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.