In the aftermath of recent disturbance across the UK, minority communities – particularly Muslims, people of colour, asylum seekers, and immigrants – are in fear of their safety.
The sense of vulnerability within Muslim neighbourhoods has been particularly acute, with concerns for the safety of mosques, businesses, and homes. However, in Bradford, proactive efforts are underway to provide reassurance and support.
The Council for Mosques, in partnership with local authorities and community stakeholders, has been working tirelessly to foster a sense of security and unity, helping to ease tensions and restore confidence among local communities.
Against this backdrop, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, in his role as His Majesty’s representative in the region, kindly accepted an invitation from the Council for Mosques (CFM) to visit two mosques in Bradford on Thursday 3 October 2024.
His visit aimed to send a message of reassurance and to stand in friendship with the Muslim community of Bradford, reinforcing the commitment of local and national authorities to the safety and wellbeing of all citizens, regardless of race, faith, or background.
The mosques visited included the Islamic Cultural Education Association (ICEA) on Thornbury Road and Masjid Usman on Upper Seymour Street. Mr Anderson was accompanied by Deputy Lieutenant Dr Sofia Buncy and Bishop Toby Howarth, demonstrating a collective commitment to peace and community cohesion.
The visiting delegation included members of the local Muslim community, including Rashad Bokhari, CEO of the Council for Mosques, Kamran Zulffkar, the CFM Mosque Engagement & Development Officer, Ishtiaq Ahmed from Khidmat Centres, and Ijaz Noorie, a visiting representative from Pakistan’s Pakistan Social Welfare & Human Rights Organisation (PSW&HR).
Minority communities across the country have experienced feelings of fear and vulnerability, unsure of whether the violence would spread further. The targeting of mosques and Muslim communities in other cities has deeply alarmed local residents, who feared that their own places of worship could be at risk.
In Bradford, however, thanks to the strong collaboration between the CFM, the police, Bradford Council, and other key stakeholders, the city managed to avoid the violence seen in other parts of the country.
The proactive approach of the local authorities in providing protection and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities has been praised. Nevertheless, the fear remains, and the need for continued reassurance is clear. The Lord Lieutenant’s visit was a crucial step in addressing these concerns and offering a gesture of friendship and support to the Muslim communities in Bradford.
The first stop of Mr Anderson’s visit was at the Islamic Cultural Education Association (ICEA) on Thornbury Road. The delegation was welcomed by mosque representatives, who provided an in-depth overview of the mosque’s 20-year journey. They spoke about the strong support they have received from the local community and outlined their vision for the future, which is centred on addressing key challenges such as youth engagement, unemployment, and tackling anti-social behaviour.
Mr Anderson engaged in meaningful dialogue with mosque leaders, expressing his admiration for the work the ICEA has done to build strong links with local organisations and create opportunities for the younger generation. He also discussed his role as Lord Lieutenant and emphasised the importance of his deputies and other civic leaders, such as Bishop Toby Howarth, in fostering unity and addressing the concerns of diverse communities.
The mosque leadership took the opportunity to highlight the positive contributions of Bradford’s Muslim community to the wider city and its development. They stressed the importance of continuing their outreach to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels supported and integrated into Bradford’s social fabric.
The second stop was at Masjid Usman, located on Upper Seymour Street, where the Lord Lieutenant received a warm welcome. The mosque, which holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a humble back-to-back house to a magnificent place of worship and a beacon of community cohesion.
Upon his arrival, Mr Anderson was greeted at the gates by several mosque representatives, including the Imam, before being warmly welcomed inside by members of the ladies’ group. This part of the visit was particularly significant, as it highlighted the mosque’s inclusive nature and its commitment to ensuring that all members of the community, including women, have a voice and play an active role in the life of the mosque.
Mr Anderson toured the mosque’s facilities and was given a detailed account of the history of the mosque, its development, and its future aspirations. The mosque representatives explained how it has evolved over the years, driven by the community’s determination to create a place of worship that not only serves as a spiritual centre but also as a hub for social and educational activities.
In his remarks, Mr Anderson praised the community for its resilience and dedication in developing Masjid Usman into such a vital part of the local area. He reiterated his commitment to standing by Bradford’s Muslim community during these challenging times, noting that unity, understanding, and mutual respect are key to overcoming the challenges posed by the recent unrest.
The visits to the ICEA and Masjid Usman were a significant gesture of reassurance for the Muslim communities in Bradford. The presence of the Lord Lieutenant, alongside Deputy Lieutenant Dr Sofia Buncy and Bishop Toby Howarth, served as a reminder that the wider society, and its institutions, stand firmly against hate and division.
Speaking after the visits, Rashad Bokhari, CEO of the Council for Mosques, commented: “The Muslim communities of Bradford were deeply touched by the Lord Lieutenant’s visit.
“It was a powerful demonstration of unity and friendship, and we are grateful for his continued support during these difficult times. Our communities need to feel safe and supported, and this visit has provided much-needed reassurance.”
Council for Mosques will continue to work closely with local authorities, faith leaders, and community organisations to ensure that Bradford remains a place where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels secure and valued.
