A BRADFORD mosque has removed an online recording of a sermon and is now investigating the content of the lecture and its context.
And the Charity Commission, which has received a complaint, is considering what steps to take against Muhammadi Masjid Bradford.
The mosque, located on Lumb Lane in Manningham, is listed on the Charity Commission’s register under the name Markazi Jamiat Ahl E Hadith.
The sermon has since been made unavailable to the public following The National Secular Society's (NSS) engagement with the Charity Commission.
What did the sermon say?
The sermon is entitled 'The Rights Of The Spouses' and has been viewed by the Telegraph & Argus. It was uploaded to the Muhammadi Masjid YouTube channel on September 6.
In the sermon, lecturer Muhammad Huzaifah said it is "not permissible" for women to observe any fasts outside of Ramadan unless her husband gives permission.
He then went on to add "obeying the husband and giving him his rights" is "obligatory" for women.
Huzaifah said it is "not permitted" for a woman to leave her house without her husband's permission.
He added a wife who "wears makeup", "beautifies herself" and "allows everybody else to look at her" is one of the types of people who are "destroyed", according to Muhammad.
NSS reaction
The NSS said it is "especially concerned" that children may have listened to this sermon; at the beginning Huzaifah apparently asked the "youngsters" to come closer so they can hear better.
The mosque registered as a charitable incorporated organisation in 2020 and lists its charitable objects as "advancement of the Islamic faith".
The NSS claims Muhammadi Masjid was "putting women in danger" by hosting Huzaifah's sermon.
Full statement from the Charity Commission
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Commission has received a complaint about Markazi Jamiat Ahl E Hadith regarding the content of speeches or sermons associated with it.
"We are considering what steps may be necessary in response."
Full statement from Muhammadi Masjid Bradford
A spokesperson said: "The trustees are aware of the media coverage.
"We have removed the recording from online and are investigating the lecture and context in which such comments were made.
"We are a registered charity and work within the context of UK law."
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