Shaikh Riyad H. Nadwi M.A., Ph.D.
Lib Dems: Anti-Muslim and Pro-Israel
Sat Jan 31 23:24:02 2004
64.140.158.75

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Assalamu alaikum and Eid Mubarak

Lib Dems: Anti-Muslim and Pro-Israel

We have all heard of the banning of the Muslim head scarf (hijab) in France and many Muslims have since found themselves on the defensive in a debate that has focused almost entirely on the validity of hijab in Shariah, despite a consensus among the recognised Muslim scholars on this issue. The question as to why hijab has suddenly become the focus of attention has so far been skilfully avoided.

However, given that the pro-Israel Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford – Mr Evan Harris – has also joined the band-wagon against hijab, I believe the time has come for a more comprehensive analysis. Mr Harris appeared on a BBC Radio Five Live programme on Thursday (29.01.04) arguing for the right to ban Muslim girls in British state schools from wearing hijab. At the same time, we have seen French Ministers arguing that the new legislation should include beards as well. In the ensuing debate, proponents of the ban have put forward spurious arguments about the role of religion, freedom of speech and the values of a secular society. Many Muslims have been engaged in debate about these issues. What we must ask is whether these arguments are all a front for the real objective behind such moves: an objective that is so politically incorrect that it cannot be mentioned openly, outside of select circles. Well, if we cannot be told the real driving force behind attempts to institute such measures, maybe I can make a suggestion. And remember, the context is “why now?”

The motive, it seems, is to make life difficult for practising Muslims in Europe. Practising Muslims around the world are the most vocal in their condemnation of Israel for its illegal and racist occupation of Palestinian lands. Preventing their children from practising Islam concurs with the Neo-Conservative ‘doctrine of pre-emption’. The argument runs as follows: if Muslim girls in Britain are prohibited from wearing hijab, their belief will receive less focus in their lives. As such, their belief in the Quranic sanctity of Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque will be eroded. As a result, their stance against Israeli oppression will be neutered. This is the goal. The invasion of Iraq was also based on this ominous ‘doctrine of pre-emption’. This argument is reinforced by the fact that many of the prime movers behind this doctrine are clearly identifiable as being staunch supporters of the Zionist State.

If we do not act now, this attack on our freedom will not stop with hijab. It will spiral into an intolerable situation. Two weeks ago Mr Charles Kennedy (leader of the Liberal Democrats) was forced by complaints from the Israeli Embassy and others to seek the resignation of senior MP Jenny Tonge, simply because she expressed reasonable and much-deserved sympathy with the Palestinians.

Mr Charles Kennedy must be warned that the Muslims of Britain, and of Oxford in particular, will find it completely inconsistent if he refuses to seek the resignation of Mr Evan Harris. They will make the comparison between his treatment of Mr Harris and Mrs Tonge, and they will draw their own conclusions as to whether voting Liberal Democrat is really in the best interests of Muslim voters. Attacking the religious freedoms of Muslim children, at a time when the pro-Israel lobby is exploiting ‘freedom of speech’ to justify the racist comments of Mr Kilroy-Silk, is unacceptable. Every Muslim should stand up and be counted now before it is too late. My advice is to pray to Allah for protection, organise public meetings to discuss your concerns and write letters of protest to the relevant bodies (For addresses refer to the Media Monitoring section of the Muslim Directory).

Yours faithfully

Wassalam

Shaikh Riyad H. Nadwi M.A., Ph.D.

OCCR Institute

Oxford, UK

---End of Message---

Islamic Affairs Central Network (IACN)
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 115 844 9705
E-mail: info@iacn.org.uk
Website: www.iacn.org.uk   

• WHAT PART OF "ILLEGAL" DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND — Tom DeWeese, Sat Jan 31 23:38