. Furthermore, it will promote the role that Muslims play in the advancement and well being of the UK.

The launch was attended by leading imams, Muslim scholars and community leaders and highlighted the importance of the role and steps that are being implemented to improve the involvement of women and the youth in the running of mosques.’

Spokesperson for the steering group of MINAB said:
`MINAB is consulting a standard based approach towards self regulation to build capacity within the Muslim community to deliver high quality services through mosques and imans. A series of road shows and focus groups across the UK will take place over the next four month.’

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Notes to Editors:
The Al-Khoei Foundation, the British Muslim Forum, the Muslim Association of Britain and the Muslim Council of Britain are the founding organisations of the MINAB.

For more information or to organise any interviews please contact Press Officer Harris Bokhari, on: 07971276254,[email protected]

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