New Imam for Verne Prison

8:08am Saturday 9th February 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

PORTLAND'S Verne prison has appointed a new Imam.

Mohammed Ahmad Owasi will help teach and care for the prison's estimated 100 Muslim inmates.

Mr Owasi, 55, has recently finished working as the Imam of Heathrow airport and training at Wandsworth prison.

He said: "A friend works as the Imam of Wandsworth prison, said he wanted help and asked if I could come and help him.

"I had a natural desire to go and serve in the prisons and give the inmates the real teachings of Islam.

"The aim is to make sure, when the inmates are out, that they will be better citizens, better Muslims and better human beings.

"The Muslim community is up and coming but I am concerned about the younger generation and want to move them away from becoming radicalised.

"I believe we all stand together and we're all equal, regardless of whether you are a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew.

"Even if you don't believe in God at all then we should all still try to live together.

"I'm prepared to face up to this new challenge, to work hard and trust in God."

Mr Owasi trained part-time as a sessional Imam at Wandsworth prison over the last few months while still working at Heathrow in preparation for his new role at the Verne.

He came to Britain in 1975 and has worked in mosques for more than 30 years. His wife and four daughters still live in Wembley, but Mr Owasi now lives in Weymouth.

He said: "It's a nice town and away from the hectic hustle and bustle of life in London."

The Verne's chaplain, the Rev Bill Cave, said: "We're all very pleased we've got someone starting here at last. "Mohammed is an extremely experienced man, very knowledgeable and great fun."

Mr Owasi will also be Imam for around 45 inmates at Guy's Marsh prison, Shaftesbury.

He will split his time and duties, including leading Friday prayers, between the two prisons on alternate weeks.