| 11 Jun 2004
The Muslim Council of Britain congratulates the Muslim community in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on the occasion of today’s grand opening of their new London Muslim Centre, one of the largest Islamic cultural centres in Europe. “The London Muslim Centre is a symbol of the vision, planning and skills that exist within that local Muslim community which lives in the No. 1 most deprived borough in the country. Although we often complain about our youth, this new £9 million multi-purpose complex is an example of where, from the start, a large number of young and talented people have been engaged in a project which is set to become a landmark contribution to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of London. This project demonstrates that a community that is plagued by poverty and by a variety of social ills has the capacity to raise itself up and to become a beacon of hope for others,” said Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain. The London Muslim Centre is a project of the East London Mosque – itself the oldest mosque in London established in 1910. Speakers at today’s grand opening will include Prince Charles (via a video link from the USA), Shaykh Muhammad al-Sudays (Imam of the Ka’bah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia) and Iqbal Sacranie. “This is what we would like to see more of in the country as a whole. There is great need for more effective spending on improving the facilities in our neighbourhoods, creating places for people to meet and learn, play and pray, for athletics, sports, outdoor keep-fit facilities, meeting places for youth – places which are alcohol, drug and tobacco free. It is terrible to see the scourge of anti-social behaviour, of uncontrolled vandalism and criminality blighting our inner-city centres and neighbourhoods across the country,” added Mr Sacranie. [Ends] Note for Editors: The East London Mosque is an affiliate of the Muslim Council of Britain. The Muslim Council of Britain (www.mcb.org.uk) is the UK’s representative Muslim umbrella body with over 400 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools. For further information please contact tel: 07708 065 150 [ENDS] |
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