GLMCC have become aware of groups that are spreading rumours and misinformation about an event that was held at the Masjid earlier in Ramadan. This is an annual event where representatives of various organisations and community partners are invited to break fast (iftar). It’s an opportunity for them to learn more about our work in the local community through a video screening, as well as to find out more about Ramadan and the basics of Islam through a presentation.  Guests then have an opportunity to ask questions to one of our Imams.

This event allows for guests to gain a better understanding of Ramadan, its purpose and meaning. This year, amongst others, an invitation went out to a range of organisations and prominent individuals that we work with from NHS, WM Police, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority, amongst others. The Mayor accepted our invitation. This is one of many endeavours where GLMCC engages with a plethora of statutory and non-statutory bodies for the betterment of our community.

This important outreach event in Ramadan should not be seen in isolation from our outreach to and engagement with these people throughout the year. We would like to reassure our congregation that we have been at the forefront of discussions with several bodies regarding the horrendous situation in Gaza. In October, last year, we played a leading role along with other several other major Birmingham based mosques in convening a meeting to discuss the crisis in Palestine, which was attended by the Mayor of the West Midlands.  Participating representatives of mosques openly shared their concerns and discontent with the lack of action on part of the government in regards to this crisis. Following this meeting, the Mayor wrote to the International Development Secretary to press the case for more action to be taken to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

Inviting guests to the mosque does not imply an endorsement of all their views. Our aim is to present a positive image of Islam and Muslims, regardless of the perspectives held by our guests.

 GLMCC is committed to support those who are suffering, some of our recent efforts include:

• To date, your extraordinary commitment and generosity have enabled us to raise significant funds for the Palestinian cause. For the 2023-24 period, we aim to raise in excess of £1million pounds;
• After 7^th October, we immediately launched an appeal for the Palestine crisis
• Earlier in Ramadan, in partnership with Islamic Relief, we dedicated a whole night raising funds for Gaza live on Islam Channel
• In recent years, our congregation has been raising around £2 million for humanitarian causes worldwide, each year;

 At a local level we have been able to do the following:

• At the beginning of the crisis, ourselves along with other mosques attended a meeting with Chief Constable of West Midlands Police to make a strong case to allow peaceful protests;
• GLMCC along with other mosques met with the Leader of the Council and urged him to raise the Palestinian flag when the Israel flag was raised above the Council House.
• Along with other mosques, during some of the protests, we acted as independent observers to monitor impartiality and fairness during the course of protests.
• We issued press releases that were published in the press on the crisis in Gaza;

In general, GLMCC does not feel the need to highlight publicly, regularly and in detail the engagement we do as we seek to represent the teachings of our faith and the passion and concern of our community. In the case of our response to recent events in the Middle East, however, we wanted to set out the above to account for our actions transparently and thank you for your support.

Please also see our press statements:

Condemning the attacks on Gaza
How to stand with Palestine
Press statement from April 2022: Green Lane Masjid calls on UK government to end Israel’s violent attacks on Masjid Al Aqsa – again

One of our current campaigns, for those who are not aware, is to support 500 Gazan orphans this Ramadan. Please help us to help them by achieving this target by donating at www.taskforceglm.org/orphans

 We remain committed to support our brothers and sisters affected by the Genocide in Gaza.

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. Holy Quran 49:12

DONATE TO PALESTINE HERE

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre is a leading UK mosque situated in the heart of Birmingham serving the community since 1979.  Operating from its award-winning grade II listed Victorian building, GLMCC fulfills its mission of inspiring, educating, and serving through its educational college, outreach work, welfare services, international humanitarian wing, as well as its fully functional mosque which is attended by thousands every week.

For more information about our work and services visit www.greenlanemasjid.org or access our Annual Reports.