An article on the institution of MINAB and the issues of extremism and social cohesion it aims to address

by Dr. Sibtain Panjwani

Following the establishment of ‘The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board’ (MINAB), it is perhaps worth reflecting over its origin and the issues it aims to address. There have already been criticisms levelled at MINAB with regards to its constitution and potential operation. This article is not designed to fuel these criticisms but rather, to contribute to the discussion on the role played by British Muslims and the government to socio-political issues concerning extremism and social cohesion.

To its credit, MINAB has taken the first step in trying to set standards to tackle these issues amongst British Muslims. By its existence, it has sparked discussion on how British Muslims have a duty to introspect on religious practice and propagation. At the same time, however, one needs to critically analyse this duty which appears to be a presumption, rather than a point for serious grassroots debate.

The Council of European Jamaats is holding a special consultation afternoon on the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB).

Date:            Sunday, 27 April 2008
Venue:          Hyderi Jamaat, 26 Estreham Road, London SW16 5PQ
Time:            After Zohrain Prayers (starting with Lunch)

The role that can be played by Mosques and Imams towards the development of the Muslim community in Britain and towards the wider community has been debated nationally. MINAB is a National organisation, which plans to provide guidance on good practice to both Mosque and Imam's to prepare them, and to assist in self-regulating as per their draft documentation.

Come and have your say on how MINAB should develop!
Find out about what MINAB is really all about?

Imam Hassan Al-Askari (AS) – 11th Imam

Wiladat Eve – Wednesday 16th April 2008
Wiladat Day – Thursday 17th April 2008

Titles: Al-Askari
Kuniyya: Abu Muhammad
Birth: 10th Rabi-ul Aakher 232 A.H. in Madina
Death: 8th Rabi-ul Awwal 260 A.H.
Buried: Samarrah, Iraq

“Generosity has a limit, which when crossed becomes extravagance; caution has a limit which when crossed becomes cowardice; thriftiness has a limit, which when crossed becomes miserliness; courage has a limit, which when crossed becomes fool-hardiness. Let this moral lesson suffice: refrain from doing anything which you would disapprove of if done by someone else.”
(as quoted in A Brief History of The Fourteen Infallibles p. 155-157)

Samarra is a garrison town about 60 miles north of Baghdad. River Euphrates flows in the middle of the town, and because of the surrounding hills a cool breeze keeps the area cooler in comparison to Baghdad. The word ‘Asker’ in arabic is used for army. Our 11th Imam’s title became known as Askari, the one who lived all his life in a garrison town.......

Complete article on Imam Hassan Al-Askari (AS) appears in the Articles Section of the website.

MINAB Draft Constitution & Standards Documents   "Express Your Views" 

Following the extraordinary Shura Meeting of 23rd Feb 2008 on MINAB Draft Constitution, any London Jamaat Member wishing to express his/her own views on the Constitution and/or the Standards Document may do so by Posting a Message here.

Documents relating to the MINAB Draft Constitution & Standards may be viewed or downloaded from the Downloads->MINAB section of this website.