Friday, 10 December 2004
long time
speak soon
Monday, 22 November 2004
Hello all from a dull Manchester
Hi all, I hope things are well in your lives; I have to admit I am enjoying my job immensely. I am off to Sheffield tomorrow and then London on Wednesday and Thursday for a Ethnic Minority conference. It is organised by Jobcentreplus London region. A support network for ethnic minority staff, its aim is to aid their personal development, celebrate their successes and move the diversity agenda forward.
Thursday, 18 November 2004
hello
i am very glad that by tonight the Hunting Bill will be passed, an end to cruelty to animals and foxes in particular.
speak soon
Mohammed Shafiq
Monday, 15 November 2004
hey
Friday, 5 November 2004
Kerry Lost!!!
Because this is how long it will take for the current horrific conservative cycle to play itself out, and this would resemble a more typical and historically proven 20-year pendulum swing. In this case one toward neoconservative right-wing hate and homophobia and warmongering that will careen us toward heretofore unprecedented extremes of sadness and isolationism and far too many overweight white people with guns.
However, here is the catch. Here is the argument: This dark era, this wicked
20-year dystrophic America could now be facing, it might be a very good and necessary thing indeed.
Not, as you might dream, because four more years of Bush Co and a dozen more of sneering Republican domination means there will likely be good times ahead. Not because we will enjoy an unprecedented era of peace and stability and generosity and environmental sustenance, humanitarian progress and U.N. cooperation and fiscal responsibility and a generally relaxed and open-minded attitude toward religion and multiculturalism and sex. I mean, do not be ridiculous. Besides, the Clinton era already happened.
But, rather, it will be necessary because the moral and spiritual and physical hemispheres of our existence will quickly become so dire and toxic and the nation's socio economic situation will become so extreme and desperate that maybe, just maybe, we will finally learn something.
This is the argument. It is bitter and defeatist and, maybe, if you let your inner devil's advocate speak, a little bit true.
Look at it this way: If Kerry had won, the nation won't have suffered enough, won't have travelled far enough down the road of right-wing egotism and misogyny and homophobia and religious self-righteousness and deficit mauling and sanctimonious ideology and mangled grammar to really learn anything indelible. Nothing that will affect a permanent sea change in our worldview, and we will just continue to limp along, never really healing and never really refocusing our intention and never fully
Wednesday, 3 November 2004
still waitng for result!!!!
Who will be next in the War on Terror, how many more illegal wars and dodgy intelligence, the thought frightens me and I just hope and pray that Senator John Kerry, the Democratic candidate might scrape through, wishful thinking I know.
I have to say John Kerry fought a courageous campaign with strong views and his message of hope was inspirational to many. Us Europeans cannot understand why the American people still vote for a president who stole the previous election, lied over Iraq and has the Country deficit levels at record high. I suppose the commentators will comment on this.
I still have a glimmer of hope Senator John Kerry will win. Let you know soon
Tuesday, 2 November 2004
good day!!!
I want to wish Senator Kerry well in today's US Presidential Election, the thought of four more years of Bush/Chehney scare us Europeans, because of the policies of division practiced by this administration. I want tourge our American friends to votefor Kerry/Edwards as the only option for the future of international relations, I hope and pray that he wins. I will be getting up at 4am to close my fast and I am looking forward to hearing the news that Kerry/Edwards have won.
COME ON KERRY/EDWARDS!!!!! VOTE FOR CHANGE PLEASE!!!! USA CHANGE PLEASE!!!
Tuesday, 26 October 2004
hi
Speak soon
Wednesday, 20 October 2004
advise for managers on Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy Religious Festival for Muslims. It is a month of fasting as an expression of discipline and thanksgiving for Allah. Ramadan began on 15 October 2004.
Muslims fast for a period of 30 days during sunrise and sunset. Whilst fasting the individuals will abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and do not allow any substance into their body. They may also wish to pray during working hours. The requirement and need to pray is a matter of personal choice based on the nature and depth of the personal and religious belief.
The festival of Eid ul Fitr is the festival to mark the end of Ramadan and will fall on 14 November 2004.
As part of respecting the religious beliefs of others, managers and staff are asked to recognise and consider the needs of Muslim employees who may wish to observe this month.
During Ramadan this can be done by:
Designating a specific area for prayers, for example use of first aid rooms.
Providing reasonable access to the area for prayers during working hours;
Adjusting staff rotas where possible to accommodate requests for leave for the Eid ul
Fitr festival; and
Being aware of the effects of fasting on people's well being.
Tuesday, 19 October 2004
Hello form a dull Manchester
Most of Ramadan I spend at the Darul Munawar Ghamkol Sharif mosque on Derby Street, Rochdale. Come and say hello If you see me
Monday, 18 October 2004
it's been a long time
WHAT IS RAMADAN?
Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same root there is ramdaa, sunbaked sand, and the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. And in a hadith the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "The prayer of repenters is due when the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning." (Muslim)
Thus, the word Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst). Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. The framers of this beautiful language may have been inspired by Allah (SWT) in naming this month Ramadan. Otherwise, the relation between the heat and its properties is miraculously similar to that of Ramadan. While the heat represents the matter that helps shape, form, and mold virtually every matter - from metal and plastics, to plants and living cells - Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believer remold, reshape, reform, and renew his physical and spiritual disposition and behavior.
Wednesday, 29 September 2004
what a day!!!
Tonight is the night of forgiveness in Islam. It is called Shab e raat, the Muslims will stay awake tonight to remember Allah (SWT) and ask for forgiveness for our sins. This night is 15 days before Ramadan the month of fasting begins.
At the weekend I am attending the PCS Black Members Seminar in London, so will not post blog until next week.
Monday, 27 September 2004
Hello form a dull Manchester
The Labour Party conference got under way yesterday, it is clear they see the ‘Liberal Democrats’ as a credible threat, hence the reason why cabinet ministers were attacking the Lib Dems. You know the Lib Dems have it right when the Tories and labour turn their fire on them. I hope the country joins the Lib Dems in the battle to change Britain.
Friday, 24 September 2004
its the weekend!
Next weekend I am in London attending the PCS Black Members Seminar, this is the Civil Service trade union gathering for Ethnic Minority staff. This is my second time I am attending the event. I hope to build on the success of the united against fascism campaign last year and working to challenge racism and bigotry wherever it raises its ugly head.
This labour government deserves praise for its work on equality and diversity. The government ordered the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, brought upto date race legislation, the publication of the Race Equality Scheme and the diversity legislation in the field of equality.
Have a good weekend all.
Thursday, 23 September 2004
good day!!!
Let’s hope that things do get better for all our sakes. Well done to the Liberal Democrats for a fantastic conference, onwards and upwards.
Wednesday, 22 September 2004
hey
Tuesday, 21 September 2004
The pro hunting lobby claim civil liberties and their freedom is being eroded, all I can say is where were the lobby when Iraq was illegally invaded, where were they when Stephen Lawrence was murdered, where were they when the rights of justice were taken away from innocent people prisoned in Camp Delta. It smacks of double standards that the pro hunting lobby claim a ban on hunting infringes their human rights. We need to understand that the group needs to make a better case if those of us who are keen human right campaigners will make the time to listen to their case.
Well done to the government for introducing this bill and MPs should stand firm against the unelected House of Lords. Great result for Manchester United against Liverpool last night, it ended 2-1 to Man Utd, good to see Rio Ferdinand back and on form. Lets hope this is the beginning of the revival watch out Arsenal and Chelsea.
Monday, 6 September 2004
monday again!!!
To start with, I have to register my disgust at the siege at the Russian school. As a father I was only watching in horror as the siege took hold, there are many questions left to answer and it is time the Russians learnt that you cannot solve the recent crisis by military means, my heart goes out to all the victims and their friends and family in this distressful time.
The recent announcement that Simon Hughes MP was elected as President of the Liberal Democrats was fantastic news, he is good for the party and British politics.
Work is well, just waiting t begin the work and then we will be really busy.
Wednesday, 1 September 2004
One thing I forgot to tell you is I support Manchester United football team; it has been a bad start to the season, players off injured or ill. Not a good way to start, five matches in we’re 5 points behind Arsenal and Chelsea, lets hope it gets better. Glad today Wayne Rooney is coming to United, cannot wait to see him.
Work is very demanding; I am in the process of ensuring that the Department’s Race equality Scheme is implemented successfully. Some good news the Department I work for has achieved 4th place out of the 10 best Public sector organisations in the Race for Opportunity Benchmarking, I believe we are a market leading and setting the standards for others to follow.
I have great pride in working for my employer and hope we get a decent pay rise.
Speak soon.
Friday, 27 August 2004
Can I start by congratulating Sajid Karim the new Liberal Democrat MEP, he is the first Muslim MEP for the UK, I am confident that he will be a great success and speak up for the Muslim community in Brussels. Let us hope they stand up and listen to him. Congratulations also to Chris Davies who got re-elected as MEP for North West England and as leader of the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament. Good luck to Simon Hughes MP, who is standing as President of the Lib Dems, I know he will do well. Results are out on 01/09/04.
Iraq seems to be going nowhere, still violence and continued illegal occupation. The Americans have failed to recognise that the Iraqi people have a long history of fighting occupying forces and will continue to do so. They need to let the Iraqis take control of their destiny and commit to withdrawing the troops.
Bank holiday weekend, spending time with my wife and daughter, nothing special. Whatever you are doing, enjoy.
Monday, 16 August 2004
What a dull day
Hi all, firstly sorry for not having a very upto date entry. Started my new job as regional Diversity Officer last Monday, no time to put my Weblog on. The job is going well apart from a few things but they should hopefully settle down, the weather Is getting me down, suppose we didn’t have a summer this year. Hope life is well and speak soon, I will try to add things daily but don’t hold me to it.
Wednesday, 11 August 2004
Hey long time
Thursday, 29 July 2004
Thursday, 22 July 2004
Hello from a humid Manchester!!!
Wednesday, 14 July 2004
Keep on campaigning!!!
Tuesday, 13 July 2004
What have I done to deserve some sun!!!!
Well where do I start, yesterday the Chancellor (British finance Minister) announced his spending plans for the next four years. In it he increases Health, education and Home Office Budgets, which I welcome. After many years of under investment in our vital public services the extra resources are welcomed. He also announced 100 000 Civil Service job cuts, the proof of this is in the pudding. It’s not an additional 100 000 announced on top of the 40 000 already announced in our department the DWP. It’s on top of them. It makes me really angry when politicians just recklessly announce these job cuts when those of us in the Civil Service are working so hard to deliver better Public Services for our customers, whether it be a benefit customer, someone looking for work using the Jobcentreplus service or a person claiming tax Credits from the Inland Revenue. The vast majority of Civil Servants work with customers face to face; you cannot increase the workload of staff and then cut their numbers. It does not make sense. We are very happy to make efficiency savings and recognise there will obviously be some job cuts as a result of newer IT equipment, they will have to make the systems work before cutting staff, as the Government does not have a good record on computer systems delivery.
Wednesday, 7 July 2004
Well it’s getting busier by the day
Friday, 2 July 2004
It's Friday!!!!
It's seems like ages since i put anything online for you to read, let me begin by apologises, it's been very hectic at work and home. Hope you are all well and that wherever you are the weather is better than here, it's so not right having so much rain, cloudy, feels like autumn!!! and it's bloody July.
In my local community we have a massive problems of the prostitutes hanging around on our streets for business, this has brought kerb crawlers, pimps, drug dealers, drug users into our community. Old age pensioners, our mothers and sisters are unable to walk on the streets alone any more and a mad sex attacker is playing cat and mouse with the Police. We in the community have taken it upon ourselves to clear the prostitutes and kerb crawlers off our streets. For the past five days we have marched into the red light district and pushed the prostitutes and their pimps off the streets, we've threatened to take action against kerb crawlers and are working with the community to clean up our streets. Recently 2 Ladies were beaten up by the pimps and the Police took 6 hours to arrive, last night when a prostitute was pushed they arrived in 2 minutes, i kid you not this is what is happening!!! Direct Action to clear our community is the only option left to us and we will do whatever is necessary.
On the work front I am pleased to announce I have just recently been appointed the Jobcentreplus North West Regional Diversity and Equality Officer, despite the stiff competition I pulled it off and can't wait to start the new job. look froward to hearing from you all soon. Have a great weekend
Tuesday, 29 June 2004
Where is the summer?
My interview on Friday for the Diversity and Equality Officer went well, I started bad, as I was confused as to what the question was about, but I did ask her about it at the end and she said she had sufficient answer to cover her concern. Should find out this week.
Thursday, 24 June 2004
hi there
Friday, 18 June 2004
Friday 18th June 2004
Thursday, 10 June 2004
Super Thursday!!!!
No post over the weekend as it’s the grand conference in Rochdale, for further details check out my website on www.mohammedshafiq.org.uk
Wednesday, 9 June 2004
Cloudy Manchester!!!
Been successful in getting an interview for a Team Leader job at work, it’s this afternoon, not enough time to plan for the interview as I was told only yesterday afternoon, will have to wait and see how I get on.
Tuesday, 8 June 2004
Hello from a very hot Manchester
Hi there, I am certain that you are the main driving force over your personal development at work, I have recently been successful in obtaining a place on a Management Development programme in my organisation, it’s through sheer hard work and persistence that I have been successful. I am in the process of getting new development opportunities, will keep you upto date.
Went to the conference in Birmingham, it was great, inspirational and I left feeling content with the spiratual enlightment I received. Our conference is only few days away in Rochdale, you must try to attend if you can, for further details check out my website on www.mohammedshafiq.org.uk
Have a great day!!!!
Friday, 4 June 2004
It's Friday!!!!
Work is great, I'm on a Management Development programme in Work and have been chatting to my Mentor, she's quite high up in the Orgnanisation and i'm looking forward to her help, support and friendship. The hard work now starts!!!!
That's it really for now, will post my comments on Tuesday as i'm in meetings all day on Monday, have a good weekend
Wednesday, 2 June 2004
Very long day
Tuesday, 1 June 2004
: blog entry
Back to work
I've come back to work today after the bank holiday, for those of you outside the UK this our spring holiday when we have an extra Monday off. So where do I start; my wife and beautiful daughter have gone to stay with her brother for a few weeks, empty house and peace and quiet!!!! Have been busy putting posters up for our memorial event for our father who passed away 15 years ago; it's a Muslim religious event to remember him and the great Muslim saint Hazrat Khawaja Zindapeer (May Allah be please with him). It's happening on Saturday 12th June 2004 in Rochdale, see my website for more details on www.mohammedshafiq.org.uk
Work is great at the moment, got a couple of new jobs lined up, will let you know the outcome soon. I have to say something very important, the elections on June 10th are a great opportunity for those of you like me who opposed the illegal war in Iraq and the continued illegal occupation to give the sitting Government a bloody nose; a vote for Labour is a vote for their action in Iraq, please vote for Liberal Democrat candidates as they were the only mainstream party to oppose war and continued questions on Iraq are still been asked by Charles Kennedy and his team, vote for Lib Dems in local, European and London Mayoral elections, thats Simon Hughes MP in London, the best man for the job of Mayor, a vote for Ken Livingstone is a vote for an illegal war in Iraq, do not be deceived by Ken's insistence that he opposed war and that a vote for Labour is a vote of confidence in Blair actions in Iraq.
My colleagues in America please vote for John Kerry to oust Mr Bush, he is so out of touch with reality. More on this soon.
Friday, 28 May 2004
Mohammed Shafiq
hi there everyone, this is the first time i'm writing this, well it's Friday here in the UK and it's an extended weekend as it's a bank holiday on Monday. Very busy at work, meeting Clients, meetings with Ministers, colleagues and managers. Bit fed up in my current location, it's a small office in Greater Manchester and just haven't seem to settled in. I have to say some people are great whilst others....
So it's a long weekend, painting the small room at home and then maybe spending time with my wife and newly born baby, i have to say i saw the British National Party's election broadcast, it was a load of s****. It was full of inconsistencies and falsehoods, it spread hatred and racial diffences when we should be celebrating our different diversities. We need to vote on June 10th to keep them out. Celebrate our different cultures and beliefs, speak soon, have a good weekend all.