Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness both spiritually and physically.  The aim of attending our Mehfil is to seek knowledge and cleanse our spirits.  The atmosphere in which we wish to achieve our aim must be conducive to the target set.  Achieving pleasure of Allah should only be in an environment that is none other than as perfect as is humanely possible.  The aim of the MAP project will Inshallah contribute to this but this seems at present, some time away.  We still need to create an acceptable atmosphere despite being reluctant to spend vasts sums on renovating a building, the Imambargah, which may be being rebuilt in the medium to long term future.  It seems over the last couple of years, our community halls have become neglected, and are becoming increasingly difficult to occupy for the congregation.  The carpets are worn down and are difficult to sit on, but more importantly are raising a potential health hazard.  Particularly in the gents hall, I am unable to remember the last time these carpets, utilised by hundreds of people through the year, have been washed.    The wudhu area rarely appears to be washed to the occasional visitor, and I am sure, if examined, would reveal an interesting array of bacteria.  The health consequences can be damaging and need to be addressed on an urgent basis.  We would not accept this level of hygiene in our homes, and we should not in our place of worship.

With salaams and duas