Rochdale Council of Mosques reaches out to other faiths to improve environment

Bob Bevan, Councillor Sultan Ali, Revd Mark Coleman, Hafiz Malik, Asrar Ul-Haq, Kasim Ul-Haq

The Rochdale Council of Mosques (RCoM) has reached out to the Vicar of Rochdale, to signify a desire to work even closer together with churches and other faiths to improve the environment and the lives of the people of Rochdale.

The Vicar of Rochdale, Revd Mark Coleman, Hafiz Malik, the Chair of Rochdale Central Mosque, Councillor Sultan Ali and Rochdale Park Ranger Bob Bevan met at Rochdale Central Mosque to discuss how they could work together to contribute to combating climate change and at the same time enhance Rochdale’s natural beauty.

Mr Malik made a pledge to turn the mosque into one of the most environmentally friendly masjids in the UK, with a number of trees being planted in the mosque grounds, seated garden areas, further development of the fruit and vegetable growing area, and consideration being given to a roof garden and rainwater-collecting facilities to use in the wash areas and to water the plants.

Mr Bevan advised how and where to plant the plants and trees to ensure maximum impact and longevity, as well as how to best to recycle the water.

The project – named the Amaani Initiative – is the brainchild of Asrar Ul-Haq, and is part of a larger campaign to improve the air quality, off-set carbon emissions to combat climate change, enhance Rochdale and get communities working together by planting as many trees, plants and shrubs as possible in the area, then further afield.

On launching the Amaani Initiative, Asrar said “I am delighted to have the support of these great people in making my small contribution to this gargantuan challenge.“

To support the initiative, RCoM have agreed to plant at least 50 trees in and around Rochdale Mosques. They have also pledged to purchase a further 100 trees and gift them to Rochdale churches, community groups and individuals to help them start on their journey to combat climate change, as well as further improving the environment in Rochdale.

Councillor Sultan Ali said: “I am thrilled to be supporting this initiative. I can’t wait for it to bear fruit. This is one of my personal passions and I will be supporting Asrar as much as I can”

Revd Coleman added: “I am delighted to be invited to be part of this initiative and I will be looking to see how we can maximise our impact in making this a success for all of us, united as stewards of the Earth.”

For further information on the Amaani initiative, please contact Asrar on 07527 747766.