Model Mosque @ IslamChannel.tv

Model Mosque launches on Islam Channel on Saturday 29th at 5.30pm. Repeated on Tuesday at 5.30pm

| Dhul-Qi'dah 23, 1429

"Model Mosque - a national competition to find the best mosque in the UK"
"8 mosques selected from hundreds. Who will win? You decide"
"Register your vote today and help decide who will win the £35 000 consultancy prize"

"Mosques have been unfairly portrayed in the media for too long. This show is about restoring the balance."
(Producer/Director Abrar Hussain)

“It is our sincere hope that the series will stimulate a positive debate about the structure and role of Mosques in today’s Britain"
(Islam Channel CEO Mohamed Ali)

		ISLAM CHANNEL

		HOME
		ABOUT MODEL MOSQUE

		AIMS & OBJECTIVES

		JUDGES PROFILE
		FINALISTS

		HOW TO VOTE

		CRITERIA

		BACKGROUND

		FAQ's

		TERMS & CONDITIONS

		PRESS

		CONTACT US

CRITERIA

To select our finalists we have graded the mosques against the following criteria. This is by no means exhaustible and many other factors were also taken into account when selecting the finalists for Model Mosque.

COMMUNITY SERVICES:
Religious/Educational/Counselling/Funerals/Weddings

These services relate to the basic needs of the Muslim Community in any given area. To progress in a professional way a mosque will need qualified people to develop these services. This means researching the local area, building links with the governing bodies, applying for and gaining licenses, adhering to compliance procedures ( such as the CRB check for all staff dealing with children) and continuously striving to anticipate and exceed the needs of the community.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY:
Enterprise for local Community/Jobs created/ Training

Mosques can play a very useful role in helping community members earn a halal living. By reducing unemployment and matching skills to available opportunities this can benefit the whole of the local area, Muslim and non-Muslim. There are many innovative ideas within mosques to generate additional income, which will help the mosque further develop. From our research we have come across models for skills training, garment producing, property development and retail premises to name but a few.

INTEGRATION POLICY:
Host community relationship/inter-faith initiatives

A coherent integration policy is essential for all mosques, especially under the current media spotlight. This means developing relationships with the local host community, and organizing open doors initiatives that will show the mosques for the peaceful and tranquil institutions that they are. There is no better way to challenge people’s stereotypes of mosques than to extend an invitation to them. It also means regular dialogue with the local MP’s and councilors, the police force, and other religious denominations.

SISTER SERVICES:
Place to pray/on committee/events/activities

There is no logical reason for mosques to ignore half of the community, to stop them from contributing to the success of the mosque. Sisters can add value to the mosque in many ways. We have come across mosques where sisters are generating much needed funds for their local mosques, as well as organizing and delivering a host of talks, seminars and external activities. All mosques should be tapping into this vast resource at their disposal.

YOUTH SERVICES:
External events/activities/sports/health education

Youth represents the future of the Muslim Ummah, and as such is one of the most important focal points for Mosques. With so many distractions that can influence youth in the UK today it is imperative that mosques provide some form of guidance and leadership. Religious services are of-course important, we need to produce our next generation of UK Imams and scholars, but also we need to be providing re-creational activities. Sports clubs are not uncommon, but we are also talking about volunteer services and education on all subjects which may affect Muslim youth in the UK today.

TRANSPARENCY:
Standards/Facilities/Policies/Finances/elections

Mosques need to be open in terms of everything they do; this means regular elections, adherence to the constitution, independent financial audits and policies that reflect the communities they are serving. Standards need to be maintained and exceeded in terms of cleanliness, services and adherence to UK compliance guidelines. Mosque committees are there to serve the communities.