ASIAN LEADER Article- From the Widows, Orphans and those killed in Iraq

The Following article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper highlighting the growing negativity and failure of US policy for Iraq and the Arab World as demosntrated through a Journalists shoe throw.



The Newspaper article can be read online on the Look Asia Website. Please click HERE to read

ASIAN LEADER Article- Rochdale Imam accuses Mosques of Child beatings

The following article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper which discussed claims that Rochdale Mosques were involved in Child beatings.



The Newspaper article can be read online on the Look Asia Website. Please click HERE to read

"From the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq"

By Majed Iqbal- America's campaign led on the War on Terror, regime change in Iraq for the betterment of the Iraqi people, and winning the hearts and minds of Muslim countries was thrown into abyss when a journalist threw his shoes at the outgoing American president George Bush.

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Muntazer al-Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist who works for the Cairo-based al-Baghdadia channel, tore off his shoes and flung them at Mr Bush as he stood beside Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi Prime Minister, during a press conference in Baghdad's Green Zone.

"This is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog. This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq," he shouted before being overpowered by security guards and bundled out of the room.

The American led Nouri al-Maliki government was quick to condemn the action citing it as "shameful" demanding an apology from the journalist's Cairo-based employer, who in turn called for his immediate release from custody.

ASIAN NEWS COVERAGE: Madrassah beating claims is scare tactic

The following article was published on the Asian News Website detailing the views from various Community leaders in Rochdale on the Mosque Child beating Fiasco which has hit national press. Comments from this blog also featured in the article.



MOSQUE leaders and community members have hit back at an unpublished report by a Rochdale imam who has claimed students at some madrassahs are being regularly beaten and abused by their teachers.

Imam Irfan Chishti, a former government adviser on Islamic affairs and religious education teacher who runs the Light of Islam Academy on Milkstone Road, Rochdale, compiled the report based on interviews with victims in madrassahs in the north of England.

He told The Times, which also carried out its own investigation in Rochdale, that he was "shocked" how even victims had accepted the abuse and said there was a "culture that accepts it." He said part of the problem was that madrassah teachers were ignorant of British law which bans corporal punishment.

Both Mr Chishti's and the Times report suggest that children are regularly slapped, punched and even had their ears twisted. One student was "picked up by one leg and spun around" while another said a madrassah teacher was "kicking in my head - like a football".

Rochdale Imam accuses local Mosques of 'Child Beatings'

By Majed Iqbal- According to a new report compiled by Irfan Chishti, a government adviser on Islamic affairs and a close ally to Hazel Blears on her agenda to tackle Extremism, has stated that Muslim children are being beaten and abused regularly by teachers at some madrassas.

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Students have been slapped, punched and had their ears twisted, according to the unpublished report by the Rochdale imam based on interviews with victims in the north of England.

The times newspaper, who ran the story and claimed Exclusive coverage for it, was forthright in painting a bleak picture of Muslims In Rochdale and their institutions. It is yet to be verified as to how the report came to the attention of the times newspaper.

Rochdale Muslims have met the news with utter disgust and have been sceptical over the last months of the direct repeated references being made about Rochdale Muslims in Press and Government Circles. This news story adds to the frenzy which has gradually been whipped up in recent weeks.

Mumbai Attacks- Pakistan's ISI comes under fire

In the continued efforts and pre-Iraq invasion styled rhetoric, the US continues to jab away in any way possible at Pakistan to present the case against the country as being on the brink of disaster.



Now the intelligence services run under fire accused of in-directly supporting armed militant groups. In these endeavours old recruits from the ISI are being named by the US to be added onto the UN list of people and organisations linked to al-Qaida and the Taliban.

"It goes beyond information sharing to include some funding and training" The Times quotes one US official as saying. "And these are not rogue ISI elements. What's going on is done in a fairly disciplined way".

A report, which appeared in The Washington Post's Sunday issue, claimed that Islamabad has agreed to a 48-hour deadline set by India and the US for key suspects to be handed over to India. New Delhi was keen to see the extradition of 20 suspects including former director of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, Hamid Gul.

Condoleeza rice in her visits levelled similar accusations stating that "Pakistan has had historic links with these armed groups previously" referring to the relationship of the Intelligence services and movements operating in the Kashmir region.

Asian leader Article- Mumbai Attacks, Pakistan and the American Strategy

The below article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper. The article looks into how the Mumbai Attacks have been used for justifications by India and America to achieve certain Political goals and are drawing Pakistan into a game which will have devastating effects for its future.





The article can be read online on the Look Asia Website.

COMMENT: Mumbai Attacks- Is Pakistan now on the Defensive?

Published on the Asian News Website

By Majed Iqbal- Pakistan's weak government, despite claiming that we are not on the back foot on the Mumbai Blasts is surely feeling the heat.

Whilst the foreign minister argues that there was no reason for Pakistan to be on the defensive over the attacks, the President, Mr zardari went as far as offering a no first-use of nuclear weapons, ignoring decades of established policy.

The apparently off-the-cuff remark in an interview with Indian media astonished Pakistanis as much as Indians.

Whilst the Foreign minister talks about not being defensive, the President does exactly that.

With no consistent line on how to tackle the Mumbai blasts scenario, Pakistan will end up presenting itself a failed state who is unable to deal with the challenges it is facing- whether economic, political or Foreign affairs.

This case which is being built internationally against Pakistan as a failed state is a pre-requisite to any further action by outside powers in an Iraq style invasion. Before that, the rhetoric now drums up against this country which from being an ally of the US, now faces being the next casualty in the War on Terror.

Mumbai Attacks, Pakistan and the American strategy

By Majed Iqbal- "The terrorist attack on Mumbai is an audacious challenge to India's Nation State. While maintaining calm and unity, we must all resolve to break the back of India's enemies. Clearly, the terrorists have declared a full-scale war on India and sought to sever the country's economic nerve with their meticulously planned carnage across the metropolis".

The words echoed by India's Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani could sum up how the Indian nation is feeling after the unfortunate events in Mumbai that took place in the last week of November as well as providing us with glimpses of where the anger is being directed at.

The blame game over who was responsible for the attacks turned into internal chaos as Indian ministers came in the firing line. Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil and national security adviser MK Narayanan submitted their resignations amid growing pressure on the Indian government to explain why it was unable to prevent the strike in which at least 172 died.

Pakistan immediately became the first target for Indian officials to point the finger of blame on which began from the onset of the crisis with hardly any investigation done. India's Deputy Home Minister, Shakeel Ahmad, told the BBC it was "very clearly established" that all the attackers were from Pakistan. "Whether they had government backing or whether there was any official involvement in it - it will come to light after proper investigation," Mr. Ahmad said.

What Rochdale Muslims can learn from Reading Muslim (PVE) Crisis Group

By Majed Iqbal-Rochdale has been the target of clear government agendas with dedicated recruits from the local community under the banner of Preventing Violent Extremism. Communities minister, Hazel Blears after taking over her failed predecessor, Ruth Kelly, in this field has embarked on creating various 'larger than life' projects which singles out the Muslim community as being problematic in the pursuit of tackling 'extremism'.



We have therefore witnessed various 'publicity stunts' by Hazel Blears' local recruits in Rochdale, who themselves lack any standing in our community and are no where to be seen for debate and discussion on their views which they advocate, in an effort to publicise the government strategy in this area.

Spin, deception, manipulation of facts- whatever we would like to call it- we have seen it all lately in Rochdale- especially after Hazel Blears singled out this peaceful town as some form of Radical hotspot.

Despite being challenged on this fringe minority view held by individuals not known for their discourse abilities, no discussion has been really led in the public domain.

VIDEO- Hazel Blear's 'Off the mark' plans

Hazel Blears launched a dedicated campaign in her new report 'Preventing Violent Extremism: Next Steps for Communities' which builds on the cross-government strategy published in June.

[youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk766OaqK-I]

She said "The Government has always been clear that communities must be at the centre of the response to violent extremism. Over the last year we have been working with communities and local authorities in developing their capacity to confront violent extremism effectively, marginalise and undermine those actively peddling these views and support vulnerable young people. "

One of her areas of work has been with women as shown in the video. Muslim communities must make a correct stand on theses issues. Whilst no one disagrees that women in Britain in general need support, guidance and oppurtunities, to single out Muslim women fro empowerment courses tells clear tales of how conniving ministers can be in their pursuits of twisting the rationale for violence and the link to the Muslim community.

Asian Leader Article- Pakistan and the Obama factor

The following article was published in the North West and Yorkshire Newspaper, Asian Leader which looks into the presendtial race winner, Obama and the implications of his election win for Pakistan.



Read the Full original article here and add in your comments on how you feel about the book and  the issues it raises. Alternatively, access the Asian Leader Newspaper online on the Look Asia Website to read the whole story.

Asian Leader Article- Controversial Book Scrapped

The following article was published in the North West and Yorkshire Newspaper, Asian Leader which looks into the Controversial book written on the life of the Prophet of Islam's wife Aisha.





Read the Full original article here and add in your comments on how you feel about the book and  the issues it raises. Alternatively, access the Asian Leader Newspaper online on the Look Asia Website to read the whole story.

Pakistan and the "Obama factor"

By Majed Iqbal- After a lengthy journey that started for Obama over 21 months ago and a record-breaking $700 million inputted to his campaign account, Barack Obama was elected as President of America. The showdown in the US was watched closely by Prime Ministers, Presidents, kings, Politicians and observers from all over the world as the implications of the results from the elections would have some and in other cases, serious implications for them and their countries.



The population of Pakistan, the Government and the parties operating in the country looked on speculatively and looked gloomy on hearing that Barack Obama had secured the Presidency. Obama's campaign had been rife with references to Pakistan when discussing America's future in tackling the so called war on terror.

In light of the new Political developments in the Middle East where America has categorically failed to bring about its version of peace and democracy to the region, an exit strategy is something that has been alluded to by many, from both the Democrats and Republicans.

The Jewel of Medina- Is this Sherry Jone's idea of "Honouring" Islam?

By Majed Iqbal- The passion of the Christ, The Satanic Verses, The Last Temptation of Christ, Danish cartoon of Prophet Mohammad and sketches of Hindu Goddess- recent times have seen plenty of controversies surrounding religion under the shroud of Freedom of expression.



In addition to these on-going debates lands the latest hot issue in the form of a Book titled "Jewel of Medina" by Sherry Jones that has made it one of the most controversial books of the season is the next showdown in this battle of ideas of religious sensitivities and the values of the 'free world'.

Jones book is based on the life and events surrounding the Wife of the Prophet of Islam, Aisha, a renowned and well respected figure head for all Muslims referred to as "The mother of the believers".

Sherry Jones has said, "I wanted to honor Aisha and all the wives of Muhammad by giving voice to them, remarkable women whose crucial roles in the shaping of Islam have so often been ignored – silenced – by historians. Anyone who reads the book will not be offended," Jones said. "I wrote the book with the utmost respect for Islam."

Exclusive Video- Stand For Islam Documentary

By Majeds Video Blog Team- The last few years have seen increased Propaganda and rhetoric issued against Muslims living in Europe. Despite quotations aired in scripted style by Politicians, Media and government on freedom, tolerance and pluralism, the reality seems to be far from Muslims when it comes to their treatment.



Publishing of the Insulting cartoons against the Prophet of Islam in Denmark and their consequent republishing in Europe, Geert Wilders film Fitna which asked for most of the pages of the Quran to be ripped out, Anti-terror legislation designed for the Muslims, Fake evidence to justify raids as in Forest Gate (UK, criminalising the Muslim community over voicing concern on Foreign policy issues, voicing he creation for a "British" and "European" form of Islam, the banning of the Hijab in France and numerous other examples clearly build a picture of an environment which is breeding intolerance and misrepresenting Islam and Muslims.

This exclusive documentary produced by Majeds Blog aims to give confidence to Muslims in Britain in upholding their identity and showing the host society as to how Muslims can make a positive contribution in society.

Additional Reading:

Are British Muslms attention Seekers?

Asian Leader Article- Are British Muslms attention Seekers?

SPECIAL REPORT- "Ramadhan- A case study of the Values of Islam"

The Special Report below takes a critical look at certain values which is believed to be having a detrimental effect upon society. Certin realities are posed and presented and fresh angles are given to offer a critique on what alternative set of values may offer solutions to the problems faced.



The Special Report looks at the issue of Crime and social Responsibility in Britian today. It goes on also to map out how the values of Islam when applied in a society can be one of the effective mechanisms deployed in fashioning a society where responsibility on all indiviual citizens is the cornerstone and norm for all.

The document can be downloaded in PDF format to print out and read. Please click here to download your Copy. The Special report can be read below. Click more for the article to appear in Full.





Individualism OR Collective responsibility? By Majed Iqbal

On 16th of July, Gordon Brown announced the first ever cross-government youth crime plan with new enforcement measures and improvements to sentencing. It would include and a new approach to youth crime prevention - including "tough parenting" programmes targeted on areas with the most problems.

"I know the police are doing everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice," he said.

In the same week, David Cameron launched his party's campaign in what he called Britain's "'Broken society by-election'.

The Messenger of Allah (saw)'s Sermon On Ramadhan

Baihaqi reported on the authority of Salman Al-Farsi that the Prophet (saw) delivered a sermon on the last day of the month of Shaban. In it he (Saw) said: "O People! The month of Allah (Ramadan) has come with its mercies, blessings and forgivenesses. Allah has decreed this month the best of all months.



The days of this month are the best among the days and the nights are the best among the nights and the hours during Ramadan are the best among the hours. This is a month in which you have been invited by Him (to fast and pray). Allah has honoured you in it. In every breath you take is a reward of Allah, your sleep is worship, your good deeds are accepted and your invocations are answered.

Therefore, you must invoke your Lord in all earnestness with hearts free from sin and evil, and pray that Allah may help you to keep fast, and to recite the Holy Qur'an. Indeed, miserable is the o­ne who is deprived of Allah's forgiveness in this great month. While fasting, remember the hunger and thirst o­n the Day of Judgement. Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind towards your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard.

Ramadhan 2008 Mubarak

Ramadhan Mubarak to all. May we use this month for reflection on our actions, our behaviour, our lifestyles, our choices, our goals, our aspirations and the meaning of life itself.



May this be a month in which we look down deeply and assess ourselves; our shortcomings, our mistakes and our weaknesses. May we use this month to build ourselves into powerful Islamic Personalities that think and live according to what Allah has ordained for us.

May this be the Ramadhan in which we gain the closesness to Allah (swt) and secure our ultimate destination- Al Jannah-al firdaws. And what an achievement that would be. Only if we knew.

Musharraf’s Resignation- Déjà Vu for Pakistani Politics

By Majed Iqbal- "No charge sheet can stand against me, no charge can be proved against me, because I never did anything for myself, it was all for Pakistan.......This is not time for individual bravado, it is time to think seriously. With impeachment, the country's dignity will be undermined and, as you all know, Pakistan is my love, my life is ready to be sacrificed for it."



In his usual Military mantra and irrational charisma, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf made these statements on a televised address to the nation on Monday 18th August in which he announced his resignation from the Presidency of Pakistan.

This move came amidst growing pressure form the newly formed government, elected in February this year who planned from the onset to oust Musharraf from his position and impeach him for violating the constitution in November last year, gross misconduct and economic mismanagement.

It asked the president to seek a vote of confidence from national and provincial lawmakers or to resign. Otherwise, they warned, the assembly will ask Parliament to impeach him

The National Assembly, or lower house, convened in Islamabad on as coalition officials gathered to prepare a "charge sheet" against Musharraf to strip him of his presidency.

Dr Aafia Siddiqui- A ‘Casualty in Americas War on T ’Error’

By Majed Iqbal- 'For you it's just another story. If you want the truth, go to Ghazni where you will get more than I can ever tell you about my sister"

These were the words echoed by Fouzia Siddiqui, sister of Aafia Siddiqui whose story has moved the Pakistani nation in the last weeks and months and has stirred international concern over America's new casualty in her War on Terror of which Pakistan is a Front line signatory in this campaign.

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Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a neuroscientist and graduate of genetics disappeared five years ago, in March 2003 along with her three children, aged 7 years, 5 years and 6 months during a visit to her mother's house in Karachi.

It is widely suspected that she was picked up on the way to the airport by Pakistani Intelligence and handed over to the FBI who believed her to be an "Al-Qaeda operative" and that she was yet another Pakistani citizen handed over to the Americans by the Musharraf government in exchange for money for the country or support for his leadership.

Stand for Islam Youth Conference draws crowds

By Majed Iqbal- Sunday 24th August saw the Youth Conference "Stand for Islam" organised by Hizb-ut-Tahrir Britain hosted in the city of Bradford . Over 150 people attended the event to listen into the discussions on the role of Young Muslims in tackling the growing discussions about Islam, Extremism, and the growing climate in which attacks are being levelled on the Quran, the Prophet of Islam and Shariah law.

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Muaaz Yasin opened the first sessions talk on the lifestyles that were being presented to Young Muslims. He tackled the glamorisation of gangster and rapper lifestyles showing their illusions and false pretences which are often imitated by youth.

An intro video visualised these issues of bravado and being street which lead to no where apart from trouble and misery. Muaaz detailed how Islam can create a productive youth who can use his energies to become a leader for Islam in his community by entertaining and entering into the debates and discussions which are coming thick and fast about Muslim Youth.

VIDEO- Millions call for Khilafah in 2008

A video capturing some scenes of the global islamic revival on the streets during the last year, from Rajab 1428 to Rajab 1429, corresponding to September 07 to August 08.

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The video also sends a message to the ummah - we have the kalaam and deen of Allah, we have the youth, we have the resources, the land, and the numbers. Yet there is one thing we do not have: Political Unity. So let us work to achieve this for the pleasure of Allah (swt) :)

As played at Khilafah Conference: The need for Political Unity in Britain, 2008.

Khilafah Conference News Coverage on Islam Channel

A news report and interview by Islam Channel after the momentous Khilafah Conference 2008 held in the Britain entitled "Khilafah: The need for political Unity". The conference was attended by 2500 Muslims coupled with an online audience around the globe through live web streaming which extolled a positive agenda for Political change in the Muslim world.

[youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TEi69hSkseg]

This clip also contains an interview by Islam Channel of brother Taji Mustafa, one of the speakers at the conference and also a sister from Rochdale who spoke to Islam Chanel ecxlusively.

Musharraf Resigns- Is there anything worth rejoicing for?

Published on the Asian News Letters Section

By Majed Iqbal- Today's announcement by Musharraf of his resignation has come at an interesting time. I'm sure, this move has sparked off a wave of emotions in Pakistan as well as catching the attention of keen Observers of the country which has played a pivotal role in Americas "War on Terror".



Ever since the Elections in February this year, Pakistani Politics has circled around personal vendettas, Career goals, securing seats, and concocting plans to get a fair share of the Cake whilst in power.

Musharraf's resignation comes in light of the above issues where personal rivalries with Nawaz Sharif, who has taken upon it himself to oust the President, ever since he stepped back into the country coupled with a conniving Asif Zardari who has used his spouses assassination as a stepping stone to creep back into the political scene has played the key role in bringing Musharraf to this stage.

Hence, we must ask is there any joy for celebration or are we in for a re-run of October 1999? This was when Musharraf ousted Nawaz Sharif and sent him to exile in Saudia Arabia. and now we are seeing Nawaz playing the same role but this time in a more commanding position.

Rochdale at the Khilafah Conference 2008- "The need for Political Unity"

Thousands of delegates attended Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain's national Conference: Khilafah – The Need for Political Unity in London earlier today. This conference was part of a month of global activities following similar events in Palestine, Iraq, Indonesia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Mombasa, Australia, Pakistan and Yemen.



Rochdale participated in the Conference with over 50 brothers and sisters making their journey early in the morning. Everyone was eagerly awaiting to listen to the Keynote speeches on the future of the Muslim world in light of the Food and Oil Crisis, amassed debt, Poverty and War stricken areas.

The speeches focused on tackling the issues of Unity amongst muslim countries under the shade of the khilafah State (caliphate) possible when there is ethnic, cultural, regional and jurispundential disputes amongst Muslims?

One speech specifically looked at the case study for Khilafah in Pakistan and how specific Islamic policies could fundamentally root out problems the people are facing like corruption and economic mismanagement of State and Public resources.

Letter- Cameron jokes about Shariah Law after bike is stolen

By Waseem Aslam- David Cameron is famed for his biking riding adventures. He will tell you all that is a part of his new green image for the future of Britain and the world. Mr Cameron will tell us all a lot of things. He is a man of many forthright views, most of these views (he would call them policies) when put to the test fail miserably.



There was his 'hug a hoody' fiasco when Mr Cameron's attempt to reach out to the disaffected youth of the council estate in Britain backfired. The only problem here was that the hoddies quite frankly didn't want to be hugged. They seemed more content on expressing their Democratically won freedom by displaying their knives and gang signs on You Tube (15 minutes of fame and all that).

The hoodies got their own back on Mr Cameron by stealing his bike from outside a Tesco store in London, the bike had been chained to a 3ft high bollard and the theives simply lifted it up and over the bollard for an easy steal.

What was Mr Cameron's response? Did he announce he wanted to give the thives a big old fashoined bear hug? No!

Rochdale Observer Coverage on Hazel Blears Citizenship Courses for mosques

Rochdale Observer has run the story on Hazel Blears new initiative of introducing Citizenship courses in Mosques in Rochdale to combat "Radical Extremism". She has raised eyebrows with her speech at the policy Exchange seminar on 'Preventing Violent Extremism: the Government's Approach' as well as through her views expressed against not attending the Islam Expo event.



The observer article details views of Rochdales residents who primarily expressed real concern on the government agenda for Rochdale Muslims and its consequences on damaging rather than furthering relations with the Muslim community. Comments from the blog also appeared in the article highlighting a clear misrepresentation of the the governments views on tackling issues in Rochdale.

Despite the unsuccessful attempts of the previous communities secretary, Ruth kelly with her "Nasiha Project" to convince the Muslim community of the need for government sponsored courses for Mosques, Ms Blears believes somehow she will be succeed. This is despite the pilot area, Bradford, for the last project making a united stand against it.

Once again like her predecessor, Ms blears is working on galvanising support from individuals in the Muslim community to buy her idea and implement it.

Asian Leader Article- "Are British Muslims 'attention seekers?'"

The following article was published in the Asian Leader article discussing the recent Dispatches program titled "It shouldn't happen to a muslim" aired on Channel 4. The article written describes the documentarys findings on the treatment of Muslims in media, Politicians and host society and evidences how Muslims are subject to discrimination despite the echoes of Integration and community cohesion.



Read the Full article here and add in your comments on how you feel about the documentary and its findings. Alternatively, access the Asian Leader Newspaper online on the Look Asia Website to read the whole story.

Rochdale’s Answer to Hazel Blears Citizenship Courses for Rochdale Mosques- "No thanks"

By Majed Iqbal- Today's news story of Muslim Children being taught citizenship in mosque schools as part of a bid to prevent them being turned into "extremists" comes as a real surprise. Surprising because Rochdale has been mentioned specifically as an area where such an initiative will be rolled out in "one mosque". Other areas include London, Leicester, Birmingham, Oldham, and Bradford.



"We have made significant progress working with communities to build an alliance against violent extremists," Ms Blears says.

Talking of this "Alliance", in Rochdale meeting after meeting which debated the "Violent Extremism" pathfinder fund which was proposed by the then Communities secretary, Ruth Kelly, was unanimously rejected by Influential Community Leaders in Rochdale. So who exactly is Ms Blears referring to when she mentions she has been "working with communities to build an alliance against violent extremists"?

The initiative also includes a new independent board of academic and theological experts and a group of community leaders to advise on local responses to tackling extremism. Who exactly are the personalities in Rochdale doing this and where was their presence in the community meetings that took place in this town amongst major decision makers?

Are British Muslims "Attention Seekers"?

By Majed Iqbal- A report issued this month has found eye-opening evidences that Muslims living in Britain suffer disproportionately more from discrimination, racial abuse and racial attacks than any other faith group, and the more openly devout they are, the more likely they are to experience harassment and abuse.



The Study titled "Muslims under siege- Alienating Vulnerable Communities" was used as part of the Channel 4 Dispatches program aired this month which went out actively to prove that Islam and Muslims are used as political tools for Politicians, Propaganda stories by press and consequently left open to ridicule.

Report commissioners Peter Oborne and James Jones in their Report Introduction write "The seed for this pamphlet was planted in October 2006 when Jack Straw and other cabinet ministers raised the issue of Muslim women wearing the veil. It soon became clear that this was more than a random rumination from a member of the government. Rather Labour appeared to have made the extraordinary decision to try to identify with a general mood of resentment and anxiety about the presence of Muslim communities in this country and to intervene in the politics of religious identity".

Summer Events to help Empower Muslim Youth

A SERIES of rap contests, football tournaments and graffiti sessions are being organised over summer to help Muslim youths empower themselves. The events are being organised regionally by Hizb-ut-Tahrir as part of their Stand For Islam campaign.

Organisers hope the activities will better equip the youngsters against any backlash towards Muslims by helping them to understand their own religion better and to be able to stand up to negative portrayals of Muslims by being able to engage in positive dialogue with the wider community.



The events are taking place throughout the north west including Rochdale, Bolton, Accrington, Oldham, Manchester, Bradford, Halifax and Leeds and is starting this July.

The football tournament will involve each town organising a mini tournament with the winners playing off each other in the 'Champions League' final.

Organisers are asking budding artists to express their art form in a more positive way instead of on buses or public walls. Instead they are invited to take part in the Islam graffiti competition in the aim that the pieces of work could be displayed in local libraries, community centres or sport clubs.

Rochdale Event Review- Is Shariah just about Punishments?

By Majed Iqbal- Crime- the topic of discussion which is hot in the press, on the lips of Politicians and the subject of detailed disocourse on Television was brought into the limelight on Saturday 6th July in Rochdale.

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Organisers, Hizb ut-Tahrir, deliberated upon the subject issue, presenting a case of facts, figures and analysis on the growing endemic of crime to a crowd of 90 people.

Mazhar Khan, touched upon key ideas which had allowed crime to flourish. "Were the existing punishments a detterrant or an incentive?" he asked the audience. He cited examples of how teenage crime amongst youth was seen as an easy alternative.

You steal, get caught, put into prison for a couple of months where you socialise with like minded individuals, no rent to pay, free food, Nintendo Wii's to fill your time with, free holidays for repeat offenders to Blackpool and most importantly you keep the money made out of the theft.

"How are these measures supposed to curb crime?" asked Mazhar.

Chief Justice of India praises Islamic penal code

The Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan has hailed the Islamic penal code saying they were effective in deterrence against the criminal offenders. Addressing a workshop on "Growing Crimes – deterrent punishment : search for appropriate theory of punishment", organized by the organization of Retired Judges and NALSAR University at the Andhra Pradesh High Court Balakrishnan gave the example of Gulf countries.

"People say the laws in those countries were harsh but it is a fact that because of the harsh punishments, the crime rate in those countries is very low".

"Women can move around even at midnight with out any fear", he said. "Even traffic rules were so strict that there were very few traffic accidents in those countries".

He recalled that till 1857, Islamic penal system was in force in India and the law and order situation in the country was very good.

"The introduction of Indian Penal Code was a good move but the law and order situation in the country did not remain the same", Chief Justice said. Pointing out that in contrast to the Gulf countries, India was a democratic country. "But in our country neither the women can move around with out fear nor there is any respect for the traffic rules", he said.

Chief Justice Lord Phillips and his Misconceptions on Shariah Law

By Majed Iqbal- What was sparked off as a major discussion in February this year by Archbishop Rowan Williams on Shariah law has once again re-surfaced in the Media. However, this time its not a religious figure who will be maligned by the nation for promoting values of Islam instead of his own faith.

Joining the discussion this time round is Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers who has said "There is no reason why sharia principles, or any other religious code, should not be the basis for mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution".

The judge said the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, had been misunderstood when it was reported in February that he said British Muslims could be governed by sharia law. "Dr Williams suggested that sharia could play a role in aspects of marital law, the regulation of financial transactions and authorised structures of mediation and conflict resolution. It was not very radical to advocate embracing sharia law in the context of family disputes" he said.

Whilst one would warm to the comments made by the Chief Justice in appreciating how Shariah has the ability to resolve disputes in a manner in personal lives in a decent and befitting manner, much to the contrary of what is seen in wider society, his understanding of how shariah deals with crime and punishment in societal life seems to be marred with the same images of 'Kangaroo courts' displayed in Tabloid press and documentaries that have hit our screens.

LETTER- Bishop Nazir Ali's comments on Islamic Extremism

Published in the Asian News Letters Section

By Waseem Aslam- Regarding the recent comments made by Nazir Ali stating that the vacuum left by the Christian faith in British society is being filled by Islamic extremists.



I would agree that British society is godless and that religious faith plays no role in the day to day function of the society as a whole. This void has been filled by gods of the 21st Century such as Celebrity, Sports stars and designer gear. The fact that the neo-gods cause debauchery and social meltdown as is being witnessed speaks volumes for the failure of British values.

Nazir Ali naively suggests that the ideals of freedom, respect and tolerance exist in British society and that the extremism of Islam is a threat to these values. For any Muslim who have lived through the past few years in Britain it is clear that freedom is selective; the 28 day detention without charge is testament to this.

Weekly Stand for Islam Stalls In Rochdale

The stand for Islam campaign organised by Hizb ut-Tahrir has had a receptive response- a view encapsulated through Weekly stalls in Rochdale which have played a pivotal role in discussions and debates around the Campaign Call.



Literature available to mobilise people in putting forward the intellectual responses back to arguements thrown by politicians and Media has been warmly welcomed by everyone attending on the busy afternoon and evening Stall held on the Milkstone Rd Area.

Conversing with the youth in English and with the Elderly in Urdu, Punjabi and Mirpuri, discussions have been flowing week in week out with many asking how they can play a role in this campaign as well as having further discussions on the topics of Shariah, Role of Muslims living in Europe, interacting with Media, understanding the political context of Islamic Activism and having key responses for arguments about Islamic Rule in the Muslim world, hudood (punishments) and the greatly talked about "Reformation of Islam" alluded to by European Politicians and Media.

Asian Leader Article- Why Borat Doesn't make Muslims laugh

The following article was published in the North West and Yorkshire Newspaper, Asian Leader which looks at the role of freedom and Speech and its inability to accomodtae for all opinions.



The article was jointly written by Rochdale Community activist Maqsood Ahmed and Majed Iqbal and can be accessed online on the Look Asia website.

Rochdale's Event- "Calls to ban the Quran- How Should Muslims Respond?"

In line with the Stand for Islam Campaign launched over two weeks ago, Hizb ut-Tahrir organised a seminar in Rochdale on the subject "Calls to ban the Quran" to address the concerns and the form of activism muslims should undertake to tackle the discussions.

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The crowd was addressed by Media Representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir, Taji Mustafa and Mazhar Khan who deliberated upon the topic and questioned the climate that is being created by Politicians under the guise of tackling "radicalisation" and "extremism" under the pretext of "War on tERROR".

Mazhar Khan drew comparisions with the Salman Rushdie affair and asked how did Insulting the Prophet of Islam and his wifes contribute towards any cohesion of communities in this country by hiding behind Freedom of Speech and drew similrarities to the Dutch MP calling for the ban of the Quran.

Austrian Family Horror- A case for 'normalisation' of incest?

By Majed Iqbal- "They appeared normal, just like any other family," Guenter Prameiter, who runs a bakery just down the street, said. "They had a swimming pool in the garden. We would hear them [the children] laughing, the three of them," said a third.

These were the comments raised by neighbours describing the Austrian father who kept captive his daughter Elisabeth, now 42, in three windowless underground rooms ever since she disappeared in 1984.

The news of the Austrian man who imprisoned his daughter and fathered a hidden incestuous family having seven children with her has left people speechless in the country. Police described the revelations as "one of Austria's all-time worst crimes" and Guenther Platter, the country's Interior Minister, called it "unfathomable".

While we all ponder on the details of the horrors unveiling in the house over the years which have been graphically described in press and Television stations, it is of paramount importance that we all take a step back and evaluate our thoughts and responses on this story.

NEW CAMPAIGN in Rochdale- "Stand for Islam" launched

By Majed Iqbal- A new campaign has been launched in Rochdale which plans to open up discussion and debate over the increasing levels of intolerance currently witnessed throughout Europe against Muslims and their way of life, Islam.



Hizb ut-Tahrir has launched this campaign, titled ‘Stand for Islam' in Rochdale to tackle the various challenges dawning over the Muslim Community. Majeds Blog will be providing exclusive coverage of the whole campaign and the messages being relayed to the Rochdale Muslim Community.

In recent years, especially the last few, have seen many attempts which have mocked Shariah law, equated the Niqab to segregation of British Society, a ban on the Hijab in France, Mosque applications denied in Italy, caricatures of the Prophet of Islam arrogantly published by Danish Media, the British Government trying to threaten islamic grous with bans after being heavily challenged on Foreign Policy in the Muslim World, Dutch MP Geert Wilders calling for the ban of the Quran, and the viable alternative of governance in the Muslim world, the Caliphate (khilafah) heavily attacked as being outdated, irrelevant and a system which demonises minorities, denies womens rights and equated to a dictatorship.

"I'm a Bimbo girl- In a Bimbo World"

By Yasmeen Ahmed- Why couldn't the blonde bimbo add 10 and 7 on a calculator? She couldn't find the 10 key. A bimbo is walking down the street with a pig under her arm. She passes a person who asks, ''Where did you get that?'' The pig says, ''I won her in a raffle''.What are the blonde bimbo's first words after 4 years of college? 'Would you like fries with that?'



'Bimbo' ....a word used to describe an 'attractive, clumsy, easy, airheaded' female. She is often seen as a dumb blonde and bears the brunt of numerous jokes in society (as highlighted above). And a 'bimbo' doesn't have to be blonde, Oh NO!! As long as a woman/girl fits the general description, then she can be classed as 'a bimbo'.

So, is it ok and acceptable to us that women are given this degrading label? And, what if young women out there actually aspire to become 'a bimbo'? It's a very disturbing thought, isn't it?

A new web game named Miss Bimbo was launched in the UK just a couple of months ago. Players taking part in the beauty contest simulation game are challenged to become 'the hottest, coolest, most famous bimbo ever'.

Can Muslims take a joke?

By Maqsood Ahmed and Majed Iqbal- Borat approached a passer-by in a New York street and said in the style of his Kazakh alter ego: "I like your clothings. Are nice! Please may I buying? I want have sex with it." But the target of his joke didn't see the funny side and punched Cohen repeatedly in the face.



This is not the first time Americans failed to get the Borat joke. Two US students who appeared in the Borat movie are suing Sacha Baron Cohen, the architect and player of the notorious Kazakh Borat character claiming they have suffered "mental anguish" after they were filmed making racist and sexist remarks.

Borat aired international reputation after the launch of his film 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan' where audiences apparently laughed non-stop as he poked fun at Jews, feminists, gays, blacks, US President George W. Bush's "war of terror", frat boys, evangelicals, Kazakhstan and its neighbour Uzbekistan and included a clip where he goes into a redneck bar and sings "a song from my country, 'Throw the Jew down the well'".

Will Gillani, the New Pakistani PM deliver?

By Majed Iqbal- Tuesday 25th march 2008 saw Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani sworn in as Pakistan's new Prime Minister in the central hall of the Aiwan-e-Sadr by President Pervez Musharraf, making him the country's 25th Prime Minister.

After a turbulent tenure of Musharraf's nearly 9 year rule, the Pakistani nation looked ahead for a new change and a more promising future amidst the sequence of events which had bought the country to standstill over the last couple of months.

Gillani's Political background and family history seemed to have appeased segments of the nation who saw some depth in him. His father Alamdar Hussain Gillani was a signatory to the Pakistan Resolution, the 1940 document that laid the ground for the creation of Pakistan. His grandfather Ghulam Mustafa Shah Gillani and paternal uncle Raza Shah Gillani were both MLAs in the 1940s whilst his great-grandfather Raja Bakhsh Gillani was Mayor of Multan in 1921.

Why Tibet has blinded the world to oppression

By Waseem Aslam- "During the torture, one of the Chinese guards pointed his finger at me and said, ‘We will castrate the inferior masculinity of your turban-heads and prostitute your girls. What can you turban-heads do to our great Chinese nation? With our spit, you will all drown.' Then, they used electric clubs to knock me down again and again."

That is one man's story of everyday life under Chinese rule - a story of oppression, incarceration and even death. China has been accused of cultural and ethnic cleansing. We are reminded of its atrocious human rights record on a frequent basis.

Yet in spite of its record, countries and companies continue to chase the Yuan in a bid to take advantage of cheap manufacturing costs and the untapped market for Western products. Nevertheless, there is something about China that makes the average Joe Bloggs feel somewhat uneasy.

Asian Leader Article on Dutch Film "Fitna"

The article below was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper which looked into the growing tide of intolerance against muslims throughout Europe.



Although the Article draws attention to a Film that will be released later this month by a dutch MP who equates the Quran to a Facist book, many other examples are provided to demonstrate how mainstream Political parties are no different to Right wing ones in their rhetoric.

The full text for the article can be found by clicking here

Article can also be found on the Look Asia Website