Sadiq Khan MP - Strengthening the opposition to violent extremism in Saudi Arabia

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Strengthening the opposition to violent extremism in Saudi Arabia

Tags: DCLG | Preventing Extremism | Saudi Arabia

Tuesday, 19 May 2009 11:25

On the third day of his official visit to Saudi Arabia, Cohesion Minister Sadiq Khan met a group of British students and senior deans at the Islamic University of Medina where they discussed the needs of Muslim communities and the importance of standing up to violent extremism. He also made a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca (Umrah), the first western Government Minister to do so.

There are concerns from Muslim communities in the UK that the governance arrangements of UK Mosques need to be strengthened. One of the aims of the Government's Prevent strategy is to build capacity in Muslim communities through strengthening Islamic faith institutions and leaders.

The Government is working with the Muslim community to increase the number and standard of faith leaders trained in the UK, who have the language, pastoral and other skills to engage with young people in their communities. There are a number of British students who choose to train at respected Islamic universities in the holy cities. The Islamic University is one of the world's leading centres of Islamic scholarship and hosts students from more than 150 countries, including almost 50 from the UK.

Speaking after their discussions Sadiq Khan said:

"The students were clearly excited at seeing a British Minister in Medina. We had a really good discussion about their studies, perceptions of living in Saudi Arabia, and their clear ambition to return home and benefit our communities. I was encouraged by the university's obvious commitment to ensure that the students have sufficient expertise and knowledge to stand in the way of violent extremism."

The visit to the Islamic University was preceded by a visit to one of Islam's most holy sites, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. At the Mosque Sadiq Khan met with local imams, where they discussed some of the challenges facing young Muslims, both in the Muslim world, and the UK. He also witnessed an historic manuscript being restored by a team of dedicated staff at its specialist manuscript library.

Sadiq Khan Said:

"It was a huge privilege to be able to represent the UK at one of Islam's holiest sites. The Prophet's Mosque is located in the Saudi city of Medina and, in addition to being Islam's second holiest site, is an architectural wonder. I met with one of the Mosque's imams who emphasised his role in spreading a tolerant and moderate message to a diverse congregation of worshippers. We had a good discussion about some of the challenges facing young Muslims, both in the Muslim world, and the UK. I was delighted to be able to visit the Mosque's library of historic manuscripts. It was a pleasant surprise to see in the mosque a team of dedicated staff restoring rare texts, some of which were in Urdu."

Speaking earlier this morning of his pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca (Umrah) Sadiq Khan said:

"I was truly honoured to be able to perform Umrah in the Holy city of Mecca. Despite the encroaching summer heat and late hour, the Holy Mosque was bustling with pilgrims from all corners of the Islamic world.

"It was amazing to see humanity in all its diversity in one place, surrounded by construction on a vast scale, including within the Mosque complex itself. And British Muslims form part of this wonderful fabric, visiting in ever larger numbers each year. I hope to see other Muslim ministers from the non-Muslim world also being able to represent their communities. Hopefully one day this will become quite normal."

Promoted by Tooting Labour Party on behalf Sadiq Khan and Tooting Labour Party, all of 273 Balham High Road, London, SW17 7BD. Hosted by 34SP.com, 349 Bury Old Road, Manchester, M25 1PY.

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