The Prophet ﷺ said: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
- Sahih Muslim 1829a

Those entrusted with the leadership of a masjid carry an amanah towards its worshippers, imams, teachers and students. This responsibility requires decisions to be made with justice, care and accountability, particularly where the spiritual wellbeing of children and the unity of the community are at stake.

I am starting this petition because I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that Maulana Mohammad and Maulana Huzaifa have had on Jamia Masjid Noor and the wider Huddersfield community.

Their leadership has brought a genuine sense of renewal to the masjid. Through community events, Islamic talks, youth activities, dhikr gatherings, education and personal support, they have helped rebuild trust and encouraged many young people to reconnect with the mosque. They have become respected teachers, role models and pillars of the community.

Their impact has been especially clear within the madrasah. The students have formed a strong bond with their teachers and deeply value the guidance, care and encouragement they receive from them. When the students found out what was happening, many were visibly distressed and in tears. This demonstrates that the consequences of this decision extend far beyond an employment contract: they affect the spiritual education, emotional wellbeing and stability of the children entrusted to the masjid.

When Maulana Mohammad left the mosque, he was also overcome with emotion. He left in tears after embracing and saying goodbye to those who were present. It was a painful moment for him, his students and the wider community.

The decision not to renew Maulana Mohammad’s contract was communicated without a clear and transparent explanation. This was followed by Maulana Huzaifa stating his intention to resign as a result. 

This is not being viewed by the community as an isolated decision. It is seen as part of a repeated cycle in which respected imams build trust, strengthen the madrasah and reconnect people with the mosque, only for their positions to become unstable without a clear and accountable process. Over time, this pattern has caused serious reputational damage to Jamia Masjid Noor and has led to growing concern well beyond the immediate congregation. The mosque is increasingly becoming known for repeated disputes with its imams rather than for the positive work taking place within it. The repeated nature of these incidents is damaging the mosque’s reputation both locally and within the wider Muslim community.

That reputation is harmful, unnecessary and entirely preventable.

We do not believe that simply pausing the decision is now sufficient. The overwhelming level of support shown by the congregation, volunteers, young people, parents and madrasah students demonstrates that Maulana Mohammad continues to hold the confidence of the community.

We are therefore calling upon the committee to:

1. Reverse the decision not to renew Maulana Mohammad’s contract and reinstate him as an imam and teacher.
2. Engage urgently with Maulana Huzaifa to prevent his resignation and preserve the stability of the masjid.
3. Hold an independently chaired community meeting at which clear answers can be provided.
4. Publish the mosque’s full governance structure, including the names and roles of its trustees and committee members, how they are appointed and how major decisions are made.
5. Clarify the legal and regulatory status under which Jamia Masjid Noor operates.
6. Provide greater financial and organisational transparency, including access to the mosque’s constitution or trust deed and appropriate financial accounts.

There is currently significant uncertainty within the community about the mosque’s legal structure, governance arrangements and financial accountability. Although the mosque receives donations, operates a madrasah and provides services normally associated with a charitable religious organisation, the community has been unable to identify clear publicly available information explaining its organisational status, governing rules or accounts.

This petition does not make allegations of financial wrongdoing. It asks legitimate questions about transparency, accountability and the responsibilities of those entrusted with managing a mosque wholly funded and supported by the community.

Jamia Masjid Noor belongs at the heart of its community. Decisions capable of removing trusted imams, destabilising the madrasah and undoing years of progress should not be made behind closed doors without proper explanation or meaningful consultation.

The strength of feeling within the community is clear. We respectfully but firmly call upon the committee to listen, reverse its decision, reinstate Maulana Mohammad and work constructively to retain Maulana Huzaifa.

Please sign this petition to stand with our imams, our madrasah students and the future of Jamia Masjid Noor.

Our masjid. Our community. Our voice.