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.

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North West Women's conference addresses the future of Gaza

By Majed Iqbal- While international pressure seems to have produced a ceasefire in Gaza, feelings of outrage have not dissipated easily left by the international silence by leading powers whilst the aggression was taking place in Gaza. Bitter taste can be felt resounding in many countries and seemed no different for the Muslim community in the UK.



Beyond the Gaza episode and the alleged ceasefire by Israeli forces, debates and discussions continue to look at a viable alternative to achieving territorial integrity and liberation for the Palestinians and mapping out the main obstacle in the way of achieving this.

To discuss these issues over a 150 women attended a one day Conference which looked beyond the ‘ceasefire', evaluated the practical steps that could have prevented such atrocities and mapped out a future political set up to ensure stability and peace for the region

The women's chapter of the Islamic political party Hizb ut-Tahrir organised the conference in Longsight, Manchester opening a robust debate on the Gaza issue.

'Another' cheap point scoring exercise on Gaza Issue by Rochdale Politician

By Majed Iqbal-New allegations that the ongoing conflict in Gaza is leading to an 'acute sense of anger and despair felt in Rochdale' 'and 'could do great damage to race relations in communities like Rochdale', aired by Parliamentary Candidate Simon Danczuk are being met with raised eyebrows by Rochdale Muslims.



In a meeting with Bill Rammell MP, the UK Minister for the Middle East, Mr Danczuk warned the that the Gaza conflict is creating a huge sense of grievance and injustice in Muslim communities and that Britain must step up the diplomatic pressure on Israel to achieve a ceasefire.

Last week Paul Rowen MP attempted to come into the limelight on the Gaza Issue with his open letter trying to make a 'stand' after a muted two weeks and now the Muslim community was being greeted with words of despair from the Parliamentary candidate for Rochdale.

Simon Danczuk's statements feed off the impressions he got at a recent Gaza Event in Rochdale where a jammed packed audience raised concerns at the ongoing massacring in Gaza. Many people raised their opinions on what could be done to stop the escalating situation.

Comments like "If the world could unite against Nazism, Apartheid and see their end then why cant the world put a stop to Zionism which is embodied in the principle foundation of the Israeli State?"

Other comments voiced their concern on how the world and the UN issued sanctions on Iraq and then invaded Iraq with a regime change and why it was now not possible to do the same for Israel as the same actions are being conducted by them?

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Community Leaders question Rochdale MP's Propaganda

By Majed Iqbal- It is often populalry quoted in political circles that "A week in politics is a long time" and indeed this has been exactly the case this week after the Question Time Event on "Extremism, Islam and the Muslim Community" staged on Saturday 9th february in Rochdale.



Amidst the lies and misinformation spread by Paul Rowen and his office was the arguement that Community leaders had expressed concern at Saturdays event, based upon which it was decided that Paul should not attend the event. On contacting as many community leaders as possible in Rochdale nobody knew of any comments made of such a nature to Paul or any of his office members.

Rochdale Ovbserver ran a story on the day of the event that Mr Ghulam Rasool Shazad had expressed concern at the event. On meeting Mr Shazad on the day and being questioned if this was the case he replied

Letters of Correspondance with Paul Rowen MP

Despite denial and active efforts to malign the debate, discussion, the panelists and the organisers, the following documents should leave any impartial observer with little room for doubt on how Paul Rowen and his office have attempted to steer the debate off  the course with cheap propaganda tactics.

Click the Thumbnails for a full view which details that discussions with Paul Rowen began on 30th November.

 

The letters above clearly highlight how Paul Rowen agreed to sit wth Panelists Simon Danczuk (Labour Parliamentary candidate for Rochdale) and Ali Khan (Hizb ut-Tahrir) for the Question Time which Paul Rowen and his office are in denial of.  Click the Thumbnails for a full view which details that discussions with Paul Rowen began on 30th November.

Asian Image- Debate goes ahead despite MP backing out

Published on the Asian Image Website

A Question Time Event looking at "Extremism, Islam and the Muslim Community" was attended by over two hundred people.



The heavily publicized event drew extra attention after Paul Rowen MP backed out of the debate stating he did not want to give the members of the group Hizb-ut-Tahrir, who were also invited, a platform to air their views.

Organizer Majed Iqbal, who runs the Rochdale based Blog on community affairs "Majeds Blog" chaired the event.

He said, "Many participants were angry with the actions of their local MP in his refusal to debate issues that matter to many British Muslims."

Asian News- Hundreds take part in Debate

Published in the Asian News- 13/02/2008

A public forum organised to discuss issues affecting Rochdale Muslims was hailed a success despite one of its key panellists pulling out of the event just days before.



The event, which was held in a 'Question Time' format, had been organised with local MP Paul Rowen to discuss extremism, Islam and the Muslim community. But Mr Rowen later declined the invitation because a member of Hitz-ut-Tahrir was also participating.

A spokesperson for Mr Rowen said: "Paul regrettably pulled out of the event after warnings from the police and other community organisations about giving publicity to Hizb-ut-Tahrir."

But organisers say despite Mr Rowen's absence, the event attracted over 200 people.

Organiser Majed Iqbal, who runs the popular blog on community affairs - Majeds Blog - said the event, held at Castlemere Community centre, gave the audience a platform to discuss issues at a grass root level.

Rochdale Online refuses to cover Question Time Event Story

In the last week not only have we had a Politician and his team of spin doctors to fabricate lies about why they do not wish to attend a Question Time Event, we now have Press wishing to "censor" stories as if they did not even occur!!



Rochdale online has refused to cover the story for the Question Time event. Since Monday, calls have been made twice a day asking for a chat with the News Editor, only to be fobbed off with the same answer "they'r not in". I left them with a message and my number each time on calling such that i could speak to someone- but to no avail.

On speaking to someone i was informed that Paul Rowens Office was instrumental in asking another newspaper not to run the story. This immeadiatley explained the sequence of events with Rochdale Online. I decided to write an email and sent the following: