The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him said: “He is not one of us who does not have mercy on young children.”

The Centre pledged its support for the annual BBC Children in Need appeal 2008, with an announcement after Friday prayers. Last year the Mosque congregation donated over £350 to this worthy national cause that benefits children from all sections of society. This years appeal is all the more emotive due to the court case verdict and tragic death of 17 month old Baby P, who was tortured and allowed to die by his mother, her boyfriend and their lodger.

The Centre’s secretary Anees Rehman said, “Caring for the poor, the destitute and orphans is the very essence of Islam and the Prophet Mohammed’s merciful example and whilst we send charitable donations abroad to very worthy causes, as a community we must not forget the emphasis Islam also places on the rights of our neighbours and fellow citizens.”

Other British Mosques and community leaders also joined a collective effort spearheaded by the Muslim Council of Britain to support  this year’s appeal. It is hoped that thousands of individuals and many mosques up and down the country will contribute towards this year’s final Children in Need total.