Islam, a religion of inclusion

THE EDITOR: I am forced to write this letter to let the Muslim community of Trinidad and Tobago know what is happening at the Montrose Masjid — Masjid - ul - Ansari, after what I have read in the daily newspapers. Last month myself and other sisters went to the Masjid to attend classes organised by the Islamic Community Services in conjunction with the Ministry of Community Development. Sadly the lock was changed and even legitimate members of the masjid were debarred from entering the masjid by a strange man dressed in Muslim garb, claiming that the imam said that no one was to enter the masjid or hall.

The police were called in to assist and then I saw two well-known members of the Masjid come out of hiding and utter the same tune. At this time the number of participants for the course were about 80 and one brother who had helped organise the course told the police that he would handle the matter. He then addressed the gathering, telling them that Islam means Peace, Love and Humility, and as such he would arrange the class at an alternative venue for the following class which was in fact done.

Subsequently at the weekend Friday prayers at the masjid it was announced that the masjid does not welcome non-Muslims due to their dress and beliefs.  I felt very sad indeed to hear such untruths because other sisters and myself have attended these courses for the past six years and we have all benefited tremendously whether Hindus, Christians or Muslims. It was such a nice feeling to see a mixture of culture, races and religions in a masjid, so much so that some of them had requested books on Islam and had become serious in joining our faith. Yes some non-Muslims never covered their heads as well as some Muslim women but they all dressed modestly.

Since 1996 the Islamic Community Services has been helping to bridge this gap of segregation by offering the services — mostly food hampers to the poor and needy, established a monthly medical clinic with free medication, assisting financially for surgeries and other medical problems, giving of school books, and helping in cost of transport to underprivileged children, pre and post-marital counselling and a host of other different services. These services are offered to all religions, races or culture, once they are qualified. People from far and near come to enjoy these services and with the illegal destruction of that office/centre an alternative venue would have to be established.

Presently guards are placed at the masjid, which is clearly an indication of intimidation for people like myself and others. As a result many, including myself have stopped going to the masjid. It seems to me that the new administrators of the masjid do not understand the true meaning of Islam, as practised by our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). I urgently appeal on behalf of my brothers and sisters to the relevant authority (ASJA) to step in and rectify this unpleasant situation. May God bless us all and guide us.

FARIDA  HOSEIN  KHAN
Montrose, Chaguanas