ASIAN LEADER NEWSPAPER Article- Irans ‘unacceptable’ Democracy

The following article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper, evaluating the response by international powers on the outcome of the Iranian Elections.

Read the full text of the Article HERE. Read the newpaper online on Lookasia HERE

PASSION ISLAM MAGAZINE Article- Sarkozy calls for burka ban- A Superiority Complex?

The following article was published in the Nationwide Passion Islam Monthly Magazine which addressed French President Sarkozys proposals to ban the Burka (veil) in France.

The article can be read online on the Passion Islam Online Magazine on page 2. Click Here to read further. Read the text of the article on the Blog by clicking here

ASIAN NEWS ARTICLE- Manchester Muslim Women gather to discuss challenges in Britain today

By Majed Iqbal-Over 150 women attended a seminar on Saturday 20th June in Manchester , Longsight, organised by the women chapter of Hizb ut-Tahrir that addressed the various challenges Muslim women are currently facing in Britain today

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The seminar titled “Muslim Women in Today’s Britain- The Challenges and the Solutions” aimed to tackle the pressing questions that have been a huge discussion point in government circles, the press, media, on the lips politicians and a cause of concern in the Muslim community throughout the country.

Dr. Nazreen Nawaz, the Women’s Media Representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain presented a picture of the current climate where a Muslim woman living in Britain is constantly under pressure to re-evaluate who she is, whether their Islamic identity is relevant for modern life, to question whether their Islamic beliefs are appropriate for British society, being asked to question the relevance of Shariah in her life, being continuously examined if her Islamic views are tolerant and compatible with ensuring a cohesive society and to adopt values that are at odds with their religious convictions.

“The hijab, the role of women, Islam’s punishments, liberation of occupied land, prohibition of homosexuality, the Global Islamic bond between Muslims and championing the call for a caliphate for the Muslim World are all been labelled oppressive, backward, intolerant, barbaric, and unacceptable and a threat to British society.” Said Dr. Nazreen Nawaz

It was last year when British prime minister, Gordon Brown set up a Muslim women’s advisory group to tackle ‘extremism’ followed up by former communities minister Hazel Blears initiatives with her “Muslim Women’s assertiveness courses” to push Muslim women to play a ‘key’ role in tackling ‘radicalisation’ amongst young Muslim men.

Dr. Nazreen Nawaz highlighted that formation of leaderships in the community under the guise of tackling so called “Extremism” and promoting fancy labels like “Women’s Empowerment” are being pushed to women in compliance with government policy to advocate a “British secular version of Islam” to the Muslim community.

“In truth, it is simply bribery, to buy Muslim women into fighting specific Islamic ideas in their community. Labels of “extremism” or scare-tactics will be fruitless in silencing the support of Muslim women for Islamic governance in the Muslim world Muslim women must resist pressures that bully them into compromising Islam and turning their backs on the injustices faced by Muslims globally. Dr. Nazreen Nawaz

Dr. Samia Hussain, a Member of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain highlighted in the second presentation the manner in which Muslim women must challenge the government narrative to enable today’s Muslim woman to engage in a productive discussion on debates surrounding the woman’s position in Islam”

“Muslim women must challenge the Western secular liberal values, expose their flaws, and present Islam as a solution to the plethora of problems caused by these ideas both in the West and the Muslim world”.

Muslim women have constantly been under scrutiny in the last years with recent revelations this week from the French President describing the burka, a veil, worn by many Muslim women as part of their Islamic attire as a “debasement” of women – and not welcome in France . He added: “In our country, we cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity. The burka is not a religious sign. It’s a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement”.

Dr. Samia Hussain explained the responsibility to counter such similar propaganda which has levelled against the Shariah in recent year and presented key arguments on how Muslim Women should present and explain the sublime values of Islam to non-Muslims as well as to continue to speak out against the oppression of Muslims globally and to continue to support the establishment of the Khilafah (caliphate) in the Muslim world.

The talks were followed by a lively question and answer session with active audience participation.

Rochdale Muslims to participate in Consultation against Compulsory Sex Education for 5 year olds

In the last months, there has been an active campaign to mobilise the Rochdale community against new Government plans to introduce compulsory sex education for 5 year old children.

The group “Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds” has played an active public role in highlighting these proposals and demonstrating exactly how the Muslim Community specifically and the wider community in general will be affected by this.

The group “Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds” now will be participating in the national consultation process on this issue.

We have gathered over 1000 petition signatures, and have led a Facebook campaign with at the time of writing, galvanised 388 Facebook group members on board, organised Weekly public stalls in busy areas in Rochdale, promoted the issue through a locally created YouTube advert, presented information packs to all Rochdale Mosques, visited churches and opened dialogue with local councillors.

There was also an event organised at Kashmir youth project where over 50 members of the local community, consisting of teachers, Deputy heads, Parents, Primary School Governors, Councillors, Mosque representatives, Youth parliament delegate, local activists and parents gathered to discuss these issues.

These will act as a reflection of how the Muslim community feels on this issue in Rochdale alone in this consultation process and will be led by Majed Iqbal, a Rochdale based Muslim community activist.

Do Gods Die?- Michael Jackson’s Death

By Zaythoun Suleman- What do Man in the Mirror, Heal the world, Thriller, Bad and Billie Jean have in common? Yep, MICHAEL JACKSON. Many of us awoke this morning with the news that the “King of Pop” had a full cardiac arrest and died last night.

Many of us received and sent texts late last night about his death. As the news travelled around the globe, fans and the general population were and still are in shock. Michael Jackson is dead!

At the age of 50, the life of the man who many of us grew up with ended. He was a son, father and brother and loved by many others around the world.

He was due to tour London in a couple of weeks with tickets sold out within an hour of the opening. People were still hoping to get in to see him even if it meant paying £1000 a ticket.

Many people will have many different memories of the child star that began his career at 5 years old, whilst most children were playing. His songs and dancing influenced much imagination. The moonwalk became the in thing as was wearing one sequinced glove and pants revealing glittery socks underneath.

As the news of his death spread, many of his followers gathered outside UCLA hospital and his home. Many in total shock and disbelief that such a thing had happened.

Why has it been such a shock? Why is it hard to believe?

When I received a text at 11pm last night, I thought it had to be wrong until I saw it on the news. I questioned why I was shocked as death comes to each and everyone of us, so why should it surprise me so much… Did I believe he could not die? As this thought occurred to me, I realised Allah swt speech “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon – To Allah we belong and to him we shall return”

In the morning, I told my sons what had happened. To which one of them replied, “People thought of him as a God, but he died like everyone else”

Before I began practicing, his words from his song “Man in the mirror” influenced me! Many will remember the lyrics “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways and no message could have been any clearer, if u wanna, make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change. You gotta get it right whilst you got the time…”

And “Heal the world; make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race…” He sang many influential songs.

Many say that Michael Jackson died as a Muslim. The Daily Mail dated 21st November 2008 reported Michael Jackson had reverted to Islam and had changed his name to Mikaeel but Allah knows best.

If this is the case. May Allah swt grant his soul ease after such a hard life and grant him the best in the Akhirah… ameen. When a person dies, he is remembered for what he has done in this life. Every one of us will leave an imprint on people’s lives, let us make a positive one in which we will be rewarded in the Akhirah also Insha Allah.

Michael Jackson’s death to his followers reminded me of the death of Prophet Muhammed sallallahu alaihi salam many years ago.

When the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam died, Abu Bakr radiallahu Anhu came out to the waiting crowd of Muslims and said “O people, If anyone among you worshipped Muhammed, let him know that Muhammed is dead, but those who worshipped Allah, let them know that he lives and will never die…

ASIAN LEADER NEWSPAPER Article- Beyond Obama’s speech in Egypt

The following article was pulished in the Asian Leader newspaper crticially evaluating President Obama’s tour of Muslim Countries. Was it a genuine gesture of building peace and opening up dialogue with the Muslim world?

Click here to read the full text of the article. Read the Newspaper Article online on Lookasia

French President Sarkozy calls for burka ban- A Superiority Complex?

By Majed Iqbal-Not enough with banning the headscarf from government institutions and buildings including schools, colleges and universities, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy sparked off deeper controversies by calling for the burka to be banned.

The comments were aired in the first presidential address in 136 years to a joint session of France’s two houses of parliament where the French premier described the burka, a veil, worn by many Muslim women as part of their Islamic attire as a “debasement” of women – and not welcome in France.

He added: “In our country, we cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity. The burka is not a religious sign. It’s a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement”.

“I want to say it solemnly; it will not be welcome on the territory of the French Republic. We find it intolerable to see images of these imprisoned women when they come from Iran, Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia.”

MEP Chris Davies from the North West added more fuel to the fire when he stated that the burka does not belong in 21st century Britain.

“In my experience, the burka acts as a mask, reducing identity and discouraging women from developing their own skills and personality.”

Europe has witnessed rising rates of intolerance against minorities which have most often been ascribed to right wing parties. However, many statements like the French Presidents have signaled a very fine line line between right wing parties and ‘mainstream’ ones in Europe especially related to tackling Islamic and Muslim related issues.

According to a survey of global opinion released in September 2008, it found that more than half of Spaniards and half of Germans said that they did not like Muslims and the figures for Poland and France were 46% and 38% for those holding unfavorable opinions of Muslims.

The survey mentioned “Opinions of Muslims in almost all of these (European) countries were more negative than are views of Jews,” analysts said. While Americans and Britons displayed the lowest levels of anti-Semitism, one in four in both countries were hostile to Muslims.

Despite the French premier glossing French Secular values as the ideal for any society, a quick track record at Frances record towards women is one worth considering before embarking on the debate of treatment of Muslim women.

According to 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices report, there was a 21 percent increase from 2006 to 2007 in the number of women killed by their spouses in domestic violence disputes (from 137 to 166) whilst current figures have shot to 400 a year. Approximately 38,000 women are raped each year in the country.

Sarkozy was keen to highlight how secular values must be the benchmark for France and seemed to gleam at the achievements made in France in ensuring equality for all.

However, despite laws which require that women receive equal pay for equal work the 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices report highlighted that there was a gender pay discrepancy of around 25 percent. According to a 2007 survey by the government’s statistical agency, fewer than 20 percent of private sector executives were women, despite comprising 58.5 percent of the public workforce.

French women comprised approximately 50 percent of cabinet ministers in the government and were generally underrepresented in the legislature and in other levels of government leadership.

The War on Terror has now re-defined its focus to addressing what are acceptable Islamic ideas and practices and what are not such that Muslim women are now being questioned on even their dress code and role in Society.

The unprovoked debate of the burka to be brought into the limelight only once again serves to show the efforts in the last years in many European countries actively pursued by governments to force feed secular values to Muslim communities which themselves are questionable and open to scrutiny and debate. Hence Sarkozy confirmed this when he said

“I tell you, we must not be ashamed of our values, we must not be afraid of defending them.”

It seems that the French Premier was towing a similar tone like the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi did in 2001 when he cited that “Western civilisation is superior to Islamic civilisation”.

The French Premier talked about “Debasement” of Women who wore a burka but has yet to answer for the divide in gender opportunities, sexual harassment at the workplaces and the rising rates of domestic violence that are carried out by men against women in France to this day.

Beyond Obama’s speech in Egypt

By Majed Iqbal- Earlier this month, the American President, Barack Obama visited a number of Muslim Countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in efforts to open up a new chapter of US and Muslim relations.

Barack Obama’s speech in Egypt was watched internationally from East to West, in light of all the pressing issues that had hit our screens in the past years like the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, America’s silence on Gaza and the recent open drone attacks in Pakistan under the guise of fighting Americas “war on terror”.

Surprisingly, in his speech it was not US- Arab relations discussions that were being alluded to. Instead the primary focus was referenced as developing ‘Muslim’ relations with the ‘Islamic World’.

“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect”

Some were taken back by his speech and hailed it as a new direction in policy towards the Muslim world which seemed to be ripe with positive gesture and promises of a new era of relations. Was America admitting its failures? Was America admitting that the Iraq war was wrong? Was America admitting that its War on Terror was ill-devised which has caused devastation in key parts of the Muslim world?

“We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims”

In Early April a similar tone of voice was used in Obama’s Turkey trip. In an address to the Turkish parliament various meetings and conferences, whilst in Turkey he stated

“America is not at war with either Islam or Muslims and that Turkey is important for America and the world, as a bridge between the Islamic World and the West”

He also stressed that America’s relations with Muslims is not merely confined to fighting terrorism but includes many other issues as well and will work towards a dialogue with Turkey.

The trips to the Muslim World have therefore been a massive PR exercise to win the ‘hearts and minds’ of the Muslim world after the utter devastation and destruction which has been wrought to the region. However, beyond the statements of the American President, many observers and the masses in general have opened up the “this is your life” book for Obama in his current short spell which began in January this year speculatively.

In his first few months in office, Obama’s administration succeeded in creating three million refugees in Pakistan by pushing the Zardari regime to launch a war in Swat. Even before he took office he declared Pakistan the most dangerous place on earth, and said he would even bomb Islamabad if he had to. His whole policy in the region is driven by trying to secure America’s foothold in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and fighting a popular insurgency – except he decided to sacrifice Pakistan’s soldiers instead of American ones.

On Palestine his response to Israel’s massacre in Gaza was “America is committed to Israel’s security. And we will always support Israel’s right to defend itself against legitimate threats.”

And continued to praise the ‘special’ relationship with Israel when he said

“We must preserve our total commitment to our unique defence relationship with Israel by fully funding military assistance and continuing work on the Arrow and related missile defence programs”.

Obama promise to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp simply meant that many of the prisoners will remain imprisoned elsewhere.

Obama support for the brutal Dictators remained un-changed like his predecessors. In his recent BBC interview he described Mubarak, the Egyptian President

“he’s been a stalwart ally to the US… he’s been a force for stability and good in the region”.

He also praised Mubarak’s “sustained peace with Israel” which included blockading the people of Gaza from getting help and humanitarian relief.

It remains questionable to the international audience as to what exactly America was trying to sell in its visits to the Muslim World where little change had been seen on America’s part to re-evaluate their stances on the key above issues- all of which have remained exactly the same as the Bush Administration.

The Obama administration has placed a concentrated effort to justify its war on terror by embarking on these visits to the Muslim World. Today, Iraqi’s and Afghanis still do not believe that America is fighting for ‘Justice’ and ‘world peace’ but rather for colonial designs.

Pakistanis are finding it hard to swallow that their countries sons in the Army are dying due to an American War which has pitted citizens against each other, displaced over 3 million people in the largest refugee crisis in this century and a war which reaps no benefits for the Pakistani nation.

Obama said “In Ankara, I made clear that America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people

Hence, the propaganda war resumes with the new American president trying his utmost best to convince the Muslim World that their problems exist due to extremists and not because of America’s foreign policy and its colonial world view.

In the mean while, many are awakening to questioning these agendas which is what has began to concern America the most.

COMMENT- Pakistans 20-20 Victory- Is it time to Celebrate??

By Majed Iqbal- Yesterdays Twenty twenty cup Final saw un-precendented coverage worldwide as Pakistan beat Sri-lanka in an 8 wicket match victory.

Pictures and video footage beaming in from Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi on the Pakistani news networks showed crowds rejoicing after a historic win which saw Pakistan defeat the odds and answer back to the world that they are still a cricketing force to be reckoned with.

Even before the Final, a day before, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday urged the country’s cricketers to give of their best in the final of the World T20 against Sri Lanka on Sunday and win the title for the nation. The President even called up captain Younis Khan in London and reminded him that the country was passing through a very difficult phase and victory for Pakistan could provide some cheer, media reports said.

As crowds rejoice madly in the streets of Bradford, Luton, Manchester and London in unison with Pakistanis back home, it is worthwhile reminding them that a match victory can never quell the chaos and devastation that Pakistan is currently going through.

How can President Zardari have the nerve to use sports to his political advantage by asking the captain to bring smiles on the faces of Pakistanis when he is the one who has made the people of Pakistan cry tears of blood and removed their happiness from their lives through ordering the bombing and displacement of millions under the guise of fighting Americas ‘War on Terror’.

Muslims in Pakistan must wake up from just rejoicing about a sporting victory whose feelings will last just a few weeks and instead divert their energies from saving their country from division and destruction through their own government’s workings, who have sold their destiny to their American masters.

The time to rejoice will be when governance will not be outsourced to Washington, when people don’t have to commit suicide because they are unable to feed their families, when plans are made for job creation, , when ruling is in line with the peoples beliefs and aspirations and when corruption is uprooted from Government by resigning Democracy to the dustbins of History.

COMMENT- Irans “Unacceptable” Democracy?

By Majed Iqbal-Western countries have gone mad questioning the validity of the results of the Iranian Elections. Newspaper reportage and coverage like ‘ Democracy is the loser in Iran’s ‘free’ election’ and ‘Iran faces international backlash over vote-rigging claims’ have all added to the media frenzy on Iran as Western observers map out what now holds in store for the future with the ‘rogue’ Iranian state.

In almost a dejavu fashion, the Iranian Elections seemed a repeat episode of the Hamas election victory into power in the Palestinian territories when the West questioned whether it was a ‘Fair and free’ Election. Iran stands in a similar position today, questioned on its election validity despite pursuing the Democratic route.

Britain, America, Israel and European leaders were doubted over President Ahmadinejad’s re-election. Joe Biden, the US Vice President, said: “There is an awful lot of questions about how this election was run“.

David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, echoed Mr Biden, calling for Tehran to rejoin international talks. “Our concern is above all for Iranian engagement with the international community,” he said.

“We continue to await an Iranian answer to the very generous proposals that were made by the international community with respect to the Iranian nuclear programme. It’s very important that that proposal is answered by Iranian willingness to sit down and negotiate. “

It is these very same Western government s that have supported dictators in Pakistan, Egypt, Libya, Saudia Arabia, Jordan, Syria and any other countries to maintain their interests. Yet today these same countries question Iran’s election results when they realise that Western interests have not been achieved as anticipated with the re-election of Ahmadinejad.

Democracy surely has its friends and foes…..depending on the situation and whether it agrees or disagrees with international agendas.

PASSION ISLAM MAGAZINE Article- MP Expenses Scandal- Politicians OR Democracy to blame?

The following article was published in the Nationwide Passion Islam Monthly Magazine. The article analysed how the media and people in general were holding only individual MP’s accountable for the expenses Fiasco and tried to widen the discussion to institutionalised practices inherent in a democracy.

The article can be read online on the Passion Islam Online Magazine on page 18-19. Click Here to read further. Read the article on the Blog by clicking here

Rochdale unites against Government proposals for compulsory Sex education for 5 year olds

By Majed Iqbal- Rochdale’s campaign against the introduction of compulsory sex education for 5 year olds stepped into the next phase with the first of its public events.

At Kashmir youth project, Rochdale, over 50 members of the local community, consisting of teachers, Deputy heads, Parents, Primary School Governors, Councillors, Mosque representatives, Youth parliament delegate, local activists and parents gathered together to listen to the key discussions on the pressing issue of governments proposals on sex education for 5 year olds onwards.

After over four weeks of galvanizing support through public stalls in busy areas in Rochdale, an active online campaign through face book, YouTube and a local blog which has grew exponentially over the last weeks, presenting information packs to all Rochdale Mosques, visiting churches, dialoguing with local councillors, the event was held to present the detailed propositions made by the government and its effects it would have on the local community in Rochdale.

Majed Iqbal, organiser of the event introduced the event to a well balanced and mixed audience of Muslims and non-Muslims and a healthy attendance by women.

“Are Muslims just jumping up and down after hearing a headline in a paper about Sex and relationship education being taught to 5 year olds or is there something more substantive?” he quizzed the audience

The first Speaker, The Imam of Rochdale’s central Mosque (Idara Masjid), Mufti Mohammed Zaid highlighted why the Muslim community has objection to such proposals.

“There are core values in Islam like Hayaa (bashfulness, modesty) which form the way in which Muslims behave between sexes. By introducing such measures such values will be eroded” he said

Nasar Hanif, a science teacher by profession and a member of the SRE Islamic team leading the campaign nationally presented the keynote speech highlighting what exactly the government was proposing.

In his PowerPoint presentation he detailed the ‘ill-devised’ thinking behind the plans and presented a range of points of activism for the audience on their role in how this can be counter-acted.

“Become governors of Primary Schools where you can have more of say in the education of your child and be a in a position to question such proposals and challenge them” he encouraged the audience with one of his proposals.

The audience quizzed the speakers from the effects of such measures on faith schools and home schooling to re-confirming their disgust at the plans which the speakers has talked about.

Audience participant, Amir Khan, a local Primary School Governor said “As governors and parents, we work in unity with families and schools we attend to make sure that the education our children receive is apt so that their future is set on a good footing. Educational subjects therefore need to be timely suited for children’s ages and not devoid of a moral framework which hampers children’s understanding of what is good and what is bad”

A teacher in the audience pointed out that that such proposals were piloted with a gay week at a Primary school in London and those who objected were cited as “illiberal” and not tolerant to British values.

“On the same hand this is exactly what the government has defined as someone who is an extremist who says that homosexuality is a sin against God. In my view both seemed to be linked in some way or another”.

A mother in the audience said “There are challenges even outside the school environment too like billboards, magazines and television which we as parents have to explain to our children within a framework of good and bad. So how can serious life topics like sex education be left to teachers which conflict our Islamic social principles”

More events are planning to take place in Rochdale in various areas as well as stalls to resume with the petition signing for the campaign.

At the event it was announced that Rochdale would be participating in the National Consultation and puting forward its proposals for rejection on the plans for compulsory sex education for five year olds.

MP Expenses Scandal- ‘Politicians’ OR ‘Democracy’ to blame?

By Majed Iqbal- “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” Thomas Jefferson

Such descriptions of the mythical ‘god like’ concept of democracy could not be described more aptly and with such significance than the times British Politics is going through right now.

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride for many MP’s in the whole Expenses debacle- a national laughing stock and growing signs of anger and frustration from the British Population at Government and Politicians across the board.

Ratings for News channels must have soared as reality TV took a new turn with each day unveiling who has been caught in another expenses scandal. In fact Newspapers might even be thinking of releasing an end of the month top 30 ‘Lunacy Chart’ that orders the most scandalous MP expenses Issue in order with a prize for the most ‘well behaved’.

As European Elections draw closer, there is huge debate on the Role of Politicians and huge question marks on whether Politics is a Career or a responsibility to the masses and constituents.

The endless line up of accusations and betrayal of trust has drawn a huge gulf between Politicians and the people. Can they be trusted? Especially with the entire farce that has been just so difficult to swallow.

Sir Gerald Kaufman Labour backbench MP for Manchester Gorton was accused of claiming his flat in a posh block near London’s Regent’s Park was “a slum” and putting in bills for £38,834 of work on the kitchen and bathroom. He also claimed £1,851 for an antique rug, £8,865 for a luxury TV and £1,262 for a gas bill that was actually £1,055 in credit. He has no mortgage on the property but still claimed £115,109 over seven years.

Tory backbench MP Nadine Dorries took £18,000 in rent payments. Beds daily between Westminster and her “second home” in Bedford, where her daughter goes to school and her dogs stay. This would mean she claimed expenses on the wrong property.

Tam Dalyell Labour backbench MP until 2005 Accused Of: Asking for £18,000 worth of designer bookcases for his Scottish turreted castle, the House of Binns, just eight weeks before retiring as MP.

David Chaytor was disgraced following the revelation he spent nearly a year claiming £12,925 for a loan he had already paid off.

Elliot Morley claimed £16,800 in 18 months after clearing his second home’s mortgage.
There was even an Oscar level performance between parties to present themselves as the leaders of rectifying the situation. Gordon Brown challenged David Cameron to justify why taxpayers should pay millionaire MPs’ mortgages.

He told Cameron: “The rich don’t need mortgages.”

Cameron, the wealthy Tory leader has been claiming close to the maximum to pay a £1,176-a-month mortgage on a £1.4million Oxfordshire house.

Rich Shadow Chancellor George Osborne bought his £445,000 constituency home in Cheshire for cash but then raised a mortgage on it, charging the taxpayer £1,560 a month.

Anthony Steen Tory backbench MP for Totnes tried to use the sympathy vote after claiming the maximum £87,729 over four years for items including tree surgery, protecting shrubs against rabbits, a wrought iron fireplace and a survey of his rhododendrons at his £1million Devon mansion.

He Said “It’s just the system is wrong and for the public it’s totally confusing and they think we’re all crooks – but we’re not.”

Are these all just simply examples of rotten apples that need to be ‘pushed out’ to allow more ripe and a newer breed of Politicians to come out?

The American Writer, Elwyn Brooks described so simply that “Democracy is itself, a religious faith. For some it comes close to being the only formal religion they have”.

Hence it is of no surprise that Politicians have run away from criticising the ‘D’ word- Democracy. And this is no different for the News Channels, Newspapers, Magazines, Political websites, journals and blogs, all who have criticised politicians and not the Democratic system which breeds such corruption.

What is even more surprising is how the Muslim community has constantly been bulldozed into accepting democracy as part of parcel of a formation of a common identity and shared values that all British citizens must subscribe to.

In fact it was Hazel Blears, another Politician in the firing line over expenses claims, that even organised a Muslim youth advisory group to tackle ‘extremism’ and mobilise this body to engage in Politics as a counter path to those who advocate non –participation for the very above reasons.

As part of these efforts we have already seen ‘Exemplar’ ‘Muslim’ politicians presented to us in the past as voices for the Muslim Community but in the last weeks have really shown that their politics has nothing to do with serving communities but only themselves.

After Blear’s scandal, are such Politicians in the position to lecture the Muslim community on the ideals and ‘benefits’ of Democracy?

Are Shahid Malik and Khalid Mehmood simply just bad Muslims that need to be replaced with better Muslim in the Democratic process?

The ‘D’ word has reached a stage where it is sacrosanct to even question it, despite the fact that as a system it is institutionally corrupt, produces terrible laws and has switched off millions from the political process.

So is there any surprise that Muslims in Britain challenge the narrative of Democracy as the only form of governance that can guarantee prosperity? Is there any surprise when the same ideals are imposed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan that people in these regions show concern? How can such a discredited system be presented as ‘the’ model of governance countries should have?

Even more so, how can the British Government in their latest adventure, the “Contest 2” document label a Muslim as extremist who challenges Democracy?

“We want to move away from just challenging violent extremism. We now believe that we should challenge people who are against democracy and state institutions”,

This is not just a grievance relegated to a particular community, but seems to be an idea that many have reservations for- and this is not just restricted to the recent expenses furore.

“Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.” Oscar Wilde

“The more you read and observe about this Politics thing you got to admit that each party is worse than the other” – Will Rogers

“Saying we should keep the two-party system simply because it is working is like saying the Titanic voyage was a success because a few people survived on life rafts.” – Eugene McCarthy

A lump of Clay

By Zaythoun Suleman- Imagine being handed a lump of clay with the challenge of moulding it into something beautiful. You have seven years “wet” time when it will be easier to mould, followed by seven years “drying” time when you are able to correct those imperfections made during the wet period followed by a lifetime of back seat viewing to be there for when the finished product needs attention.

Although, you have absolutely no idea on how to mould clay, you naturally accept the offer as it resembles you or your partner. After an undefined amount of time (1 day – many years), the rightful owner will take it back and you will be asked about how you dealt with the challenge.

Yes, the lump of clay is a baby. Even though we carry them for up to 42 weeks whilst fathers wait eagerly, nothing can prepare us for the first time we lay our eyes on them. Although, they are purple and look like something out of a science fiction movie, to us they seem like the most beautiful person ever.

I remember the first time I saw my eldest son, he was so small with shiny black hair and as his little eyes scanned the surroundings, I found myself repeatedly saying “You are so beautiful!”

Hours later, when alone with him; I stroked his soft face gently, amazed to finally meet the one who had been living inside me all this time. It was then the realisation hit me – I was a mother. A huge sense of responsibility overwhelmed me and for the first time since becoming pregnant, I felt fear. What do I do with the baby? How do I take care of him? What kind of upbringing do I give to him? All these new problems started popping up and I felt a feeling of awe of the creator. How small and insignificant I really was that I did not even know what to do with a newborn baby and I dreaded to hear him cry!

In the weeks following, it became a common practice that he cried for food, cried when wet, cried when bored and cried when in pain and the fact of the matter was it all sounded the same for a while. Crying was all he knew. He worked both day and night shifts without prior warning, resulting in countless sleepless nights and bags under my eyes and my weekly shop to the supermarket consisted of a chance to meet up with new mothers in the nappy aisle to discuss best nappy brands. Welcome to the countless problems of parenthood!

I knew that I wanted the best solutions for my child just like any parent. However, what was the best? I did not just want him to be successful in this life I wanted him to be successful in this life and the Akhirah. I wanted him to enter Jannah and to achieve that I would have to teach how to pray at seven so he could be regularly praying by ten, I wanted him to be a walking, talking Qur’an like the Prophet Muhammed sallallahu alahi wasalam and the sahabah. The only problem was I was not practicing and children learn from what we do not what we say!

I suddenly realised I had two paths in front of me; years later, I compare this to how Neo from Matrix must have felt when he was offered the choice of the red or blue pill. In my case and many other parents who embark on the journey of Islam the taking of one pill would keep us in the rat race life which would have surely lead us to our destruction and the fire or the other pill which would lead us to an undiscovered path into Jannah.

That day, I chose the pill, which would lead to Jannah Insha Allah.

I began by naming him after Usamah ibn Zaid. (The son of Zaid – Prophets adopted son) We shaved his hair on the seventh day, endured the pain of circumcision six weeks later all for the love of Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala and his beloved Prophet.

Every problem, I came across had many solutions, given by mums, parenting books and western specialists. I took the positive, which did not contradict Islam and left the ones that did.

I remember the midwife telling me to leave my baby crying and to only feed him every two hours but when he cried, my natural reaction was to comfort and feed him because he seemed hungry. It became a constant battle between trusting my instincts or trusting the “professionals”. I came across the hadith of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam making the prayer shorter because a baby was crying and he knew the amount of distress it was causing the mother. He did that so the mother could tend to the baby. I compared the two reactions to a baby crying and found the Islamic solution a better option and my baby did too…

How do our children learn?

Learning begins in the womb and continues with admission into the world, by hearing voices and watching actions. Children are like sponges. They absorb information at an alarming rate, they boogy with boogy beebies and stick pencil crayons between knuckles imitating Wolverine. With the wide variety of TV programmes, movies, pop idols, internet, magazines and graphic novels available – you will find them picking up some bad habits too.

It begins with a word which becomes a habit, a continued habit becomes apart of their personality and their personality determines their success in the present, future and Akhirah.

So, what is our role as mums and dads? Should we sit and watch our cherished lump of clay turn into a prickly cactus, or do we try to reshape it back into the intended flower before it becomes dry?

Form a bond of affection with them so they will turn to you when they have problems InshaAllah

One of my toughest challenges was to show affection in the early days as all he wanted to do was cry, which I later understood was his way of communicating needs. As I had not been shown affection as a child, I did not know how to give it until I came across the story of a Bedouin who came to the Prophet

Muhammed sallahu alaihi wa salam and said “Do you kiss your sons? As we do not.”

To which the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam replied, “What can I do for you if Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala has removed mercy from your heart?”

In a beautiful hadith, where Aaishah radhi alllahu anha reported that whenever Fatimah came into the room, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam would stand up, welcome her, kiss her and offer her a seat, and whenever he came into the room, she would stand up, take his hand, welcome him, kiss him and offer him her seat. SubhanAllah, this is a beautiful example of how our child can learn from us with the simplest of habits.

I realised that if I wanted him to be affectionate, I would have to show him affection, so from that moment on, I cuddled and kissed him when he was sad and happy, stroked his hair as I passed him, I tickled him for no other reason apart from showing him affection. When we meet, we give salaam and when we depart, we give salaam.

My youngest picked this up alhamdulillah, you will see him running up to aunties with hijabs on he does not know in the supermarket and giving salaam to them and he will be stroking babies heads in a loving manner and shushing the crying babies in the masjid for Jumah prayers.

Give them a sound education so they are able to distinguish right from wrong.

Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala reminds us “O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones…”Surah 66 verse 6

So what is education? Is education just academia?

When I began home schooling my sons, years ago – It was the scariest moment ever but I did it for the pleasure of Allah swt and his deen and he swt made it easy for me.

I realised the definition of education from Islam wasn’t just academia, it was about having an Islamic personality which would be distinct from the western personality, it would be someone who knew what was right and wrong and be aware that all actions had an affect in this life and the Akhirah. Someone who would do that which pleased Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala and keep away from those actions which displeased him. They would feel the love of the Ummah when it cried, when Gaza was in pain, these children would join marches, demos, and make sincere du’as in their prayers. They would defend the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam when others made fun of him. The Qur‘an would be entwined in their life. They would dream about meeting the Prophets one day and imagine the questions they would ask them. They would draw paintings of what they would like in Jannah…

Make sure they have good friends.

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam reminds us “The good companion and the bad companion are like the bearer of musk and the one who pumps the bellows. With the bearer of Musk, either he will give you a share, or you will buy from him or you will smell a pleasant scent from him; but with the one, who pumps the bellows, either he will burn your clothes or you will smell a foul stench from him (Bukhari and Muslim). Therefore, we must guide our children to choose good friends.

Discipline on which displeases Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala rather than the people

When children misbehave, ask yourself “Have they done something to displease Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala or the people?” Is their a difference?

A child spilling a drink on the floor isn’t displeasing Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala as the child is not accounted for this action but the recording angel will note down the parents reaction. Understanding the child is not held accountable by Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala shines a different light to the scenario.

In many homes, you will find Mothers wiping up spills asking their child in a calm manner to be careful next time and educating the child to be more responsible by watching their drink. They understand their reward is from Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala Insha Allah.

When you chose the solution from Islam over other solutions, you feel totally liberated, almost as though the shackles have been broken and you can breathe the fresh air. You feel the peace and tranquillity flow through your veins instantly.

I recently asked a father how he managed to discipline his 14-year-old son, to which he replied, “Our children always knew we were the parents” They set this principle from the beginning and kept it consistent in their life.

How do you deal with challenges that children face in the west?

“We talk to our children about all issues they come across in great detail openly, It’s then up to us to trust them enough to make correct decisions”

Another parent jokingly replied, “I have told him that if he has a relationship with a girl, I will perform their nikah straight away!” Giving clear solutions from Islam at all times SubhanAllah.

We need to remember that children are an amanah (trust) for a set period; they may leave this earth before or after us.

We have no guarantees of how they turn out and that is the beauty of Islam. We will not be asked about how they turned out by Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala, just what we did with the time we had with our little lump of clay.

The prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam reminded us: Beware! Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible and answerable for his flock. The leader and the ruler is a shepherd over the people and shall be questioned about his subjects; a man is a guardian over his family and shall be questioned about them; a woman is the guardian over the household of her husband and his children and will be questioned about them….Beware! Every one of you is a guardian and every one of you will be questioned with regard to this trust (Bukhari & Muslim)

It is true what a loving sister once wrote “What we do in this life truly echoes in eternity” And as Muslims, we want what we do in this life to echo in this life and in the Akhirah Insha Allah…

ASIAN LEADER ARTICLE- “Renting while Muslim”- India’s new Conundrum

The following article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper examining if India had really progressed as a secular democracy in light of revelations of further discrimination of Muslims in housing.

The full Article can be read here. Read the newspaper online on the Look Asia Website .

“Renting While Muslim”- India’s new Conundrum!

By Majed Iqbal- Indian Elections are in full Swing as the Worlds largest democracy takes its course to decide the future of its 1.1 billion populous.

India’s marathon elections entered the penultimate phase of the five-stage election with parties going head to head in the last rounds. In this festival like Election fever, feelings around politics and the future of India have been mixed as citizens and observers abroad put their thoughts forward.

“Indian democracy is nothing but a miracle” said one person.

“It is a shinning example that how 1.1 billion people with different ethnicity, religion, caste and language can vote together is a victory of democracy and its institutions”

“The greatest democratic operation in the world is a model to every country” said another”

Some had more deeper and sceptical views about the whole Election process.

“In this country the educated don’t vote because they think it will make no difference and the poor don’t seem to realize the reason of voting”

“Politicians try to influence village people by giving hate speeches about there opposite candidate or they will try to raise religious issues; if that does not work, maybe they use violence or money which might work for them”
“Corruption runs so deep in government and different offices of this country that every Indian has now started to live by the rule set by corrupt people to pay and get your work done”

In the midst of these views is a new phenomenon which is set to take its toll during the election period which has come to limelight in more recent times.

“Renting while Muslim” has been the new label for the discrimination in finding rented accommodation Muslims receive in India.

Whilst communal in-fighting and tensions over the years has been apparent in India, the new phenomenon of “Renting while Muslim” has remained more low key and goes beyond just the ‘ordinary’ Muslim facing problems with housing from Hindu landlords.

Palvisha Aslam, 22, a Bollywood producer, wanted a spacious bedroom and a kitchen that overlooked a garden in a middle-class neighbourhood that was a short commute to Film City, where many of India’s Hindi movies are shot.
She was about to sign the lease when the real estate broker noticed her surname. He didn’t realize that she was Muslim, he said. Then he rejected her. He then showed her a grimy one-room tenement in a Muslim-dominated ghetto.

“That night I cried a lot. I was still an outcast in my own country — even as a secular Muslim with a well-paid job in Bollywood,” said Aslam.

Rana Afroz, a Muslim editor with the newspaper the Hindu has been investigating such issues after spending three months unable to find a landlord willing to rent to her and her husband.

“It is ridiculous that I have to prove to non-Muslims that I am not making bombs in my kitchen,” she said. “Is this really the modern India I live in?”

Since the Mumbai Attacks, such stories have become the norm even among some of the countries most beloved Bollywood actors, screenwriters and producers with a Muslim background in India’s most cosmopolitan city.

India has seen a rise in Muslims participating at the highest level for the country. From the Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan and Zaheer Khan Cricketing sensations for the Indian Cricket team right to the “King Khan” status of the most popular Actor of the Bollywood film Industry Sharukh Khan, things have still not set course for India’s secular Democracy, home to 150 million Muslims; one of the largest Muslim communities in the world.

“The ethos of Bombay is a city open to the world. The Muslims of this city feel that way, too. But the real question is why do we as Indian Muslims always have to be proving our loyalty?” asked Nawman Malik, a popular Bollywood producer who spent months searching for an apartment.

In India, Muslims are often segregated, and experience high poverty rates and low literacy. Although they make up nearly 14 percent of India’s population, they hold fewer than 5 percent of government posts and are just 4 percent of the student body in India’s elite universities, according to a 2006 government report.

Having the credentials of being the Worlds largest Democracy and presenting itself as a secular State has not rubbed itself well with India’s Muslim population. Fingers can be easily pointed out at politicians who may have exacerbated tensions for Political purposes, but the notion of a secular India offering a promising future for all citizens regardless of race, religion and caste is somewhat difficult to digest.

Maybe questions on the suitability of secularism for India should be raised.

ROCHDALE SRE CAMPAIGN- Campaign Leaflet for Distribution

Download the Rochdale Campaign leaflet to use for distribution in your local area. You can use it to highlight the concerning nature of the government Proposals on making sex and relationship education statutory for Primary school children.



You can print off the PDF copy and use it at your own stall and encourage people in your local area to join the campaign. The Leaflet contains practical steps that can be taken to make effective change on the issue.

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY HERE