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An Indian Muslim face in UK
On 4 July BBC World Service spent time with a senior Muslim cleric based in London. Mufti Abdul Qadir Barkatulla, who was born in India, now lives and works in one of the most multicultural parts of London, described his duties as a Senior Imam; his community responsibilities; and how he loves to relax by reading his favourite poetry. He is quoted reading on air, from a collection by Iqbal, as well as his favourite surah of the Qur'an, surah ad-Duha, with its translation.
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Mufti Barkatulla
Currently senior Imam of North London’s Finchley Mosque and maintainer of Freefone Islamic Helpline 0800 328 1408, Mufti Barkatulla initially graduated in Islamic Studies at famous Darul Uloom, Deoband, India where he was also trained as Mufti (authorised to issue Islamic edicts) in 1974.
Moving to London in 1979, he pursued his studies at 'O' and 'A' levels accomplishing B. Sc. (1985) and M Phil (1992).
As a director of Islamic Computing Centre, Mufti published (1986) electronic databases of Qur'an, Hadith, Seerah and Islamic law on CD-ROMs.
As one of Shari'ah Judges at the Islamic Shari'ah Council, Mufti has wide experience of dealing with socio-cultural issues of Muslims living in the UK and Europe.
As a trustee of world famous Finsbury Park Mosque, Mufti became voice of British Muslims denouncing the extremism of Abu Hamza demanding his eviction from the mosque. He coined the term 'spiritual filth' spreading out of Abu Hamza's activities.
During the last two years Mufti has participated in radio interviews, talk shows and documentaries both in community and mainstream media such as BBC Television channels, BBC Radio 4, BBC London, Channel 4, ITV London Tonight.
Mufti Barkatulla hosts a daily live Phone-in Talk show "Deen-e-Islam" on a Muslim community digital channel, VECTONE Urdu TV, sky channel 828.
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Apart from showing adhan, the program depicted chanting children of the mosque in their Qur'an classes.
The programme included a wedding at which Mufti Barkatulla conducted the service. Mufti Barkatulla's wife, Najma Ansari enthused that she is very proud to be an imam's wife, and that his position is not only as her husband but also as her teacher.
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