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Ex-Afghanistan fighter at MMU

Imam gives Ambedkar Memorial Lecture

A FORMER fighter in the Mujahadin is expected to attract a crowd when he talks in Manchester next month.

Usama Hasan fought in Afghanistan as a young man against the invading Soviet Army but has since been drawn to the frontline in the intellectual battle against Muslim extremism.

Hasan is now an Imam in the London borough of Leytonstone where he is involved in the daily battling to keep young Muslims away from extremist and violent groups.

His remarkable life and messages of peace he preaches led him to be invited to give the annual Ambedkar Lecture in multiculturalism at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Oppressed

The Ambedkar Memorial Lecture is organised in memory of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, a remorseless supporter for equality for groups in India in the first half of the 20th Century who were being oppressed in society.

Professor Martin Hewitt, Head of History and Economic History at MMU, said: "We are delighted to welcome Usama Hasan to Manchester. He is an interesting figure - Imam, scientist, adviser to the Government on race-relations, and a former mujahadin who is now a powerful voice for moderate, integrationist Islam."

Usama Hasan will speak about Islamic beliefs on other faiths and how Muslims can fight for social justice and equality.

The talk will be held at the Geoffrey Manton Building at Manchester Metropolitan University’s All Saints Campus on Friday, March 6 at 7pm.

Published Wednesday, 25th February 2009