Faltering response to a merciless pandemic; Muslims use lockdown positively by helping the needy

The warnings could not have been starker. And no governments can claim that they were unaware of the calamitous effects a pandemic could cause. As recent as 2016, a report exposing the UK’s unpreparedness was buried and its recommendations ignored.

Protection of places of worship, not a level playing field

The Home Office has revealed the funding for protection of places of worship has so far been inadequate, with over two-thirds of the 431 applications for the limited fund denied.

Islamophobia in political parties

There are also no Muslim MPs in other opposition parties, the SNP and Liberal Democrats!

Zoom prayers for grieving families are the new normal

Whilst the Government’s amendment for councils to respect the wishes of the deceased and their families is welcomed, the Covid-19 pandemic still presents the problem of a lack of burial space and the subsequent withholding of bodies.

Funds topped up to protect UK places of worship

Security Minister at the Home Office, James Brokenshire, announced a doubling of amount of awards to protect non-Jewish places of worship to £3.2 million in 2020-21 as well as a renewal of a new £5 million fund to provide security training.

Muslim MPs lose out in Starmers Shadow Cabinet

No front-bench positions for any of the fourteen Labour Muslim MPs in Sir Keir Starmer shadow cabinet

‘Gentle’ teen and ‘dedicated’ councillor die of Covid-19

A “gentle and kind” 13-year-old boy from London and a “dedicated” councillor from Slough are among members of the British Muslim community to die from Covid-19.

Bolton mosque offers 22 beds to local hospitals

A Bolton mosque is seeking to help locals by offering the premises to healthcare professionals to support end-of-life patients in palliative care and thereby freeing up space at hospitals for Covid-19 patients.

Covid-19: Muslim charities rally in aid of the UK’s vulnerable

Leading British Muslim charities have rapidly responded to the Covid-19 crisis at home, combining their resources where needed as well as operating their own projects across the UK

Covid-19: Muslim shopkeepers donate stock to vulnerable people

Asiyah Javed and her husband Jawad, a Scottish Muslim couple, donated donated thousands of pounds worth of stock from their corner shop.

Covid-19: Rapid response by mosques from across the UK

A small sample of online congregational services and Covid-19 related support by mosques and Islamic centres across the country, for both their Muslim and wider local communities. Their feat is made more remarkable by the closure of the mosques.

UK Government amend Covid-19 Bill that would have forced Muslims to cremate relatives

The UK Government tabled to amend its Covid-19 Bill on March 23, to tackle fears by Muslim and Jewish communities over forced cremations.

Adhan broadcast from mosques in Germany and the Netherlands

The sound of live adhan (call to prayer) has been ringing out from across almost 100 mosques in Germany and the Netherlands, as a gesture of support for Muslims amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Covid-19: Israel told to free Palestinian child prisoners

Human right groups are urging the Israeli Government to free Palestinian child detainees amid the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world.

Covid-19: Muslims cremated in Sri Lanka against WHO guidelines

The Sri Lankan Government has been condemned for forcibly cremating Muslim victims of the Covid-19 in a move branded “incendiary” and a “complete disregard” of World Health Organization guidelines.

In India the Coronavirus is Muslim

The Coronavirus pandemic has presented yet another opportunity for the Modi Government to launch a fresh attack on India's Muslim community.

A Ramadan like no other: Making the most of the blessed month during a pandemic

A pandemic of this nature tells us that humans are not the masters of the world as some would believe. If nothing else, this global crisis is a wakeup call for humanity.

Going digital in Ramadan 2020

How will British Muslim communities be adapting for the month of Ramadan later this month?

Overcoming Coronavirus in Ramadan

However, due to Coronavirus pandemic, they’ll have to adjust their lifestyle. The Muslim News asked some Muslims about their thoughts on spending their time during Ramadan.

Ramadan messages from political leaders

Ramadan Messages from Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer MP, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Edward Davey MP, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

Bavaria mosque receives death threat with a bullet attached

A mosque in Germany received a letter containing a death threat and a bullet, just a day after the memorial for the victims of the deadly right-extremist attack in Hanau.

Police pay £15k to woman forced to remove her hijab

A woman who was “bullied and pressurised” to remove her hijab under terror laws at Heathrow Airport in October 2018, has won £15,000 from London’s Metropolitan Police

Prison warden fired for posting anti-Muslim memes

A prison warden in Wisconsin, US, has been dismissed after posting Facebook memes comparing Muslim children to rubbish.

Teacher struck off for describing Islam as ‘cancer of the world’

A teacher in Somerset has been banned from teaching in England after a series of Islamophobic comments were found on his Facebook page.

Top dailies admit making false claims against Muslim scout leader

The Times has followed the Daily Telegraph, The Mail and The Star in being forced to pay ‘substantial damages’ after admitting they made false claims about a London mosque and its event coordinator Ahammed Hussain.

Turkish broadcasting station targeted by a neo-Nazi group

A German neo-Nazi group has threatened a Berlin-based Turkish broadcasting station twice in a week.

Book review: What Muslim identity means around the world

The Invisible Muslim – Journeys Through Whiteness and Islam. By Medina Tenour Whiteman. 255 Pp. February 2020. Paperback. Hurst Publishers. £14.99

Legal Corner: Nikah ceremony does not create a ‘marriage’ in English Law

In the absence of a valid civil marriage ceremony under the Marriage Act 1949, the Nikah was not recognised as a ‘marriage’ under English Law

Musings of a mum: Love in the time of Corona

In these crazy times, my days are a mixture of extreme comedy and profound moments as my life runs on a lurching slow pace.

Obituary: Fuad Nahdi (1957-2020): An appreciation

Fuad Nahdi, a prominent British Muslim journalist and activist who published an influential Muslim-focused magazine has passed away

Poets Corner: Solitude

Covid-19 has been good for the climate – will it last?

Reports have shown that humans’ taking a (Covid-19 prompted) break from “business as usual” has also given the planet a break.

Precautions during the pandemic

We need to follow reliable scientific advice and join the national effort to stop the spread of the virus

Far-right terrorist pleads guilty to the murder of 51 Muslims

A far-right terrorist who massacred scores of Muslims attending Friday prayers, in New Zealand, pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder March 26.

Germany’s opposition party dissolves radical wing following intelligence surveillance

A radical splinter group of Germany’ biggest opposition party the far-right AfD has dissolved after the head of the country’s intelligence agency announced it is under increased surveillance, following the surge in far-right terror attacks.

Danger of scientific consensus

Living through Covid-19

Muslim schools excel