Dr. Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, the Head Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid-ul-Haram in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, visited Mosques and Islamic centres of the United Kingdom during July this year, inaugurated the Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam in Blackburn, visited Tauheedul Islam Girls' School, led Jumah prayer at the Regents Park Central Mosque and met Imams of Mosques and leaders of Islamic centres at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London.

"My advice to Muslims living in the West is to remain good models and good ambassadors of their religion, nation and values," says Dr. Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, the Head Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid-ul-Haram in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, while delivering his Friday Khutbah at the Tauheedul Islam Mosque in Blackburn, Lancashire, UK on 16th of July. On the same day evening, Sheikh al-Sudais led the evening prayer and delivered a speech.

While addressing the large gathering at the Mosque, Dr. Al-Sudais recited so many verses of the Qur'an and quoting verses of the Qur'an, Imam of the Masjid al-Haram emphasized that there is no difference between peoples and there is complete equality in the eyes of Allah. Al-Sudais said Islam advocates mercy and tolerance as well as respect for human rights and human dignity.

"We want to tell the world: Don't fear Islam and Muslims," emphasized the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram and added, "Islam came to protect the interests of humanity, prevent evils and build bridges with all communities. It offers a great message of mercy and tolerance."

Sheikh al-Sudais asked Muslims to learn from the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who used to visit his Jewish neighbour. "When the Prophet died his armour was kept with a Jew as a security," he said, urging Muslims to establish good relations with non-Muslims. "This is the best way to attract them to Islam."

Dr. Al-Sudais urged Muslims to cooperate with each other and to maintain good relations with non-Muslims. "We want to tell the world: Don't fear Islam and Muslims and don't get worried about the presence of Mosques because they advocate peace and tolerance even with non-Muslims," he said.

Sheikh Al-Sudais also told the Muslims living in the West to serve as ambassadors of their religion. "My advice to Muslims living in the West is to remain good models and good ambassadors of their religion, nation and values," Sheikh Al-Sudais added.

The Imam of the Masjid-ul-Haram, Sheikh Al-Sudais said: "You should uphold the great Islamic values while dealing with Muslims as well as non-Muslims and should not engage in any corrupt or unjust practices."

He urged Muslims to be advocates of virtues, peace, safety and respect of law and order as well as to behave as constructive members of society and to refrain from any act that undermines stability. "You should be a positive and constructive factor in the community you live in and should not involve yourselves in activities that would undermine its security and stability," the Saudi Press Agency quoted Al-Sudais as saying.

Dr. Al-Sudais reiterated that Islam advocates co-existence and establishing contacts with other civilisations and said Islam does not tolerate isolation, but it urges Muslims to become influential persons in society.

Dr. Al-Sudais also said that Islam does not advocate terrorism. Reciting the verses of the Qur'an, Sheikh Al-Sudais said that you must read Qur'an and practice it so that you would be better citizens automatically.

Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn
The Muslims of Blackburn were celebrating this occasion to mark the opening of the new Masjid, the Central Mosque of Blackburn, Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam. They celebrated the opening of the Mosque a week earlier which Lord Patel coined as "our community" opening. While introducing the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Lord Patel said, "Here we have before us a unique opportunity for everyone to gain the spiritual light that is nearly extinguished in our lives, to strengthen the bond with our Creator and to re-establish the Masjid as the centre of our community and our lives."

Lord Patel said, "In 21st century Britain, the role of the Masjid is as important as it was in the time of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)."

Lord Patel also said, "At Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam our purpose is to advance the Islamic faith through the provision of a wide range of spiritual, educational and social services enriched with Islamic values that fulfil the needs of our members and the wider community."

"Our vision is to become a centre of excellence for Islamic learning and practice providing a beacon for both Muslims and other faith communities who wish to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of Islam - a place where one can experience and embrace the genuine beauty of our faith," said Lord Patel.

---