Professor Alasdair Smith, Vice Chancellor, University of Sussex.

Dear Professor Smith


It was an honour to be present at the 45th Annual Meeting of University Court.

I am proud to be associated with the Universities achievements and successes and I offer you our full support for the future.
However I would also like to take this opportunity to request that as part of the current developments that are taking place at our University, it would be very encouraging if the university confirms its commitment to the greatly needed refurbishment of the university mosque, which is in great demand and in regular daily use by our Muslim students.
Our University has a world wide reputation and the Sussex campus mosque often welcomes senior scholars from the Muslim world, not to mention a number of dignitaries from within our shores, such is its reputation. Our University continues to attract Muslim students from all over the world, many of whom I meet regularly and it is very much their wish that a commitment be made to improve the current mosque by meeting their modest religious requirements.
You may be aware that in a recent poll of Muslims, over 85% said their religion was vital, so you can understand the importance of this matter.


This will be a good opportunity for our University to reaffirm its commitment to its current and prospective Muslim students that it is more than willing to continue to meet the needs of those who study here and use the mosque facilities daily.
The last five presidents of the Islamic society of our University, going back to Kadeer Arif and later Daoud Clarke had regular meetings with the Director of Estates David Kirkwood to request the much needed improvements. Feasibility studies were offered and carried out by the university, but sadly, have not led to fruition.
In contrast, Brighton University seems far more progressive in this manner and it has committed funds to refurbish the prayer area and the washing facilities, but has also continually listened and worked towards accommodating various other important requirements and needs of its students.


The previous presidents and the current president, Kashif Jarral do acknowledge the help and essential maintenance carried out by the university, including the fixing of lights, electric sockets and recently the washing of the carpet. However, certain areas of the prayer room do require regular maintenance. The main examples of these include:


1. The carpet – this was washed recently by the university, but still appears old, dirty and gives a stale odour despite regular cleaning by the students. This is an integral part of a Muslim prayer room, as worshippers stand and prostrate on it five or more times a day. It is becoming evident that a new carpet is the only answer to solve this problem.

2. The washroom – again this is an essential part of the prayer room as worshiper perform the obligatory washing of the hands, arms, face and the feet daily before prayer. The taps have been fixed on countless occasions, but end up leaking or losing their function, resulting in another call out to the University for Maintenance. Another problem is that there is no hot water available; the taps give out very cold water, which is extremely uncomfortable to wash one’s hands, arms, face and the feet, especially during the winter months. Again it appears that it would be more efficient to replace the essential parts of the wash room – sinks and taps so that they always work, with both hot and cold water.

3. Heating – this issue has risen on a number of separate occasions with previous Islamic society committees working hard for the installation of a new heating system. Currently there are electric radiators in the building, which are very inefficient in keeping the entire building warm; it must also incur a large cost on the university’s electricity usage no doubt. An integrated heating system is the only solution to keeping the building warm in energy effective and cost efficient manner.


In conclusion it must be noted that the much needed University Mosque refurbishment is far over due. Those who regularly visit our University Mosque and this includes many non Muslims from within our University have raised to me the same concerns. Senior members present at the 45th Annual Meeting of the University Court also approached me after this meeting to air their support. The poor state of the washing facilities, the heating/ventilation problems and the basic upkeep need to be dealt with urgently, I would request if this matter can be given some serious consideration by your senior management team and budget holders responsible for maintenance. The improvements you make will only enhance the name of our University. I leave this in your capable hands.


I look forward to you reply.


Kind regards