We were saddened and dismayed to learn from the BBC programme Newsnight aired on 20th November, 2013 of a 23 year old young man from Portsmouth who has proceeded to join the rebel forces in Syria. Further we are shocked and worried to hear divisive sectarian rhetoric from the brother of the young man in Portsmouth.

Dear Mu’mineen,

Salamun alaykum,

In response to the announcements from other UK Jamaats and organisations, the Wessex Jamaat Executive Committee have considered the situation and in consultation with the Resident Alim, Shaykh Fazle Abbas Datoo, we would like to make the following announcement:

Earth day, is an event celebrated every year by Wessex Jamaat since 2009.  It is the climax of the week long celebrations of "Dahwul Ardh". The phrase "Dahwul Ardh" literally means "The spread of the earth"

Dear Mu’mineen

Salamun alaykum,

Please see attached greetings from the Bishop of Portsmouth Diocese to Shaykh Fazle Abbas Datoo and you all on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr - 1st Shawwal 1434 AH.

With du'as,

Secretariat | Wessex Jamaat

Wessex Jamaat runs a successful Food Drive.  The Al Mahdi Muslim Community of Wessex joins other Muslims around Britainand the world in observing the Holy month of Ramadan.

On the auspicious occasions of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sha'ban celebrating the Wiladat anniversaries of Imam al-Husayn (as), Hadhrat Abbas (as) and Imam Zain al-Abidin (as), Wessex Jamaat held Majalis programmes and a special Qasida program with guest speakers/reciters, including a competition organised for the children, youth and the young adults of the community. Details of the programmes and the competition can found here.

The 1st Shedfield Beavers Group visited the Al Mahdi centre on 18th March and we had a very enjoyable visit. We had 16 Beavers attend, all boys aged between 6 and 8 years, plus an older sister of one of the boys and 3 Adult Leaders. Rev. Bruce Deans also joined our group for the visit so he was able to help with some of the questions the children had.

MUSLIM COMMUNITY STATEMENT re WOOLWICH MURDER

On behalf of the Muslim Community, Local Muslim leaders have joined forces to strongly condemn the horrific murder that took place on Wednesday 22nd May 2013 in Woolwich, London.

One of the fundamental values of Islam is peace and the Islamic faith is a peaceful religion. The attackers who claim to have carried out this evil deed in the name of Islam have insulted Islam.

Dear Mu'mineen,

Salamun Alaykum and Peace and Blessings be with you all.  We would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of the innocent citizen who was brutally and shamelessly murdered during daylight on Wednesday 22nd May 2013 in Woolwich, London