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British Muslims for Secular Democracy is alarmed at reports that “Stop the Islamisation of Europe” (SIOE) are planning a further protest

20/11/2009

British Muslims for Secular Democracy is alarmed at reports that “Stop the Islamisation of Europe” (SIOE) are planning a further protest outside Harrow Mosque over its extension, in a repeat of the demonstration held on 11th September 2009.  


bmsd have written a letter to SIOE to try and deter them from going ahead with their plans to protest outside a place of worship:
http://www.bmsd.org.uk/pdfs/islamification.pdf [2]


We are confused about SIOE’s choice of venue for the protest, since Harrow as a borough is deemed to have peaceful and harmonious community relations, with Harrow Central Mosque towing an inclusive and progressive agenda when it comes to religious belief and its propagation.  The point we put across to SIOE is that just because Muslims attend certain mosques out of pure necessity and convenience, this does not mean that they subscribe to the views of the mosque committees and management who might have extremist or hard-line leanings. 


It is important for SIOE to realise that they are alienating an increasing number of British Muslims, who otherwise are equally concerned about the rise of political Islam and are appalled at the religious extremism found to be prevalent within their very own communities.


Dr Shaaz Mahboob of bmsd says, “We maintain that the vast majority of British Muslims are law-abiding citizens who are happy with secular democracy and do not wish to Islamicise Britain or Europe.  We would like to fight for the rights of ordinary British Muslims to practice their religion, free of any coercion by organised hard-line groups who follow a particular brand of Islam based on rigid interpretations of Islamic teachings.  By demonstrating outside a mosque under the banner, “Stop the Islamisation of Europe,” ordinary peace-loving British Muslims end up feeling threatened and have begun to believe that their fundamental right to practice their religion is being curtailed.”

[End]

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