A new era of support for the Armed Forces is being saluted as Muslim owned businesses commit to supporting members of the military.
Nottingham-based Karimia Mosque and Institute has signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a significant moment, formally recognising and supporting the important role the Armed Forces play in the UK abroad.
The signing ushered in a flood of support from the Muslim community in Notinghamshire, with another 16 local Muslim-owned businesses, from taxi firms like DG Cars to cargo companies such as MSA Transport also committing to the Covenant.
The Covenant itself enshrines the promise from the nation that the Forces community will be treated fairly, and allows businesses to formalise their support for the Armed Forces, veterans and Reserves. It commits businesses to employing service leavers and families, giving them appropriate training and support, as well as ensuring Reserves also receive support in their commitment.
The signing marks a successful year which has seen the Covenant become embedded into the nation’s psyche; with the Covenant Annual Report showing the scheme has helped over 9,000 personnel with the Forces Help to Buy scheme, to the sum of approximately £136 million, some 86% of the UK’s motor insurance industry have committed to waiving cancellation fees and preserve no claims discounts for up to three years when personnel and their families are posted abroad, while a network of nearly 200 Armed Forces Covenant champions has been introduced.
In attendance at the signing, Defence Minister Mark Lancaster said: “Karimia Mosque’s support is incredibly significant for the proud relationship between our Armed Forces and the Muslim community, and it has already paved the way for Muslim-owned businesses across Nottinghamshire to follow suit. That means opportunities for our people, and that these businesses will benefit from the unique skills and experience which the military community offers.”
Dr Musharraf Hussain, Chief Imam and CEO Karimia Institute, said: “We believe that the defence and security of our country is an important job. Those engaged in that task must be respected, supported and appreciated. Muslims are one of the youngest communities in Britain therefore we are encouraging them to join and play their role in defending our country.
“Thousands of Muslims died for Great Britain during the First and Second World Wars. I think, by signing the Covenant, we are honouring those heroes too. We are making a solemn promise to show and encourage support for the Armed Forces community. We want the Muslim community to recognise and remember the sacrifices the Armed Forces have made and continue to do so.”
Images: © Crown Copyright Mark Lancaster, Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves and Personnel counter signs the Armed Forces Covenant with Dr Musharraf Hussain Chief Imam.
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Armed Forces Covenant Defence Minister Mark Lancaster Forces families Muslim community service leavers Veterans
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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