150 people attended a consultation event held on Sunday 2nd August at the Carlisle Business Centre, organised by Muslim Women’s Council (MWC).
The event was held in order to consult with the Bradford community on the MWC’s vision to build a Mosque and the Centre of Excellence.
Presentations were made by experts including Shaykh Akram Nadwi, Dean of Cambridge Islamic College who presented on the historic role of Women in Islam; Dilwar Hussain, Chair of New Horizons in British Islam who presented on the contextualisation of women’s role in Islam; Dr Shuruq Naguib, lecturer in Islamic Studies at University of Lancaster who presented on the jurisprudence relating to the role of women in Mosques.
There were a range of views and opinions that were expressed during Q&A session, which were addressed during this process.
Cllr David Green, Leader of Bradford Council says “If there is a demand for a women-led mosque and the Muslim women want it then I am more than happy for that to happen, if there is a demand for it then why shouldn’t there be (a mosque). If Muslim women want to build their own mosque, and have that space to worship and have control over their worship then that’s great”. David Green will help lead the final stage of the Consultation process with MPs and Councillors from Bradford, and across West Yorkshire.
Shaykh Akram Nadwi, Dean of Cambridge Islamic says “The need for women to go to the mosques for the daily prayers, to take part in the study circles, to encourage and be encouraged by other Muslims to live their religion seriously – is neither more nor less than the same need in men. This need must be met; it is a religious duty. The lack of provision, and the lack of welcome, for women in the mosques that we have, is the main reason for this project – to have a space for women, where they can worship together, where they can encourage one another to study religion and improve their understanding and practice of it. It is an initiative that deserves to be supported financially and morally by both men and women. I admire and appreciate the intention and the will and determination of those leading this project. In’Sha’a Allah (God Willing) it will be a success.”
Dilwar Hussain, Chair of New Horizons in British Islam says “It is important to re-integrate two important centres of the Muslim community – the family and the mosque. He also said that it was unfortunate that an MP from the Labour Party, where all women shortlists are used, should oppose an initiative like this that can help to empower women. It may be that she has misunderstood the idea and encouraged her to engage with the organisers.”
Mohammed Rafiq Sehgal, President Council for Mosques (Bradford) says “It is worth citing that the first purpose built Shah Jahan Masjid in Woking (UK) was commissioned by Begum Bhopal in 1889, a notable woman of very high standing. We have no objection to Muslim Women’s Council establishing a Masjid as long as it is inclusive of all Muslims and operates in accordance with the Islamic principles and etiquettes governing a Masjid.”
Bana Gora, CEO of MWC says “This mosque will be open to both women and men, and it will be managed by women. The Centre of Excellence will be exclusively for women. Our consultation is on-going and we are listening to the various viewpoints. We will consider the range of options put forward by Bradfordians, and we welcome any suggestions or ideas from the public. The support we have received to date has been overwhelming”.
