Young British Muslims in Sheffield say 'no to racism'

Young British Muslims in Sheffield have joined together to hold their first anti-racism campaign in a bid to spread the word about racism of any kind.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st May 2018, 16:19 BST
Updated 2nd May 2018, 14:31 BST
Volunteers from An Nisaha joined to promote the message that Islam say no to RacismVolunteers from An Nisaha joined to promote the message that Islam say no to Racism
Volunteers from An Nisaha joined to promote the message that Islam say no to Racism

Volunteers from a Sheffield Muslim youth organisation have held an event to promote their message that 'Islam says no to racism'.

An Nasiha handed out balloons, stickers and messages outside the Sheffield Town Hall under the slogan “Race against Racism: No Superiority of Race Except by Piety and Good Actions.”

Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield joined volunteers from An Nisaha to promote the message that Islam say no to RacismSheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield joined volunteers from An Nisaha to promote the message that Islam say no to Racism
Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield joined volunteers from An Nisaha to promote the message that Islam say no to Racism
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An Nasiha, set up in 2011, is run by a team of students who host events in mosques and community centres.

Speaking at the event, Zia Khan, chairman of the organisation and leader of the event said: "We've met many different people of many different backgrounds. We are able to engage with people, telling that Islam says no to racism.

"We wanted to go out there and show that we say no to any kind of racism, whether it be black on black, white on white, black on white or whatever."

Mashood Nazir, a volunteer on the day added: "All we wanted to do was to get the message out to the wider community and let them know that Islam is a religion of peace, and we say no to racism.

Volunteers from An Nisaha handed out balloons to promote their message that Islam says no to racismVolunteers from An Nisaha handed out balloons to promote their message that Islam says no to racism
Volunteers from An Nisaha handed out balloons to promote their message that Islam says no to racism
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"Be it black on black, white on white, black against white, white against black, any form of racism is not allowed in Islam and we don't want anything to do with it.

"We want everyone to join with us and not partake in any form of racism."

Another volunteer, Bakir Hussain said: "Islam teaches that all are equal, regardless of where you come from, what caste you are, what colour you are you're all equal. We need to spread that message."

Various campaigners took part in the day, including the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Anne Murph, and Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield.

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Mr Blomfield said: “Over many years Sheffield has welcomed people from all over the world to work, study and seek refuge from war and persecution. We’re a city whose people owe their origins to more than 120 countries, creating a rich cultural mix.

"That diversity is a great strength and we should do all we can to build on it.”

The group engaged with shoppers and passed on their message.

Louise Hunt, of Pittsmoor, said: "I think it's a great idea. The more awareness is raised about racism and it's insidiousness the better."

Related topics:IslamSheffieldVolunteersPaul Blomfield