A prominent Scottish Muslim has called on watchdogs to suspend seven officials running the country’s biggest mosque amid concerns that “the charity and its asset are at risk”.
Mohammad Farooq, a long-standing member of the ruling committee of Glasgow Central Mosque, has requested the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) investigate the actions of seven colleagues.
The veteran has also told the watchdog of “altercations” inside the mosque which have been reported to the police.
Mr Farooq himself late last month made a formal complaint to Police Scotland over alleged threatening behaviour from a member of the congregation.
His move came after the mosque’s caretaker president, Mohammed Shafi Kausar, also wrote to OSCR to say the seven men had been “illegally” appointed.
The two formal complaints represent a dramatic escalation of the bitter turf war at what is Scotland’s single biggest single place of worship of any faith.
And they place OSCR in the difficult position of having to consider using its powers, including suspension, against an important religious body.
A new generation of liberal Scottish Muslims had been in control of the facility until earlier this month, when they resigned en masse citing threats and intimidation.
Mr Farooq was one of just five members of the committee not to stand down. However, he now believes that members who were resigned were replaced illegally.
Mr Farooq said in a statement: “I have written to OSCR advising them of the illegal committee.
“I have asked them to investigate that the process in the selection of seven new committee members, which was not constitutional.
“I think OSCR should come in and suspend all of these new individuals.
“Wrong is wrong.
“Just this morning they changed locks to Mosque offices without any authority.”
In his letter to OSCR, seen by The Herald, Mr Farooq wrote: “There have been several altercations in the Mosque. These have been reported to Police Scotland.”
He added: “Our charity requires OSCR intervention as the charity trustees have been effectively rendered inoperable.”
Dr Kausar, the Mosque’s president, has told OSCR that the a list of trustees submitted to the watchdog is “false and untrue”.
He claims appointments were made when he was in hospital recovering from a heart attack.
One of the men appointed to the committee, Pervaz Aslam, denied any wrongdoing. He told The Herald the new committee members had already responded to OSCR.
He said: “As far as we are concerned everything is above board and we have no problems. But, if OSCR deems otherwise, we are happy to provide anything they are looking for.”
Mr Aslam confirmed constitutional changes had been made at an extraordinary meeting of the Mosque last week.
Dr Kausar claimed this meeting was "null and void".
Mr Aslam said: “Dr Kausar is entitled to his opinion. If he feels aggrieved on any matter, that is up to him.
“We have kept OSCR up to date. Obviously there are some issues but I cannot elaborate on them with you.”
Solicitor Aamer Anwar, pictured, who has advised liberals, said: “I find it shocking that once again the future of Glasgow Central Mosque is being jeopardised.
“The last thing anybody wants is for the Mosque to be shut down, but it is not above the law or charity regulations.”
OSCR has confirmed that it had received complaints. Police Scotland confirmed it was investigating allegations of threatening behaviour towards Mr Farooq.
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