Dear Sir,

I refer to your recent news re plans to erect a dome and two minarets at the Baitul Ghafoor Mosque and the application rejection. It seems odd that a religious group’s desire to exercise its religious rights should be described in the way it has been. Particularly given that Halesowen and the wider region is coloured with rich Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and Islamic places of worship.

Britain is made all the greater by the fact that it is a tolerant country which guarantees religious freedom and expression to all. The recent decision would appear to indicate that freedom of religion is considered by some as a conditional right. This places the freedoms that we all enjoy in grave jeopardy.

Perhaps at the heart of the issue rests a misunderstanding about the purpose of the domes and minarets. Rather than being symbols of harm or division, they are simply objects which symbolise peace and have added to the UK’s landscape for over a century.

Recent media reports about the criminal actions of a minority of extremist Muslims may have left some residents with the perception that domes and minarets are part of an attempt by Muslims to 'take over' Halesowen, or that they are a symbol of extremism. This could not be further from the truth. These objects are religious symbols that represent Islam's rejection of extremism. That aside, extremists and their hatred - something the Ahmadiyya Muslims have stood against for decades – can hatch up their criminal plans in any building. If, God forbid, somebody wished to plot a terrorist attack or inculcate extremism then they could perpetrate such evil anywhere – the presence of domes and minarets is irrelevant.

I am also saddened by the remarks of Halesowen North Councillor Karen Shakespeare about her view that the Ahmadiyya Muslims should not appeal the decision as proof of its desire to ''work as part of the community.'' Again, the British values we cherish so dearly do not necessitate that any of us must choose between community and religious freedom.

Furthermore, we the local Ahmadies have proudly served Halesowen and the wider region for years. Our members - young and old – have cleaned the local Churches' grounds, we have had the pleasure of collecting thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal over the past five years; have collected hundreds for Halesowen's Hope Centre and donated supplies on a monthly basis to a local food-bank for years. And in the winter you will find young Ahmadi volunteers clearing snow from nursing homes and driveways, and in the summer sweeping local streets with local Councillors and MP.

Has there been any hint of racism in our actions or words ever? I am sure Dr Ashraf's recent remarks have been mis-interpreted.

Hope the above clarifications help your readers get to the truth.

Dr. Masood Majoka President.

Baitul Ghafoor Mosque Long Lane Halesowen B62 9JT