Green Lane Masjid

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Green Lane Masjid, commonly referred to as 'Green Lane Mosque', is one of Birmingham's major mosques and the national headquarters of Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith UK.

1 Background
2 Personal
3 Controversy
4 Address
5 External Links
6 Reference

[edit] Background

The mosque is situated at the corner of Green Lane and Little Green Lane, opposite the Birmingham City Football Club, in the Small Heath area of the city.

The mosque and Islamic centre was established in the 1970s in a building formerly used as a grand library and swimming baths.

The information arm of the centre is known as the Call to Islam Daw'ah Centre. Other activities at the Green Lane Masjid include youth recreation and outdoor activities such as camping and field trips, lectures, women's clubs and classes, and conferences.

[edit] Personal

The mosque has a committee and administration elected annually. Current Imams at the place of worship include imam Abdul Hadi, imam Zaki Ullah and imam Abu Usamah At-Thahabi.

[edit] Controversy

In January 2007, an undercover reporter from Channel Four investigative programme Dispatches secretly filmed talks at the mosque as part of a wider investigation. The documentary showed the mosque was promoting an extreme version Islam. It specifically highlighted comments made by imam Abu At-Thahabi in which he appears to condemn homosexuals and non-Muslims. In his own words he says "take the homosexuals, and throw them off a mountain." He also says "women are deficient, this may be because hormones, but it takes two women as a witness to equal that of a man." He goes on to say by the age of 10, if a female does not wear her hijab, to "hit her."

The mosque challenged the accusations. Green Lane Masjid spokesperson Khurram Bashir said at the time: "We are a national organisation working for the good of the community. We do not take responsibility for his remarks, he is responsible for himself."

Faith leaders in Birmingham criticised the documentary, believing it could result in a backlash against the Muslim community.

Dr. Mohammad Naseem of the Birmingham Mosque Trust said: "It is disturbing that Channel Four focuses on these extremists who do exist in all kinds of societies. If you look at areas of the extreme Christian right you will find similar views."

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Church group backs 'extremist' mosque

Cllr. Salma Yaqoob agreed saying: "I found the programme very disturbing but they [individuals featured in Dispatches] do not reflect what the majority of Muslims feel."

Church-based Saltley Gate Peace Group stated: "As a place of worship, the Green Lane Mosque is not known to promote extremism and the founders and committee of the mosque have always distanced themselves from such extremism."

Abu Usamah At-Thahabi defended his comments and released a rebuttal video.