Imams to counter 'mistaken' Muslim beliefs

[salahuddin_ayyubi]

A board of Islamic experts is to be set up with funds from the Government to offer advice to Muslims on issues such wearing a veil and the role of women in public life.

The move, announced yesterday, is aimed at sidelining extremists within the community who misuse Islamic beliefs to reinforce cultural practices, including stereotyping women.

There will also be citizenship classes for young Muslims in mosque schools. Trials of the new lessons will begin in in East and West London, Leicester, Birmingham, Oldham, Rochdale and Bradford at the start of the new term in September. The initiative is designed to show youngsters that there is no conflict between their religion and being British. The Government is providing money to train imams for the schemes.

Hazel Blears, the Communities Secretary, announced that £100,000 of public money will help Cambridge University to create an independent board of academic and theological experts.

Twenty leading Muslims will sit on the board, which will be expected to compile a report on Islamic beliefs in relation to life in modern Britain over the coming academic year.

Ms Blears was clearly concerned that the move could be seen as an attempt to interfere in faith issues, particularly as some Muslims accuse ministers of trying to create state-sponsored Islam.

She insisted: “It is not for Government to dictate on matters of faith or religious teaching. But Muslim communities themselves have told us that stronger leadership is needed on what are often controversial issues.”

A Communities department spokeswoman said: “Muslims have consistently expressed concerns about Islamic beliefs being misused by those seeking to promote extremism or reinforce certain cultural practices.

“They are equally clear that violence has no place in Islam and that Islamic theology can play a vital part in countering such teachings.”

The spokeswoman said that membership of the new board would reflect the diversity of Muslim communities in Britain.

“It will look at things like the veil, about being both Muslim and British and whether Muslims can feel confident in voting and engaging with society like that.”

A number of incidents have led to concerns that the wearing of the Islamic veil is one of the barriers in community relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Britons.

Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, an imam with the Muslim Council of Britain, said the creation of the group had been driven by Muslims rather than the Government.

He said: “We felt we needed something of this nature to help create a better structured approach to how we are educating our children. We feel our children need to be taught that they can be proud Muslims and proud young British people.

“Anything that helps to make our communities stronger should be welcomed - provided that it's not used to isolate, control or change what a community is.”

Sheikh Mogra said: “This board has to be something owned by us, driven by us but supported by Government. We've made it clear that it's not for Government to touch our theology or touch the way we train our people.”

But Taji Mustafa, a spokesman for Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, said: “Whether it is the proposed state citizenship indoctrination for children in madrassas, or the new Imam's board, the British Government's interference in the Muslim community and matters of Islam is unprecedented in comparison with any other religion or community.”

Yesterday's proposals are aimed at boosting the role of Muslim women by encouraging their involvement in public life.

The report said that too often their voices were not heard through lack of confidence, balancing work and family and because they were subject to stereotypes and so not included in public debate.

“This must change. We have to get better at listening to Muslim women, acknowledging their contribution to this country's economic, cultural and civic life, and opening the door for more women to become empowered.”

Source (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article4360330.ece)

[salahuddin_ayyubi]

The wearing of the Islamic veil will be one of the issues examined by a new panel of Muslim experts being set up by the government, it was announced yesterday.

Cambridge University has been commissioned to create an independent board of academic and theological experts. It will include 20 leading Muslims and is expected to compile a report on Islamic beliefs in relation to life in modern Britain over the coming academic year.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced the move as part of a new package to crack down on extremism and radicalisation.

She said: "It is not for government to dictate on matters of faith or religious teaching.

"But Muslim communities themselves have told us that stronger leadership is needed on what are often controversial issues."

A Communities Department spokeswoman said: "Muslims have consistently expressed concerns about Islamic beliefs being misused by those seeking to promote extremism or reinforce certain cultural practices.

"They are equally clear that violence has no place in Islam and that Islamic theology can play a vital part in countering such teachings.

"The government has responded by working with Muslim communities to facilitate the establishment of an independent theological board who will be able to advise on these issues and share their findings with the wider Muslim community."

The board's membership will reflect the diversity of Muslim communities in the UK, she added.

"It will look at things like the veil, about being both Muslim and British and whether Muslims can feel confident in voting and engaging with society like that," said the spokeswoman.

A series of incidents have led to concerns that the wearing of the Islamic veil is one of the major barriers in community relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Britons.

Ms Blears also announced that young Muslims will be taught citizenship in mosque schools as part of a bid to prevent them being turned into extremists. Trials of the new lessons will begin in several cities at the start of the new term in September.

The initiative is designed to show youngsters there is no conflict between their religion and being British.

Officials said mosque teachers in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Oldham, Rochdale and Bradford would be trained in using the new materials over the summer.

They will be used alongside traditional lessons about the Koran.

Source (http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2403344.0.Islamic_veil_issue_to_be_loo ked_at_by_Muslim_experts.php)

[Abu Abdallah al-Bulghari]

A board of Islamic experts is to be set up with funds from the Government to offer advice to Muslims on issues such wearing a veil and the role of women in public life.

Thank you, Times, for specifying it straight fair and square in the first sentence.

Take 4 Imams, with their fiercely guarded independence from the authorities for which they paid with their health and lives, take an opposite of itand, voila, here is your shiny new panel.

[Brother_Mujahid]

So to what historical precedence can we look back to for this event? Muslim "scholars" serving at the whim of the same crusaders who attacked the defenseless Muslim populations of Iraq and Afghanistan. What can be said about this? Sufyan ath-Thawri, Abu Hanifa, Malik, Ahmad bin Hanbal, al-Bukhari, ibn Taymiyya, an-Nawawi, and many others of their lofty station shunned any sort of position compromised by political authority or refused to concede to any political compromises, and that was during the reign of Muslim governments!!! This "panel" will be nothing more than a gathering of scoundrels, hypocrites, and heretics.

[Abu Ma'mar]

br Salahudeen you have the best signature on this forum!

[Abu Abdur-Rahman]

yes he does, i think i might nick it to use on another forum if thats ok?

[Abu_Talha]

br Salahudeen you have the best signature on this forum!

I second that. I've already made that my computer background lol

[ummafnaan]

What is with them and the NIQAAB issue? Ya Rabb. Talk about broken record. I really feel for my sisters who have to face these attacks every single day of their lives. Alhamdulillah for the day I left the UK.

[Nu7]

How are things in Malaysia? It's pretty westernized anyway isn't it?

It's probably hard to get by unless you speak Malaysian.

[ummafnaan]

Yes brother I am afraid it is quite westernised in the areas such as KL, Selangor, etc where most of the expatriates, chinese, etc reside. However the smaller cities are slightly more conservative. Quite a number of them speak English because its fast becoming a tourist attraction. I think that it is even a job requirement to have some basic english skills here now, especially in places like Kuala Lumpur. But the good thing about it is everyone recognises that it is a majority muslim country so it is normal to see niqaabis, hijaabis, etc. Any eatblishment that serves alcohol or non Halal food always has a large 'NON-HALAL' sign in front of it.
I have also seen a lot of Arabs lately, as it is now what they call 'Arab Season'. I was told because a lot of Arabs now find it very difficult to gain entry into places such as UK, USA they have now opted for places like Malaysia as second choice for their vacations.
And you have the added benefit of a prayer room in every single building, be it an office, mall, etc. You are never more than five minutes away from a masjid or 'Surau' as they like to call it. So alhamdulillah it is far better than living in UK or USA. And I wouldn't give it up for anything(except of course an islamic state).
But I have to say they really need a lot of education on issues of bid'ah. They have so many innovations that have been embedded into the core of their islamic practices. There is a serious need of some da'wah for our muslim brothers and sisters over here.

[leo]

But I have to say they really need a lot of education on issues of bid'ah. They have so many innovations that have been embedded into the core of their islamic practices.

May be due to Hindus?

[Salahadeen]

Bro, I googled "Rafidhi Shiites" and it's not saying "did you mean 'pagans' ?" Did you edit it like that, or did it really say that?

[Nu7]

Yes brother I am afraid it is quite westernised in the areas such as KL, Selangor, etc where most of the expatriates, chinese, etc reside. However the smaller cities are slightly more conservative. Quite a number of them speak English because its fast becoming a tourist attraction. I think that it is even a job requirement to have some basic english skills here now, especially in places like Kuala Lumpur. But the good thing about it is everyone recognises that it is a majority muslim country so it is normal to see niqaabis, hijaabis, etc. Any eatblishment that serves alcohol or non Halal food always has a large 'NON-HALAL' sign in front of it.
I have also seen a lot of Arabs lately, as it is now what they call 'Arab Season'. I was told because a lot of Arabs now find it very difficult to gain entry into places such as UK, USA they have now opted for places like Malaysia as second choice for their vacations.
And you have the added benefit of a prayer room in every single building, be it an office, mall, etc. You are never more than five minutes away from a masjid or 'Surau' as they like to call it. So alhamdulillah it is far better than living in UK or USA. And I wouldn't give it up for anything(except of course an islamic state).
But I have to say they really need a lot of education on issues of bid'ah. They have so many innovations that have been embedded into the core of their islamic practices. There is a serious need of some da'wah for our muslim brothers and sisters over here.

Jazaakillahu Khayr, sister. I have more questions but I think I will ask some other time Insha Allah instead of hi-jacking the brother's thread.

[salahuddin_ayyubi]

yes he does, i think i might nick it to use on another forum if thats ok?

Feel free.

Bro, I googled "Rafidhi Shiites" and it's not saying "did you mean 'pagans' ?" Did you edit it like that, or did it really say that?

Edited..

[Abu Abdallah al-Bulghari]

Yes brother I am afraid it is quite westernised in the areas such as KL, Selangor, etc where most of the expatriates, chinese, etc reside. However the smaller cities are slightly more conservative. Quite a number of them speak English because its fast becoming a tourist attraction. I think that it is even a job requirement to have some basic english skills here now, especially in places like Kuala Lumpur. But the good thing about it is everyone recognises that it is a majority muslim country so it is normal to see niqaabis, hijaabis, etc. Any eatblishment that serves alcohol or non Halal food always has a large 'NON-HALAL' sign in front of it.
I have also seen a lot of Arabs lately, as it is now what they call 'Arab Season'. I was told because a lot of Arabs now find it very difficult to gain entry into places such as UK, USA they have now opted for places like Malaysia as second choice for their vacations.
And you have the added benefit of a prayer room in every single building, be it an office, mall, etc. You are never more than five minutes away from a masjid or 'Surau' as they like to call it. So alhamdulillah it is far better than living in UK or USA. And I wouldn't give it up for anything(except of course an islamic state).
But I have to say they really need a lot of education on issues of bid'ah. They have so many innovations that have been embedded into the core of their islamic practices. There is a serious need of some da'wah for our muslim brothers and sisters over here.


Can you find a Salafi masjid? Are there many of them?

[ummafnaan]

Can you find a Salafi masjid? Are there many of them?

I am afraid not brother. I am almost going crazy cos there are no study circles to go to with the proper aqeedah. Its so frustrating. And I believe that are supposed to be majority hanafi school here? Its amazing. Even the very learned Imams have some funny practices that are definately not from the sunnah. And I definately don't want to come across as 'miss know it all' by trying to correct them including the teacher. So far I haven't come across a single Salafi; even my husband is having the same problem. They are also very moderate here. Such as they believe all types of music are halal. Hijaab for the malay is usually anything as long as the hair is covered, etc, etc. A lot of them tend to think my niqaab is some sort of deviation and wonder what sect I am from. So I might get branded as an extreme extremist if I were to share my Salafi views here.
So I guess in terms of seeking knowledge i would say that I miss the UK and my home country Nigeria cos at least there was always a jama'at with the salafi aqeedah if you looked in the right place.
Win some, lose some.
Allahu musta'an

[Abu Abdallah al-Bulghari]

I am afraid not brother. I am almost going crazy cos there are no study circles to go to with the proper aqeedah. Its so frustrating. And I believe that are supposed to be majority hanafi school here? Its amazing. Even the very learned Imams have some funny practices that are definately not from the sunnah. And I definately don't want to come across as 'miss know it all' by trying to correct them including the teacher. So far I haven't come across a single Salafi; even my husband is having the same problem. They are also very moderate here. Such as they believe all types of music are halal. Hijaab for the malay is usually anything as long as the hair is covered, etc, etc. A lot of them tend to think my niqaab is some sort of deviation and wonder what sect I am from. So I might get branded as an extreme extremist if I were to share my Salafi views here.
So I guess in terms of seeking knowledge i would say that I miss the UK and my home country Nigeria cos at least there was always a jama'at with the salafi aqeedah if you looked in the right place.
Win some, lose some.
Allahu musta'an

Your frank depiction of the situation brings out a dilemma of whether to stay in a Western country where you can find a small circle of people with the same ideology or in a Muslim country where you find Muslims everywhere but they are not sharing your beliefs.

If they do not allow your husband to speak in the Masjid, give lectures then may be you could make your home a center of Salafi activities, invite like minded people, etc...

[Mustafa al-Muhaajir]

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7502/maslamwi7.th.png (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=maslamwi7.png)