MCS Response to Scottish Parliament Civil Partnerships Consultation
Muslim Council of Scotland have released a full response to the Consultation Paper. This includes an anlysis of of the issues raised by it and responses to all questions in the paper, including comments. Download Statement.
Further information about the Bill.
An Urdu summary translation of the consultation questionnaire is also available to assist Imams whose first language is Urdu. Download document.
MCS will pursue the community consultation on the subject through a series of public meetings. These meetings are specifically aimed at Imams and mosque representatives who would officiate and conduct marriages (also known as celebrants).
Saturday 15th October Madrassa Talim ul Islam Nithsdale Rd Glasgow; Guidance on Developing your Response. Further Information and Sample Response.
Monday 31st October Glasgow Central Mosque 6.30pm, with Scottish Gov representatives.
Further information is in the News Section
MCB Update on Babar Ahmad:
6th December 2011
In a parliamentary debate, triggered by an e-petition that secured over 141,000 signatures calling for Babar Ahmad to be put on trial in the UK, MPs from across the political spectrum unanimously backed a motion calling on the government to urgently 'reform the UK's extradition arrangements'
Farooq Murad, Secretary-General of the MCB said earlier, "The debate in the Commons last night was an important milestone in the case of Babar Ahmad. I congratulate the Backbench Business Committee on scheduling this debate and I thank the numerous MPs that worked so hard to bring this debate to the fore. I hope that the government now looks urgently at reforming the Extradition Act and, in so doing, finally brings justice to Babar Ahmad, Gary McKinnon and others affected by this unfair piece of legislation."
Coming Soon....
MCS Gateway Event
Opening new doors to access the Scottish Muslim community.
Muslim Council of Britain
New Year Message from the Secretary General
The New Year brings tough challenges but unique
opportunities too.
For many of us, 2011 will be remembered as the year that
defied long-held stereotypes. The Arab Spring which
swept across the Middle East and North Africa undermined the idea
that the Muslim world doesn't "do" democracy. The
summer riots here in Britain suggested that all of us, including
Muslims, had a collective duty and resolve to overcome
adversity. And, the horrific massacre carried out by
Anders Breivik in Norway gave us a wake-up call to be vigilant
against the many peddlers of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim
hatred.
Looking ahead, 2012 will be a year of opportunities which we
should seize with faith, hope and aspiration.
Faith-communities will come together to support and celebrate
the London Olympics. You can be sure that British
Muslims up and down the country will be urging on our Olympic
teams. And we hope to find Muslim centres and mosques
embodying the spirit and generosity of Ramadan, opening their doors
and welcoming the many visitors who will come to this
country.
The forthcoming Queen's Diamond Jubilee will serve as an
opportunity for all to reflect on the significant changes that
Britain and British society have undergone in the last 60
years. During Her Majesty's reign, our connection with
the world has changed, but continued to grow. Many
communities, including Muslim communities, have made this country
their home. Today, the United Kingdom is a place where
many faiths and many beliefs have added to an already rich
spiritual tapestry where, immigrant communities help maintain
Britain's competitive edge by preserving economic links and trade
opportunities with those countries they left behind.
Make no mistake. 2012 will be a challenging
year. Recession, even economic Depression, is at our
door. Unity at home will be crucial if we are to face
the ongoing tumultuous changes both here and around the world. It
remains vital to deny the hate mongers the oxygen of publicity or
the lifeblood of the falsehoods and misconceptions of Islam and
Muslims on which they thrive - and which, certain journalists
and media outlets seem so keen to promote. As the
financial crisis continues to bite, we should learn from the events
of 2011 and look to the values that unite us not divide; that help
us celebrate our diversity, whilst binding us into a grea! ter
whole; and offer an alternativ e, a message of hope, to those who
constantly seek to downplay and divide us. Let us celebrate the
'Great' in Great Britain, and the 'United' in United Kingdom and
remain unified in purpose and spirit in the challenging times
ahead.
I wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful New Year!
Farooq Murad
Join MCS
- Become part of the collective network of Muslim organisations across Scotland.
- Find out the key issues that are emerging from local experience across Scotland.
- Help to take forward issues that affect the Muslim community in Scotland to Governmental level.
The Muslim Council of Scotland is a membership-based umbrella organisation, accommodating and reflecting the variety of social and cultural backgrounds and outlook of the muslim community.
It is an independent body working to promote consultation, cooperation and coordination on Muslim affairs in Scotland.
It is a non-sectarian and non-partisan body working for the common good without interfering in, displacing or isolating any existing work in communities.
It is a body that will seek to draw on the talents and specialist skills of individuals and the strengths of organised bodies to prepare the case for, and advocating, the responsibilities and rights of Muslims living in Scotland. Find out more