long time

i am very busy at the moemnt, please bear with me for a detailed blog. hope you are all well.

speak soon

Hello all from a dull Manchester

What a time to speak

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.

hello

it is so busy at the moment that i have not had time to write an entry. Work is okay at the moment very busy, conferences in Sheffield, London next week. Family life is okay but is it ever good!!

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

hey

sorry not being psoting lately very bsy, happy Eid Mubarak, this is the Muslim festival celebrating the end of Ramadan and also happy Divali to all my Hindu friends and contacts.

Kerry Lost!!!

Have a good friend who believes, gloomily, bitterly, resignedly, that not only are we in for four more years of painful and cheerless Bush Co-branded tyranny and misprision and aww-shucks dumb-guy shtick, but also that we are actually at the beginning of a long, brutal, fear-based Republican juggernaut that will last a good 16 more years, at least.

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

still waitng for result!!!!

It is 08.42 in the morning and we still do not have a result from the US elections. It apparently hinges on Ohio, which is too close to call and I am resigned to the fact that President Bush has won re election. The result surprises me and deeply worries me for the next four years.

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

good day!!!

hi to you all, sorry for not posting sooner but i am very busy at work. As you may all know Ramadan began 2 weeks ago and we are currently on te 19th Fast, i really am okay without the food but miss the smoking!!!

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!!!

hi

it's Tuesday and very cold, Ramadan is going well apart from the Cigs i miss. Nothing to report today, apart from my thoughts go out to Margaret Hassan and her family at this difficult time.

Speak soon

advise for managers on Ramadan

i think it is a good idea for non Muslims to have the advise and support on how to support their Muslim staff in carrying out their religious duties during this holy month. You can take this advise and come to some kind of mutual arrangement that allows staff to pray and break their fast and still carry out your business duties. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further advise or support by email at shafiqjcp@yahoo.co.uk.

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.

Hello form a dull Manchester

Ramadan is going well, I do miss the smoking cigarettes during the day but surreally I do not miss the food and water, Ramadan helps Muslims purify themselves and prepare many for the next life. There are prayers every evening during Ramadan at local mosques where the holy Qur’an recited every day until completed on the 26th fast.

Most of Ramadan I spend at the Darul Munawar Ghamkol Sharif mosque on Derby Street, Rochdale. Come and say hello If you see me

it's been a long time

hi all, its been ages since i wrote my weblog. lots of work to do and very busy at home. Ramadan started on Friday, very spiritual and inspirational. no eating, drinking, smoking from sunrise till sunset.

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.

what a day!!!

Yesterday Tony Blair outlined his vision for the future, I feel saddened that he has failed to say sorry for taking this country into an illegal war and putting many lives in danger. The world may be a better place without Saddam Hussain, but Iraq is a much dangerous place. Let us hope it gets better. I am sorry to say that the troops need to leave ASAP.

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.

Hello form a dull Manchester

The latest news on Ken Bigley is good, he is still alive and I hope he is not hurt. I want to say what a delight it was to see the two leaders from the Muslim Council of Britain who have travelled to Baghdad, this shows the world that the Muslims in Great Britain are great believers in human rights and will work with all to ensure that innocent civilians are not hurt or beheaded. I take comfort that if the kidnappers were to kill him they would have done it already. Lets hope and pray he is alive and well.

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.

its the weekend!

I have to say I am so happy it is the weekend! The pity is it flies by and Monday soon arrives. I have to say work has been good this week, I have been making progress on the project and now sense I have a great deal to look forward to.

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.

good day!!!

The ever facing problem in Iraq does not seem to get any better, Iraq was suppose to be on the up, lots of progress made, but we still see bombing and killing on a daily basis. I am not convinced that the case put by the new Iraqi government will resolve the matter so soon.

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.

hey

The recent kidnapping of hostages in Iraq is getting really out of hand the illegal occupation was to have brought stability and hope to the people. Iraq I more dangerous and unstable than during Saddam’s era, that’s a massive thing for the occupying forces to achieve. My heart goes out to the victim’s families in this distressful time. Let’ hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for them. The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is right that the war was illegal and that post war plans are a shamble, this is all of the making of the occupying forces. There were no terrorists in Iraq before, since the occupation the country has flooded with them and the responsibility for this lies with George Bush and Tony Blair. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Mohammed Shafiq

Mohammed Shafiq

Mohammed Shafiq

Mohammed Shafiq

Well it’s been quite some time since I wrote my blog, work s very busy. Last Wednesday I was in London for work meetings, during my busy schedule I took some time to listen to some of the pro hunting protesters outside parliament. Their case was tarnished by the storming of the House of Commons and the violence shown by a small minority of thugs intent on violence. The case for a hunting ban is great and the vast majority of the public support a ban.

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 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.

I am back to work after the bank holiday weekend. Spent most of it suffering from Flu, slowly recovering but a pain – can’t smell anything not even my after shave, issay miyake my favourite!

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 4^th 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.

I have been promising for quite some time now I will write a more detailed blog. Life is so busy now that I seem not to have the time to do this. I promise to improve this in the coming months ahead. I am grateful for all your emails and support over the past few months, they mean a lot to me.

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.

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.

Hey long time

hello all, it's been a long time since I have written anything. started the new job yesterday, it's going well. lots of planning, research and hard work ahead. life at home is well and that's it really, promise to post a longer post soon, when i get the time!!!! take care.

hey

will have longer message soon

Hello from a humid Manchester!!!

Hi there all, sorry not been posting anything lately as i have been very busy at work. Well what can i tell you, work is great start the new job in a couple of weeks cannot wait. Private life is good, having been away from my hometown for so long it has been nice catching up with old friends and family. I'm surprised that the people messing about are still there doing the same thing!!! that's all for today.

Keep on campaigning!!!

Well watch this space for further news, not much to say apart fro start my new job on Monday 9th August 2004, cannot wait!!!! The weather is horrendous! Speak tomorrow.

What have I done to deserve some sun!!!!

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.

Well it’s getting busier by the day

Sorry I’ve not posted anything so far this week but I am so busy at the moment. Since the announcement about my new Job, there is a lot of tidying up to do in my current role. I am excited by the challenges ahead and look forward to ensure that there is true equality in my workplace and the society we live in. Family life is good, daughter is so beautiful, and she was 3 months last Friday!!!

It's Friday!!!!

HELLO

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

Where is the summer?

Hi there, it has been an eventful weekend, it was my niece’s birthday on Saturday so a full family get together, really enjoyed spending time with the family. Then it was laying about on Sunday.

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.

hi there

It's been a long time since i posted anything, been feeling very unwell, will be having an operation soon, nothing serious. just got back to work today, so will write a detailed listing tommorrow or on Monday.

Friday 18th June 2004

Well where do I start, it has been a very busy week! The week started on Saturday with the grand conference in remembrance of my father who died 15 years ago. It was well-attended and very inspirational, thank you to all those who came and made it a very memorable day. I apologise for not posting all week, as I was busy all week in meetings in Manchester, Salford Quays and Leeds. Not much more to tell at this stage but will speak to you soon.

Super Thursday!!!!

It’s super Thursday, when millions of people in the UK have the opportunity to vote in local Council, European Parliament, London Mayoral and Assembly elections. Today you have an opportunity to register your anger at the situation in Iraq, please vote for the Liberal Democrats.

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

Cloudy Manchester!!!

Hi there, where do I start, it’s quite cloudy and windy in Manchester, suppose we will get some rain. The weather or lack of sun is the only thing that gets me down in 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.

Hello from a very hot Manchester

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!!!!

It's Friday!!!!

Well it's the weekend again, it's only been a four day week but so glad it's friday. Well i'm attending the Sunni Seal of Prophethood International Conference in Birmingham on Sunday. It's a conference about Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) as the seal of the Prophets. We in the Sunni group believe there will be no prophet after him and that he is the seal of prophet, anyone claiming to be a prophet is a imposter and liar. Over 200 Muslim scholars will be there, can't wait.

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

Very long day

Hi all, I’ve just had a very busy day, demanding clients and colleagues at work, it is amazing how demanding people can me!!!! My personal development seems to be moving in the right direction, will have some news on this soon, hope it’s good news. The election is only 8 days away, don’t forget to vote, no vote no choice. Vote for Lib Dem Candidates!!!! Missing my wife and baby loads as they are away for a couple of weeks, the big conference in Rochdale is nearing, loads of planning and stress involved!!!! Speak soon

: blog entry

im testing this out to see if it works, supposedly I can entry my blog entry via this email address, so lets see what happens

Back to work

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.

Mohammed Shafiq

Friday 28th May 2004
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.