About

The Barnet Muslim Forum is an initiative by Muslims living in the local Borough of Barnet who wish to benefit the Muslim community. We have established a plaftform which includes our local Masjids, community activists, our local Muslim councillor and a good cross-section of the diverse Muslim community.

Have a browse through our pages to know more. You can contact us with any suggestions you may have. If you feel you would like to contribute, then send us an e-mail!

Reason for the Establishment of the Barnet Muslim Forum

The Barnet Muslim Forum has been founded in order to raise issues affecting the Muslim community of Barnet with the people and organisations who have the ability to initiate change.

Muslims are statistically under-represented in Barnet. It is home to 19,373 Muslims in a total population of 314564 (Census, 2001). This means that one in sixteen people in Barnet is a Muslim. However at present, Muslims are represented by only one Muslim councillor amongst sixty others. Since the 2001 Census, it has been estimated that the Muslim population may have increased quite significantly.

Muslims in Barnet have very few community centres and places of worship compared to their Jewish and Hindu counterparts. Organisations have been unsuccessful in obtaining premises despite verbal agreements from council officials.

There is also a lack of media outlets catering for the Muslim community. The local newspapers rarely cover stories concerning Muslims in a positive light nor are there any local Muslim publications.

There are various Islamic individuals and organisations that are undertaking community work but their efforts are very limited and can be exponentially magnified by creating a channel of communication and support between the various entities that exist.

Scope of work

Barnet Muslim Forum has been set up to promote the interests of the Muslim Community of Barnet by facilitating their inclusion in the political structure and demonstrating effective lobbying and campaigning. It shall seek to relay the needs of the Muslims within the boundaries of the borough of Barnet to the relevant people within the local authority to ensure that the needs of Muslims are met. It shall also seek to help and guide the Muslim community to integrate within the society to create a harmonious multi-racial atmosphere.

In order to fulfil its aims, Barnet Muslim Forum undertakes, without limitation, the following tasks:

i. Raise issues concerning Muslim citizens residing in Barnet with the elected officials and MPs

ii. Highlight issues in the local media

iii. Act as a Focus group for all Muslim Organisations operating within Barnet

iv. Ensure that the demands of the Muslim community are met with sufficient community and youth centres

v. Work with LEAs to ensure that Muslim Children are represented within the Schools and that teachers are aware of the needs of Muslim Children

vi. Work with other religious groups in order to create harmony.

vii. Give practical advice and encourage Muslims to participate in the community in roles such as School Governors, Councillors or journalists.

viii. Assist in raising funds for Muslim Organisations in Barnet

Funding

Being an independent focus group, Barnet Muslim Forum does not receive financial support from any organisation. It is hoped that an application would soon be made to the Charities Commission to secure Charity Registration Status. The Barnet Muslim Forum may apply for grants in order to fulfil its aims. It also welcomes individual and personal contributions.