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Muslim Democrats say 'No' to radical group

27/10/2009

Demonstration called to counter extremist Al Muhajiroun's "March for Sharia"
 
A British Muslim group opposed to extremism, British Muslims for Secular Democracy, plans to demonstrate against a march organised by Islam4UK, the radical group headed by former Al-Muhajiroun UK leader Anjem Choudary, due to take place on Saturday 31 October 2009.
 
"Our protest against Islam4UK is based on our belief in, and commitment to, those liberal values that define the British state," said BMSD spokesperson, Dr Shaaz Mahboob. 
 
"This includes legal and constitutional equality for all, equal rights for women and minorities, and religious freedom, including the right to be free of faith," he added.
 
Dr Mahboob urged all democrats - Muslim and non-Muslim - to support the demonstration.
 
"British Muslims for Secular Democracy encourages all people with a commitment to pluralism and democracy to get involved.  We form part of a broad-based coalition of groups and individuals, encompassing all faiths and none, and all levels of religious practice and none.  We believe it is important for all citizens to present a united front against extremism, and to reject any attempts to sow discord within our ranks," he said.
 
Dr Mahboob outlined the urgent need for the Muslim community to stand up for the liberal values that guarantee religious freedom in this country and to voice their opposition to extremist groups like Islam4UK in an article published in the Guardian's Comment is Free on 23rd October 2009:
 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/oct/23/islam4uk-march-31-october
 
British Muslims for Secular Democracy has also made a satirical video making it clear that the offensive, extremist demands of groups like Islam4UK are only on the fringe:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn2JgvWZJ-0
 
To find out more and to register your support, please visit our campaign website: www.seculardemocracy.org.

Please join us in Piccadilly Circus on Saturday 31st October at 1pm.

As Dr Mahboob says, "We would like to extend an invitation to all individuals and groups who cherish the virtues of liberal democracy, to set aside their differences and stand shoulder to shoulder against the bigots who dream of taking away our freedom and liberty. We are particularly delighted to see that some who have previously held hard-line views such as Inayat Bunglawala, are prepared to stand together with BMSD in a show of solidarity against Anjem Choudary."

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Dr Shaaz Mahboob on 07961365751, or Tehmina Kazi on 020 7631 4175.
Email: media@seculardemocracy.org
Website http://seculardemocracy.org
 
PHOTOS:
Free-for-use hi-resolution photos for the media are available at:
http://seculardemocracy.org/photos.html

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Notes to the editors:  

  1. bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.  
  2. bmsd’s mission statement:   “To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.”   
  3. bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.  
  4. For details please visit http://www.bmsd.org.uk  
  5. For any further queries, please contact:  Dr Shaaz Mahboob on  shaaz@bmsd.org.uk or 07961365751 or Tehmina Kazi on 0207 631 4175