Imam to be honoured in Exeter (From Mid Devon Star)

Imam to be honoured in Exeter

1:30pm Friday 19th March 2010

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A LEADING figure in the Muslim community will be honoured in Exeter on Monday by the High Sheriff of Devon.

Imam Mohammed Saied will be the first recipient of a new award for promoting understanding between Muslims and the wider community.

The award will be presented to him at a short ceremony to take place at 11am at the Guildhall.

The event is being hosted by Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr John Winterbottom, and attended by members of the faith communities, the city council, county council, police, business and community sectors.

Imam Mohammed Saied was Imam at Exeter mosque from 1982-2007 before becoming part of the chaplaincy team working with young Muslims within the prison service at Portland in Dorset.

High Sheriff David Fursdon said: “During his time at the mosque, Imam Mohammed Saied promoted the common values of justice, peace and tolerance ensuring there were strong links between the Muslim community and other faiths in Devon.

"He visited schools, taught students, gave talks, arranged visits to the mosque, officiated at interfaith marriages and arranged exhibitions on Islam.

"He also gave interviews in the media after 9/11 and hosted a reunion event in 2006 after the London bombings designed to celebrate common values between communities and reduce community tensions.

"I am delighted to present him with this award in recognition of his huge contribution to community relations.”

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