Published on Jun 09 2010 by Yousaf Aftab

An internationally acclaimed Muslim scholar removed misconceptions about the status of women in Islam during a recent visit to Sheffield.

Maulana Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, the Imam of London’s oldest purpose-built mosque, chaired a question and answer session at the Baitul Afiyat Mosque in Sheffield. The event, attended by 60 people including many non-Muslims, was organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.

The Imam, who has toured the world and is a well-known advocate of freedom and peace, spoke on the equality of women in Islam and the need to protect their rights.

The topic was chosen in light of a recent survey conducted across south Yorkshire which found that the status of women in Islam is a cause of great misunderstanding within the region. With this in mind, the purpose of the event was to dispel some of the common misconceptions and false ideas about Muslim women.

Also attending was the Reverend Louise Collins, Representative of Right Reverend Dr Stephen Croft Bishop of Sheffield, who explained the Christian perspective of women’s rights and their status.

Notes to Editors: 

1. AMYA is an auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (AMA).  AMYA is a charitable organisation that is active in a variety of local and national initiatives designed to serve the British public irrespective of colour, race, religion or creed and champions interfaith dialogue and co-operation in order to promote peace and harmony.

By way of illustration, in the past month AMYA held its’ annual Charity Challenge wherein

participants, both Ahmadi Muslim and from the wider British community, took part in a walk or run to raise money for various beneficiaries.  The event was a great success with in excess of £150,000 being raised for worthy beneficiaries such as Leukaemia Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, Barnardos, Great Ormond Street, NSPCC, Save the Children, RNIB, Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability, The Royal British Legion and Humanity First.

2. The association has a regular programme of structured activities for the youth with a mix of academic, sporting, social welfare and charitable works which keeps its members engaged.

3. The purpose of all these programmes is to engender the spirit of discipline and service to the wider community irrespective of people’s beliefs and backgrounds. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s motto ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ underpins this ethos.