Muslim Council of Britain

From Freepedia

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is an organisation founded in 1997 to defend the rights of Muslims, improve relations between traditional Muslims and wider society and to "promote cooperation, consensus and unity on Muslim affairs" in the United Kingdom. It is based at Boardman House, 64 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 1NT. It was inaugurated on 23 November at Brent Town Hall.

As an umbrella organisation it unites many national, regional, local and specialist organisations and institutions from different ethnic and sectarian backgrounds. However MCB shuns liberal Muslims such as the gay Muslim group, Al-Fatiha. The Muslim Council of Britain has condemned the war in Iraq. It also condemns terrorism by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Iqbal Sacranie, was awarded a knighthood in the 2005 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his long standing service to the community and interfaith dialogue[1]. In a statement Sir Iqbal noted, "I believe this Honour represents recognition for the positive work carried out by all at the Muslim Council of Britain together with the British Muslim community in building better relations and playing their due role in mainstream society for the common good of all. The over-riding objective of all Muslims is to work to seek the pleasure of our Creator". He also stated that the award of a knighthood would not prevent him making criticisms of Government policy on matters such as Iraq.

Following the 7 July 2005 London bombings, the MCB expressed its disgust at the events, in particular at the fact that bombers are thought to be British-born. The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, has called upon the Muslim community to work with the Government to defeat terrorism.