In a damning indictment of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, and his disastrous move to broaden the definition of “extremism”, hundreds of scholars and Imams across the United Kingdom have come together to reject the new meaning and lend their backing to the organisations that have been unfairly attacked in recent days. [1] [2]
In the joint press release, dated 22 March 2024 and signed by the likes of Shaykh Zahir Mahmood, Shaykh Asrar Rashid, Shaykh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad, and Dr. Mufti Yusuf Shabbir, among many other honourable names, the signatories begin with the following poignant verse from the Qur’ān:
“O you who believe, be upholders of justice — witnesses for Allah, even if it is against (the interest of) yourselves or the parents, and the kinsmen.” [3]
The respected community leaders go on to say,
“In response to the recent announcement by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, regarding an expanded definition of ‘extremism’ targeting groups such as MEND, CAGE, and the Muslim Association of Britain, we, the undersigned Imams and Scholars of the UK, issue this statement to underscore the concerning implications of such actions and to reaffirm our commitment combating injustice.” [1]
In addition, the signatories warn that Gove has an extensive history of being in the pockets of pro-Zionist, anti-Islam organisations.
“We note that the discourse of ‘extremism’ relies on the faulty and academically baseless neoconservative notion that ideology is a cause of political violence.
“We observe that Mr. Gove has a history of targeting Islam and Muslims under the label of ‘Islamism’.
“We further observe that Mr. Gove has deep connections with pro-Israel lobbies that propagate Islamophobia and anti-Muslim conspiracy theories.” [1]
Pro-Israel members of government hurt by support for Palestine
It is truly pathetic to witness the extreme desperation exhibited by the likes of Levelling Up Secretary Gove, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and others during the past few days, wherein claims have been thrown about of “Islamist extremists” apparently “spreading a poison” of “extremism”. [4]
Reflecting on the above points, the statement warns,
“Given the above, it appears the underlying motivation behind this announcement is the dissatisfaction among neoconservative, pro-Israeli figures within the Government towards legitimate activism opposing Israeli and Zionist aggression against Palestine, notably, Gaza.
“It is evident to us that individuals who prioritise the Israeli-Zionist agenda above Britain’s interests aim to stifle the political engagement of Muslims. The hypocrisy of Mr. Gove et al, who coercively apply ‘British values,’ which includes democracy, whilst simultaneously suppressing democratic participation that opposes their agenda, is glaringly obvious.
“Despite the Prime Minister’s purported commitment to bridging gaps with the Muslim community, his government’s actions suggest a preference for divisive tactics over genuine dialogue and engagement.” [1]
Gove’s shifting of goal posts is a clear abuse of power
While eagle-eyed observers noted early on that the new guidance issued by the government is just that: guidance, and that it carries no legal or statutory obligation for implementation, this has been deliberately glossed over by Gove and others in government. [5]
That such a redrawing of “extremism” has been done through party political lines, without parliamentary or public consultation, is proof enough that this government is only interested in protecting its own, while targeting those whom it feels are easy pickings.
However, the reality is that the government has wholly underestimated the power of the country’s Muslim community.
The signatories place an emphasis on the above in the following words,
“The ability of a select few to influence government decisions, including the alteration of laws and definitions to suit their agenda, raises serious concerns about the integrity and independence of our political system.
“The targeting of Muslim organisations also demonstrates how the politicised discourse of ‘extremism’ undermines the rule of law, often at the expense of minorities.
“It is imperative that we, as Muslims, unite against such abuses of power and reject this new definition of ‘extremism’ and its ideological assumptions.” [1]
Public urged to fight against “Orwellian drift”
Concluding the open letter by speaking directly to British Muslims and all members of the public, the authors encourage people to support the abovementioned organisations — the MAB, MEND, and CAGE International — “for a fairer society.” [1]
Moreover, they state,
“As Imams and scholars, we reaffirm our dedication to working towards a better, more just United Kingdom, free from corruption and injustice.
“The government’s focus on ‘extremism’ is a distraction for their failure to address pressing social issues, such as the living expenses crisis, housing crisis, and escalating incidents of violence and anti-Muslim hatred.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant in safeguarding against this Orwellian drift and holding our elected officials accountable.” [1]
Also read
- Michael Gove’s Muslim obsession behind extremism rethink
- Islamophobia report exposes European governments’ complicity
- Civil society groups decry anti-Muslim targeting by UK government
- Government review of Prevent — a farcical waste of taxpayers’ money
- IAM begins as government carefree about tackling anti-Muslim hatred
- MCB demands inquiry into Trojan Horse scandal after podcast unearths shocking facts
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] https://www.islam21c.com/wp-content/uploads/UK-Imams-Extremism-Statement-FINAL-22-March-2024.pdf
[2] https://www.islam21c.com/news/michael-gove-muslim-obsession-extremism-rethink/
[3] al-Qur’ān, 4:135
[4] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rishi-sunak-speech-in-full-b2505829.html
[5] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-strengthens-approach-to-counter-extremism
