Front page - headline
WE WANT OUR MOSQUE! SAYS GROWING ER MUSLIM COMMUNITY
The Muslim community of East Renfrewshire is growing according to the 2011 Census. But still no Mosque.
East Renfrewshire Council (ERC), in response to a proposal submitted by WEC Trustees/Representatives, has agreed to consult the wider community in relation to required change in use of a cost-effective and centrally-located site near EastwoodHigh School, where Muslims could build their own dedicated mosque and community facility. The proposed facility, which will be known as East Renfrewshire Mosque and Community Centre (ERMEC), is being led by Mr Nazir Ahmed, Mr Mohammad Rashid and Professor Amir Hussain. The ERMEC Steering Working Group is also benefitting from experienced community advisors including: Mr Naseem Khan, Mr Tariq Shaikh and Mr Akram Shaikh. Usman Ali is acting as ERMEC Press Officer, and Imran Hussain, the Legal Advisor. The ambitious community project is supported by dozens of other active young volunteers, both male and female, led by Dr Guftar Shaikh and Mrs Almas Yunus respectively. New interested volunteers are always welcome!
The ERMEC team believes the proposed residual (former) Eastwood High site is most appropriate for the purposes of a religious and community facility, as it is owned by the Council, is centrally located and conveniently accessible for all ER Muslim community residents. Further, there is no current facility of this kind available to serve the needs of the growing ER Muslim community.
We would also like to bring to the community's attention the following facts about other sites that were identified in the original LDP (which were in response to the WEC Trustees request tothe Leader of ER council for mosque site designation in the LDP). All other LDP proposed sites for the ER Mosque are not appropriate, specifically, Maidenhead/Mallesheugh, is not at all cost-effective as the land is owned by private developers (costing around £700k per acre). The sites proposed in Barrhead South and Shanks/Glasgow Road Barrhead areas, are owned by the Council but located further afield.
The community is thus asked to fully support (through the on-line ERC consultation) the proposal for current policy designations of this site [Policies D5 and D8 in the ERC Local Development Plan] to be amended to Community Use (Policy D13).
The proposed amendment to the site’s use will enable the establishment of an appropriate and much-needed non-sectarian facility to cater for the religious and spiritual needs of the local Muslim community. Finally, the proposed facility will bring educational, cultural and social benefits not only for the local Muslim population but also the wider ER community, in addition to promoting racial and religious harmony.
A series of ERMEC Information Evenings will also be organized and hosted at WEC in due course - see the website and FB page for updates.
ERMEC plans have received the public backing of cross-party elected representatives, including: Rt Hon Jim Murphy MP, Ken Macintosh MSP, Jackson Carlaw MSP and Councillors Jim Fletcher, Tony Buchannan amongst others.
To make this happen, we need YOUR help:
1) Sign the Petition (available at WEC Reception, and also downloadable from the WEC website:
2) Respond to the Consultation (via the ERC website)
3) Like the Facebook Page:
4) Contact and lobby the Parent Council of Eastwood High and Crookfur Primary
5) Contact and lobby Newton Mearns Community Council
6) Contact and lobby local councillors.
7) Write into the local press i.e. Eastwood Extra, Evening Times.
Upcoming events/classes
Young believers classes starting at the beginning of November for 7-10 year olds.
Run by Sister Tasleem Javed, Saliha and Nayab Ahmad – further details will soon be posted.
WEC has partnered with "We Be Inspired" to bring to Glasgow the highly successful and exclusive Ladies-only, interactive Islamic Personal and Spiritual Development Workshop: "Diamonds are Forever", on Sun, 20 Oct, 2-6PM. For further information, and to purchase tickets (strictly limited and only available on-line!), see:
East Renfrewshire’s multi-faith Diversity Day 2013
The high profile annual 2013 East Renfrewshire Diversity Day organized and co-hosted by WEC and Maccabi Centre (Giffnock) on 12 Sep 2013, attended by P6 pupils from local Primary Schools (from the Woodfarm Cluster). WEC’s lead role in co-organizing and hosting this annual inter-faith event was also acknowledged and appreciated by the Scottish Parliament! ( )
Picture featured shows some of the East Renfrewshire Councillors, School pupils, teachers, parents and volunteer Youth Leaders present on the day.
WEC weekly Seminars led by Shahid Akmal
A highly successful NLP course and three amazing WEC seminars (on Anger Management, Mindmapping for learning & Lessons from the life of Prophet Ibrahim) all conducted by Master Educator & NLP Trainer, Shahid Akmal, 6-8 & 26-29 Sep 2013.
Some of the feedback from participants:
“(A first time participant) I actually, surprisingly, liked all three of your talks and put them to use ”,
“Very informative-never thought of all the lessons we can get from Ibrahim’s life-makes you think what sacrifices do we actually make!”,
“I feel blessed to be part of the Sessions”,
“I was very much inspired by your lectures”,
“I attended the anger management talk, which I thoroughly enjoyed”
WEC Family Dinner Evening with Shaykh Abdulaziz Ahmed
An inspirational evening (including a hot 3 course dinner!) with our very own Shaykh Abdulaziz Ahmed, learning about the true spirit of Hajj!
Children’s Quran class prize giving
Very many thanks to all the children who performed admirably on the day, and to all the parents who spared their valuable time to see their kids rewarded for their hard work. Many thanks also to our dedicated WEC Staff and Youth Panel volunteers for helping organize this event.
As agreed on the day, daily WEC Quran and Islamic Studies classes will continue to run over the summer, from 5PM-6.15PM (Mon-Thurs). Please email: or visit the Centre during the above times to register any new kids!
Ramadhan Taraweeh Prayers
“Love the experience of a jam-packed taraweeh, and being shoulder to shoulder with other sisters...the emptier prayer rooms definitely don't give you the same feeling”
“Enjoy seeing my friends and family every night, tear-jerking recitation mashaAllah!”
Some comments from brothers and sisters attending the daily WEC taraweeh prayers.
WEC Ladies fundraising Eid dinner 2013
A fun jam packed entertainment which included live nasheeds,Interactive Islamic quiz,Qiraats, Spoken Poetry and a range of exciting Stalls and loads more! The WEC Girls Youth Panel managed to raise over £600 on the night! (Aisha has pic for this)
Syria Day at WEC
In support of the Syrian humanitarian crisis.
A huge success with many stalls, BBQ, car wash, face-painting, sumo wresting, archery, bouncy castle and loads more. Over £????? Was raised on the day. A big thank you to all the volunteers and co-organisers.
Evening Quran Classes
MashaAllah, over 70 sisters attended and registered for the new WEC Ladies Quran & Islamic Studies Course led by Sister Asma Ahmed.
WEC 2013 Acheivements
Very many congratulations to the East Renfrewshire community, our growing team of dedicated WEC volunteers and youth leaders, whose continuing hard work aimed at 'bridging communities together' has been recognized and appreciated by the Scottish Parliament, mashaAllah!