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| Friday, 21 September 2007 | |
 You know, now I finally understand what MPACUK have been blaring about the mosques all this time and they are totally right! I acknowledged that our mosques leaders had their faults but I always thought it couldn't be that bad, that perhaps they didn’t realise what we were saying...that if we were to explain something to them they would understand. I thought that it’s only some mosques that don’t listen and the majority of them would be there for the Muslim community but I can’t believe how wrong I was.I called about 15 mosques today all over the North telling them about our pre-emptive lobbying campaign and how we needed their help and the response I am getting is just pathetic! Only about four mosques agreed for me to send the petition over and even then one of them sounded as if he just wanted to get off the 'phone. What really made me mad was when one of them slammed the 'phone down on me after telling me they won’t do political stuff! Before I could get a word in edgeways explaining that I’m not asking him to do anything...only to announce it to his congregation and request people to sign. What I would like to say to Al Falah mosque on Salisbury Street in Bolton is what the hell has this got to do with politics? Politics or not, this is something that affects the Ummah, something that affects Muslims for crying out loud! You, you in charge of the mosque, this is your responsibility! You’re supposed to be leading us, you’re supposed to be helping us. Increasing the detention period to hold suspects is something that will affect each and every one of us. Are you just going to turn your backs on the Muslim community whenever you feel something is ‘political’? Does this mean you are going to turn your backs on boycotting Israeli products? Are you going to turn your backs on the propaganda being built by the Channel 4 Dispatches Unholy War documentary? Are you going to turn your back whenever an islamophobic politician is elected? Are you going to turn your backs on the war in Iraq, in Palestine? Are you going to turn your backs on every single policy affecting Muslims in the UK? Are Muslims living in this country supposed to simply ignore politics? And here I was thinking Islam is a way of life. What makes it worse is that not one of these mosques had someone who could speak good English and every single person that answered the phone was rude and nosey and it was hard to get a member of the committee on the 'phone. I couldn’t get through to a single person in charge and when I did in Al Falah mosque he ended up slamming the 'phone on me (though from the sounds of whispering in the background I somehow doubt he was a member of the committee or at least I refuse to believe that a member of the committee could be so rude). I’m not sure how these people represent the Muslim community. Never mind English, they are not even well versed in Urdu! More like villager Punjabi...not even good Punjabi. And forget the language, the most basic thing that is taught to us in Islam are manners. A simple ‘no we can’t support your petition and this is why’ would have sufficed nicely, and then perhaps we could even have had a decent conversation. Perhaps we could have shared our opinions. Perhaps I would have felt that even if the mosques didn't share my views at least they were listening to me. I wonder what the reaction would be if Gordon Brown himself actually decided to call the mosques. He would probably get something like...'ooh kon bool rya ve' Gadan Brawn? Who iz heee? What if it was someone else? Someone who was perhaps not a Muslim and wanted the mosques opinion on something? What sort of an impression do you think the mosques would have made on him? How would that affect the image of the rest of the Muslim community, since mosques are supposed to be ‘representing’ us? And if you ask 'can I speak to somebody on the committee please' the reply is 'somebody is not here please' - I seriously got that reply! If some people are still sceptical about what MPACUK says about our mosque leaders then try calling a couple of them yourself on something that’s really affecting the Ummah, something that’s big news for the Muslims, something that affects us living here in the UK and see what the reaction is. And try calling them up to ask about how you wear your scarf or the size of your trouser length then 'yes dat is very imporrrtent...go homm end reeed astagfirullah.' Experience is the best teacher. Happy calling.
For more information about the campaign click here
If you want to discuss this matter further or believe you can help us with our campaign then join us on Sunday 23rd September. There will be Iftar after the meeting.
Venue: Friends Meeting House
6 Mount Street City center Manchester M2 5NS
Timings: starts at 5:00pm
   Readers have left 18 comments.
safnor:
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LOOOL!!!!!!brilliant article mpac!!! the mosques, which are meant to be a safe haven for muslims in need, they cant even support a simple petition, then what use are the to the ummah at all?
(1)
2007-09-22 00:14:31
abu funza:
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excellent article mpacuk - shame on those idiotic mosque leaders.
i swear day by day my hatred increases for them - they are like rabid dogs, and the only way to deal with these dogs is to either: 1) neuter them or 2) put them to sleep :)
(2)
2007-09-22 00:19:06
JamalA:
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Quote: "Before I could get a word in edgeways explaining that I’m not asking him to do anything...only to announce it to his congregation and request people to sign. "
So you WERE asking him to do something. It IS a political lobby document and so the mosques who didn't want anything to do with politics were correct in rejecting you. I don't say they were correct for not supporting you but if they have decided not to get involved with politics then they stuck to their word.
(3)
2007-09-22 06:44:51
roadkill:
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As a convert it is clear to me that the mosques exist for prayers and local (mainly Asian) community fund raising only.
As a convert from the C of E it is clear that in this way, the mosques are far more ineffective than most Parish churches in looking after the interests of their worshipers. Trust me on this; many Churches I have visited recently are very pro-active in the area of political activism, organising and attending rallies and demonstrations and lobbying local MPs. Please remember this sort of action is your right as British citizens. It is not a sin, unlawful, haram, antisocial or likely to breed Islamiphobia if carried out in an intelligent and concerned manner. Any one who tells you different is buying into scaremongering and media manipulation. This country has a long history of public protest. It is obligatory for all Muslims to protest injustice in all forms. The only risk comes when such protest is only observed by lunatic fringe movements who want to burn flags. We all know these are a minority? So where is the majority? Peace
(4)
2007-09-22 09:49:52
JamalA:
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roadkill makes a very good point about the Church of England being political.
But the analogy isn't there. C of E is fundamental in the evolution of Britain and is bound into the state via the House of Lords. Its bishops have always been political figures, even commanding private armies. There are various Bishops of stature for the main geographies of the church and these are recognised leaders and representatives. When they speak then the press and media takes notice. There is no such equivalent within the mosque system in the UK. In fact, I believe that Britain is wary of any religious leader attempting to become political. Even the Bishops get ridiculed. It is certainly the right to protest but the last major protest after the 7/7 bombings ended-up with MCB issuing blackmailing threats that they couldn't be held responsible for the consequences if Foreign Policy didn't change. That lost many brownie points and was called 'blackmail' When a prominent mosque leader suggested that the UK was "worse that the Nazis" then the door started to close. I remember those comments getting short shrift from the government and Cameron who met the Imam. So many political protests and campaigns by Muslims seem to end up in a threat or support for terrorism in some way. Any march that supports Hamas or Hezbollah is a support for terrorism. That doesn't go down so well.
(5)
2007-09-22 10:50:38
Shan:
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by the very same token anyone who supports or defends israeli actions is in one way or another a supporter of israeli terrorism-ethnic cleansing-rape-sodomy-torutre and hostage taking.
what would you expect from a system were aspiring PMs have to go before jewish groups swearign to protect israel and calling themselves zionists. muslims are always lectured about freedom of speech but when muslims use that freedom of speech they are called radical and blackmailers. arrogance is shown when the other side is weak,so the lesson is to get strong.
(6)
2007-09-22 12:02:05
Galaxy:
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'There is no such equivalent within the mosque system in the UK' because mosque leaders havn't done much to warrant being recognised as leaders and representatives. How can they expect to gain recognition when they hide away silently in their little abodes? How can they represent Muslims if they continue to carry on in the state they are in?
MPACUK seem to be suggesting a peaceful petitition, kindly requesting the mosques to announce it in their congregation and asking people to sign. They didnt ask mosques to issue blackmail threats such as MCB's or ask to make comments such as the UK is 'worse than the Nazis' Mosques leaders should be more responsible then issuing comments like that but thats the whole problem isn't it. Mosques leaders need to be many things and they aren't. Petition or no petition isnt it mosques responsibility to make their congregation aware of any issue affecting Muslims? As for 'political protests and campaigns by Muslims seeming to end up in a threat or support for terrorism'- well so far the mosque leaders have been sitting silent, hiding away and Muslims are still being accused of terrorism. Perhaps if mosque leaders were to activate themselves and educate Muslims about peaceful protest, then we wouldn't be having that problem. Sitting silently is by no way going to stop the smear of terrorism on Muslims. In fact its because the mosque leaders are sitting silently that the smear of terrorism on Muslims has escalated out of control. When there are no good Muslim leaders to defend us and educate us on how to defend ourselves then what else can we expect but be smeared.
(7)
2007-09-22 12:17:22
Barbarossa:
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Jamal you sound like a real defeatest - the mosques have been asked to tell people not buy products that are from a racist aparthied state, when they refuse you protect them by saying - oh well they are 'sticking by their guns' - what guns exactly, the ones that allow torture and murder of Muslims?
Then you go on to say how the Government doesnt like Muslims getting political - so what? why is that such a big deal for you? The Government didnt like people protesting against the Iraq war - was that the excuse you told Muslims so that they could stay home? No more excuses, the mosques are a disgrace, even this small gesture was not done proving they are the worst amongst us and not the best. Not fit to lead, but fit to be removed.
(8)
2007-09-22 12:50:26
Tahira:
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Seriously - do try this yourself! I've had similar experiences but unless we do push ahead with asking our mosques to get active we'll never more beyond the current sorry state of affairs.
(9)
2007-09-22 14:19:07
JamalA:
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by the very same token anyone who supports or defends israeli actions is in one way or another a supporter of israeli terrorism-ethnic cleansing-rape-sodomy-torutre and hostage taking. — Shanwhat would you expect from a system were aspiring PMs have to go before jewish groups swearign to protect israel and calling themselves zionists. muslims are always lectured about freedom of speech but when muslims use that freedom of speech they are called radical and blackmailers. arrogance is shown when the other side is weak,so the lesson is to get strong. I find it highly amusing how the muth that an aspiring MP MUST go before Jews and swear allegiance and support for Israel is already propogating into minds eager and fertile to almost anything against Israel. Its not that I am supporting Israel in these comments I am simply pointing-out the absurdity of this particular point. It gets even more absurd. Can we say that anyone supporting Iraqis is supporting rape, sodomy and killing of Muslims because that is what Muslims are doing to Muslims over there. (and were doing over there in the Saddam regime) If we support Afghanistan are we automatically supporting Talibaneque Shariah Law and the right to behead and kill apostates? YOUR logic says yes to those too. Anger and criticism has to be equitable and not selective.
(10)
2007-09-22 15:39:20
JamalA:
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Jamal you sound like a real defeatest - the mosques have been asked to tell people not buy products that are from a racist aparthied state, when they refuse you protect them by saying - oh well they are 'sticking by their guns' - what guns exactly, the ones that allow torture and murder of Muslims? — BarbarossaThen you go on to say how the Government doesnt like Muslims getting political - so what? why is that such a big deal for you? The Government didnt like people protesting against the Iraq war - was that the excuse you told Muslims so that they could stay home? No more excuses, the mosques are a disgrace, even this small gesture was not done proving they are the worst amongst us and not the best. Not fit to lead, but fit to be removed. I agree that the Mosques are not led in a consistent and unified direction by the leaders. But the Muslim Community doesn't have any credible leadership. It has pockets of self-interest. MCB were supposed to be the uniting organisation but the Government has dropped them as being part of the problem and not the solution. Ask yourself a dramatic question "With a population of 1.5 - 1.8 million Muslims in the UK versus a total population of 60 million why should the Government need to listen to the Muslim voice?"
(11)
2007-09-22 15:43:56
roadkill:
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Arrogance and apathy born of inertia?
Weekly attendances at churches are falling - the result? A more pro-active ministry and lay (congregations) organisations attempting to deal with issues that really matter to people. This makes church followers feel more involved and gives them a sense of ownership over decision making processes. And this they hope, will stem the decline of their communities. In comparison, mosque attendance does not seem to be an issue. Despite being a religious minority, Islam and mosque participation is growing in Britain. And perhaps here is our problem? A misconception by mosque leaders and imported Imams that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. But it is broke. Mosque leaders have become complacent. For JamalA. re. protests and political activity. If you do not protest over the next aggressive foriegn policy, fine. But we all know somebody will and will end up on our TV screens on NewsNight. Thats right, I am referring to the 'Fundis' who will do their best to recreate Friday prayers at Tehran University. Complete with slogans that shock and embarrass us all.
(12)
2007-09-22 16:48:41
Syed:
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Ask yourself a dramatic question "With a population of 1.5 - 1.8 million Muslims in the UK versus a total population of 60 million why should the Government need to listen to the Muslim voice?" — JamalASecondly, the petition in question is with regards to the proposal for extending the pre-charge detention period to 56-days, and there are many British civil liberty organisations are against this proposal, as are socialist organisations. The point being that Britons from all walks of life are lobbying against this proposal, not just Muslims.
(13)
2007-09-22 17:09:37
Khalida:
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Fantastic article. Sadly it is soo teue of our Mosques these days - this is not a one off. I've tried it with the local mosques in my area on numerous occasions but trying to get them to sustain a conversation about something similar to this is like asking them to perform surgery!
We need a revival! We need these baboons out. Real leaders in! MPAC you have my vote!
(14)
2007-09-22 17:20:42
jay:
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Fantastic article. Sadly it is soo teue of our Mosques these days - this is not a one off. I've tried it with the local mosques in my area on numerous occasions but trying to get them to sustain a conversation about something similar to this is like asking them to perform surgery! — KhalidaWe need a revival! We need these baboons out. Real leaders in! MPAC you have my vote! masahallah and who shall we replace them with people like yourselves???
(15)
2007-09-24 09:09:18
aamar:
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Why is it that everytime I read Mpac comments it disraces mosque leaders, Imaams etc. I would like to highlight that today we have a lot of successful mosques in the UK. This is mainly thanks to Mosque leaders who have managed to achieve the funding and the willpower to build these. These started from back in the day when we didnt have the influence and the numbers of Muslims we have today. Now you have it all and the Mosques are in place you will now nit pick and backchat against these people just because they dont have the same views as you. I still recall the digraceful performance by Mpac when they went on television and displayed a disgraceful performance by showing off to non Muslims how our Mosques do not acomodate women. I do not recall Mpac apologising for that performance and if Mpac think that there is nothing to apologise for then if I was a Mosque leader I would also distance myself from such an organisation. If you had Muslim Ummah's best interest at heart then that program would not have been broadcast that performance would not have been displayed and the many non Muslims watching who were boarderline would not be ridiculing Muslims and Mosques today. I know it is a unrelated to this subject but you cannot be taken seriously when oneday you want to do the best and lead the world and the next day your acting like a 3 year old running in and out of Mosques and getting so called Muslims sisters abusing and running wild in front of television cameras. Maybe the Mosques do not want a repeat performance. (Food for thought)!
(16)
2007-09-25 17:16:38
outsider:
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There is one overiding issue which can and should unite Muslims, and at the same time have real impact on Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, 'extraordinary rendition', New World Order, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and US puppet leaders in so many Muslim countries around the world, as well as 'Uncle Tom' leaders here, who prefer enoblement and political and financial rewards rather than their duty.
The issue is 9/11. Mobilise your groups and friends, to lobby Mosque leaders and politicians to demand a proper inquiery into the events of 9/11. I am a Christian, and have been involved with human rights campaigns since the '70's; I am heavily involved with the British & Irish 9/11 Truth Campaign at present, and I'm totally convinced, without a shadow of doubt, that 9/11 was an 'Inside Job'. If I were you, I would be very wary of Muslims who claim 'Osama done it'; they are likely to be 'agent provocateurs' or fools. Problems will arise when you try to get your leaders involved; they will wring their hands (already!) and say 'How can we know what happened?'. The answer is, they don't need to know what happened. All they need to know is that the 'official version' is a pack of verifiable lies, cobblers; their account requires the denial of laws of thermodynamics and physics. If they don't aleady know 9/11 was an 'Inside Job', or require convincing, put them in touch with us. Don't take my or our word for it; investigate the web, books, DVD's, then decide for yourselves. Don't wait till the few remaining opportunities to protest and demand answers are taken from you. And much to Bliar, Brown and Bush's chagrin, there is not room in Guantanamo for all of you (and us). More 'False Flag' atrocities will follow, and what rights we still have will be removed. Come on MPAC, address this issue! Another useful area for attention is the attack on the 'USS Liberty' by Israel in '67 Six-Day War. Watch google documentaries 'Dead in the Water' and 'Loss of Liberty', and read Peter Hounam's 'Operation Cyanide'.
(17)
2007-09-26 22:12:16
Aamar:
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Shalom, Non muslims have many negative views of Muslims. Common sense has it that we should be trying to change that perception and not reinforcing my publicising it on national TV. We are only making a rod for our own backs by doing this. Secondly I think it is digraceful that you should use phrases like jahil to describe our Imaams and I dont know where you are from but I dont think any Imaam would survive if he didnt have sound knowledge of Islam furthermore to claim that some non muslims have more knowledge than some of our Imaams is rubbish and shameful. I would suggest that if that is your feeling you must not follow any prayers behind those Imaams. The questions about sisters in Mosques, it is compulsory for males to attend Mosques however Islam has given women the benefit of not making it compulsory. If there are any sisters who wish to enhance their knowledge of Islam then they should organise suitable lessons and workout a time and place. There is nothing stopping women from congregating in a place to perform their prayers by jamaat maybe even a house. In my area the women get together and do various religious activities including prayers by congregating in one persons house. If we do not have the resouces or the space then we have to stick to the compuslory agenda. My point in my previous mail was as a mosque committee member or Imaam if you saw the performance of the so called sisters involved and the brothers and their attitudes I would never entertain them again, even if it was a phonecall. I think that was the Jahil performance.
(18)
2007-10-09 23:37:41
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