Month: June 2019

🌿 Question Time on Organ Donation and Transplantation in Islam

A Bristol Multi-Faith Forum Community Event

Today, Sunday, 7th July 2019, the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) hosted an inspiring and timely community event at Greenbank Mosque, Bristol — “Question Time on Organ Donation and Transplantation in Islam.” The session brought together faith leaders, healthcare experts, and community members to explore the subject of organ donation through the lens of Islamic ethics, compassion, and community responsibility.

Exploring Faith, Health, and Compassion

The discussion centred around the recently updated Fatwa (religious edict) on Organ Donation and Transplantation in Islam — a key milestone helping Muslim communities make informed decisions aligned with their faith.

The event was chaired by Mayor Tom Aditya, Chairman of the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum, who welcomed everyone and led the proceedings with warmth and inclusivity. The Question Time featured an esteemed panel of distinguished speakers:

• Shaykh Dr Mohammad Mansur Ali, Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Cardiff University, shared insights from his in-depth academic study of over 100 fatwas on organ donation, offering an overview of Islamic thought on this complex issue.

• Dr Majid Mukadam, Transplant and Organ Retrieval Surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, gave a fascinating look into the medical realities of transplantation, emphasising the importance of organ donation in saving lives.

• Ms Angela Ditchfield, Diversity Lead on Organ Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, spoke passionately about the need for greater engagement with diverse communities to improve understanding and participation.

The session was expertly guided by Mr Amjid Ali, NHS Blood and Transplant Project Lead on Organ Transplantation in Islam, who encouraged audience participation and ensured a lively, inclusive discussion.

Faith in Action and Partnership

This event reflected the power of collaboration between faith and healthcare organisations. It was arranged by the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum in partnership with the Bristol Council of Mosques, the Bristol Muslim Cultural Society, the UK Islamic Mission and the local Mosques and community groups across Bristol under the stewardship of Mr Abdul Tariq. These partnerships helped ensure a diverse turnout and a rich exchange of ideas within a supportive environment.

A Conversation that Matters

The Question Time formed part of a wider series of community workshops organised by BMFF under the NHS Blood and Transplant Community Investment Scheme. These events aim to promote greater understanding of organ donation, challenge misconceptions, and encourage open dialogue within faith-based communities.

Participants were encouraged to share what they learned and to continue the conversation within their own circles — helping to spread awareness, compassion, and informed choice.

Looking Ahead

The session concluded with optimism and gratitude, as attendees reflected on the importance of dialogue in bridging the gap between faith and modern healthcare. It was a meaningful step forward for community awareness and collaboration.

The Bristol Multi-Faith Forum extends heartfelt thanks to all our speakers, partners, volunteers and attendees for their contributions to this important discussion.

Faith, Community and Compassion unite at Bristol’s Blood and Organ Donation Awareness Campaign

Bristol, 12 June 2019 — The Bethel Church in St George came alive on Wednesday evening as people from across Bristol’s diverse communities gathered for the Blood and Organ Donation Awareness Campaign and Community Champions Programme, organised by the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF).

Led by Mayor Tom Aditya, Chairman of BMFF, the event brought together civic dignitaries, faith leaders, community representatives, and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHS BT) specialists for an evening of dialogue, inspiration, and unity.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood and organ donation, exploring both the health benefits and faith-based perspectives surrounding the issue. Guests were treated to a rich mix of informative talks, heartfelt stories, and lively cultural performances, all capped off with delicious refreshments and community fellowship.

Inspirational Speakers and Shared Stories

Among the evening’s key speakers were the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Bishop Dexter Edmund, broadcast journalist and organ recipient Mrs Primrose Granville, living kidney donor Mr Wendell Raphael, and NHS BT specialist Dr Shibu Chacko MBE.

Each speaker offered a unique perspective: Bishop Edmund spoke passionately about the moral duty of saving lives within faith teachings; Mrs Granville moved the audience with her powerful testimony as an organ recipient; and Mr Raphael shared his deeply personal journey of donating a kidney to help another live.

Dr Shibu Chacko rounded off the talks with valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities in organ and blood donation, encouraging communities to take practical steps in becoming registered donors.

Engaging Dialogue and Cultural Unity

An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to voice their thoughts and clarify concerns about organ donation from both medical and spiritual standpoints. The open discussion helped dispel myths and fostered understanding among attendees of all backgrounds.

The evening also featured cultural performances that reflected Bristol’s vibrant diversity and the spirit of togetherness that BMFF champions. Guests enjoyed refreshments and take-home goodies, adding to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defined the night.

A Continuing Campaign Across Bristol

This event marks the first in a series of community engagement programmes under BMFF’s Organ Donation Awareness Campaign and Community Champions Programme. Further sessions will be held at:

• Bristol Hindu Temple – Tuesday, 18 June 2019, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

• Sikh Gurudwara – Tuesday, 18 June 2019, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

• Greenbank Mosque – Sunday, 7 July 2019, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Each event seeks to build stronger bridges between health services and local faith groups, inspiring individuals to become champions for life-saving causes within their communities.

Spreading the Message of Hope

Speaking after the event, Mayor Tom Aditya expressed gratitude to everyone who participated, saying that the campaign is “a testament to how Bristol’s communities can come together, across faiths and cultures, to support a cause that truly saves lives.”

The Bristol Multi-Faith Forum encourages everyone to join the ongoing events and to share the message within their networks. As the campaign continues across the city, it carries with it a powerful reminder that faith, compassion, and community can make a life-changing difference.