'UK's first course in women, Islam and the media launched'

Guardian, UK's first course in women, Islam and the media launched, 19 Jan 2012 "The 12-week module, which the university claims is the first of its kind in the UK, will cover the often inflammatory topics of veil wearing, arranged marriage and "honour" crimes – looking at how they are portrayed in contemporary film, TV and other media, and how this reflects cultural biases in both the east and west."

'Growing use of Sharia by UK Muslims'

BBC News, Growing use of Sharia by UK Muslims, 18 Jan 2012 "The use of Sharia law is thriving in Britain with a growing number of Muslims using it to settle their disputes."

Abu Qatada

Evening Standard, The Abu Qatada case proves it's time to rethink human rights, 18 Jan 2012 opinion "As the European Court of Human Rights upholds Abu Qatada's appeal, it undermines its own claim to authority."

BBC, Abu Qatada wins Jordan deportation appeal, 17 Jan 2012 "Radical cleric Abu Qatada has won his appeal against deportation from the UK to Jordan, at the European Court of Human Rights."

Same-day burial plan for Cardiff after Muslim request

BBC News, Same-day burial plan for Cardiff after Muslim request, 18 Jan 2012 "A same-day burial service is being prepared for Cardiff, aimed at meeting the cultural and religious needs of mainly Muslim and Jewish communities."

Prison issues for Muslims

Asian Age, 'Imams out of touch with young Muslims', 11 Jan 2012,

"Young Muslim men are turning away from religion in their droves because of the old-fashion attitudes in Britain’s mosques, according to the Prison Service’s Muslim advisor."

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Guardian, Prisons inspector condemns Long Lartin's 'cages' and slopping out, 10 Jan 2012

"Hardwick [Nick Hardwick, chief inspector of prisons] [also] says Long Lartin needs much more help from the national prison service to work successfully with the 25% of its prisoners who are Muslim.

"He discloses that those held in the detainee unit – mostly those facing deportation on national security grounds – had been denied permission to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, with other Muslim prisoners."

Ongoing trial

Daily Mail, 'Gay people should get the death penalty’: Five Muslim men on trial for stirring up hatred after 'handing out homophobic leaflets near mosque', 10 Jan 2012

New book: 'The Muslim Oskar Schindler'

Michael Theodoulou, The National, The Muslim Oskar Schindler gets belated recognition, 8 Jan 2012 "He was an aristocratic and charismatic young bon viveur who loved parties, good food, fine clothes and beautiful women. But Abdol-Hossein Sardari was also a hero.

"As a junior Iranian diplomat in wartime Paris, he saved thousands of Iranian and other Jews from becoming Holocaust victims."