the Council of British Haji's (Pilgrims) | the CBH | Practical Hajj and Umrah Advice Centre

hahid Malik first British Minister to take pilgrimage to Makkah

21 November 2009

LONDON, Nov 21 (APP): The British Communities and Local Government Minister Shahid Malik is to become the first ever British Minister to perform Hajj, his office announced Saturday.Mr Malik became Britain’s first Muslim Government Minister in June 2007 when Prime Minister Gordon Brown took the historic decision to appoint him as International Development Minister. Read more

While in that role, as well as boosting aid in the non-Muslim world, some of the most significant increases in British aid were achieved in Palestine, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Kosovo and Indonesia.

Mr Malik, who represents the northern England constituency of Dewsbury, has also served as Justice Minister and Home Office & Interior Minister prior to gaining his current Ministerial role.

As Communities and Local government Minister his responsibilities include: the Olympic legacy (£10 Billion UK investment), The Thames Gateway (Largest regeneration area in Europe), Community Cohesion including faith, race and immigration, Preventing Extremism and the Fire and Rescue Service in England.

Prior to his departure for the holyland, he said:

“Hajj is a pillar of Islam and a compulsory act of worship for those who are blessed with the means to undertake the journey. I feel a great sense of privilege at having the opportunity of visiting the holy sites through the journey of devotion to Allah that Hajj represents. I am also immensely privileged and blessed to be performing Hajj and spending this precious time with my family Inshallah.”

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