Here we go again! British Muslims have ‘allegedly’ tried to blow up several planes and the media is having a field day. Before any form of ‘hard core’ evidence is put forward that these chaps are actually guilty every paper and TV channel is discussing ‘Islamic extremism’, the ‘British al-Qaeeda link’, ‘the enemy within’ and so on. The world’s thickest President George Bush, who opens his mouth without using the one brain cell he has, called the incident ‘Islamic fascism’ and once again the eyes of the world are on the Muslims. Once again Islam and the Muslims are on trial.
So what’s the score? How do Muslims react to all this being thrown at us?
Well, first of all -its important to see the evidence before we make any judgements.
Who knows, this could be another Police botch-up like the Forest Gate raid and the shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes. Almost half of the men arrested have been charged but until they are found guilty nobody can say jack. It’s innocent until proven guilty isn’t it or is that innocent until proven Muslim? I get confused.
The ordinary Muslim does not need to get defensive.
We have nothing to do with it. If the men are guilty then its an act of terrorism. End of. They have nothing to do with Islam or with the overwhelming majority of Muslims in the UK and worldwide. Terrorism has no religion. Everyone knows that terrorism goes against every fundamental teaching of Islam. Only misguided crackpots would even think of blowing up planes and killing thousands of innocent people. So lets leave ‘religion’, ‘Muslim’ and ‘Islam’ out of these please. Its not Islamic terrorism- its terrorism carried out by guys who happen to be Muslim. It’s simple really-isn’t it?
Muslims should stop making excuses for terrorists whether they are Muslim or not.
Some of us try to quickly give reasons for the alleged plot and other terrorists acts carried out by Muslims such as 9/11, 7/7, Turkey, Bali and so on. We say ‘oh its coz of Iraq war, Afghanistan, Palestine’ and so on. The reality is that Western foreign policy might be a reason why some Muslims may hate the West and might turn to extremism but it can NEVER be a reason for any act of terrorism. Millions of people from all faiths, nations and background were strongly against the Iraq & Afghanistan war, Bush and Blair’s support for Israel and also Bush and Blair’s double standards but they would never even think of killing thousands of innocent people because of this. So please….don’t give terrorists a reason or a justification. Yes, foreign policy needs to change but we cant use it as an excuse for terrorism.
It’s time Muslims took a reality check.
Terrorist attacks such as 9/11, 7/7, Bali, Turkey, Spain and so on were all carried out by Muslims. Yes, we have certain so-called Muslims out there who do carry out acts of terrorism in the name of Islam. Even more shocking is that British born Muslims have started to do the same. So we need to admit that some in our community are extremists and even terrorists- so, we have a challenge on our hands. We as individuals, mosques, scholars and every Islamic organisation needs to tackle this issue. We have to make sure that our Muslim youth are educated enough to know what is terrorism, what is extremism, to always condemn it and speak out against it. So our Muslim leaders need to lead and reach out to the Muslim youth before more Muslim youth are brain washed by the Abu Hamza’s of this world.
Rather than slating the media- use it!
Yes most of us don’t trust the media but now is the time young educated Muslims (not crackpots and those who are always stoned) got involved with the media. It’s time to hear the sensible voices on interviews, debates and discussions when Islam and Muslims are discussed. It has to be made clear on the media that British Muslims are against terrorism, that we have big issues with the UK and US foreign policy. We need to monitor the media and speak or write against any bias or anti-Islamic reporting. So that means doing something I’m afraid!
Finally- as The Revival always says: every Muslim needs to be a walking, talking advert for Islam.
British Muslims are a part and parcel of British life. British Muslims have been living here for generations and have integrated into every field of life. You see British Muslims in important positions such as senior police officers, MPs, peers, doctors, businessman, public service and much more. It’s now more important than ever to do our bit to reach out to the non Muslim community and build the bridges.
