What follows is a joint statement that has been signed by scholars, leaders and activists from all corners of the Muslim community in Britain. A show of unity and cooperation this broad is something very rare if not unprecedented. It includes signatories from a diverse spectrum of theological and political leanings. In shā Allāh this is a good example of the divine injunction,
‘And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.’ [1]
We hope that it signals the ushering in of a new phase of cooperation and unity among the Muslims of the United Kingdom towards common, noble objectives.
Click here to see the mainstream coverage of this statement
Muslim community rejects the State’s criminalisation of Islām and condemns moves to silence legitimate critique and dissent
This joint statement expresses a position with respect to the ongoing demonisation of Muslims in Britain, their values as well as prominent scholars, speakers and organisations.
We, the undersigned Imāms, Sheikhs, advocates, activists, community leaders, community organisations and student bodies of the Muslim community, make the following points in this regard:
1) We reject the exploitation of Muslim issues and the ‘terror threat’ for political capital, in particular in the run up to a general election. Exploiting public fears about security is as dishonourable as exploiting public fears about immigration. Both deflect attention from crises in the economy and health service. They are crude and divisive tactics by which the big parties inevitably try to outdo each other in their nastiness.
2) We deplore the continued public targeting of Muslims through endless ‘anti-terror’ laws. There have been approximately ten pieces of legislation since the year 2000, all giving huge powers to the state, which have fuelled a media hysteria even though in most cases no crime was committed. This has created a distressing and harmful backlash towards Muslims, especially women and children.
3) We reject the portrayal of Muslims and the Muslim community as a security threat. The latest Act of Parliament, the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, threatens to create a ‘McCarthyite’ witch-hunt against Muslims, with nursery workers, schoolteachers and Universities expected to look out for signs of increased Islamic practice as signs of ‘radicalisation’. Such a narrative will only further damage social cohesion as it incites suspicion and ill feeling in the broader community.
4) The expedient use of undefined and politically charged words like ‘radicalisation’ and ‘extremism’ is unacceptable as it criminalises legitimate political discourse and criticism of the stance of successive governments towards Muslims domestically and abroad. We strongly oppose political proposals to further ‘tackle’ and ‘crack down’ on such dissenting voices in the Muslim community despite their disavowal of violence and never having supported terrorist acts.
5) Similarly, it is unacceptable to label as ‘extremist’ numerous normative Islamic opinions on a variety of issues, founded on the Qur’ān and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), implying there is a link between them and violence, using such labels as an excuse to silence speakers.
6) We affirm our commitment to robust political and ideological debate and discourse for the betterment of humanity at large. The attempts by the state to undermine this bring into question its commitment to its very own purported values and liberal freedoms.
7) We affirm our concern about peace and security for all. We, however, refuse to be lectured on peace-building and harmony by a government that plays divisive politics and uses fear to elicit uncertainty in the general public, whilst maintaining support for dictators across the Muslim world, who continue to brutalise political opposition to their tyranny.
8) We affirm our intention to hold on to our beliefs and values, to speak out for what is right and against what is wrong based on our principles, whether that be on matters such as the securitisation of society, corporate hegemony, war and peace, economic exploitation, social and moral issues in society, nationalism and racism. Not to do so would be dangerous and would leave our community unguided.
9) We call on all fair-minded people in Britain – including politicians, journalists, academics, bloggers and others concerned about fairness for all – to continue to scrutinise the scare tactics, fear-mongering and machinations of politicians, which do not bode well for societal harmony and only increase the alienation felt and experienced by Britain’s Muslim community.
It is time that politicians stop diverting the attention of the British public away from its domestic crises and disastrous foreign policies by repeatedly playing the ‘Muslim’ or ‘national security’ card.
Signed:
- Abdurraheem Green, Chairman of the Islamic Education and Research Academy
- Anjum Anwar, Teacher/Chair of Woman’s Voice
- Arzu Merali, Islamic Human Rights Commission
- Dr Abdul Wahid, Hizb ut-Tahrir, Britain
- Dr Musharraf Hussain, CEO and Chief Imam, Karimia Institute
- Dr Reza Pankhurst, Author and academic
- Dr Saeed Al-Gadi, Presenter at Islam Channel
- Dr Shahrul Hussain, Birmingham
- Dr Uthman Lateef, Hittin Institute
- Hodan Yusuf, Journalist
- Ibrahim Hewitt, Leicester
- Ibtihal Bsis, Barrister, Broadcaster,
- Imam Abdul Wahhab, East London
- Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh, Imam & Khatib, London
- Imam Abdul Mateen, East London
- Imam Aziz Ibraheem, Iman Trust Community Centre, St Helens
- Imam Irfan Patel, Jamiah Masjid, Gillngham
- Imam Shakeel Begg, Lewisham Islamic Centre
- Jahangir Mohammed, Centre for Muslim Affairs
- Lauren Booth, Journalist
- Mahmud Choudhury – Secretary Poplar Shahjalal Masjid
- Massoud Shadjareh, Islamic Human Rights Commission
- Moazzam Begg, Director of Outreach for CAGE
- Muhammad Mustaqeem Shah, Al Mustaqeem Centre, Bradford
- Shaikh Abu Abdissalam, London
- Shaikh Haitham Haddad, London
- Shaikh Haitham Tamim, Chairman of the Utrujj Foundation
- Shaikh Khaled Fekry, Imam, London
- Shaikh Omer Hamdoon, Muslim Association of Britain
- Shaikh Sulaiman Gani, South London
- Shaikh Zuber Karim, Intelligence Finance Consultancy
- Shaikh Tauqir Ishaq, CEO Hijaz College
- Ustadh Kamal Abu Zahra, Lecturer on Islamic studies, London
- Yusuf Chambers – Freelance community activist
- Yusuf Patel, SRE Islamic
- Azad Ali, Muslim Safety Forum
- Asghar Bukhari, Muslim Public Affairs Committee, UK
- Roshan Muhammad Salih, Broadcaster and journalist
- Ghulam Haydar, Director of Myriad Foundation
- Shoaib Khalid Bhatti, Muslim Lobby, Scotland
- Dr Daud Abdullah, British Muslim Initiative
- Shaikh Chokri Majoli, Imam, London
- Yvonne Ridley, Vice President European Muslim League
- Muhammad Shafique, Ramadan Foundation, Rochdale
- Hassan Alkatib, Journalist
- Mazhar Khan, Manchester Muslim Forum
- Saaqib Abu Ishaaq, Project Medinah, Rochdale
- Omar Ali, Chair of Brighton and Hove Muslim Community
- Sofia Ahmed, Activist & founder of Muslim Women Against Femen
- Nalini Naidoo, Newham Muslim Women’s Association
- Irfan Hussain, Bradford Dawah Centre
- Leyla Habibti, humanitarian activist
- Tasmin Nazeer, freelance journalist
- Ali Anees, Eccles Mosque
- Saeed Akhtar, Cheadle Mosque
- Yousef Dar, Community Safety Forum, Manchester
- Dr Shameela Islam-Zulfiqar, Humanitarian campaigner
- Majid Freeman, Humanitarian aid worker, friend of Alan Henning
- Laura Stuart, Humanitarian aid worker, journalist and activist
- Salman Sayyid, Author and Academic
- Shezana Hafiz, Humanitarian Activist
- Abdus Samad, IQRA TV / TV Producer
- Alomgir Ali, MDRF, London
- Shamsuz zaman, CYCD Chairperson, Luton
- Tahir Talati, Imam Zakariya Academy, London
- Abdul Razaq, Principal Iqra Academy, Peterborough
- Fahad Ansari, Human Rights Solicitor
- Abdullah al Andalusi , Muslim Debate Initiative
- Yusuf Shabbir, Blackburn Muslim Association
- Suhail Akubat, Imam, Masjid e Salaam, Preston
- Bilal Toorawa, Imam, Blackburn
- Councillor Salim Mulla, Blackburn
- Mohammed Alsheikh Mousa Attari Alhijazy, Alhuda Prophetic Medical Centre, London
- Haji Mohammed Walayat, Sunni Council of Mosques, Luton
- Edris Seth, Political Activist, Bolton
- Ali Ahmad, Imam, East London
- Zahid Akhtar, Founder Documenting Oppression Against Muslims, Walsall
- Shirajul Haque, Imam, London
- Ismail Rawat, Preston Muslim Forum, Preston
- Khaleel Ur Rahman, The Deen Project / Activist, Derby
- Ilyas Abu Yusuf, Imam, Bolton
- Yaseen Ahmedabadi, General Secretary, Nuneaton Muslim Society
- Munir Aya, Volunteer, Zakaria Mosque, Bolton
- Raheema Bux, Community Worker, Blackburn
- Nasima Begum, Solicitor, Luton
- Mustafa Mustafa, Youth Worker, South London
- Amanpaul Dhaliwal, Islam21c.com, London
- Tahir Alam, PHD Student, SOAS, London
- Dr Ajmal Hussain, GP, Stoke on Trent
- Hafiz Kasim Javed, Community Activist, Rochdale
- Ahmed Desai, Imam, Bradford
- Muhammad Hansrot, Imam, Croydon, London
- Muhammad Rahman, Teacher, Ilford, London
- Rizwan Ahmed, Imam, Sheffield
- Abdul Rehman Saleem, Khateeb / Activist, London
- Inamul Hussain Yusuf, Teacher, Bolton
- Dr Suhel Ahmed, GP, Bolton
- Nasar Khan, Quran Project Volunteer, Birmingham
- Asad Zaman, Imam & Chair Inter-Mosque Sports Association, Cheadle
- Dr Siema Iqbal, GP, Manchester
- Professor Yasin Patel, Senior Professor and Academic, London
- Mohammed Makeen Salloo, Imam, Walsall
- Qasim Asad, Community Voice, Blackburn
- Ibrahim Bismillah, Director of Darul Ihsan Academy, Bradford
- Faisal Mahmood, President, UKIM Peterborough
- Muhammad Haque, Imam, Romford
- Juwel Mahmud, Activist, London
- Kosser Mohammed, College Lecturer, Newham, London
- Suhail Rafique, Lecturer, Bolton
- Majed Iqbal, Freelance Journalist and Blogger, Rochdale
- Mufti Hussain Mohammed Sultan, Imam, London
- Dr Imran Rafiq, Ilford, Essex
- Dr Colin Turner, Reader in Islamic Thought, University of Durham
- Nabeela Siddiqui, Barrister, Derby
- Nadeem Khan, Normanton Youth Association
- Mahmud Amirat, Chair Preston Gujarat Muslim Welfare Society, Preston
- Mohammed Tahir, Teacher, Oldham
- Imran Khan, Youth Worker, Birmingham
- Syed Nurul Islam, Community Activist, Bedford
- Hamid Chaudry, Chair, Bayyina Foundation, Blackburn
- Muhammad Rashid, Imam, Peterborough
- Sadiyya Ali, Teacher, Oldham
- Mohammed Tahir, Teacher, Oldham
- Muhammed ibn Ayub, Director MBYG, Blackburn
- Aisha Mirza, Author / Activist, Manchester
- Sajid Varda, Producer / Broadcaster, London
- Paul, Muslim Blogger at bloggingtheology.net, London
- Belal Ballali, Muslim Association of Britain, Birmingham
- Zaid Mohammad, Imam, Central Mosque Rochdale
- Abyd Quinn Aziz, Lecturer, Cardiff
- Dr Zavid Chariwala, GP, Bolton
- Rahim Jung, Broadcaster / TV presenter, London
- Badr. J. Akhter, Teacher, Stockport
- Mumtaz Malik, Imam, London
- Shaban Ul Haq, CEO The Reflections Institute, Luton
- Lukman Harees, Social Activist / Author, Reading
- Moinul Abu Hamza, The Qur’an Initiative, London
- Shujah Hamid, Deputy Head Teacher, Slough
- Usman Qureshi, Norbury Muslim Centre, London
- Mohammad Quraishi, Principal, Quantum Ruqya Education Trust
- Imam Khalid Hussain, Masjid Tajdar E Madina & Jamia Sufia, Leicester
- Dr Zeshan Ali, Doctor, Manchester
- Moulana Afrooz ali, Al Hikmah Trustee, Bradford
- Nabil Khan, Hemel Muslims, Hemel Hempstead
- Muhammad Rubel Amin, Community Worker, Bedford
- Abdul Munaim, Journey to Islam, Derby
- Sadat Hussain, Founder- Street Dawah Walsall, Walsall
- Mubarak Patel, Teacher, Blackburn
- Asif Batha, Lecturer, Bolton
- Abid Khan, Imam, Cheadle Mosque, Manchester
- Faisal Khan, Councillor, Bradford
- Shah Asad Ahmed, Director, Oxford Muslim Society, Oxford
- Abu Isa, Inquisitive Minds Tuition, Leeds
- Mohammed Imran, Teacher, Wakefield
- Shah Shuaib Ahmed, Vice Principal, Imam Zakariya Academy & Al-Ashraaf Islamic College, London
- Mohammed Amjad, Councillor and Human Rights Lawyer, Aylesbury
- Adnan Ahmad, Actvist, Uxbridge
- Dr Imran Satia, Chair, Blackburn Muslim Association, Blackburn
- Dee Jenoch, Youth Club co-ordinator, Bedford
- Dawud Islam, Former Deputy Leader, RESPECT, Rochdale
- Zubeir Hassam,Principal, Muslim School Oadby, Leicester
- Rehana Parveen, Lecturer, Birmingham
- Aminur Rahman, Imam, Birmingham
- Latif Rajput, Trustee, Cambridge
- Abdul-Samad Billoo, Community Activist, London
- Sajaad Rauf, Youth worker, Sheffield
- Leonie Campbell, Teacher, London
- Riyadhul Haque, Nottingham Muslim Community (FB), Nottingham
- Imran Patel, Quwaat-ul-islam School, London
- Ridwaan Haris, Solicitor / Activist, Bradford
- Abbas Khan, Islam Invite, Bradford
- Abdullah Shahid, Alhikmah Learning Centre, Bradford
- Amjid Mahmood, Ghazali Trust, Oldham
- Mamoon Al-Hassan, President, Young Muslim Organisation UK, London
- Dr Anas Altikriti, CEO & Founder, The Cordoba Foundation, London
- Sufyan Ismail – CEO of Muslim Engagement and Development
- Salim Bhorat, Community/Peace activist, Bolton
- Shohana Khan, Writer / Blogger, London
- Saghir Hussain, Solicitor, London
- Dilly Hussain, 5Pillars News
- Yasmin Khatun, Journalist
- Nabil Robbins, Teacher, London
- Shakil Chaudhary, President of Islamic Society, Chigwell
- Joynal Ahmed, Imam, East Ham Islamic Academy, London
- Shohab Ali, Trustee, Muhammadi Masjid, Keighley
- Amar Alam, Research Psychologist / Activist / Writer, London
- Abdul Jabbar, Journalist, Bradford
- Louisa Butt, Speaker Newspaper, Manchester
- Asma Begam, Teacher, London
- Ibrar Ali, Community Activist, Bradford
- Tariq Mahmood, Independent Muslim Forum, Bolton
- Jamal Uddin, Moulana / Social Worker, Sheffield
- Farzana Shaheen, Stepping Stones 2 Wisdom, Bradford
- Abdul Majid, Need4Deen, Bolton
- Haleema Begum, Stepping Stones 2 Wisdom, Bradford
- Hamer Youth Group, Rochdale
- Atif Hussain Khan, Economist/ex-president of University of Kent Islamic Society, Manchester
- Qari Mubashir Anwar, Founder, The Blessed Hub, Manchester
- Rojin Khairul, Director, Living Madina, Manchester
- Zeshan Rehmani, Pharmacist / Actavist, Manchester
- Amer Rashid, CEO, Afghan Orphans, Birmingham
- Amelia Al, Activists / Writer, London
- Dr Isa Malik, Youth Activist, London
- Adnan Rashid, Head, Hittin Institute, London
- Arafath Ahmed, Youth and Community Worker, Leicester
- Amer Hamed, Chairman, Welsh Islamic Cultural Association, Swansea
- Dr Patricia McManus, Lecturer / UCU activist, Brighton
- Shabaz Ahmed, Solicitor, Blackburn
- Shabir Qamar, CEO, Paigham Radio, Bradford
- Mohammed Ansar, Broadcaster, political commentator and activist
- Sofiya Ahmed, Co-Chair London Young Greens, Hemel Hempstead
- Liam Reynolds, Scottish Green Party Activist, Edinburgh
- Rob Ferguson, Activist, East London
- Jim Board, Branch Secretary (UNISON), Doncaster
- Ahmet Dursun, Chairman, Edinburgh Turkish Cultural Association, Edinburgh
- Azhar Khan, Teacher, Bradford
- Asik Miah, President, IFE London Central East Branch, London
- Mohammad Attique, University Researcher, Bradford
- Kashif Ali, Commitee Member, University of Bradford Islamic Society
- Sarah Robertson, Lawyer, London
- Dr Sultan Farouk, Teacher, Birmingham
- Irfanullah Irfan, UKIM, Peterborough
- Azizul Choudhury, Chairman, Youth Connections, Rochdale
- Sajjad Ali, Chairperson, Al-Amin Jame Masjid, Rochdale
- Haroon Vawda, Manager, Rahma Mercy, Bolton
- Fazilla Abdulla, Teacher, Essex
- Mohammed Abdussamad, Teacher, Jalalia Jaame Masjid, Rochdale
- Nfaly Jarju, Hayes Muslim Centre, Hayes and Harlington
- Mohammad Ashraf, CEO, Islamic Education & Cultural Centre, Bradford
- Nahella Ashraf, Community Activist, Manchester
- Moinuddin Kolia, Chairman, Leicestershire Islamic Medical Association, Leicester
- Mina Morris, Director, The Orphan Trust, London
- Ayub Patel, Imam , Masjid Falah, Preston
- Umar Iqbal, Chaiman, ANO (Charity), Leicester
- Katrina Mayer, GMB, Leeds
- John Molyneux, Senior Lecturer, Portsmouth University (Retired), Portsmouth
- Sheikh Mufti Shah Sadruddin, Imam Zakariya Academy, London
- Dawood Masood, Founder of Quba Trust
- Aysha Boshor, founder of Rosebuds, Bedford
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Source: www.islam21c.com
Notes:
Official statement and a realtime list of signatories can be found on the campaign site, https://jointmuslimstatement.wordpress.com/
[1] Al-Qur’ān 5:2
If you agree with this statement please email Dilly.Hussain88@gmail.com.
Baarikallah and Jazaakallah—all of the signatories and all of the supporters and sympathisers. Muslims need to stand against demonization of Muslims and Islam and invasion of their home-countries by the ex-empires and new empires. This is second worthy case of cooperation in terms of Birr and Taqwah after the ‘Common Word’ Statement issued by Muslims all over the world posted on Hashmite (Jordan) website that invited Jewish, Christian and other scholars to come and make a stand on Kalimatun siwaaun baina-naa wa bainakum. see http://www.acommonword.com/
Why are is Majid Nawaz not on this list?…..Oh wait.
Aaww. To everyone who endorsed this letter I say jazakhumllahu qulu khair fiduniyah wal Akhirah.
We as a community have been boxed into a very dangerous corner by politicians and the media in this country. May Allah swt continue to bless and unite our Ummah amin.
Asalamalikum. I just wanted to make dua for the initiative above Alhamdulilah. Then I came across a rant by a person named Naveed. Such suspicion against the initiative in fact highlights a very very important point. Those who are still being affected by the colonised mindset will always fear a loss of something. Here is an attempt to show some solidarity between the Muslims living in Britain against the onslaught they are facing which is doomed to get worse – and what does mr Naveed have to offer? Scepticism and criticsm on the basis of loosing something from the establishment. The colonised mindset will not be productive in the changing times ahead and we truly do need to discuss more together, collectively in order to iron out differences but for sure this initiative is a good thing.
“it is unacceptable to label as ‘extremist’ numerous normative Islamic opinions on a variety of issues,”
The fact that “normative Islamic opinions on a variety of issues”, such as sexual behaviour, freedom of belief and blasphemy are extremist by the standards of most nonmuslims makes this a little difficult.
//The fact that “normative Islamic opinions on a variety of issues”, such as sexual behaviour, freedom of belief and blasphemy are extremist by the standards of most nonmuslims makes this a little difficult//
The fact that you or anyone else believes that we’re merely an accidental rearrangement of atoms and molecules stuck between two eternities of non-existence, and that our sole purpose in life is to, at best, make as much money as possible, and have as many orgasms as possible before becoming worm buffet is pretty pathetic. Yet you have the audacity to point fingers at others without having any sort of ontological foundation for any sort of objective morality.
Please tell me, is sleeping with your grandmother wrong or not? If yes, then you are contradicting yourself. If no, then I hope that you don’t mind your grandson sleeping with your wife (at least once your dead that way no ones feelings get hurt, but that’s just looking at things from the consequential perspective on morality).
Thirdly, what do you know about freedom of belief in Islam? Islam allows for even more freedom of belief than western governments because religious minorities can rule by their own laws under an Islamic State.
Fourthly, freedom of speech isn’t freedom to insult. It is a tool to promote intellectual discussion and dissidence. A person farting out random moronic thoughts isn’t called freedom of speech, that’s freedom of stupidity, and only a child-minded individual would promote such a thing. If we understand freedom of speech in it’s proper context, then Islam allowed for such freedom. Imam Abu Hanifa was known for having public debates for example. Peace
@ Jade
“A person farting out random moronic thoughts isn’t called freedom of speech, that’s freedom of stupidity…”
Now that is a classic sis….Looool. Sorry couldn’t resist 🙂
But going back to the subject, it is imperative that we Muslims stick together and this is an excellent start from our ulema. And for those who are nit picking and finding fault, do you not see the times we are witnessing? Do you not see how Muslims are being attacked, how Islam is being attacked? It is not the time for division, it is the time for us to come together under the banner of Islam, as Muslims, one Ummah. It is the only way we will achieve anything.
And what is the ontological foundation for your allegedly objective morality, Jade?
Well, Jade, is sleeping with your grandmother wrong or not? Is having sex with your grandmother wrong or not? If so (or if not) why?
Can irreligious minorities rule by their own laws (or lack of laws) under an islamic state? If not, why not? What about religious (or irreligious) majorities?
If freedom of speech isn’t freedom to insult, are christians free to demand that muslims stop insulting Christ by saying he was a mere prophet and not the son of god? Are they entitled to force muslims to stop repeating their damnable blasphemies?
I agree this protest is well overdue. And alhamduillah we Muslims need to stick together, and this is a very good start.
can we start a petition that everyone can sign, including non-Muslims sympathisers who can see the unfair pressure and sense of guilt being forced onto ordinary Muslims
@naveed. Completely disagree. It’s a statement which makes it clear that Muslims are fed up of being victimised and will no longer accept being used as scapegoats due to the actions of a few. These individuals do not represent Islam and Muslims, and those in power know this. However, because of the influence of right wing neo con groups, they pass policies and force through legislation which are inherently islamaphobic. They are not interested in the security of the country, because if they were, they would meet Muslim scholars and hear their views on the root causes of violence.
Assalamu Alaikum to all signatories. In my view, this letter is a cunning initiative by Hizb-ut-Tahrir to promote their REJECTIONISM. Unlike most of the signatories, Hizb-ut-Tahrir rejects democracy and any sense of belonging to Britain as real citizens. Hizb-ut-Tahrir want to create a wedge, a block, between Muslims and Britain – they merely see Muslims as “living in(side)” Britain, but not truly being part OF Britain. They approach real social issues and injustices with this mindset, to further their aim.
This letter is preying on Muslim fears and anxieties and channelling it for another purpose: A purpose of separation, separatism, and supremacism. There is no sense of proper commitment or engagement at all. Because that isn’t in Hizb-ut-Tahrir’s thinking.
I would advise many of the signatories to take a moment and consider whether they – in signing this because of its strong voice of condemnation – may not be realising exactly WHAT is being advocated here. Its message of REJECTIONISM and of a “them” and “us” separatism and supremacism is hidden within the language – you have to look for it and think about it.
That’s my advice, my honest and earnest view. But if, after considering that, this letter by Hizb-ut-Tahrir is right for you, then I hope some good comes out of it.
Sincerely yours, and willing to be corrected,
NS
this protest is a very long overdue initiative. Do you know of a better one that preceded it?
Agree with you. Can we stop them (HT) taking over Muslim students societies in universities too please.