AN INSTRUMENTAL organisation in Bradford is celebrating its 40th anniversary today.

Bradford Council for Mosques (CfM) has propelled the city as a leader in championing diversity and creating a fairer society over the last four decades.

It was the first Muslim umbrella body of its kind in the UK when it was launched in 1981.

The group has broke new ground ever since and today (September 23) marks a significant milestone in its history.

CfM founders and past presidents will join leaders from other faith groups and a full spectrum of partners from the council, the NHS, the University of Bradford, and far beyond to celebrate the occasion.

Guests of honour will include Zara Mohammed, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain; Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire Mayor; MPs Naz Shah and Imran Hussain; and the Bishop of the Leeds diocese, the Rt Rev Nick Baines, who will speak on behalf of Bradford’s inter-faith community.

The event will commemorate the many ways in which CfM has brought about positive change, both locally and nationally, through its campaigning initiatives and partnership working.

It will also recognise the unsung heroes who have made a difference in a year that has proved to be the most difficult in the organisation's history, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The virus swept across the BAME community and caused disproportionate deaths and illness.

Cfm was the brainchild of just five people originally.

They came together to create a body that would promote and support the Islamic code of life, encourage understanding, cooperation and mutual support between its members, and foster links with all other faiths.

The sixteenth and current CfM President, Zulfi Karim (pictured above), said: “This is a tremendous milestone for us and for Bradford.

“We have become the cornerstone for community cohesion in this, our great city, and are proud of the many positive changes we have helped achieve towards equality and a level playing field for all.

“We have lifted barriers to equality not just locally, but also at the highest level nationally.

“Many Muslims across the UK look upon Bradford CfM as an exemplar - the go-to source for guidance, insight and leadership on many issues of the day that touch our lives.

“We have also played a key role at the heart of different Governments, lobbying for change and reforms as well contributing to the development of new policies.”

He added: “All of this is a far cry from our early days, yet it is a reflection of the remarkable journey of progress we have been on.

“We now have the strongest platform from which can continue to strive to make ever greater impact towards building a stronger, safer, greener, fairer, healthier and more cohesive community in a city which boasts the highest percentage of young people in the UK.”