print page

RE-ESTABLISHING CENTRALITY OF SHURA
Shura is the cardinal democratic principle of governance in Islam. No claim of commitment to Islam, no matter how many mosques are built, or pious commentaries broadcast from the state-owned (Muslim) media, can be taken seriously where shura is denied, ignored, distorted or compromised. Islamic scholarship continues to re-establish the centrality of shura, broadening its scope and equity, but it is going to take time before Arab societies in particular become bona fide shura democracies.
(Sadek Sulaiman, former Oman ambassador, 1999)

	If you, Muslim, see wrong (in this country) be first to reject it, work to improve it, remedy ailments. If they want to harm this country in the name of Islam, be first to reject them.

	Violent Muslim extremists have provoked signs of a backlash from the indigenous populations of Europe and tolerant, peaceful immigrants who value the countries that have taken them in. Host leaders are now more vigorously arguing for their countries’ and Christian values.

	This is a war of warlords and religious fanatics. I travel across this huge country of ours (Canada) on a weekly basis and educate the young and old, boys and girls, about the true peaceful and loving nature of Islam.

NO BARRIER TO INTEGRATION
Most Muslims are well integrated, want to live under British law and prefer to send their children to mixed schools. Their religion is not a barrier to integration and is very often perfectly reconciled with being - and feeling - British. While some younger Muslims are turning to religion, others have secular habits such as drinking and pre-marital relationships. Although there is some support for Sharia law, we should be wary of seeing this as automatic qualification for the label ‘extremist’ nor as politicised religious identity. British-born Muslims are more likely than their parents to assert their identity in the public sphere, express anti-western feelings, and feel a strong sense of victimisation.
(Munira Mirza is a writer, researcher and co-author of the UK report Living Apart Together)

	Imams in Britain with better English are communicating with and influencing misguided Muslim youths by correcting misinformation they have received from radical preachers.

Two Britains have emerged by today (2007): those who adhere to the basic rules of civilised society, and those whose lives are characterised by disorder even depravity. Our British culture is now into uncharted territory and the Muslim situation just one question to be progressed, resolved peacefully.

	Peace-loving Muslims are made irrelevant by their silence. They will become the enemy if they do not speak up. They will awake one day and find that the fanatics own them. Peace today encompasses action.

MEETINGS WITH MUSLIMS
"Overthrow the establishment" is a popular game amongst late adolescents of all kinds - why assume young Muslims are different? Ninety-nine per cent of them will grow out of it. And me not having much contact with Islam? For the past three years I’ve spent six months a year in Abu Dhabi. Before that I worked in Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Algeria since 1994. I think I can say that I have met a Muslim or two in my time.
(email exchanges on article in UK national newspaper, February 2007)

	A ‘Voices from the Minaret’ report in Britain seeks increased use of English in mosques as half of Muslims under 24 do not understand Arabic/Urdu. It also calls for more women and young people on mosque committees.

	Sixty per cent of Muslims in Britain number a few or a lot of non-Muslims among close friends. Half again said they would consider marrying someone not a Muslim.

	The follies have laid bare the weakness of Armed Forces (in the West) which once seemed invincible. Iran’s only claim on the world’s attention and respect derives from its oil and the ability to wreak death and destruction. The West now has to talk (some kind of peace), a way towards an accommodation with rogue states of the Middle East.

IN PURSUIT OF HUMANE VALUES
A retreat into a cultural ghetto by any group, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist, is not only a denial of the rich diversity of the modern cultural experience, but also a rejection of responsibility for future generations. Islam and the West have the ability to develop a new and mutually rewarding relationship. It would be premised not on ideas of cultural superiority, but on mutual respect and openness to cultural eclecticism, a variety of sources. We can co-operate in pursuit of humane values and learn from each other.
(précis, speaker, Peace Conference, US, November 2001)

	True unity in diversity is to seek similarities and respect between religions and to also honour their unique expressions. Fundamentalists seek an illusory unity through sameness which is essentially a unity through blindness.

	(The success of) Al-Jazira satellite TV confirms that people across the Arab world, just like Muslims elsewhere, want open discussion of issues affecting their lives, and governments and religious authorities can’t stop it.

	The Sufi Muslim Council of Britain claims to represent far more British Muslims than the Muslim Council of Britain. It dismisses the MCB call for Shari’ah law in schools. This is not what moderate Islam is about.

BRITISH VALUES - CONVINCE OR FORCE?
On (the future) ‘British national identity’, people need to be bound together by shared values. The way is to convince them of these values, before subscribing them to them through archaic citizenship loyalty ceremonies (arising from British Empire days). Islams and Muslims are part of today’s discussion. At the advent of Islam, many civilisations such as Persians and Byzantines were moulded by Islam under the political authority of the Caliphate. Barbaric notions of nationalism were discarded, and cohesive societies established. Sadly we would seem to want to force people to accept particular values.
(letter in UK national newspaper, May 2007)

	Some (Islamic states’) brightest people become educated in the West. They are exposed to a world functioning on a different paradigm. Some turn into activist opponents, others into cosmopolitan thinkers capable of changing situations.

	In the West ageing and static populations have (mostly) introspective political cultures; in the Middle East, regimes face rapidly growing young populations, encouraged towards national political assertiveness. The problems will have moral and religious (and peace?) dimensions complicating clear demographic dimensions.

	‘No freeman shall be taken, imprisoned or killed except by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. To no-one will we sell, to no-one will we deny or delay right or justice’. (Magna Carta, 1215, England)

THE WOMEN ARE ISOLATED – OPEN IT UP
Peaceful assimilation and integration depends on opening up the situation and role of the women here. They are totally isolated, part of a very impoverished community, but rarely need to venture outside (the ghetto). The majority of them are brought here for children. They are coming from a remote village and suddenly find themselves in a society they know nothing about. They deal with themselves. Their husbands force them to stay indoors, allowing few outside activities. They have their own doctors and lawyers if and when the need arises. Some never learn English. They are peaceful but show no understanding about or intention to integrate with the larger British community.
(précis, article, Radio Free Europe website, 2005)

	Each (Western) mistake marginalizes the world’s moderate Muslims who argue for interfaith understanding, pluralism, modernity and democracy. Attack the Prophet and the Muslim religion and extremists become ‘leaders’ of more of masses.

The West must support the Muslim moderates. They are the hope to isolate the extremists. They have something diplomats in the West do not have: legitimacy within the Muslim world. They can remind people that (Caliph) Omar captured Jerusalem but banned Muslims from destroying the (Christian) churches.

	Does the British government’s PC-ness hurt the efforts of moderate Muslims to temper extremism? Yes, they find to their annoyance that extreme elements in their community are being recognised as interlocutors instead of their own spokesmen.

CRITICISE, DEBATE, INSULT, OFFEND ?
(Regarding peaceful co-existence) the Muslim world is nor entirely blameless (about tensions ie the Cartoons). Offending and insulting is different from expressing an opinion that can be analysed, argued on and eventually accepted - or rejected. But like the West itself, we ourselves (Muslims) have problems. Instead of logical criticism or debate, we only keep saying offensive things (in response) about democracy, liberalism and modernism. (To help peace) we should not keep using phrases such as ‘the corrupt culture of the West’. The Holy Koran says we do not insult the gods of others, otherwise we are indirectly insulting our God.
(Mohammad Katami, Iran, February 2006)

	The greater Middle East is one part of the world still largely untouched by positive change. There is chronic instability, severe economic under-achievement, social atrophy and cultural backwardness. Help yes, but resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict peaceably is as a solution at best delusion.

	Appeasers see injustices to Muslims by the West and they propose that an open-door policy can lessen dangers. Muslim demands must be accepted, even if considered by some to be “too far”. A sort of Islamic Caliphate will arise.

	Forty UK imams, scholars and muftis (scholar legal interpreters, lawyers), stressed that there can never be any excuse for taking an innocent life. 500 scholars dismiss suicide bombers as ‘vehemently prohibited’

	This British government should remember the perils of appeasement. The lessons have been forgotten. Winston Churchill observed "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." (Iranian mullahs appeased, fifteen British servicemen ended up feeding the Iranian ‘crocodile’, April 2007).

SECULARISATION TOWARD DEMOCRACY
There is no moderate Islam and all appeals in that direction are futile. What the West should be aiming at, in its struggle with Islam, is for the secularisation of a good share of the Islamic world. The view that encouraging ‘moderate Muslims’ toward democracy, and more individual liberties within their own societies, is one which is held by many respected students of Islam, including scholars and ‘hawks’ in the war against terror.
(excerpt, website book review, Religion of Peace? December 2006)

	Are we afraid that if we continue to offer tolerance in the West to Islam, Islam by its very ancient and rigid approach will take slow and undermining advantage of us, to the detriment of freedom, secular and religious?

	‘Peaceful rank and file’ Muslims are on a different level of jihad but equally dangerous. They soften up unsuspecting masses (in the West) by being peaceful, law-abiding citizens who ‘wish to live and let live’. Their peace is a jihad, because they help Islam infiltrate all societies.

	Many British Muslims are horrified by terrorism which has disfigured their communities. It is carried out “in the name of Islam”. The British Muslim “etablishment” ie leadership has itself been hijacked by extremist elements. Many imams preach “peace” but the delusional ideology of “holy war” is prevalent.

	The envoy approached Khomeini, showed him a pocket-watch, placed it on the floor and stamped it into crushed fragments. If my colleagues are not returned inside 24 hours, that (he pointed downwards) will be the holy city of Qom. Qom is a centre of Shia and Koranic learning and the Ayatollah had studied there. The two kidnapped Soviet diplomats were returned to their embassy safe and sound. It was 1980 and this story is an anecdote sworn as true. (UK national newspaper, April 2007)

FIGHT PREJUDICE, INTOLERANCE
Moderate Muslims must fight against all forms of prejudice, intolerance and hatred within Muslim ranks and advocate peaceful resolutions of conflict within and outside their Muslim community. When the moderates remain silent, extremists speak for all. The Qur’an, hadith and other traditional sources provide plenty of evidence supporting the conviction that (true) Islam is a religion of peace and justice. Non-violent practices are well rooted. Peace-builders must work in Muslim communities to promote self-examination and criticism about the perpetuation of stagnation, a sense of helplessness and violence.
(précis, speakers, Peace Conference, US, November 2001)

	The moderate (educated) Muslim recognises the temporal and socio-cultural changes that have taken place since the time of the Prophet (pbuh). Discussion on law and morality demonstrates the fundamental distinction between what was done in the past and what must be done (peaceably) now to conform to the Islamic faith.

	Fundamentalist (Sunni) Muslims idealize the first 50 years or so, of ‘Islam’. In this ‘golden age’ perfect justice and fairness was fully realized. After the first 50 years, they believe, the balance of Islamic history was one of unmitigated deterioration.

Scientific advances today, in social sciences and humanities, believe moderate (educated) Muslims, improve our Muslim awareness of social dynamics, behavioural patterns, political and economic structures, the role of civic society, and the function of institutions. It is not possible to achieve the moral and ethical objectives of the devout Islamic faith, without understanding the particular and specific demands and challenges of each age, and to fulfil our obligations as agents of God.

OF COURSE MANY MUSLIMS LIVE IN PEACE
The true Muslim, that is the one who desires to live in peace, is the one who is welcome in our community (in Australia). He or she is a person who respects the Christian and the Jewish neighbour and does not (have thoughts to) demand that they convert to Islam. He or she does not (have thoughts to) seek to impose Sharia law. He or she is our neighbour who has thrown off the medieval aspects of Islam. Yes, we would agree that there are Muslims (around us) who do practice the Truth of the Word of God that is written on their hearts. A friend of mine, a practising Catholic, has an Iranian Muslim neighbour. Together the families have been building a workable relationship and respecting each other’s religion at the same time. There are many Muslims who desire to live in peace in Australia. There are also others who do not respect Australian values. With no respect in them for others, Australians and their own, they should be deported.
(‘indigenous’ contributor to weblog, Australia, October 2006)

	Using Islam as a source of authority today can range widely, from guidance in the most benign and non-coercive situations, to the running of a fully-fledged theocratic state dominating people.

	Societies with the highest level of literacy and education are the most successful in establishing stable democratic states. Feminist and human rights endeavours flourish.

ACKNOWLEDGE PEACEFUL VALUES
We can make peace with Islam but the peace is likely to be one of exhaustion. This early part of the century seems filled with a kind of growing tension that could feed a war. Perhaps the sense of urgency can drive many minds on both sides to think of new ways to clear the air, resolve issues and co-exist in different spheres without violence. Peace surely can only be achieved when (people moderates or activists or extremists within) the parties come to acknowledge some universal, basic system of values. These (peaceful) values – such as human life is worth more than abstract concepts like honour and religion - will need to transcend all religions (ironic, because religions are supposed to be these things in the first place)
(précis, website blog exploring way to peace, USA, March 2006)

	He and his senior ministers have spoken out against Islamic extremism in Australia, stated that there be absolutely no acceptance of sharia law and turned down a proposal to build a mosque with Saudi Arabian money, and declared that anyone who does not want to live according to Australian values should go elsewhere and live.

	Moderate (educated) Muslims believe Islam’s potential is everlasting and the future could bring greater (peaceful) fulfilment of that potential than (that achieved in) the past. Islam is a progressive force, they are confident, that is offering never-ending opportunities for more and greater moral and ethical achievements in every new age.

	Palestinian terrorists are demanding the release of all Muslims held in British jails in exchange for the kidnapped UK journalist. I beg the UK government to do the right thing, show clemency, show humanity, show mercy to the jailed Muslims. Let them enjoy the sunshine and freedom of Palestine instead of a gloomy prison cell here. He for them is a fair exchange. And our prisons are vastly over-crowded. (letter in UK national newspaper, May 2007)

PEACEFUL LIVING DEMANDS COURAGE
There are Muslims willing and able to live among us Americans. I know a number. One prays four times a day, despises guns, likes cars and drinks, thinks bin Laden is a criminal, appreciates Americans’ ability to work hard and does not like the President.  There is a difference between Muslims and ‘Islamists’. In our anger confusing one with the other is an insult to the Muslims who do not get mad anyone ‘western’ says something potentially unacceptable. Muslims can be peaceful and productive in our society, Islamists destroy. We need to make certain Muslims who speak up against idiocy are not persecuted, even killed. We ask courage of them.
(response, website discussion on Internet article, Intimidating the West, October 2006)

	One can only wonder if they ever listen to themselves? The Muslim "community" or to be quite precise, its self-appointed spokesmen, have already attacked, accusing her of ‘racism’ and no doubt ‘Islamophobia’. If you oppose a campaign against honour killings because it, the campaign, is ‘racist and anti-Muslim’, you are in effect admitting that only certain groups indulge in it. Is that really sensible? (Swedish minister spoke out against honour killings in February 2007; UK website comment May 2007)

The assertion is that freedom of religion is ‘guaranteed’ by Islamic Shariah law. Is it a reality? It is hard to find in present day Islamic countries. If you are convinced you have the truth, how far do you go toward tolerating anything else? The Koranic passage promises ‘no compulsion in religion’. That seems to work for converting into Islam, but not on the way out. (amalgam of statements, International Peace Conference, USA, 2006)

WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND BIGGER PROBLEMS
In my travels in the Middle East, I have seen women engaged in prayer in the same places as men and there has never been an issue. Women have a right to pray where they want. If they have a right to pray in Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem mosques then they certainly have the right to pray in the local masjid in Blackburn. We live in a society (UK) where women’s rights prevail and it would be easy to view the lack of facilities (for women) as ‘gate keeping’ by misogynists from the sub-continent. Our Muslim communities have many bigger problems – the lack of young men attending regular prayers, general lack of education, and how we engage with the younger generation.
(write, Asian Image blog, UK, November 2006)

print page | reload page | reload site