Updated 29 December 2009
On 16 December 2009, Munawer Rattansey was invited to mark the occasion of Eid al-Adha at the House of Commons. The event was sponsored by four prominent MP’s representing the three main political parties: Moh’d Sarwar, Khalid Mahmood, Simon Hughes and Tony Baldry. The reception also received support from the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Al Khoei Foundation, Islamic Relief and MINAB.
The programme consisted of several senior politicians addressing the attendees including the Leader of Liberal party Nick Clegg, Speaker of the House of Commons Tony Bercow Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague, Deputy leader ofthe Labour party Harriet Harman and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. Mohamed Dawood, Secretary General of CoEJ also attended the festivities. Click here to view the article.
The speakers touched on various issues affecting Muslims today. They praised the positive contribution of Muslims in the British Society as well as the need for Muslims to work with politicians from all parties in the forthcoming elections.
They addressed the rise of fascism, and Islam phobia in Europe and also discussed the need to counter the propaganda of BNP. In addition they stressed the need for Muslims to keep the channels of communications open.
In his Eid message, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of MCB said, ‘I would remind and encourage all of us to consider our own sacrifices; what can each and every one of us proactively do towards the betterment of ourselves, our children, and of our society as a whole. We all have a role to play and it is upon individuals and groups alike to take practical and constructive steps to change the status quo.’
Munawer Rattansey commented: ‘The event was a fantastic opportunity to meet with members of the political parties and discuss the issues that Muslims in Europe face today. It is important for us to become involved within the political groups of our country to maintain a voice for Muslims all across Europe.’
For further information email secretariat@world-federation.org