The 'Mosque in the Community' Research Programme

Across the United Kingdom there are many examples of how Mosques play an important and central role in the community. It is extremely important for key officers within Mosques to be able to assess both the positive and negative impacts that are associated with religious institutions and when issues like car parking on a Friday take place. These issues have impacts for local communities and it is these impacts that key officers should be able to assess and pick up on.

It is therefore vitally important that Mosques work within the local community to address local issues and concerns. Faith institutions should promote pro-active initiatives in promoting an identity that is seen to be receptive and ‘community friendly.'

This programme promotes the need for mosques as faith institutions to reach out and work with local communities on joint social action and in ensuring that the institutions work with groups like residents associations, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Area Forums or committees. This programme is therefore essential in promoting good community relations and community cohesion and seeks to identify examples of good practice that are being undertaken currently by mosques.

If you have any questions about this programme please do contact the MINAB office on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Fiyaz Mughal on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The aim of this section of the survey is to understand your views on the Mosque you’re involved in and the relationship that is has within the local area and with local individuals All feedback will be kept confidential.

Are there any particular obstacles for your local Mosque which stop it from engaging with the local community and neighbourhood?

What mechanisms / methods does the Mosque Committee use to communicate with residents in the local area and how frequently does it do so (i.e. does it utilise notice boards and / or open days)?

Does a neighbourhood watch/residents’ association/similar body exist in your area? If so, what relationship does your local mosque have with it?

Does your local mosque have a relationship with the local police or the local Safer Neighbourhood Team in your area? If so, can you list some details of what the links are and how often members of the Mosque Committee meet with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team or other Police officers?

Does your local mosque have a working relationship with its local councillor or Member of Parliament? If so, can you list some details of what the links are and how often members of the Mosque Committee meet with elected decision makers?

Does your local mosque have a relationship with other faith/community/voluntary sector organisations in the Borough? Have members of the Mosque Committee worked with other organisations to develop social campaigning themes like petitions or letter writing campaigns on behalf of the local community?

Are members of the Mosque Committee aware of scrutiny committee meetings that the local authority holds on numerous issues some of which have previously included the allocation of funding? Can you list some information on this?

Are you aware of whether your local mosque has representation on the Local Strategic Partnership Board (LSP) for the Borough? If it has, can you list how it plays a role in the LSP? Can you list some information on this?

How have members of the Mosque Committee worked through local issues of concern that may have been caused by Far Right marches and other campaigning groups that promote hate and exclusion?

Is there any plan that has been devised to work with the local community on addressing tensions and issues that may be caused by Far Right and other groups campaigning in the local area?

Does your mosque engage in interfaith activities as a way of reaching out and engaging with local faith communities? If so, can you list the set of activities undertaken and would you consider support in this area if required?

Would your mosque consider engaging in local campaigns involving the environment; this could also include campaigns around cleaning up local litter for example? If this has been considered or if there are existing campaigns can you possibly list some details?

How easy or difficult is it for you to access support around the following local issues/services?