After residents raised concerns about possible negative effects of the London bombings on local Muslims, the Messenger spoke to Imam Ali Amed of the At-Taqwa Somali Mosque and Community Centre.
“The London bombing was a disaster for both Muslims and non-Muslims.The Muslims shared with the others that were killed by the bombs and then also are victimised and blamed.”
The Messenger asked if he’d been made aware of any negative behaviour towards Muslims. Imam Amed said:
“I haven’t heard of any major problems or tension in Burngreave, with the exception of some victimisation of women wearing Hijabs on buses.”
We asked the Secretary of the Dar-Ul- Aloom Saddiquia Mosque, Mr Raja Saddiq, if there has been a rise in tension between Muslims and non- Muslims in Burngreave since the bombings. Mr Saddiq said:
“No, not around here. I think because it is such a mixed place, where everyone lives happily together.”
Dr Vithal Patel is the Chair of the Hindu Samaj Cultural and Community Centre on Ellesmere Road. Dr Patel told us that Hindus and Muslims have been placed under the same pressure and believes it’s wrong to blame all of Islam for the acts of a few radical Muslims.
Asked if Hindus have experienced any negative behaviour since the bombings, Dr Patel said:
“Yes, against our facility on Ellesmere during our independence celebration on 14th August 2005. Two youths threw stones smashing glass in the centre.When challenged, the two youths shouted ‘Paki bombers’, before running away.”
When asked if this sort of behaviour has risen in Burngreave Dr Patel said he didn’t think so and believes that we live in relative harmony together here.