'Show unity on mosque'
http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/content/newham/recorder/news/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=newsNEWHAM&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsnewham&itemid=WeED27%20Dec%202006%2009%3A53%3A46%3A613
MUSLIMS condemned media reports of the 'mega-mosque' planned for West Ham and
general coverage of issues concerning Islam.
Speakers at the Shalom Centre in Manor Park included Newham Respect
councillor Abdul Karim Sheikh, Mobeen Anwar from the London Association of
Muslim Professionals, Mudassar Ahmad from Newham Public Affairs Committee, and
Yusuf Patel from Hizb-ut-Tahrir.
Cllr Sheikh said politicians and the media are guilty of trying to "exploit
the current situation in order to advance their own agendas". He argued such
statements do nothing "to advance the cause of community cohesion".
Mr Patel called on Muslims to engage with the wider community in order to
dispel myths and misconceptions.
A four-point declaration stated that irresponsible journalism is
counter-productive and divisive, while robust debate is welcome.
It also called on Muslim leaders and 'influentials' to show solidarity and
unity, and all local political groupings and factions to organise a sincere
debate regarding the building of the new mosque based upon the relative merits
of the case and to open mosques and institutions to the wider society. This
would be to demonstrate "the real values of Islam and highlight the active part
our communities play in the wider society".
Fears have been voiced that the mosque could be a haven for radical Islamic
ideas.
Comment:
Masjids have existed in the UK even before Muslims arrived in large numbers
and are growing in number and size to cater for the phenomenal Islamic
awakening among the 2nd and 3rd generation of Muslims born and brought up in
the west also the increasing number of converts as well.
To say that masjids are havens for radical Islamic ideas is totally false and
based on right wing scaremongering. Masjids are a place where Muslim children
and adults are taught to abide by the values and ideas embodied in the Quran
and the example of the prophet Muhammed saw.
Ideas like respect for elders and parents, celibacy as opposed to sleeping
around, involvement in community activities as opposed to individualistic
thinking, speaking the truth and involvement in non-violent Islamic political
activism as opposed to being ignorant about what is happening around the world
and the list is endless.
Surely such values being taught in the masjid will benefit and contribute to
the well being of British society?
If the British public want to look for places where radical ideas are
propagated, which lead to the deaths, suffering and poverty of millions and the
radicalisation of such individuals who attack western interests ( Sometimes
using their own bodies ), then i suggest the place to look is the House of
Parliament and 10 Downing st.
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