Sleepover to learn skills for future

CLEAR message . . . Imam Attiq Hussain Qadri from Greengate Mosque

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AN Oldham mosque is trying to tackle some of the modern-day problems affecting Muslim children today.

Greengate Mosque in Greengate Street, hosted a sleepover on Saturday where Muslim boys were taught not just about basic Islamic principles but also about the issues of extremism, anti-Muslim hatred, online grooming and interfaith work.

Imam Attiq Hussain Qadri delivered the talks where he said terrorism is murder and strictly forbidden in the Qur'an.

He explained that Islamic law forbids aggressive warfare and the killing of innocent non-combatants is forbidden.

With regards to anti-Muslim hatred, the imam believes it has risen to high levels for many British Muslims.

He also said that the vast majority of British Muslims are law-abiding, tolerant and committed to maintaining the democratic, British way of life, and that it is a handful of radicals who give a bad name to Muslims.

The mosque recognises young people can meet someone online pretending to be someone else in order to befriend them and take advantage of them.

Greengate Academy is in the process of educating students against being recruited online by terrorists and criminals.

Imam Qadri said: "My aim is to educate youngsters to make them a better person, develop and prepare their skills, and bring them up in a multi-cultural society, which will open their mind to work with different people.

"Effective training and education for youngsters is important for discipline and unity with people from all cultures and religions to bring peace and harmony

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"The mosque strongly condemns the cowardly terror attack on the Manchester Arena. Islam has categorically prohibited violence against the innocent.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those people including children who lost their lives and their families.

"Those who have been injured we hope and pray that they make a full recovery.

"As a community we stand shoulder to shoulder with the whole of Manchester and want to send a clear signal to the perpetrators of this heinous crime that you will never divide us, we stand united and will always strive forward together. I urge and request you all to visit our mosque, and feel free to ask any questions."