Prophet Muhammad was a leader of the muslims till he passed away, so why cant we have leaders till they die. whats the problem mpackuk, we need to follow the salfi way

I don’t know about accountability but from what I see – the MCB although seemingly a big umbrella organisation – which has a lot of potential – unfortunately is led by such an, apologetic, defeatist leadership who’s actions are all motivated by fear – due to suffering from an inferiority complex – “OMG – What will the kuffar think” – its pretty pathetic. And it is quite interesting that I actually hardly hear about them anymore? – before they were on TV and everywhere, heavily promoted by the government – I think after been used and spat out – they are being replaced by the SMC (Sufi Muslim Council) – let this be a lesson to other “Uncle Tom Organisations”.

And I believe this is the perception of them - on the grass-root level within the Muslim Community – amongst the youth etc. Also although I disagree with MPACUK on many issues - I do wish that our leaders within the Community & Imams of Masjids etc at least possessed the attitude of Asghar Bukhari when going head to head with Neo-Cons, reporters, journalists etc in the media- as I have seen.

However I do believe MPACKUK should calm down with all this “generalized Mosque-bashing” – it will be counter productive – the major issues of our masjids are those that are run by those Brelvis and Sufis.

In the Name of Allah the Merciful the Kind

MPAC brothers & sisters why do you always put me on the spot. Please give me the oppurtunity to clarify my stance alittle further. Most of these organisations have dutifuly and devotedly served this community for decades (FOSIS and UKIM were established on the same day in 1962). They were the first to introduce structure, organisation, discipline, motivation and and an Islamic vision, which has undoubtedly helped us preserve and protect our British Muslim identity. Our children, our youth, our sisters and elders have all benefitted from them in one way or another, madrasahs, dawah centres, student support, Masjid establishment, Mosque open days, dissemination of literature, inter-faith programmes, family fundays, youth camps, prisnor support and chaplaincy, youth magazines books and publications such as Trends, Impact and the Muslim Directory, anti-war marches, political mobilisation, national conventions and conferences, international relief, public and media defence of the community and the list goes on and on...Then people speak about undefined accountability!

Let me ensure you these organisations, their workers, associates and sympathisers operate transparent outfits which are based upon an open and Islamic form of meritocracy. Yes, you have to walk the walk and get of your backside and do something, to progress in their membership, which is open to everyone. The key words being dedication and volunteerism for the sake and pleasure of Allah (swt), not for fame, fortune or popularity. The model emulates that of our early generations who strove to serve the community with such vigour that the community didn't have an oppurtunity to complain. Furthermore these organisations due to their attchment to this Deen as a comprehensive system of life governing all matters, are taught and nurtured to realise and take seriously the fact that any errors, misgivings or mistakes in the fulfilment of their duties towards their community, will be judged and scrutinised in the greatest of courts, that of their Majestic Lord, on a day when every iota of good and bad will be accounted. This is the reason why well known Islamophobic forces continuously try and undermine, vilify and defame them through the media, documentaries, newspapers and 'research papers'.

I am not saying they don't have bad apples, or that they are perfect in delivery, or that they don't make mistakes, what I am saying is that they do inherently possess a constitutionaly enshrined system of ajudication by way of external complaint procedures and rigid self-regulation of all members, this has been one of their biggest assets and underpinning their longevity and general communal admiration.

I think the overly critical brothers and sisters need to do some reading on the development of the Islamic Movements of the 20th Century, their origin, dynamics, goals, non-negotiable stance on the fundamentals of Islam, the rule of principal, the Ummah approach and specificly the role, cultivation, spiritual training and nature of true Islamic workers and activists. I hope our future comments and blogs can acknowledge this methodology, and promote its adoption in organisations and Mosques where such protocols are not embedded. I'll end with an authentic narration of the Prophet (pbuh), 'That he who is not thankful to the people, can be thankful to Allah(swt)'. And Allah(swt) knows best.

Your Brother in Islam,

Musa

PS: The MCB Annual General Meeting, of which most of these groups are affiliates, will take place this June in the esteemed East London Mosque, the armchair critics and detractors should give up some of their free time and attend, Insha'Allah!

only in their dreams, when Ajmal Masroor, sold mpac out to a right wing news paper who held him to account in ISB?

When MAB supported Respect without any consideration on the marginalisation of the Muslim electorate who was allowed to hold them to account?

And when MCB told Muslims on the 'whole' all things considered labour was the best party to vote for after the Iraq war, who held them to account.

Also all of these have met the Goverment and as such none of them asked their congrgations what the conversation was about nor published minutes. Jokers.

Assalaumalaikum

It doesnt suprise me that the most undemocratic, narrow minded, untransparent, full of 'village politics' on who can be chairman, with no facilities for sisters or youth, ignorant of the ummah....(and the list could go on....are the same mosque who are part of the so called modern and liberated Sufi Muslim Council and now suprisingly a partner to the government in attempting to bring transparency to the Muslim Community.

Am I loosing my marbles or is someone being stupid!

I agree with the brothers sentiments completely. This is one area where I disagree with MPACUK's overly aggressive stance.

I feel these strong feelings conveyed in the Mosque bashing articles are driven by experiences of dealing with a a few mosques in a particular area. I challenege MPACUK to venture out of the M25 and out of Whalley Range in Blackburn. Mosques in these areas aren't representative of all UK Masajid and poor experiences from these mosques cannot be used to tarnish the entire Masajid....that's called stereotyping.

I think the MPACUK brothers are doing a fantastic job by highlighting important issues muslims face internally and externally. However, brothers you must learn that the way to teach someone even if they are wrong is not to criticise or vilify them in public. You mention UKIM, FOSIS, IFE etc etc...I dont think anyone can claim they are perfect and if they do that reflects arrogance and is clearly wrong. I understand from reading the other pages that some individuals you have issues with who 'represent' certain org but we do not know the dynamics of theses organisations and the people inside them. I am part of an organisation and we have a system in place, you volunteer, you become a member, you work and contribute, yes criticise but also work! I cannot accept that someone off the street who sits home all day, watches TV and goes to the movie and than wants to account a elected leader of an islamic organisation-although I said I cannot accept that does not mean it is not there-but look from the other perspective-how seriously will someone take the comments and criticism of someone who sits on the side, always criticising and not contributing, seems destructive and not constructive...the way forward is to engage and give muhasaba-which is contructive criticism. This is the way of our prophets. No one can deny that we dont have leaders like the prophet (saw) or his companions, nor do we have the people like the laymen during their time who might have 'criticised' but where keen to change, help, be proactive and work towards the betterment of the community.

My sincerest advice-let not our emotion take over us and that be a cause for our division in the hope of trying to build unity. All these organisations UKIM, FOSIS, IFE, MAB etc etc although I am not a member of most of them, have done great amounts of work and continue to do so. If we feel they are making mistakes give them nasiha (root word sincerely from the heart) and muhasaba (constructive crticism) instead of trying to encourage young brothers and sisters to feel that maybe these organisations have done some kind of great zulm/injustice on them.

The enemies of the muslims community thrives on our disunity and blaming, as they can than as always 'divide and rule', make new friends and sideline others. Lets keep our intention in check, but good intention alone is not sufficient as Allah will not accept actions that merely refect good intentions without good aml ie a good approach according to the sunnah.

May Allah accept everyones effort.

Good points!
Accountability is the only safeguard against repeating mistakes, incompetence and ultimately corruption and decay. Until we develop a culture of valuing accountability - amongst the public and our intitutions the outlook is bleak.

Salam

I see you havent put my comments...nasiha to the MPAC brothers...well thats not exactly 'transparent' and fulfills what the original question sought to answer!

I hope you do put my comments, it wasnt meant to be offensive, rude, ingenuine....

Wassalam

so when voting voting for a Student Union President I remember FOSIS asking Qurdawi for direction, and not their membership? thats not accountable.

Also in regards to Trends magazine, so what its crap and for people who are inactive, they have preserved the status quo and built upon it stolid, institutions.

And ISB are the worst out of them all, a clique that uses the MCB to organise events and promote their own speakers.

twits.

Many people commenting are ignoring the bigger picture.

The state Muslims are in globally is because those in power are not acting in the interest of the Ummah like they could. If they were we would not be in a rut.

I don't think the article that this comment stems from was specific to the UK. It is a global issue for Muslims.

We are ruled by tyrants because we refuse to hold accountable our leaders.

The way people are defending institutions you would think they were defending the backbone of the Ummah but no. They are defending organisations that do not have the clout to protect us when it matters. Muslims are being made a mockery of and you think what these orgs are doing is enough? Muslims are getting slaughtered and you think these peole are doing all they could to make change?

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Only when tomorrow your comfortable positions are snatched away from you and there is no one to defend you, will you realise that our leaders let us down in a very big way.

For now enjoy your comforts and don't hold your leaders to account where you should, out of fear, and tomorrow watch your children suffer the consequences.

The Muslim organisations in UK are not representative of all Muslims. Oragnisations only represent their own members. UKIM/FOSIS/Ahle Hadith/MCB/BMF etc.. all have their own membership. I feel someone not part of these organisations cannot ask them to be accountable to them.
In the case of the Masjid run by these organisations then they will say that become part of our organisation and then you can be involved in the decision making process.
Unfortunatley this is the state of the Muslims today - there is no unfied body to represent us.

Good to read a positive article. It is encouraging and help young generation to restore some hope, which is, I believe very important for a bright future. Making robust criticism is very easy but working for a real change is very difficult. We should encourage those who are trying to do some real work to bring a positive change in our society in a difficult and challenging time. It is good to hear some positive words in present day's negative world. Thanks to the author for this. I know there are lots more to do. It is obviously not up to the expected level. But we should acknowledge that despite limitations they are doing there level best with utmost dedication and sincerity. People who have much more capacity should come forward to add value, instead of staying behind as arm chair critics.