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The 'phone rang. ‘Hello. This is Abul Taher from the Sunday Times.' I had spoken to this reporter a number of times. He was always snooping about some anti-Muslim story, but I had pretty much batted him off without insulting him. Today was going to be different.
‘I am going ahead with the story about a prominent Muslim who has links with MPACUK’.' I scratched my head …err ok but that was going to be one boring story. I can see the headlines now ‘Muslim has links to Muslim group!’
‘I don’t get it,’ I replied. I knew this slimy looking man had to be up to no good. I mean newspapers like the Sunday Times were not going to hire a Muslim that was not willing to stitch other Muslims up. That clue alone made me realise the reptile was not to be trusted.
You get two types of Muslim in the Media - the Muslim who makes it and thinks ‘I’m going to try to get the true story about Muslims out’, pretty much genuine people working hard trying to do some good. These people work harder than the rest and know better than most how heartbreaking it is when Muslims refuse to join the Media and make a change from the inside. The other type..well they are the ones who realise they will get further, quicker and make more money by acting like parasites and turn on their own. Abul Taher was definitely the latter type.
As he spoke his angle dawned on me. MPACUK (read evil group out to rule the world and destroy the planet) with added evil tag (read Islamist, extremist, terrorist, anti-Semitic Muslim people, fundamentalist, God-worshipping evil people) had links to someone who was a Muslim.
I want every Muslim out there to stop right now and think about his strategy – what is he trying to do? What he was trying to do was make Muslims fearful of having links with groups that spoke up for the civil liberties of Muslims and break the chain of influence that Muslim people have with power – then no-one would ever have an urge to stand up for the Muslims. Imagine Malcolm X and Martin Luther King being demonised and Black politicians and media people being told not to associate with them? What do you think they would have said? How much damage would that have done to the civil rights movement?
The pro-Israel groups with Islamaphobic attitudes and agendas have direct and constant communication and links with the hundreds of pro-Israel lobby groups out there but none of them are questioned about their views. If anyone tried to attack one of them the whole machine would smash that attempt out of the water. They would band together and no doubt accuse the journalist of anti-Semitism to shut down the line of questioning.
Muslims however fight alone, as their leaders are not organised and once targeted by a powerful hate campaign by the press, are often too ignorant to even understand the game being played.
I decided to try to make this parasitical money-making hate preacher think for himself. Time and time again I answered his questions with questions and answers that would educate him, but it was pointless. It was like talking to a wolf that was seeing his prey get away. He came to the obvious topic of Lorna Fitzsimmons, an MP who we removed for her pro-Israel stand and who accused MPACUK of removing her because we were anti-Semitic (yawn). I asked him, ‘What job does Lorna do currently?’ and he replied ‘She is still an MP.' Over 4 million people saw the documentary ‘Operation Muslim Vote’ where she lost her seat, yet this half-witted Uncle Tom who had not bothered to watch it, despite it being on our website, still thought she was still an MP!
Research to a reporter with an agenda is at best a nuisance, at worst an irrelevance. What’s research got to do with it! The fact that Lorna Fitzsimmons is now the head of one of Israel’s British Lobbies seemed not even be on his radar! He had read all the attacks against MPACUK and yet never had the moral decency to hear our side of the story.
It was the same old line of questioning that I had heard from racist journalists time and time again, the same propaganda that every Muslim gets accused of, the same old racist language and same old Islamaphobic stereotypes.
I realised that this man was out to create hate in society against Muslims. He was in short a very sophisticated preacher of hate himself, far more dangerous and powerful then any of the preachers of hate we had. Being a Muslim himself he fed off our misery for nothing more then money, and perhaps a pat on his back by some neo-con boss like a good little Uncle Tom he was. I’m sure if you gave him money to applaud Muslims he would do that too. It was the money god he worshipped and who got hurt along the way was irrelevant.
In a way it is sad that Muslims are made to make that choice. Vilify and attack your own if you want to get the job. Still no matter how much I feel for men like him, it's still wrong.
Finally bored of his questioning, I turned it on him. ‘When was the last time you ever did any research on Islamaphobia with ‘Jewish Zionist groups within the UK?' He stuttered then tried to hedge the question. I asked him again, and again and again until finally he admitted he had never done any.
I then hit him with it - ‘In that case how many stories have you done attacking Muslims?' …. Silence, then the tell tale words, 'No comment.’
Well I did a little Google on our friends ‘no comment’ answers and surprise, surprise found previous articles of hate he had written, and here are just some of the headlines:
• Blair’s ban fails to silence Muslim preachers of hate
• Focus: How liberal Britain let hate flourish
• London Muslim Faces Baghdad Trial Over Claims He Helped Rebels
• London Muslim puts film of Black Watch deaths on net
• Hamas link to London mosque
• Preacher calls for death to all Muslim soldiers
• Bomb suspect freed to leave UK
• Imam backs terror attack against Blair
It seems he has written a feast of hate literature, put in a so-called respectable newspaper and called it news. No raids, no questions for these hate preachers. Muslim groups if organised could have demanded a stop to this harassment, yet only an organised intelligent leadership could deliver this, not the bunch of retarded half wits who pass themselves off as our leaders who run our Mosques and student Muslim groups. Tough questions thus will never be asked to these the most powerful hate preachers in the world.
A recent report lent evidence to the fact that these hate preachers had an agenda. “Muslims are being "demonised" by the British media, with 91% of reports being negative, research commissioned by London's Mayor has found.” It was no surprise to me that Abul Taher failed to make this one of his headlines.
Readers have left 41 comments.
Tahira:
Islaophobic newspapers love Sell-Outs like this Abul Taher - they only employ him to buy themselves a licence to churn out the negative stories about Muslims. Because once they have a reporter who puts his Muslim name at the bottom of all these scare-mongering stories against Muslims they can plead 'not-guilty' of demonising a vulnerable minority community. After all a Muslim wouldn't write articles that demonise Muslims - would they? Would they Abul Taher???
thehook:
Can we have a photo of Abdul Taher please and that way, everyone sees this culprit when he comes. What the western media don't realise is they actually digging a whole for themselves and soon, it will backfire.
It only takes one clever media savvy muslim with a lot of skill in manipulation to really corner these newspapers to the wall.
shan:
The only thing muslim about this person is probally his name.
what do you expect from people like him,who feel to get ahead they have to s**t on their own people.
Mohsin:
Simple. A "FOX" has been appointed to play "detective" , fabricate the stories, manipulate the context and spread the WORD.
Gotta bring this "FOX" on the SPOTLIGHT.
Gotta Bring this "FOX" and find out his Objective
How does this "FOX" benefit from spreading Propaganda ?
How do we give this "FOX" a TASTE of his own Medicine
MA:
An excellent piece. I wonder what the illiterate snake with a Muslim name, Abul Taher, must be feeling after reading this. I have to admit I have seldom liked Asghari's tone in TV interviews but his tone is more than appropriate for for Abdul Taher (I have great difficulty in calling him with a Muslim name!) I wish I could see his face when he was taking to you Bukhari or I wish you had recorded the and put it on the web. Well done Bukhari! May Allah bless you.
RaviM:
Can we have a photo of Abdul Taher please and that way, everyone sees this culprit when he comes. What the western media don't realise is they actually digging a whole for themselves and soon, it will backfire.
It only takes one clever media savvy muslim with a lot of skill in manipulation to really corner these newspapers to the wall. — thehookI guess the emphasis should be on 'manipulation' and not on truth. We don't need journalists who tell the truth or express opinions. What we need are journalists and media people who can "manipulate" the news and articles in favour of Muslims. People like Eyvonne Ridley, George Galloway, Inayat, Asghar, Ken Livingstone etc. Subtle people who's motives can't be detected as they 'manipulate' all the stupid British people.
thehook:
The problem RaviM, is as you said, manipulation. You see, as we all know and as some will later figure out - media such as newspapers were not invented for truth.
Far from it. They were invented for propaganda use. Even cartoon illustrations and especially movies.
If we look at movies today, and look between the lines and stories of UFO fantasy movies to rocky, to all the blockbuster movies - we will find propaganda not truth.
Unfortunatley - truth within newspapers today don't make money. If we go and buy newspapers, the front cover is either war, killing, suicide story, someone loss business. Out of all pages, maybe 1-2 positive stories. Rest is negative stories.
The true stories are hidden, within far away pages, columns that won't be noticed only if you read ALL the newspaper. The way the City Councils plan to do something and by law they have to mention it - so they buy space, right far at the end somewhere of a newspaper or a place where many might not read and put it there.
Truth doesn't sell in newspapers and it is the case because many journalist have lost the integrity of what journalism is about.
As for our communities, the Muslim community - they are to also blame. Why? When their son or daughter wants to study journalism, media, they degrade them, and want them to be doctors, solicitors and degrade the profession of arts, media, journalism by saying, "it's not a worthy profession, do what your so, so brother or sister has done."
We have a big gap in our community for journalism but that gap isn't just about lack of skills but lack of priority and character.
But regards to telling the truth. Unfortunatley, it seems, it doesn't make money and money for newspapers is number one. Sadly.
Mashfiq:
Dear All,
An inconsiderable number of MPAC supporters have publicly defamed Abul Taher, a British Muslim Journalist, who in my own opinion, composed a considerable number of articles during his time at Eastern Eye newspaper. He adequently put across the concerns of British Muslims and Asians. Particularly, the stories he drafted after September 11th 2001. He help to draw much attention to the plight of British Muslims enduring forms of Islamophobia.
The uncivil approach MPAC has taken will only reduce support for them, markedly within the British Muslim community. You deliberately infuriate people and provide little evidence to back up the positive stories covered by Abul Taher. No wonder some regard MPAC UK as a depressingly hideous organisation. You should consider exhibiting the positive and favourably important stories composed by this journalist.
This organisation should apply pressure on media to potray Islam and Muslims positively, rather than deliberately harming the reputation of certain journalist, unless of course, their observations are completely racist, homophobic, anti-semitic, Islamophobic or xenophobic. This form of media, despite there being freedom of speech, there is no room for inciting hatred against people.
MPAC UK has a known and longstanding problem with getting their organisation's facts straight when it comes to reporting about individuals or organisations. You must stop deliberately dismissing people you disagree with, rather entering into dialogue with them.
He says that the Muslim Council of Britain was not invited to the Ruth Kelly speech on Oct 11. Wrong. We were indeed invited, but our secretary-general could not attend the Ruth Kelly event because the timing clashed with an existing diary commitment he had with the Home Secretary, Dr John Reid, and we informed Kelly's department accordingly.
Whether any of this will serve to change your attitude and your reporting, I suggest you stop defaming, without having access to all the facts.
And before your bloggers start their usual campaign of demonising and accusing people of being Zionist, anti-Muslim and wrongly accusing them being people they are not. I want to make it clear, I am a British Muslim and, for the record, I am not Zionist as many of you have a problem with. Nor am I Abul Taher.
Thanks
Mashfiq
wendy mann:
what is the legal position of articles that preach hatred towards a community. has anyone sought any advice as to making a complaint .
what is completely sinister is the like of jon gaunt (talksport hate-monger)) who is being feted by many in the news media (bbc etc) as well as our politicians.
his hysterical largely ill informed rants which call for harsh measures against muslims and islam is worrying in the sense that there is no way of his extremism being checked. he as a preacher of hate appears to have open reign and yet a muslim expressing his views but contrary is likely to be locked away on terrorism charges.
what can be done. there needs to be some practical steps outlined or a campaign that is directed at those with the power to act against this level of neo conservative fundamentalist attacks.
MA:
Thehook, do you even understand what RaviM is saying. He is being sarcastic. He is making fun of Muslims and saying that we do not want to hear the truth. And Ravi is a Hindu name.
To you Mr Ravi, you could not point out even one thing in this piece that is wrong so you opted for such a crude way of sarcasm. Yes people like you are too pleased when a Muslims falls prey to the provocation of a some devil calling himself a journalist. Because by putting a mirror in front of the self-hater and Sunday Times' stooge his ugly face, you don't like it. Someone who is not hostile to Muslims and tell the truth you call them Muslim. When did Galloway and Ken Livingston revert to Islam? Here you display what we call in north India "poisonous Brahminical (read chauvinist) mentality" If you liked the truth then you would have appreciated this writeup. Or may be I am wrong. How would I know thatit is not you the surpent who calls himself Abul Taher.
I Sidat:
It really is simple the media are going to lie through thier back teeth, they also put words in your mouth things that you have never said. a good example of this was the sun's ridiculous article in wake of the hillsbrough disaster and mirror's army abuse on iraqi citizens. ironically it's always the tabloids and majority of the time it's linked to rupert murdoch's empire and the far right paper that's above this page. The media has never been a reliable source and never will be however for people like ravi it's unfortunate that it's thier only source.
many people have suffered due to the media like heather miils and'ming' campbell just a few recent one's.
sisterfrancesca:
Hello folks
Can I say something?
Please stop with this attitude of self-pity and of blaming the West for everything.
I believe that we Muslims should be valued members of any society we live in, especially in Western countries.
If Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, etc have no problem integrating, why should we have so many problems?
Unfortunately we are locked in a vicious circle that goes in two directions.
On one side it is true that too many papers thrive in promoting Islamophobia.
But on the other side there are too many Muslim sites (and other media) that are actively promoting not only "Kuffarphobia", but also hate towards those Muslims like myself who don't adhere to their extremely strict interpretation of Islam.
Regarding myself, I proudly wear the hijab, pray 5 times per day when I can, etc, but in their eyes I still am a ... (ehm) filthy woman.
Why? Because my husband is an Italian (and Roman Catholic) gentleman.
Folks, have you ever heard that if you want to be respected you must start respecting others first?
Eradicating those professional hate-preachers and religious supremacists in our midst would make an excellent start towards eradicating Islamophobia in Britain and all over Europe.
imran:
well done asgahr
These sell outs have to realise that they cant attack Muslims and not get attacked back.
btw, he sounds really thick. How can he not know that mpac defeated Lorna fitz.
No muslim should cooperate with him ever! He needs to face a boycott.
Imran
Jav:
to mashfiq
u dont get it. Asghar writes he understood the angle of the story that this Abdul Tahr was trying to put forward. He was going to portray MPAC as an evil anti semitic, racist fundamentalist organisation in his story. Lots have journalists have done that before but they haven't been Muslims.
So then how can you defend Abdul? Do you really think Asghar would have attacked him if he was a nice guy not looking to set MPAC up? Think about it.
Jav
ftima:
Mashfeeq
MPACers have defamed tahir? uuhh, wasn't tahir looking to defame mpac first? Mr B. said he was.
Anonymous:
Abul Taher's journalism once placed two people in danger when he published a story that was not adequately researched and then allegedly leaked sources names to the security services, including one who refused to help him on grounds that he was working with another journalist at a more reputable broadsheet. He also leaked the latter's source's name to a youth gang he was interviewing to protect himself and thus put the innocent source under danger, despite the sources refusal to help him.
The result was one source was silenced and another subject to threats and intimidation. He has since refused to discuss the matter with the injured party.
ali:
I have read some of Abul taher's articles, and i don't think that he has always attacked Muslims for the sake of attacking them. I think a lot of the atacks were justified and legitimate, as the Muslim leaders were extremsists, like Bakri.
RaviM:
what is the legal position of articles that preach hatred towards a community. has anyone sought any advice as to making a complaint .
what is completely sinister is the like of jon gaunt (talksport hate-monger)) who is being feted by many in the news media (bbc etc) as well as our politicians.
his hysterical largely ill informed rants which call for harsh measures against muslims and islam is worrying in the sense that there is no way of his extremism being checked. he as a preacher of hate appears to have open reign and yet a muslim expressing his views but contrary is likely to be locked away on terrorism charges.
what can be done. there needs to be some practical steps outlined or a campaign that is directed at those with the power to act against this level of neo conservative fundamentalist attacks. — wendy mannA bit rich coming from a poster who has been "Wendy Mann" and now "israhel" at BBC 5Live and banned (put on pre-Mod) for highly racist posts.
RaviM:
Dear All,
An inconsiderable number of MPAC supporters have publicly defamed Abul Taher, a British Muslim Journalist, who in my own opinion, composed a considerable number of articles during his time at Eastern Eye newspaper. He adequently put across the concerns of British Muslims and Asians. Particularly, the stories he drafted after September 11th 2001. He help to draw much attention to the plight of British Muslims enduring forms of Islamophobia.
The uncivil approach MPAC has taken will only reduce support for them, markedly within the British Muslim community. You deliberately infuriate people and provide little evidence to back up the positive stories covered by Abul Taher. No wonder some regard MPAC UK as a depressingly hideous organisation. You should consider exhibiting the positive and favourably important stories composed by this journalist.
This organisation should apply pressure on media to potray Islam and Muslims positively, rather than deliberately harming the reputation of certain journalist, unless of course, their observations are completely racist, homophobic, anti-semitic, Islamophobic or xenophobic. This form of media, despite there being freedom of speech, there is no room for inciting hatred against people.
MPAC UK has a known and longstanding problem with getting their organisation's facts straight when it comes to reporting about individuals or organisations. You must stop deliberately dismissing people you disagree with, rather entering into dialogue with them.
He says that the Muslim Council of Britain was not invited to the Ruth Kelly speech on Oct 11. Wrong. We were indeed invited, but our secretary-general could not attend the Ruth Kelly event because the timing clashed with an existing diary commitment he had with the Home Secretary, Dr John Reid, and we informed Kelly's department accordingly.
Whether any of this will serve to change your attitude and your reporting, I suggest you stop defaming, without having access to all the facts.
And before your bloggers start their usual campaign of demonising and accusing people of being Zionist, anti-Muslim and wrongly accusing them being people they are not. I want to make it clear, I am a British Muslim and, for the record, I am not Zionist as many of you have a problem with. Nor am I Abul Taher.
Thanks
Mashfiq — MashfiqMashfiq, its good to have the opinions of someone who seems to know what they are talking about. Since MCB were involved in the Ken Livingstone report on Muslims in the Media and the observation that 90% of articles were negative towards Muslims then isn't the truth of that when 90% of articles at MPAC UK are downbeat, accusational and blaming rather than upbeat and positive about Muslim integration into the Community? I await the publishing of the article "Well Done Israel for helping us English to qualify" - after all, if you are English and a supporter of England you must be very happy with Israel's football team.
RaviM:
well done asgahr
These sell outs have to realise that they cant attack Muslims and not get attacked back.
btw, he sounds really thick. How can he not know that mpac defeated Lorna fitz.
No muslim should cooperate with him ever! He needs to face a boycott.
Imran
— imranImran, did you read yesterday about the Muslim who made a video suggesting that Mr Craig of Newham council might be 'attacked' or even 'killed' for opposing the new Mosque in East London. How are your threats to this journalist any different? You call for him to be attacked.
hotrod:
Mashfiq - please do not claim to represent the views of the MCB. You do not. By all means defend Abul if you want to - but don't try and say it is the MCB doing it.
RaviM:
Mashfiq - please do not claim to represent the views of the MCB. You do not. By all means defend Abul if you want to - but don't try and say it is the MCB doing it. — hotrodPerhaps you should debate whether MCB represents UK Muslims or not.
Mashfiq:
Firstly, my apologies for the concluding statement: "He says that the Muslim Council of Britain was not invited to the Ruth Kelly speech on Oct 11. Wrong. We were indeed invited, but our secretary-general could not attend the Ruth Kelly event because the timing clashed with an existing diary commitment he had with the Home Secretary, Dr John Reid, and we informed Kelly's department accordingly." Sorry, I accidentally must of done something there and this got into my article. My apologies. This article was not meant to have MCB involved in it at all. I am not an MCB spokesman and nor am I a member of the MCB's Central Working Committee. This was my mistake.
Now let me begin answering all my critics in this blog.
The Muslim Public Affairs Committee accused by Zionist groups and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Semitism as being, as they eloquently put it,'The activities of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee, MPACUK, have given cause forconcern.' They report focuses on MPAC UK's use of the term Zionism over Jews and there are other critical parts in the report covering the organisation. That having been stated, how do you not know if Abul Taher wanted to follow this story up? He is a journalist after all. This is his job.
Secondly, the MCB concentrates much of its work in one of the largest Muslim areas in the country. Particularly in Tower Hamlets and other parts of the East End. Rather than taking its message to other parts of London of the country, where its message would be regarded as racist, anti-semitic and homophobic in some nature.
This organisation must remain positive rather than negative, and stop itself being categorised by some section of our society as extremist militants. The way you conduct yourself makes you vulnerable to labels, such as "extremist", "militant" and others. You need to alter your approach and try articulating your arguments sensibly. Even during News programmes, I have seen you speak abrubtly in media interviews with guest speakers, who are taken aback by your shouting. Agsghar should do what he is doing, but lower his tone.
One concern I have about MPAC and most Muslim organisations is that much of its resources and time is spent concentrating on Foreign Affairs and foreign politics. For instance, much of the content on MPAC's website and those of others, speak quite alot on the Middle East conflict and other political causes. As some have affirmed so eloquently, 'MPAC and all Muslim organisations should consider refocusing their work on issues affecting British Muslims'. For instance, unemployment, poor housing in areas where there remains a large Muslim community, and other important areas. However, a reduced proportion of its time should be spent on Foreign issues. I would advance this argument with other Muslim organisation, not simply single out MPAC for criticism. However, I was pleased to see you campaign for female access to the mosque and for British Mosque to become more inclusive. This is positive work, try and build on the positive rather than the negative. MPAC should consider entering into interfaith dialogue debates, rather than always criticising people as being "uncle Tom" for participating with Christians and Jewish people who subscribe to a Zionist political agenda.
Regarding Ravi's comment about debating whether MCB represents British Muslims, is for British Muslims to debate. I am happy to contribute to this debate as a single Muslim, but this requires a full discussion. Maybe MPAC could have an article and it would be good for people supportive of and opposed to MCB to debate. Let us not be extreme and exclude those against Muslim organisations, this simply drives a significant number of Muslims underground. The Muslim Public Affairs Committee image has been tarnished, particularly due to its own historical history. I have read article's about Asghar and his association with David Irvine. These images of MPAC need to change, for the better I hope.
Tahira:
Dear All,
An inconsiderable number of MPAC supporters have publicly defamed Abul Taher, a British Muslim Journalist, who in my own opinion, composed a considerable number of articles during his time at Eastern Eye newspaper. He adequently put across the concerns of British Muslims and Asians.....
And before your bloggers start their usual campaign of demonising and accusing people of being Zionist, anti-Muslim and wrongly accusing them being people they are not. I want to make it clear, I am a British Muslim and, for the record, I am not Zionist as many of you have a problem with. Nor am I Abul Taher.
Thanks
Mashfiq — MashfiqLOL!! Yeah right - you're just an ordinary British Muslim who likes to trot out all the Zionist propaganda about how MPAC and MCB are supposedly anti-Semitic, and how British Muslims should forget about the Ummah and focus on getting ourselves better housing. Mmm it would really suit you Zionists if we ignored Israel's oprpression of our Palestinian brothers and sisters (oh, sorry - I forgot, you're not a Zionist, you're "Mashfiq-the-ordinary-Muslim") P.S. The fact that the Sell-Out Abul Taher wrote positive Muslim stories when Eastern Eye were paying him, and only turned against the Muslims when the Sunday Times offered him more money and status doesn't make it any better!!!
Mash:
Again, I made a mistake in my last article by stating MCB concentrates its work in the East End. I was meant to say MPAC UK. Again, this is a typing mistake.
I won't answer the last post. It is simply MPAC UK propaganda against innocent Muslims, no wonder you lose so much support from Muslims.
Mashfiq:
If any MPAC UK supporters have some legitimate arguments or opinions or questions for me, please put them forward. I am happy to answer any questions or comments you may have.
Let us have a proper debate without resorting to any form of abusive, threatening or offensive language.
Let the debate begin. I am awaiting questions, constructive comments and responses.
Mashfiq
RaviM:
Firstly, my apologies for the concluding statement: "He says that the Muslim Council of Britain was not invited to the Ruth Kelly speech on Oct 11. Wrong. .......
The Muslim Public Affairs Committee accused by Zionist groups and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Semitism as being, as they eloquently put it,'The activities of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee, MPACUK, have given cause forconcern.' They report focuses on MPAC UK's use of the term Zionism over Jews and there are other critical parts in the report covering the organisation. That having been stated, how do you not know if Abul Taher wanted to follow this story up? He is a journalist after all. This is his job.
Secondly, the MCB concentrates much of its work in one of the largest Muslim areas in the country. Particularly in Tower Hamlets and other parts of the East End. Rather than taking its message to other parts of London of the country, where its message would be regarded as racist, anti-semitic and homophobic in some nature.
This organisation must remain positive rather than negative, and stop itself being categorised by some section of our society as extremist militants. The way you conduct yourself makes you vulnerable to labels, such as "extremist", "militant" and others. You need to alter your approach and try articulating your arguments sensibly. Even during News programmes, I have seen you speak abrubtly in media interviews with guest speakers, who are taken aback by your shouting. Agsghar should do what he is doing, but lower his tone.
One concern I have about MPAC and most Muslim organisations is that much of its resources and time is spent concentrating on Foreign Affairs and foreign politics. For instance, much of the content on MPAC's website and those of others, speak quite alot on the Middle East conflict and other political causes. As some have affirmed so eloquently, 'MPAC and all Muslim organisations should consider refocusing their work on issues affecting British Muslims'. For instance, unemployment, poor housing in areas where there remains a large Muslim community, and other important areas. However, a reduced proportion of its time should be spent on Foreign issues. I would advance this argument with other Muslim organisation, not simply single out MPAC for criticism. However, I was pleased to see you campaign for female access to the mosque and for British Mosque to become more inclusive. This is positive work, try and build on the positive rather than the negative. MPAC should consider entering into interfaith dialogue debates, rather than always criticising people as being "uncle Tom" for participating with Christians and Jewish people who subscribe to a Zionist political agenda.
Regarding Ravi's comment about debating whether MCB represents British Muslims, is for British Muslims to debate. I am happy to contribute to this debate as a single Muslim, but this requires a full discussion. Maybe MPAC could have an article and it would be good for people supportive of and opposed to MCB to debate. Let us not be extreme and exclude those against Muslim organisations, this simply drives a significant number of Muslims underground. The Muslim Public Affairs Committee image has been tarnished, particularly due to its own historical history. I have read article's about Asghar and his association with David Irvine. These images of MPAC need to change, for the better I hope. — MashfiqMashfiq, your comments are wonderfully balanced. My challenge was a bit cheeky. While suggesting a different style for Asghar maybe he and Inayat could receive the same advice/training. Asghar can't un-send his cheque but he could help us by showing us what date was on it.
Barbarossa:
Looks like the Muslim haters are out and about. Mr Zio-Nazi Ravi M (no doubt one of the pro israel lobbies dedicated spammers as outed by MPAC on this very thread)and Mashfiq.
How wonderful they articulate their Zio Nazi arguments ... sadly no one cares. Racists are racists and should be banned not given air.
One of the funnies things about the Zio Nazi Mashfiq is at one point he actually says 'MPACUK should stop focusing on foreign policy ..' I agree with them ..just as soon as the Jewish Board of Deputies, the UJS (a student group funded to promote Israel on campus by Israel) and the Labour and Conservative friends of Israel stop focusing on it.
As soon as that happens ... MPAC ..put your feet up and rest..until then lets the Zio Nazi's know they are being watched!
Mashfiq:
Ravi: Thank you for your compliment. I am not opposed to any Muslim organisation, instead I encourage to continue to their work, but to ensure they do not concentrate all their resources on the Middle East and Foreign politics. A vast element of MCB and MPAC's website content remains dedicated to global issues. However, the Muslim Council of Britain are positively, from what I read on their website, taking more steps to recognise good work and role models within the Muslim community. However, the positive side of British Muslims and negative should be covered on their website. For instance, a vast part of their website should be dedicated to work done by Muslims in all walks of life. The Eid in the Square was another positive example of exhibiting the work, way of life and positive side of British Muslims. I recognise all the positive that has been done.
The above comment individual 'Hotrod' stated that I do not speak for the MCB nor am I in anyway part of the MCB. The Muslim Council of Britain should be the voice of all British Muslims and therefore all of them should be able to decide what should be stated or not. For instance, what if the majority of Muslims in Britain disagreed with MCB's stance on a certain issue, but then MCB went publishing a statement saying: 'we' in the Muslim community are opposed or supportive of etc etc etc........ It is either that you are representative of your affiliates or your community. If you are an umbrella body for your affiliated, then say so in your statements. Much of your statements say 'we' in the Muslim community, rather than the MCB affiliates disagree with this policy or that policy. The minute you use Muslims and we, then you suggest all British Muslims, including myself agree with every single position you hold. This is completely absurd. However, I suggest the MCB draft their statements as 'our affiliates' rather than the Muslim community, as you cannot claim to represent all Muslims.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews are involved in many activities, whether environmental, political, social and other activities, beginning from the grassroots and growing to national scale. We could follow this positive example and exhibit a similar programme for our own community. If you do not have the support of your synagogues, then the BOD would be absolutely nothing. So the MCB requires the support of all Muslims, rather than a few. This is not a criticism, but to encourage you to do more. However, again I recognise all the positive work done by MCB. Nobody can undermine all the positive work conducted, because that would be complete ignorance.
I am trying to help the Muslim community, but If I am dismissed simply as a Zionist and pro-Israeli, then you will gradually lose credibility in my eyes.
Thanks
Mashfiq
wendy mann:
Dear All,
An inconsiderable --- attention to the plight of British Muslims enduring forms of Islamophobia. — Mashfiqdoes that now allow him to defame, denigrate and provide deceits against muslims without fear of criticism?
You should consider exhibiting the positive and favourably important stories composed by this journalist.
— Mashfiqand ignore the hideously deceitful dishonest stories he propagates for his employers. surely one should focus on truths and out the deceits.
This organisation should apply pressure on media to potray Islam and Muslims positively, rather than deliberately harming the reputation of certain journalist, unless of course, their observations are completely racist, homophobic, anti-semitic, Islamophobic or xenophobic. This form of media, despite there being freedom of speech, there is no room for inciting hatred against people.
— Mashfiqwhy should this organisation behave in a manner that no other organisation would when faced with similar stories by dishonest media types? surely it is the journalist who is propagating fictions, surely it is for the journalist to show integrity and honesty in portraying truthfully any aspect of a story. by outing the journalist a reputable news organisation would remove any bad journalist. so on what basis do you think an organisation which is encouraging its journalists to deceive will take on board the voice of a minority who admittedly will not be their target readership?
MPAC UK has a known and longstanding problem with getting their organisation's facts straight when it comes to reporting about individuals or organisations. You must stop deliberately dismissing people you disagree with, rather entering into dialogue with them.
— Mashfiqname me any number of mainstream muslim journalists in our media that is allowed to challenge the mindset of the neo conservative media owners on a daily basis. i cant think of any. as for facts, how do mpac fair against the likes of the times, sun, mail and telegraph when it comes to muslim stories and islamic faith?
I am not Zionist as many of you have a problem with. Nor am I Abul Taher.
Thanks
— Mashfiqzionists are merely a political grouping of people with many or no faith, they use religion as a basis for their political aims and personal gain. the fact is currently the british media is largely anti semitic towards muslims and fail to recognise that the radicals and fundamentalists who are incorrectly labelled as islamo fascists or islamists are in truth and fact zionists within muslim community. the problem we have is that it is zionism and zionists within muslim community and those outside of the muslim community who have a disproportionate level of power need to be tackled. the real war on terror is largely against zionists and the sooner we recognise this the better. Mashfiq [/quote]
wendy mann:
The Muslim Public --- how do you not know if Abul Taher wanted to follow this story up? He is a journalist after all. This is his job.
— Mashfiqhowever whilst they focused on mpac and its alleged anti zionist stance have they ever be seen to target any of our media or other organisations that are anti semitic towards muslims , that promote islamophobia ? as for tahers intent , it is quite clearly detailed in the article.
-- where its message would be regarded as racist, anti-semitic and homophobic in some nature.
— Mashfiqin your opinion. do you find the sun, mail telegraph and the daily onslaught of the times in their anti semitism against muslims of concern. if not why not? why should mpac be singled out but not major mainstream media corporations? anything to do with government agenda and political party funding?
This organisation must remain positive rather than negative, and stop itself being categorised by some section of our society as extremist militants.
— Mashfiqpositive or negative this and other similar organisations will still be categorised as extremist militants and that will remain so whilst the vast corporate power of mainstream media are prepared to be the proxies of the government and neo conservative agenda. The way you conduct -- by your shouting. Agsghar should do what he is doing, but lower his tone. — Mashfiqand whilst asghar behaves like a choir boy the rest of the media are allowed to continue as they have? of course image and pr matter but even the most saintly media savvy star can find themselves demonised should it be the whim of the media. what matters is sincerity, honesty and truth. -- These images of MPAC need to change, for the better I hope. — Mashfiqforeign affairs matters to muslims for the simple reason that many have some familial affiliation with the regions under conflict, for instance pakistan is on the frontline, what we do in afghanistan has a direct immediate impact on pakistan and its politics. surely even you can make that connection. just as jewish people have a connect with other jewish people around the world so do muslims, why should muslims forego that bond, that brother/sister hood? and there is a blowback, if muslims are being portrayed badly abroad it gives rise to the anti semitism that is currently being targeted at british born muslims here. it allows as is happening muslims to be denied jobs, freedoms and becoming part of the mainstream. do you think if jewish people in germany had followed your simplistic and naive thinking that they would have been spared the horrors of the holocaust? whilst the government and its proxies, whilst journalists without integrity or an honest bone in their body are given full sway to the current demonisation of muslims there is in fact a struggle of empowerment to be had. mpac is making that difference. if the government led from above and denied anti semitic attacks on muslims , sought a more inclusive dialogue you would have some points of value but whilst it is seeking to scapegoat (it denies foreign policy has a role) create tensions and fear amongst its majority stakeholders who happen not to be muslims we can only expect a steep learning curve from those being demonised and inevitably at times there will be mistakes but that doesnt excuse the government or the media or artists like abdul taher to their deceits and anti semitism towards muslims.
IMRAN:
I googleed this Abdul and it seems there is article upon articles from differnt websites by Muslims complaining that he is setting them up.
below is extract from an article written by Frasan at fosis.
'Two Sundays ago the Sunday Times published a crazy article which suggested that Muslim medical students were refusing to learn about alcohol related diseases, sexually transmitted diseases etc. Being a medical student, knowing plenty of Muslim medical students and even more Muslim doctors, I knew this article was simply a load of rubbish and there was absolutely no evidence to justify the writing of such an article. The worst thing was that one of the reporters, ABUL TAHER, actually contacted me with the week before asking if I had experienced any of this....WE HAD A LONG CONVERSATION, BY THE END OF IT I THOUGHT WE HAD CLARIFIED THE MATTER....ONLY TO FIND ON SUNDAY THIS ARTICLE IN THE NEWSPAPER ....!!!! PEOPLE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR A STORY! OUR RESPONSE CAN BE FOUND HERE. tp://www.fosis.org.uk/media/archives_read.php?id=125
imran:
sorry. Left off the link. Please view. It reconfirms from another source what Ashghar is saying about this parasite.http://www.fosis.org.uk/blogs/2007/october/media.php
sadia:
i too have read abul's articles. any good he had written after sept 11 has been neutralsied by his islamaphobic articles.
wendy mann:
-- and Foreign politics. — Mashfiqim certain that the government would also prefer muslims not to bring to the fore the illegality of their actions in the middle east and elsewhere. why should the government and its proxies be let off the hook so easily? is the government listening to muslims , well you can find that by their actions, the fundamentalist catholic opus dei minister ruth kelly readily blames muslims , as do mcnulty and the rest of the government who much prefer to talk to their neo conservative constructs such as the sufi muslim council or its in house glove puppets such as shahid malik. why do they not want to hear the criticisms from the likes of mcb or mpac you know organisations that make them accountable for their actions instead of they scapegoating muslims and these supposed evil preachers. so where are all of these evil preachers, where is this ideology of hate except on the fringes unlike the racism of the bnp which seeps through the mainstream. the ideology of hate belongs to the zionists within the muslim community and it is these zionists that the government needs to focus upon not mainstream muslims.
The above comment individual -- 'our affiliates' rather than the Muslim community, as you cannot claim to represent all Muslims.
— Mashfiqrather a pedantic and pointless rant if i may say, just as the government cannot claim to represent all british citizens - should the government too now be specific and clarify who they really represent, clearly it is only those that gave them the franchise and thats around 22% of the electorate.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews -- because that would be complete ignorance.
— Mashfiq but the bod is a political entity that acts as a proxy for the israeli government, to not recognise that simple fact is curious indeed. if we are to take this further the friends of israel in parliamentary terms have such a great influence because they are essentially funded by the israeli government . like zionists within muslim community the israeli government is zionist within the jewish community . which government do mcb represent?
I am trying to help the Muslim community, -- lose credibility in my eyes.
— Mashfiqare people not allowed to have opinions, arent they allowed to judge you whilst you confer your judgements upon them. you may or may not be a zionist but your opinions are naive and simplistic. there is a global picture to be understood, to take one aspect and suggest that is all that should be considered is not fruitful. we are where we are today because of american misuse and abuse of power in the middle east for decades along with the other colonial powers. we by standing shoulder to shoulder of deceit have made ourselves the target for revenge and middle east grievances as well as the interference and injustice that we the uk and usa promote across the muslim world. our governments do have to acknowledge a degree of accountability for their murderous end game. as a final point tell me who in government is the champion for muslim issues and the muslim point of view. who is representing muslims in the cabinet with force and vigor? now tell me who isnt a standard bearer for the neo conservative agenda?
eastern eye:
has anyone got any articles where he has written any thing positive about Muslims in particular in eastern eye so that we can clearly see this guy is a mercenary muslim sell out scum, who writes positive articles if thats what his boss asks him to, and wriotes hatred and propoganda is his new boss demands that.
once we have, lets put up his home address and phone number so muslims can phone him up and tell him what they think of him.
Mashfiq:
Wendy,
Wendy comment: “Does that now allow him to defame, denigrate and provide deceits against muslims without fear of criticism?”
It is an assumption to claim that Abul Taher only defames, denigrates and provides deceit against Muslims, especially when he has composed many constructive articles about British Muslims. You are in no position to question his professionalism, when you do not even know his history in regards to his journalism at Eastern Eye. He is a journalist, and therefore he is likely to write a wide variety of articles regarding many different issues. Of course, you are entitled to make your concerns known about his articles by complaining to the Editor in Chief. This is the normal route you should take, rather than defaming someone publicly on your website. This will only persuade Journalist further to write negative articles about MPAC UK. If you have a problem with Abul Taher, you write to the Editor of his newspaper raising your grievance(s), unless you perceive them as being part of a global conspiracy plot against you.
Wendy Comment: “and ignore the hideously deceitful dishonest stories he propagates for his employers. surely one should focus on truths and out the deceits.”
Who said you should ignore the hideously, as you put it, "deceitful" and "dishonest" stories he propagates for his employers. If you were clued up, you would use your brain to think, actually why do I not complain to the Editor of his newspaper. You seem to be all talk and no action. If you have a problem with Abul Taher, you are within your democratic right to raise your concerns with the Editor.
Wendy Comment: “why should this organisation behave in a manner that no other organisation would when faced with similar stories by dishonest media types? surely it is the journalist who is propagating fictions, surely it is for the journalist to show integrity and honesty in portraying truthfully any aspect of a story. by outing the journalist a reputable news organisation would remove any bad journalist. so on what basis do you think an organisation which is encouraging its journalists to deceive will take on board the voice of a minority who admittedly will not be their target readership?”
My reply: I assume MPAC members are educated and therefore should know that within each newspaper, there is a clear complaints procedure or alternatively, if you have a case, you should start legal proceedings against Abul Taher. I know you have no case and therefore would never proceed with it. In actual fact, the Muslim Council of Britain frequently use the complaints process in place, and this could be found in the many press cuttings on their website. When they are negatively portrayed in the media, they frequently respond. They use more responsible language. The media will be willing to listen to all sections of British society, regardless of people’s ethnic, religious of social affiliation.
Wendy Comment:
“name me any number of mainstream muslim journalists in our media that is allowed to challenge the mindset of the neo conservative media owners on a daily basis. i cant think of any. As for facts, how do mpac fair against the likes of the times, sun, mail and telegraph when it comes to muslim stories and islamic faith?”
My response
Again, this is a myth. This is another conspiracy plot against British Muslims and Islam by neo-conservatives in the British press. You seem to subscribe to all these pro-Muslims and anti-establishment conspiracies, whereby all these media outlets are opposed to Islam and Muslims. In fact, if you used your brain again, you will find I have many friends and colleagues who work for many media outlets and they are all British Muslims. It seems that wherever there are no Muslims, there is some kind of conspiracy plot to undermine British Muslims.
WENDY:
“zionists are merely a political grouping of people with many or no faith, they use religion as a basis for their political aims and person gain."
Mashfiq:
Wendy comments: “the fact is currently the british media is largely anti semitic towards muslims and fail to recognise that the radicals and fundamentalists who are incorrectly labelled as islamo fascists or islamists are in truth and fact zionists within muslim community.” “the problem we have is that it is zionism and zionists within muslim community and those outside of the muslim community who have a disproportionate level of power need to be tackled. the real war on terror is largely against zionists and the sooner we recognise this the better.”
My reply to Wendy:
Your argument is simply flawed. Learn to argue properly and then return to this message board. “You stated the British media is largely anti-Semitic towards Muslims." How is this possible? I would like to see evidence to back up your absurd claim.
Wendy's comments;
"the fact is currently the British media is largely anti Semitic towards muslims and fail to recognise that the radicals and fundamentalists who are incorrectly labelled as islamo fascists or islamists are in truth and fact zionists within muslim community.”
My response to Wendy:
So Inayat Bunglawala, Sir Iqbal Sacranie and every single member of the MCB, MPAC and other Muslim organisations are all Zionist. As the media, particularly Think tanks regard them as Islamist within the Muslim community? Asghar, look, one of your own bloggers regards you as a Zionist.
Wendy Comment: “in your opinion. do you find the sun, mail telegraph and the daily onslaught of the times in their anti Semitism against muslims of concern. if not why not? why should mpac be singled out but not major mainstream media corporations? anything to do with government agenda and political party funding?”
My final response: Another conspiracy theory possibly hahahah.
RaviM:
Looks like the Muslim haters are out and about. Mr Zio-Nazi Ravi M (no doubt one of the pro israel lobbies dedicated spammers as outed by MPAC on this very thread)and Mashfiq.
How wonderful they articulate their Zio Nazi arguments ... sadly no one cares. Racists are racists and should be banned not given air.
One of the funnies things about the Zio Nazi Mashfiq is at one point he actually says 'MPACUK should stop focusing on foreign policy ..' I agree with them ..just as soon as the Jewish Board of Deputies, the UJS (a student group funded to promote Israel on campus by Israel) and the Labour and Conservative friends of Israel stop focusing on it.
As soon as that happens ... MPAC ..put your feet up and rest..until then lets the Zio Nazi's know they are being watched! — BarbarossaWell Done! Had I said the same things about Islam, Muslims or appended "nazi" to any of those words then I am sure my post would be removed. Be aware! WE are watching you, watching us, watching you...... There are even arrests to prove it! I find it disgusting that Mashfiq is abused with a "Zionist" tag because here it is a siugn of abuse. When a Muslim disagrees with a radical (racist) point of view they get called "Uncle Tom" and "Zionist". What nasty people there are who are posting here. Doesn't exactly inspire good community relationships and a demonstration oif integration or a will to do so.
RaviM:
Wendy/Israhel,
Silly Gel!!!
You said:-
"zionists are merely a political grouping of people with many or no faith, they use religion as a basis for their political aims and personal gain.
the fact is currently the british media is largely anti semitic towards muslims and fail to recognise that the radicals and fundamentalists who are incorrectly labelled as islamo fascists or islamists are in truth and fact zionists within muslim community.
the problem we have is that it is zionism and zionists within muslim community and those outside of the muslim community who have a disproportionate level of power need to be tackled. the real war on terror is largely against zionists and the sooner we recognise this the better."
___________
The sort of stuff that got you banned on 5Live.
Quote:"zionists are merely a political grouping of people with many or no faith, they use religion as a basis for their political aims and personal gain."
Stupid!!! If they have "no faith" then they can't be "us(ing) religion as a basis for their political aims and personal gain"
Unbelievably bad logic that exposes lack of any coherent logic or argument. A mistake that discounts your comments and disguises your racism.
Or this:-
"but the bod is a political entity that acts as a proxy for the israeli government, to not recognise that simple fact is curious indeed. if we are to take this further the friends of israel in parliamentary terms have such a great influence because they are essentially funded by the israeli government . like zionists within muslim community the israeli government is zionist within the jewish community . "
Absolute BS! BOD is a critic of Israelo at times. BOD has NOTHING to do with funding by Israel. It is ONLY concerend with the applications of Judaism amongst its communities.
"Friends of Israel" type political organisations receive special treatment from Israel in that its easy access for politicians and meeting the government. JUST LIKE friends of Palestinians get the priveliege of visiting Abbas and dodging the bullets in Gaza.
Oh yes, let's not let drop the canard that Antisemitism can apply to Arabs and Muslims. No it doesn't. No it can't!
MPACUK:
Comments for this article are being closed as many of the posts contravene our comments policy.
See: www.mpacuk.org/content/view/2056/ for reference.
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