Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum

The Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on the Peace Community Centre and Mosque in Peacehaven. The attackers attempted to break into the mosque to set it on fire, and when they failed to gain entry, they poured petrol at the front entrance and set it alight. Worshippers, including the Imam, were still inside. We thank God no lives were lost and extend our deep gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response.

This was a deliberate act of terror and killing, not vandalism, aimed at spreading fear and division. It comes amid a worrying rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism across the UK, fuelled by far-right extremism and divisive rhetoric.

We stand in full solidarity with the Jewish community following the recent attack in Manchester and with all people of faith and none who face hatred and violence.

An attack on one community is an attack on all. We will not be divided.

We call for:

• The police must classify this as a terrorist attack and investigate any extremist links.
• The Government to take urgent action against hate-fuelled extremism.
• Political leaders reject all rhetoric and groups that incite or enable hatred.
• This is not the Britain we believe in. We stand united, guided by compassion, justice, and solidarity.

The Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum and our community are horrified by the terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester.

An assault on a place of worship is an assault on all people of faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the wider Jewish community.

At this painful time, we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and reaffirm our commitment to unity against hatred and violence.

For further information, please contact: info@bhmf.org.uk / 07867 773 723

There’s an urgent need for more Muslim foster carers in Brighton & Hove. Many children and young people in care come from Muslim backgrounds, and having foster carers who share their cultural and religious heritage can make a world of difference in their lives.

Why are Muslim Foster Carers needed?

• Cultural and Religious Support: Muslim children in care should feel comfortable practicing their faith and maintaining their cultural identity with their foster families.
• Rewarding Experience: Fostering is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling role, offering the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life.
• Growing Need: Thousands of Muslim children are in care in England, including many from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds.

The Brighton & Hove Fostering Team invites you to learn more

The Brighton & Hove Fostering Team invites the Muslim community to learn more about fostering at one of their upcoming information events:

• In-person event: 9th May, 12 noon to 2:30 pm at Al-Medinah Mosque, BN1 2PT, Brighton.  
• Online event: 18th June, 7 pm. You can register to attend at bit.ly/4bG4Zza.  

Fostering-info-session-flyer-Muslim-community-invite-2025e

Hear from Muslim Foster Carers

Current Muslim foster carers share the joy and fulfillment they find in fostering. Esmat, who fosters a 13-year-old boy, says, “As Muslims, we believe strongly in the values of compassion, generosity and opening our home and our hearts to someone who needs love and care.” Another foster carer, Naseem, shares that she and her husband were attracted to fostering because they “simply love children.”

Contact the Brighton & Hove Fostering Team

• Phone: 01273 295444
• Email: fosteringrecruitment@brighton-hove.gov.uk
• Website: Fostering Brighton & Hove

Faith Guidance

For faith-specific guidance on fostering as a Muslim carer, you can contact the fostering team or visit the Muslim Foster Network:

• Website: Muslim Foster Network

Join the Brighton & Hove community in making a vital difference in the lives of children and young people in care.

As the Islamic calendar progresses, we find ourselves in the blessed month of Dhu al-Qadah (ذو القعدة). Often overshadowed by the more prominently known months like Ramadan and Dhu al-Hijjah, Dhu al-Qadah holds its own unique significance in the Islamic year. As one of the four sacred months in Islam, it is a time of peace, a period of preparation, and an opportunity for increased ibadah (worship).

The Sacred Months: A Time of Reverence

In the Quran, Allah (SWT) mentions the significance of four months:

Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve — in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth — of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months…

[Surah At-Tawbah 9:36]

These four sacred months are Dhu al-Qadah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, warfare is traditionally forbidden, and good deeds are particularly rewarded. It is a time to increase our focus on spirituality and avoid any form of wrongdoing.

Dhu al-Qadah: The Master of Truces

The name “Dhu al-Qadah” itself offers a clue to its significance. It literally means “the one of truce” or “the one of sitting” (referring to sitting from fighting). This name dates back to pre-Islamic times, where it was a custom to cease hostilities during this month, allowing for safe travel and trade. Islam upheld this tradition, emphasising the importance of peace and the sanctity of this period.

A Prelude to Hajj: Preparation and Intention

Dhu al-Qadah serves as a crucial precursor to the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which witnesses the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. For those intending to perform Hajj, Dhu al-Qadah is a time of earnest preparation. This includes:

• Making the intention: Renewing and strengthening the intention (niyyah) for Hajj.
• Gaining Knowledge: Learning about the rituals and procedures of Hajj, attending workshops, and reading relevant materials.
• Physical and Financial Preparation: Ensuring physical fitness for the rigorous journey and managing financial affairs to cover the expenses of the pilgrimage.
• Spiritual Readiness: Increasing acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and purifying the heart for the spiritual journey ahead.

Even for those not performing Hajj, Dhu al-Qadah offers an opportunity to connect with the spirit of the pilgrimage. It’s a time to reflect on the significance of Hajj, the journey of a believer towards Allah (SWT), and the importance of sacrifice and submission.

Recommended Acts of Worship in Dhu al-Qadah

While all good deeds are rewarded, we can make the most of this sacred month by increasing the following acts of worship:

• Fasting: Although not obligatory, voluntary fasting on some days in Dhu al-Qadah is highly recommended, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
• Recitation of the Quran: Dedicate more time to reciting and reflecting upon the meaning of the Holy Quran.
• Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Engage in frequent remembrance of Allah (SWT) through various forms of dhikr like Tasbih (Subhan Allah), Tahmid (Alhamdulillah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and Tahlil (La Ilaha Illallah).
• Du’a (Supplication): Make sincere and heartfelt supplications to Allah (SWT) for personal needs, forgiveness, and the well-being of the Ummah.
• Sadaqah (Charity): Increase acts of charity and help those in need. The rewards for charity are multiplied in the sacred months.
• Seeking Forgiveness: Sincerely repent for past sins and seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness.
• Maintaining Kinship Ties: Strengthen relationships with family and relatives.

Fostering Peace in Our Lives and Community

The spirit of Dhu al-Qadah, with its emphasis on peace and the cessation of conflict, should inspire us to cultivate peace in our own lives and within our community. This includes:

• Resolving Conflicts: Actively seeking to resolve any conflicts or misunderstandings with others in a peaceful and just manner.
• Promoting Harmony: Contributing to a harmonious environment within our families, neighbourhoods, and the wider community.
• Good Manners and Conduct: Striving to uphold the highest standards of Islamic ethics and manners in all our interactions.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Continuing to foster understanding and dialogue with the wider community, building bridges and dispelling misconceptions about Islam.

Seizing the Opportunity of Dhu al-Qadah

Dhu al-Qadah is a month of immense blessings and a valuable opportunity for spiritual growth. Let us utilise this sacred time to increase our acts of worship and strive to embody the principles of peace and harmony that this month represents. May Allah (SWT) enable us to make the most of Dhu al-Qadah and accept our good deeds. Ameen.