IFE Applauds Community's Generosity in Ramadan

IFE MEDIA RELEASE 1 October 2008

IFE Applauds Community's Generosity in Ramadan

The Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) wishes everyone a blessed ‘Eid after the passing of Ramadan, a month of heightened spiritual upliftment and the coming together of the community. Throughout the blessed month of Ramadan IFE, with its network of volunteers across the country has helped raise approximately 1.6million pounds for an array of charity organisations and projects in London and elsewhere.

Capturing the charitable spirit of Ramadan, members of IFE teamed-up with members of the public in a community spirit to organise a diverse range of programmes and activities to support charities such as Mali Children's Village, Abdullah Quilliam Society and Mosque (Liverpool), Muslim Aid, Luton Islamic Centre, Islamic Relief, Rahma (Mercy) for Kosovo, Health Clinic in Somalia, and The East London Mosque new extension.

Habibur Rahman, the CP of IFE commented "IFE wholeheartedly believes in supporting needy causes and welfare of all, both at home and abroad. The highlight was when over £800,000 was donated or pledged for the new extension of the East London Mosque on the 27th night of Ramadan, to provide additional facilities for women and educational provisions."

"We praise Allah for giving us the opportunity to help the needy and raise funds for some major projects for the benefit of the community and thank our community for opening their hearts and stretching their hands to support these noble causes", said Habibur Rahman.

Partnership and Continuum in the Age of Conflict

Partnership and Continuum in the Age of Conflict

MEDIA RELEASE 28 September, 2008

Partnership and Continuum in the Age of Conflict, was the theme of an Iftar Reception, organised by the Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) on
Tuesday 16 September at the London Muslim Centre.
As part of its Annual Iftar Reception, this year a cross-section of dignitaries converged including academics, researchers, media experts, religious and political figures, representatives from the diplomatic services, students and community representatives.

The event explored the need for better understanding and dialogue between the different echelons of society, and in particular the need for "accurate reading and information about Muslims and Islamic organisations in Britain, that serve a crucial role to maintaining the stability and cohesion of our society" remarked Robert Lambert MBE, former head of the Muslim Contact Unit for the Metropolitan Police.

Delivering his keynote speech, Robert Lambert MBE warned that "the maligning of Islamic organisations like the IFE and Muslim leaders who genuinely represent the community and who have the pulse of the community in their hands is both dangerous and counter-productive."

Speaking also at the event, Dr Muhammad Abdul-Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain said "it is high time all stakeholders in society grapple with the impending issues seriously and constructively; the need for dialogue could not be overstated."

Concluding the event, before breaking for Iftar with prayers by a guest Imam, the Central President of IFE, Muhammad Habibur-Rahman reminded everyone about the significance of Ramadan, which plays an important role in "community-building and sharing of goodness".

"IFE has been working with Muslims and non-Muslims for many years. We are committed to the betterment of society through the promotion of community cohesion, understanding of each others cultures, and preparing individuals who are able impact positively in society." He further stated that "it is of paramount importance that we seek to challenge the forces of instability, hatred and dissention in our midst".

IFE MEDIA RELEASE 12 September 2008

IFE MEDIA RELEASE 12 September 2008

The Tower Hamlets Council of Mosques (COM) convened their Annual Iftar Dinner on Thursday 11 July 2008, to celebrate and promote community cohesion in the borough.

Held at the London Muslim Centre, the Council of Mosques Annual Iftar Dinner hosted a number of local community and councilor leaders, religious figures, school heads as well as the Minister for Transport and Aviation.

Delivering the keynote speech, Muhammad Habibur-Rahman, president of Islamic Forum of Europe talked about the significance of fasting in the month of Ramadan which he said, "encompasses through the intense engagement in ibadah (worship) a great sense of social cohesion and responsibility, thereby bringing people closer together."

He further added that "through a month long training of acquiring taqwa (God consciousness), a fasting person's personal development is such that s/he becomes a force for good, through personal conduct as well as social interaction and engagement."


Following deliberations by numerous guest speakers, a packed audience of Muslims and non-Muslims broke fast together at sunset, with the call of prayer bellowing out of the adjoining East London Mosque.

IFE MEDIA RELEASE 22 July, 2008

IFE MEDIA RELEASE 22 July, 2008

War Criminal Falls… Karadzic Arrested! The Islamic Forum of Europe joins the Bosnian nation and justice loving people the world over in their celebration over news that indicted war criminal Radovan Karadžiæ has been captured by Serbian security services. Karadzic, who has been in hiding since 1996 is wanted by The Hague for war crimes and genocide, including ordering the deaths of more than 8000 Muslims in Srebrenica in 1995. Karadzic’s arrest comes only 10 days after Bosnians commemorated the 12th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Muhammad Habibur-Rahman, IFE president said “at long last this mass murder who has the blood of hundreds and thousands of Bosnians will face justice.” Echoing similar sentiments and only hours after news had broke of Karadzic’s arrest, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia, Dr Mustafa Ceric, relayed a message to IFE, stating that “'the arrest of Karadzic and expected sentencing will represent justice, peace and reconciliation for Bosnians.”

Palestine: 60 Years of Painful Occupation

IFE MEDIA RELEASE 10 May 2008

Palestine: 60 Years of Painful Occupation As much of the international community, led by Israel and the United States, celebrates 60 years of the state of Israel the Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) draws attention to the 60 years of occupation and oppression endured by the Palestinian people. While the birth date of the state of Israel represents a day of celebration and joy for some, it represents a day of catastrophe and resistance for Palestinians and Muslims throughout the globe. Muhammad Habibur-Rahman, President of the Islamic Forum of Europe said "The birth of Israel also means the confiscation by force of land from Palestinian people and the death of many. It signifies the pain and anguish of a people without rights, the plight of the refugees and more recently the construction of an apartheid wall. It further signifies the struggle of a people to earn freedom from occupation and a desire for self determination and a right of return for the refugees. It's only right that we remember what really happened." IFE encourages all to attend the National Demonstration for Palestine on Saturday (9th May) which is calling for the end of the siege on Gaza, the right of return for displaced Palestinians as well as the end of the Israeli occupation.