�鶹��

Available for over a year

Good morning Election fever has well and truly entered our house this week! Not only is our daughter Sumayah studying A level politics, but she’s also very excited as this is the first time she’ll be able to vote. Seeing the leaders of the main parties already out on the campaign trail, it’s easy to get caught up into thinking that this is all about the national picture. Of course, that is an important element to a general election, but I think this is also a good time to remember the crucial role that WE can play in our communities. Over the past 5 years or so, I’ve made a conscious decision to give more of my time to my local area. Making an impact at a national level is an honour and I don’t take it lightly, but I also know first hand how important it is to work locally, with my neighbours. Covid showed us very starkly how much we really need each other. Prophet Muhammad put a strong emphasis on the rights of neighbours. He called for us to look after each other, and really know those who live nearby. He spoke of sharing food, of not harassing them, of caring when they’re ill. He once said "God kept recommending me to treat my neighbour so well, I thought He would tell me to make him one of my heirs.” As the six weeks of election campaigning start, I worry about the divisive rhetoric that may come with it. And it’s reminded me to think local even more, to re-connect with those I’ve lost touch with and to make it easy for others to volunteer and get involved. For some that will be through the local political parties. But I decided a long time ago that was not for me. So I’m playing my part in other ways, engaging with our GP’s, getting to know the headteachers, finding out what the real needs are in our area. And yes, engaging local politicians is also an important part of our work. We will be holding them to account and calling them out if they’re not doing what they should be. But when it comes to our own personal manifestos for the future, can we maybe add a line in about striving for kinder, more connected communities and the role we can individually play in creating them. I’m looking forward to walking with my daughter to accompany her to vote for the first time. But until then, I’ll continue to pray for an election campaign that encourages connection rather than one which sparks more division.