"Muslim service also deserves recognition"
A memorial to honour Muslims who fought in the British military during World Wars One and Two is something that former Chancellor Sir Sajid Javid is pushing for.
Sir Sajid stressed that some 140,000 Muslims have made important sacrifices in support of freedom in an interview with the BBC.
He suggested that a memorial representing the dead troops and informing future generations about their services be built in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Sajid appealed to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to support the initiative.
In response, Mr Hunt acknowledged the importance of honouring the sacrifices made by these individuals for freedom but did not commit to providing financial support for the memorial.
Hunt also said he would:
“Be happy to engage with him to identify how best the government can help make this vision a reality.”
Inspired by Dr Irfan Malik, Tazi Husain launched the World Wars Muslim Memorial Trust in 2015.
Regrettably, Husain died a year later but his Muslim memorial project gained momentum.
The two felt that the important role that Muslim troops had played in the commemoration of the First World War had been largely disregarded.
To build the memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum, the trust is trying to raise £1,000,000.
The World Wars Muslim Memorial Trust submitted a proposal for the memorial’s construction, which the National Memorial Arboretum Landscapes and Memorials Committee conditionally authorised in 2023.
National Memorial Arboretum Lead Mark Ellis explained:
“We wish them the very best in their fundraising efforts.”
“We look forward to this fitting tribute to the service and sacrifice of Muslim service personnel being installed and dedicated in the future.”
Sajid further revealed to the BBC that the British Armed Forces was:
“Renowned for people of different heritage and backgrounds fighting together in a common cause – this includes Muslims, who have a proud history of service.
“The National Memorial Arboretum holds a special place in national life and already does so much to commemorate different communities who bravely served.
“Muslim service also deserves recognition.
“A new powerful symbol…will help honour the fallen and educate future generations.
“I hope the chancellor will help make this vision a reality at the Spring Budget.”
A spokesperson for the commission illustrated:
“We regularly collaborate with religion and worldview communities to remember the diverse faiths, beliefs and worldviews held by all those who gave their lives in the conflicts of the First and Second World Wars.”
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