Mosques for BBC Children in Need

Mosques for BBC Children in Need

LONDON, November 13/PRNewswire/ -- British Mosques and community leaders have pledged their full support for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal. Thousands of individuals and hundreds of mosques are expected to respond to a call for mosques to lead in the collection of donations for the popular annual event which benefits children from all sections of society.

According to a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him: "He is not one of us who does not have mercy on young children."

A substantial number of Britain's 1,300 mosques are expected to respond to the request to highlight the BBC Children in Need appeal during congregational prayers on Friday 16 November and ask for a special collection.

All donations collected after Friday prayers at mosques around the UK - which are normally attended by at least 300,000 people - will be sent directly to this year's BBC Children in Need fund.

"Helping the poor, the needy and orphans is the very essence of Islam and the Prophet's merciful example," said Yusuf Islam, one of Britain's leading humanitarian workers who launched the appeal during the weekend.

"God willing, this initiative will help Muslims expand their vision and role in Britain to care for the poor people of this country, particularly the very young," he said. "Many Muslims send their charitable donations abroad to very worthy causes, but we must not forget the emphasis Islam also places on the rights of neighbours and fellow citizens."

"Nothing can be more close to the heart of our beloved Prophet and his teachings than caring for children and the weak members of society. The Muslim Council of Britain is proud to be part of this campaign," said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of The Muslim Council of Britain.

"We welcome the initiative and fully support it as our mosques have always been places of extraordinary charity and their contributions is something all of us can be proud of," according to Zareen Ahmed, CEO of the British Muslim Forum. "Giving support to disadvantaged children is very important in Islam."

"It is important that our mosques and communities respond positively to the appeal as children are an invaluable asset for our future," said Said Ferjani of the Muslim Association of Britain.

"Being of service to children in need is a basic Islamic duty and we expect Muslims from all walks of life and persuasions to respond positively," said Tariq Dar of the Pakistan Community Centre, London.

"This is an opportunity for us to show the world that our mosques are centres for the common good and that we are engaging citizens of our country," said Fuad Nahdi, Senior Fellow at the Muslim College, London.

To find out more about 'Mosques for Children in Need', visit http://www.mfcin.co.uk

Source: Mosques for Children in Need

Contacts for interview: Please email info@mfcin.co.uk. Media Contacts: Fuad Nahdi, The Muslim College, +44(0)7791-066572; Said Ferjani, Muslim Association of Britain +44(0)7825-323696; Zareen Ahmed, CEO, British Muslim Forum +44(0)7900-898719; Tariq Dar, Pakistan Community Centre, London +44(0)7984-788299.

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Profile: International Entertainment