Chairman of Rochdale Council of Mosques responds to new report: “Unlocking British Muslim Potential for the Good of All”

Tahir Mahmood
Chairman of Rochdale Council of Mosques

Tahir Mahmood, chairman of Rochdale Council of Mosques, has responded to an independent report chaired by Conservative MP Dominic Grieve, titled 'The Missing Muslims: Unlocking British Muslim Potential for the Good of All'.

Mr Mahmood said: “This report is a timely reminder about some areas that have not been addressed and led to some mistrust and misunderstanding, The Muslim community has a great deal to contribute and should be given an opportunity to do so.

"The comments of this commission are in stark contrast to those made by some Muslim figures in recent weeks, who have disparaged and ostracised the whole Muslim community further on matters of integration, Prevent and sex grooming.

"There are a number of key findings which we wish to highlight from the report:

• It highlights an increasing absence of Muslims from British civic society.
• An 'us versus them' dialogue around the Muslim community produces a self-perpetuating cycle of separateness.
• Integration is a 'two way street' requiring both British Muslims and the majority white British population to find ways to engage. It is recognised that there is a wealth of positive community work undertaken by British Muslims that aid integration.
• Discrimination and/or the fears of being discriminated against are actively discouraging participation of Muslims within society – this needs to be actively tackled.
• Anti-Muslim prejudice and a lack of action against those perpetuating or condoning hatred is a significant obstacle to integration and participation.

"We note that the committee put forward some important recommendations, these include:

• The Government to lead and adopt a clear definition of anti-Muslim prejudice, in a similar way to how anti-semitism has been defined.
• Better partnerships between the Government and grass roots communities – the Government needs to cast a wider net when talking to British Muslim communities rather than boy-cotting certain organisations which are respected within the Muslim community.
• The need for Muslim women to be more involved in public life/civic society and become greater stakeholders within faith institutions.
• For the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) to consider providing guidance on accurate reporting on Muslims issues, ensuring that faith is not being conflated with extremism.
• A fresh approach in tackling extremism and a review of the Prevent strategy.
• Developing better leadership of some Muslim institutions; including the appointment of British educated Imams and ensuring basic voluntary governance standards are being met with Mosques and other faith institutions.

"We welcome any opportunity to be part of the process to ensure Muslims and Islam are no longer absent from all mainstream and daily British life and welcome any constructive dialogue to make our communities and country a better and safer place for us all to live in.

"We observe that some within the community have talked about the lack of representative leaders, it is puzzling therefore that these same individuals have openly put themselves forward as leaders with little if any accountability.

"We call on the Government to have an open dialogue with representatives of the Muslim community, rather than the 'usual suspects'. The Greater Manchester Muslim community has sought to support and be partners in matters  concerning our communities - unfortunately we have not been offered that opportunity. We hope that this will now change.

"Baroness Warsi has asked for the government to hit the 'reset button' so that we may finally make the Muslim community a part of our society. We would also ask the government to be engaging in choosing any representa-tives should it look at having any committees or boards to drive some of these key areas.

"Let us be clear we see ourselves as British and Muslim with no conflict, Islam is a partner and not a suspect. We will continue to do our part in makng society a better place."

Dobir Miah, Rochdale Council of Mosques, added: "The Rochdale Council of Mosques has been working with communities in Rochdale since 2003 and it has 15 mosques affiliated to it.

"Our vision is to develop successful, confident and united Muslims, who pursue their aspirations with respect and dignity in order to make valuable contributions to the economic, spiritual and civic life of Rochdale.

"Our work is about developing a framework for addressing issues affecting local Muslim people through effective partnership working, promoting harmony and unity between the people of Rochdale.

"We endeavour to consult, contribute, help develop and where needed, deliver services which meet the needs of the Muslim communities living in Rochdale. We also act as a gateway to service providers, enhancing access and participation of the Muslim community."