Menu
31/03/2004
Council urges vigilance from British Muslims
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has written to the leaders of Islamic institutions urging vigilance against illegal activities – as some organisations "misleadingly" associate Islam with terrorism.
In its letter to all imams, ulema, chairs and secretaries of mosques, Islamic organisations and institutions, the MCB Secretary General Iqbal Sacranie said that Islam has been associated with terrorism by some figures, "despite our immediate, public and unequivocal condemnation" of the Madrid terror attacks.
He also restated the MCB position that it is a Muslim's duty to help preserve the peace of the nation as well as "protecting the community against falling into any trap or provocation".
To maintain the faith's distance from terrorism, Mr Sacranie called on community leaders to, among other things: provide the "correct Islamic guidance"; observe the utmost vigilance; liaise with the local police and give them the fullest cooperation; "proactively" engage with the media in order to refute any misconception about Islam and the Muslim community; and maintain social peace and good community relations.
The letter added: "There is no need however to be daunted or intimidated by any Islamophobic propaganda and we should continue with our daily lives – normally and in accordance with the tenets of Islam.
"All of us as Muslims will have been appalled to see some of the headlines in today ’ s newspapers (for example 'Islamic Bomb Plot Foiled', Daily Telegraph; ‘The Truck Bombers of Suburbia’, The Times 2004).
"This kind of sensationalised reporting has done immense damage to British Muslims as well as to community relations and we assure you that the MCB's Media Committee will be taking this matter up urgently with the editors concerned."
The Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the move as it highlighted that terrorism was in no way connected to the teachings of Islam.
The letter comes after eight people, reported to be of Pakistani origin, were arrested in an anti-terror operation across the south west of England yesterday morning.
(gmcg)
In its letter to all imams, ulema, chairs and secretaries of mosques, Islamic organisations and institutions, the MCB Secretary General Iqbal Sacranie said that Islam has been associated with terrorism by some figures, "despite our immediate, public and unequivocal condemnation" of the Madrid terror attacks.
He also restated the MCB position that it is a Muslim's duty to help preserve the peace of the nation as well as "protecting the community against falling into any trap or provocation".
To maintain the faith's distance from terrorism, Mr Sacranie called on community leaders to, among other things: provide the "correct Islamic guidance"; observe the utmost vigilance; liaise with the local police and give them the fullest cooperation; "proactively" engage with the media in order to refute any misconception about Islam and the Muslim community; and maintain social peace and good community relations.
The letter added: "There is no need however to be daunted or intimidated by any Islamophobic propaganda and we should continue with our daily lives – normally and in accordance with the tenets of Islam.
"All of us as Muslims will have been appalled to see some of the headlines in today ’ s newspapers (for example 'Islamic Bomb Plot Foiled', Daily Telegraph; ‘The Truck Bombers of Suburbia’, The Times 2004).
"This kind of sensationalised reporting has done immense damage to British Muslims as well as to community relations and we assure you that the MCB's Media Committee will be taking this matter up urgently with the editors concerned."
The Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the move as it highlighted that terrorism was in no way connected to the teachings of Islam.
The letter comes after eight people, reported to be of Pakistani origin, were arrested in an anti-terror operation across the south west of England yesterday morning.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 June 2014
Pastor McConnell Meets Assaulted Pakistani men
Northern Ireland Pastor James McConnell, who came under fire after making controversial comments in which he described Islam as "satanic" and "heathen", has visited two Pakistani men who were assaulted at their home in north Belfast.
Pastor McConnell Meets Assaulted Pakistani men
Northern Ireland Pastor James McConnell, who came under fire after making controversial comments in which he described Islam as "satanic" and "heathen", has visited two Pakistani men who were assaulted at their home in north Belfast.
16 October 2006
Ruth Kelly in talks to solve extremism
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has met with a group of representatives from 20 key local councils to discuss the escalation of religious rows including the alleged 'brainwashing' of young Muslims to perform acts of violence. Ruth Kelly commented: "The new extremism we're facing is the single biggest security issue for local communities.
Ruth Kelly in talks to solve extremism
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has met with a group of representatives from 20 key local councils to discuss the escalation of religious rows including the alleged 'brainwashing' of young Muslims to perform acts of violence. Ruth Kelly commented: "The new extremism we're facing is the single biggest security issue for local communities.
29 May 2014
Robinson Comments Over Muslims 'Misinterpreted'
First Minister Peter Robinson has said he would never "want to insult or cause distress" to Muslim communities in Northern Ireland after his comments supporting the remarks of Pastor James McConnell, who branded Islam "satanic" and a "doctrine spawned in hell".
Robinson Comments Over Muslims 'Misinterpreted'
First Minister Peter Robinson has said he would never "want to insult or cause distress" to Muslim communities in Northern Ireland after his comments supporting the remarks of Pastor James McConnell, who branded Islam "satanic" and a "doctrine spawned in hell".
04 July 2006
Blair appeals for Muslims to 'challenge extremists'
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that moderate Muslims must do more to help root out extremists in their communities.
Blair appeals for Muslims to 'challenge extremists'
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that moderate Muslims must do more to help root out extremists in their communities.
01 April 2004
MCB slammed for letter urging Muslims to support police
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has been accused of urging Muslims to commit "apostasy" after calling on all right-thinking members of the faith to support the police in detecting potentially illegal or terrorist activities.
MCB slammed for letter urging Muslims to support police
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has been accused of urging Muslims to commit "apostasy" after calling on all right-thinking members of the faith to support the police in detecting potentially illegal or terrorist activities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost for some and some fog patches in places. Cloudier around the coast of Country Down where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
