By IRNA,
London : Muslims attending Jumuah prayers in Britain Friday were being told that they have just one week left to make a difference in the result of the country’s general elections on May 6.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) advised Imams to use the opportunity of the Khutba, the Friday sermon, to highlight the importance of taking part in the parliamentary elections that will decide the composition of the next government.
“The opportunity should also be used to raise awareness of our democratic right, and our Islamic responsibility to be engaged,” the MCB said in a statement obtained by IRNA.
Muslims were encouraged to use the remaining few days of the campaign to scrutinise their candidates and prise accountable promises on issues that matter to them.
“There are many issues that affect us as Muslims and as citizens. Whether it is anti-Muslim hatred, civil liberties, foreign policy or employment – our concerns are pressing and numerous,” MCB said.
Leaflets being distributed at Friday prayers reminded the country’s two million Muslim community that it was their elections and their votes would influence the outcome.
“Make sure you vote for candidates who appreciate that our community has made huge contributions to this country, and will fight to change the view that our traditions and faith are still seen as foreign and alien,” the leaflet said.
The Muslim Public Affairs Committee (MPACUK), which has identified 82 local constituencies where Muslim population is larger than the majority held by incumbent MPs, is calling on “vote intelligently” so they can make a huge impact on the elections.
It has been estimated that the election will be won or lost in only around 130 of the 650 parliamentary constituencies that are likely to change hands.
Opinion polls suggest that the elections are the closest in decades and could result in a ‘hung parliament’ with no party having an overall majority.