Ruth Gledhill Religion Correspondent of The Times
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British Muslims will today launch a national campaign intended to “correct misconceptions about Islam and British Muslims.” The poster campaign, which takes place during Ramadan, the month of fasting, will feature advertisements on buses, trains, airports and tube trains intended to challenge stereotypes and combat Islamophobia.
One aim is to illustrate the Muslim community’s condemnation of terror attacks. IfhatShaheen-Smith , one of the campaign organisers said: “In the current atmosphere of suspicion and fear about Islam and British Muslims, truth is often confused with fabrications and stereotypes. Prejudice has become entrenched and sensationalistic media reporting is creating a climate of paranoia. There is a desperate need for openness, mutual understanding and a mature debate.”
Dr Abdul Bari, Secretary General Muslim Council of Britain, said: “The silent majority of Muslims are coming forward and now challenging the Islamophobia in sections of our media. It is a brave undertaking”.
Dr Hany El Banna, President Islamic Relief Worldwide, said: “We are pleased to support this initiative by young British Muslims who are standing up for their faith and their country. It is a commendable act of citizenship and reaching out to the wider community.”
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After reading the above comments, I feel it's wrong to think that Muslims need to apologise for the radical disenfranchised elements of the community commiting heinous acts. But by the same token, it is important that the "Islam is Peace campaign" is supported and it is essential in our current socio-political climate to foster understanding in our times suspicion.
Lee, Ipswich, UK
This is great! A wonderful program! Now, when are they going to translate these posters, and post them up in Saudi Ararabia, Iran, Algiers, etc.?
It isn't the Christian English they need to persuade that Islam is a religion of peace, it is the militant Moslems in other countries who want to bomb the UK, Christian, jew and Moslem alike. By all means, stand up for your faith and country, but stand up where it will do some good rather than attempt propaganda.
Lee, Virginia, USA
I think this a great and long overdue move. Well done Muslims, I amsurprised you took this long to put your own house in order. I note as well the recent pronouncements of the Saudi salafist leaders who have also at long last finally condemned OBL for what he is, an evil man that desecrates Islam and basic human decency
If white anglo saxons remained silent for years while a minority amongst them spread hatred about Muslims that would be disgusting. The reverse is true as well.
Is this act by UK Muslims "brave" in the sense that Jaques Chirac was "brave" to acknowledhe the crimes of Vichy some 60 years (a generation you understand, no price to pay! ) later?
mike, newmarket, uk
Can we trust once these people despite the track record?
If you hate others, you get it back and sometimes with more force! Fighting against Islamic extremists, Islamic terrorists and fifth columnist activities are not Islamophobia. Here goes Dr. Abdul Bari again! We had enough garbages from people like him!
Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India
If all religions cherished their mystic, noble traditions and teachings, concentrating on personal spiritual growth and love, then all would see their similarities, not their differences.
Violent jihad or aggression of any sort has no place in any religion.
Believers of any religion should love all mankind, believers and non-believers alike, of all races and all backgrounds and nations.
marienne, paris,
A good start but Islam also has to be peaceful to former Muslim apostates who left the religion. The apostates are people of God too. Plus, I do not have a phobia about Islam but Islam tend to have a phobia about the world in general.
Carolyn, Surbiton,
This is good news. Muslims must condemn acts of terrorism.
All forms of barbarism, unnecessary acts of violence and unjust aggression are forbidden by Islam. God warns Muslims against this and explains that rage felt for enemies should not cause them to drift them into injustice:
verse
"You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of God, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness. Heed God (alone). God is aware of what you do." (Surat al-Ma'ida: 8)
Mohammed, London, UK