At a meeting in a basement in north London, the evening prayer led by a woman has just finished.
Those present are now involved in a discussion on Islam and why people choose to stay with it, despite the negative press it gets.
It is the initiative of a group of Muslims who want to open alternative mosques in the UK that would allow men and women to pray side-by-side and welcome gay people.
The Inclusive Mosque Initiative (IMI) was set up in November last year.
[...]
Although they have a small following in the UK, it is part of a growing global network with sites in Srinagar in India and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
They also have support networks in the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia and Sweden. Their ultimate aim is to set up a network of international mosques.
Ms Tauqir knows that their actions could be seen to be provocative.
She said: "In some people's view it is controversial. For us what we are trying to do is to create a space that is welcoming.
"We want to show the mainstream community that we are not all extremists, we are a variety of people."
Never heard of it. My parents would make me pray at home than there.
format_quote Originally Posted by glo
It is the initiative of a group of Muslims who want to open alternative mosques in the UK that would allow men and women to pray side-by-side and welcome gay people.
If a woman prays in the mosque, it is better for her to be far away from the men, hence the back rows for woman are preferable to the front rows, because they are further away from the men. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said salaam at the end of the prayer, he would stay where he was for a little while and would not move, to let the women leave so that the men would not mix with them.
Muslim (440) narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (S) (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best rows for men are at the front and the worst are at the back; and the best rows for women are at the back and the worst are at the front.”
So the quest to secularise Islam is ramping up in the UK, no doubt this 'movement' has 'establishment' support.
Just another demonstration of the pressure the Muslim community is under in the UK and how the establishment is making its move to create and cultivate a 'moderate' Islam. (Inclusive Mosque initiative, what kind of name is that?!)
Sometimes I wonder, will we as a community survive in our current form or do we lose our independence/traditions and transform into a secularised Christianity .
- UK has always been known to start such movements - they've single handedly started the ahmadi heretics and built the largest ahamdi 'mosque' in Germany to halt the German entrance into Islam especially after WWII also a fantastic railway to enable people to make 'pilgrimage' to that Jesus/Muhammad 'incarnate' who died upon the loo.
Muslims don't have a problem with Islam, westerners do, so they don't have to accept it.
This broad best just be nothing and enjoy life. Islam doesn't acquiesce to people. You're either Muslim or you're not!
Just another demonstration of the pressure the Muslim community is under in the UK and how the establishment is making its move to create and cultivate a 'moderate' Islam. (Inclusive Mosque initiative, what kind of name is that?!)
Why do you presume that establishment pressure has anything to do with it, or that this is a delibate move by whatever establishment?
Is there something implausible about the straightforward hypothesis that things are exactly what they seem to be: A group of Muslims feeling unwelcome by the mainstream and setting out on their own?
Those present are now involved in a discussion on Islam and why people choose to stay with it, despite the negative press it gets.
Why are they worried about negative press? It seems that this group of people have an inferiority complex about Islam. Rather they should follow Islam as it is meant to be followed, and love it as it is, as Allah perfected it. People have been coming to Islam for centuries and will continue to do so, without these kind of anti-Prophetic inventions.
It is the initiative of a group of Muslims who want to open alternative mosques in the UK that would allow men and women to pray side-by-side and welcome gay people.
Why are they seeking to sexualise worship like this? Why is that they must have somebody of the opposite gender next to them? It is because others do it, therefore we'll do it too? Or is it that one can't pray without the warm flesh of the opposite gender touching them? Or do the women feel inferior, until they can stand next to the men? Why does each not recognise their own worth? A woman has her own worth in the sight of God, without needing to stand next to a man, to get it.
The Inclusive Mosque Initiative (IMI) was set up in November last year.
"We will not discriminate against anyone, they can be Sunni or Shia, straight or gay, people with families and people without."
Mosques are already inclusive to Muslims for worship - men, women, those with families, even those who think they may have gay feelings pray in mosques, and in my local mosque, I know there are a couple of shi3as that pray there too. Some mosques are very small, and the sheer numbers of men make it impossible for women. For men, prayer in the mosque is compulsory, for women it isn't. A woman's prayer is better at home, but she shouldn't be prevented from going to a mosque that has room for women. If the mosque is so small that it doesn't have room, then she shouldn't insist on going to the detriment of those it is compulsory for (men). To say that she is deliberately unwelcome there, is against common sense. Perhaps she could help fundraise for larger premises instead of complaining or inventing one's own practices.
The IMI said women could also lead the prayers.
I'm surprised that they haven't rejected the Prophet and the khulafaa raashideen (righteous caliphs, may Allah be pleased with them), and instead picked a woman to follow who they can declare prophet.
"We want to show the mainstream community that we are not all extremists, we are a variety of people."
So mosques as per the Prophet (peace be upon him) are extremist? And all this is being done, to appease non-Muslims?
To claim that mosques by and large are unwelcoming to anyone other than Muslim men, and that Muslims following the Qur'an and sunnah are extremists, is an untruth being used to pursue their own agenda.
May Allah guide them, ameen.
Last edited by Insaanah; 06-14-2013 at 09:01 PM.
Reason: typo
Stunningly beautiful adhaan from the Dome of the Rock in Masjid ul Aqsa Download (right click and choose "save target/link as").
This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that those of understanding may take heed (14:52)
Indeed Allah knows, and you know not (16: 74, part)
Ms Tauqir knows that their actions could be seen to be provocative.
She said: "In some people's view it is controversial. For us what we are trying to do is to create a space that is welcoming.
"We want to show the mainstream community that we are not all extremists, we are a variety of people."
What about "We are trying to worship our Creator the way that is prescribed to us."?
To me the intentions of people who go about championing such "causes" are questionable and unfortunately they take on the role of leadership (appointed by who?) and go about making a mess of things.
Have they spoken to mosques and asked whether or not all muslims are welcome or is it only "specific: straight males" are allowed? If they were sincere then that would have been the route they'd go.
[9:107] And [there are] those [hypocrites] who took for themselves a mosque for causing harm and disbelief and division among the believers and as a station for whoever had warred against Allah and His Messenger before. And they will surely swear, "We intended only the best." And Allah testifies that indeed they are liars.
[9:108] Do not stand [for prayer] within it - ever. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.
[2:120] And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance." If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.
Isn't it amazing how the Quran is so transcendent sob7an Allah.. reminds me of a story that I read about by Br. Tariq Mehnna falsely framed and imprisoned by the FBI. One of the inmates there seeing him with the Quran all the time decided to do the same thing with the bible, but gave up after a while finding no comfort, no relevance no guidance and no message through the verses for his particular situation.
A person really has to be acquainted with the Quran to see it constantly give up some divine secrets. and
Although they have a small following in the UK, it is part of a growing global network with sites in Srinagar in India and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Not sure if I have heard this one, but over here there are a few deviant sects using islam as a vehicle to pursue their own agenda. Some have been rooted out and others, like the one mentioned here, I guess has not as yet hit the headlines..
I am rather quite disturbed by posts like these and I wonder at the motive behind such other than to sow discord among the believers or some other hidden agenda. I was reading the Qur'an this AM and this passage comes immediately to mind: {And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was anxious for them, feeling powerless to protect them, and said, 'This is truly a terrible day!' His people came rushing towards him; they used to commit FOUL DEEDS...} Qur'an 11:77-78 The people of Lot are indisputably known as a people of homosexuality to the point where the very act is named after them! Why are some people so quick to forget the seriousness of this sin? What next? Will drinking alcohol, gambling, fornication and adultery be pushed upon Muslims as aceptable?
format_quote Originally Posted by ibṉĀdam
[9:107] And [there are] those [hypocrites] who took for themselves a mosque for causing harm and disbelief and division among the believers and as a station for whoever had warred against Allah and His Messenger before. And they will surely swear, "We intended only the best." And Allah testifies that indeed they are liars.
[9:108] Do not stand [for prayer] within it - ever. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.
Assalamu alaikum, brother, this passage is exactly what came to my mind. Of course, you know what became of this masjid referenced in the Qur'an.
I am rather quite disturbed by posts like these and I wonder at the motive behind such other than to sow discord among the believers or some other hidden agenda. .
I am glad you wrote that since I personally see no other purpose!
innocent as usual!
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
I am glad you wrote that since I personally see no other purpose!
Assalamu alaikum, glo can answer for herself, but the post does undermine what nearly all Muslims adhere to. I did not mention the woman leading prayer or men and women praying side by side as our respected sister, Insaanah, thouroughly addressed it. It puzzles me how some Christians condone homosexuality and others pooh-pooh priestly molestations and then come out to attack what we hold as Divine decrees and direction from Allah (swt). Which brings to mind the other quote from Brother ibnAdam:
format_quote Originally Posted by ibṉĀdam
{And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance." If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.} Qur'an 2:120
It is a new phenomenon unfortunately with one purpose as far as I am concerned, their war will never cease with all its methods- question is what are we doing to combat this?
Islam is a threat to them since its inception, the problem as I see it lies within us since even verbal Jihad we're forbidden from practicing!
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
I am rather quite disturbed by posts like these and I wonder at the motive behind such other than to sow discord among the believers or some other hidden agenda.
Mods/admin, please delete this thread if you feel it is inappropriate.
It was moved by the administrator ibṉĀdam to the Clarifications about Islam section, so I did not expect there to be a problem.
Salaam
Peace glo
Here I stand.
I can do no other.
May God help me.
Amen.
Come, let us worship and bow down •
and kneel before the Lord our Maker
[Psalm 95]
There is a reason why men and women are not allowed to pray side by side in a mosque and it isn't that women are a pollution and therefore should stay away from men. The reason is that the prayer is a time when we have to be focused on God and don't want distractions or sexual feelings. When men and women pray side by side, they will not be able to focus on the prayer. They will get sexual feelings and will think of each other and that is not allowed in the prayer.
Why do people want to do weird things? I don't understand.
Thank you MustafaMc for your quotes. Much appreciated. It makes these matters crystal clear. Not something I have given serious thought until recently.
Islam is... is... so..... cannot use 'so'.. islam is entirely different from others. Submission. If we cannot submit, then we cannot truly call ourselves muslims... can we?
I see the questions posed on some threads, just to sow seeds of doubt? Or honest intention to know? I believe they want to know. Their confusion is also a test of our own imaan. As much as people enter islam there are those that leave. Those that do tend to want more of the world and no consideration for the hereafter. For if they did, they would not leave islam.
But now I am made aware of a report about this this group operating in own my backyard that I could possibly do something about it. Thank you Glo.
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- UK has always been known to start such movements - they've single handedly started the ahmadi heretics and built the largest ahamdi 'mosque' in Germany to halt the German entrance into Islam especially after WWII also a fantastic railway to enable people to make 'pilgrimage' to that Jesus/Muhammad 'incarnate' who died upon the loo. 
and the khulafaa raashideen (righteous caliphs, may Allah be pleased with them), and instead picked a woman to follow who they can declare prophet.
and 
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