One of Blackburn’s biggest mosques said it is ‘reviewing matters internally’ after High Court documents were shared that reveal a row between an imam and management.

The letters have surfaced following a number of weeks of incidents at the Masjide Tauheedul Islam, based off Bicknell Street in Brookhouse, and the summer mosque elections.

It is understood new executive committee members have been elected, following the elections.

The mosque is one of the oldest and biggest in Blackburn and is run separately from the schools in the town of the same name.

Legal documents state that Suhel Master, also known as Maullana Suhel Manya, was appointed as an imam at the mosque in 2004. In 2006, he then also went on to serve as a principal at the madrassah which caters for hundreds of pupils at the mosque based off Bicknell Street.

The document, signed by Mr Master, says that he was suspended by the mosque on May 16 for an alleged ‘incitement of disorder’ -claims he describes in the document as ‘fabricated’.

The document goes on to list a further number of employment claims during a position he has held at the mosque for 20 years.

A break-in at the mosque on August 2, and reported here, where computer equipment was believed to have been stolen is also described in the document.

Three court documents have been shared. Further court documents seen by the Lancashire Telegraph list businessman Altaf Khanjra and another individual as witnesses. 

The document on behalf of Altaf Khanjra makes accusations over the election processes and goes on to make a number of further claims.

A statement from the mosque read: “The masjid does not make comments regarding its employees or members.  We are currently reviewing these matters internally and are working hard to find a solution as swiftly as possible.”

Incidents at mosque ahead of elections

The High Court documents have been shared following a number of incidents at the mosque which have been shared on WhatsApp.

In July, one of the men named in the High Court documents, Altaf Khanjra was filmed by fellow worshippers at the entrance. 

The incident happened at the entrance from Bold Street.

He makes a number of claims before shouting ‘come on’ whilst holding his own phone to film the incident. It is unknown what the context of the row was, but it was believed to be during the beginning of a week-long period of elections.

Police were called to the mosque and did speak to individuals.

This is not the first time that police have been called to the mosque. In May, officers were called over a disturbance outside the mosque which was filmed from a nearby property.

On Sunday August 11, a further video shows a meeting being disrupted. On the same day, security were spotted at the entrance to the madressa on Bicknell Street.

Public notices have also appeared outside the mosque gates making a number of claims against the committee and the mosque.

Mr Master and Mr Khanjra were also approached for comment.

Lancashire Police were approached for comment.