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The Debt We Owe Tony Wilson

Liberals want bigger role for children and women in their place of worship

By Helen McArdle

A DECADE-LONG battle between Scotland's Muslim old guard and a new generation of reformers has been won by the young liberals who will now move into positions of power in the country's largest mosque. The clash is being interpreted as a battle between older believers who define themselves as Pakistani and younger ones who see themselves as Scottish-British.

Young muslims have been pushing for reform at Glasgow's Central Mosque for 10 years. They want women and children to play a greater role and for imams to engage more with the non-Muslim community. They also want the religious focus of Islam in Scotland to contend with modern social evils, including drug abuse and gang violence.

Mosque trustees finally intervened in the generational fight for the soul of Scotland's Muslims, urging mosque leaders to back the young reformers' calls for change. The reformers say the system that elects mosque leaders has been "open to manipulation and self-selection" and reduced the role of the mosque to a "glorified prayer hall".

Asid Khan, 30, one of the reformers pushing for modernization, said: "The people who came over from Pakistan in the first generation and built the mosque are content with the status quo. It hasn't progressed." He said what the older generation had achieved in the past "was incredible", but added: "They've become so comfortable in their offices that they've ignored the social needs of their members, or are just so cut off that they don't even realize what's going on - street crime, gangs, burglaries, violence, drug abuse and dealing."

The old guard have been able to maintain the status quo by having sole control over who was selected to join the mosque management board, the young reformers claim. On Thursday, talks between the two camps reached deadlock and two of the mosque's trustees, who normally remain neutral, backed reform. The president and secretary of the mosque will meet trustees next month to outline reforms.

Siddaqat Khan, 31, who negotiated for the reformers, said: "The older guys thought there was a threat to their kingdom. But society changes. The older generation is focused on being Pakistani, whereas we're focused on being British. That's where the clash happens. British society doesn't work by shutting itself off in a mosque."

According to Humza Yousaf, director of public affairs for the Scottish Islamic Foundation, breaking down the "gatekeeper mentality" of the older generation is essential for the long-term stability of the Muslim community.

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The clash at Glasgow's Central Mosque highlights the ongoing struggle between traditional practices and the desire for modernization within religious institutions. This battle for change is not unique to the Muslim community but is a reflection of the wider societal shift toward inclusivity and diversity.

As the younger generation seeks a greater role for women and children in their place of worship, it raises important questions about the evolution of religious institutions and their ability to adapt to the changing needs of their communities. The push for mosques to engage more actively with the non-Muslim community also speaks to the importance of fostering understanding and dialogue among different faiths.

Moreover, the reformers' call for Islamic institutions to address social issues such as drug abuse and gang violence highlights the growing recognition of the role religion can play in tackling wider societal problems. By moving beyond the traditional religious focus, mosques have the potential to become community hubs that provide support and guidance to individuals from all walks of life.

However, it is important to navigate these reforms with sensitivity and respect for the various perspectives within the community. As the older generation may hold strong ties to their cultural heritage, it is crucial to find a balance between preserving tradition and embracing progress.

Ultimately, the successful push for reform at Glasgow's Central Mosque serves as a reminder of the power of dialogue and collective action. By engaging in open discussions and challenging established norms, communities can pave the way for positive change and ensure the long-term stability and relevance of religious institutions in an ever-changing society.

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