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Press Releases
Call for Mosques to remain vigilant and report suspicious packages
We would like to bring to your attention, as a matter of serious concern, that a number of mosques in London and in other parts of the U.K. have been targets of suspicious packages and mails. The source of this post to date is unknown, however due to the malicious nature of this crime, both the police and MINAB are taking this matter very seriously and police inquires are continuing.
Although no lethal material has been found in the package nor has anyone sustained any injury or physical harm, it is crucial that mosques are made aware of this raising concern and take all precautionary measures when handling the post.
Maulana Shahid Raza,OBE, Chairman of the MINAB said:
“This hate inspired act has caused distress and disruption to a number of mosques in the UK and aims to spread fear and hate crime. The MINAB will take this matter up with the authorities and will continue to provide support to Mosques in tackling all forms of hate and extremism. It is important for Mosques and all institutions to regularly review their security policies and procedures to effectively manage all risks."
In the event that a mosque or an Islamic Institution receives a suspicious package or post, please treat the matter as serious and immediately follow police advice as stated below:-
Call 999
1. Do not touch or handle the mail/package any further.
2. Remain calm.
3. Move everyone away to a safe distance.
4. Safely communicate instructions to staff and public.
5. Ensure that whoever found the item or witnessed the incident remains on hand to brief the police.
In light of these incidents, the public are also urged to remain vigilant and to immediately report anything suspicious by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
The MINAB has prepared guidelines for our members dealing with suspected packages and materials.
Guidelines for Mosques and Training Institution dealing with suspected packages and materials
For information or support please contact the MINAB office on 0208 9937141 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
MINAB Ready to support Integration and Prevent Strategy
The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) welcome the refocused Prevent Strategy. This Strategy correctly highlights that Mosques can play an important part in supporting those vulnerable in society and in particular those who are being groomed for terrorism. The Prevent Strategy includes interventions to stop people moving from extremism into terrorist-related activity.
MINAB condemns Bahraini destruction of Mosques
PRESS RELEASE: MINAB condemns Bahraini destruction of Mosques
Immediate Release: 17th May 2011
MINAB is deeply concerned by the report of the Independent (19th April 2011) that “Bahraini government forces backed by Saudi soldiers, part of the 1,000-strong contingent that entered Bahrain last month, are destroying mosques and places of worship of the Shia majority”. The report quotes Ali al-Aswad, an MP in the Bahraini Parliament who said that: "So far they have destroyed seven Shia mosques and about 50 religious meeting houses”.
Maulana Shahid Raza OBE, Chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) said: “We condemn in the strongest sense the actions of the Bahraini government in the destruction of Mosques in Bahrain”.
“Whatever the actions of the Bahraini pro-democracy movement may be it does not justify any government to destroy holy places of worship and shrines. This is against Islamic teachings and the principles of human rights”.
“We call upon our government as well as the Bahraini government to use all their powers to stop such barbaric and evil actions in Bahrain immediately”, he said.
MINAB Statement on Climate Week
The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board calls on all Mosques and Imams to mark the occasion of Climate Week to renew our ambition to combat climate change.
Statement of the Chair regarding ''The Grand Mufti Of UK''
My attention has recently been drawn to a letter published in the Times on 4 February 2011 which shows me as a signatory to the letter giving support to the appointment of a person as “Grand Mufti of the UK”.
Standing together against hate crime
8 July 2010
Yesterday, the fifth anniversary of London's 7/7 attacks, a unique anti-hate crime event was organised in Brent in London by the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), the Christian Muslim Forum and the Al-Khoei Foundation.
Communities come together to take a stand against 'Hate Crimes'
6 July 2010
On Wednesday 7 July, the fifth anniversary of London's 7/7 attacks, a unique anti-hate crime event will take place in Brent, North London. This is being organised by a diverse committee including the UK's Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), the Christian Muslim Forum and the Al-Khoei Foundation, in partnership with local schools, businesses, places of worship, the Metropolitan police, and victim support organisations.
MINAB CONDEMNS ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND TEACHING OF INTOLERNCE
The Channel 4’s Dispatches Programme ‘Lessons in Hate and Violence’ on Monday 14 February 2011 highlighted incidents of abuse of children and teaching of intolerance in British Mosques and Madrassas. Maulana Shahid Raza OBE, Chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) said: “There are around two thousand Mosques, Madrassas and Islamic Institutes in the UK. The majority of the Mosques, Madrassas and Islamic Institutes are making positive contributions by teaching good citizenship, respect for all religions and individuals and providing a safe, secure and comfortable learning environment”.
MINAB Condemns the suicide bombing on a Coptic Church in Egypt
The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) condemns the suicide bombing that targeted a Coptic church in Alexandria on New Year's Day. Such attacks are affront to all human and religious values and aim to disrupt the harmony of our communities who have lived together for hundreds of years.
MINAB STATEMENT ON PANORAMA ALLEGATIONS
With reference to the BBC's Panorama programme televised on 22nd November 2010 titled ‘British Schools, Islamic Rules’, the MINAB leadership having received views from its large membership, wishes to place the following on record:
