Marie Woolf, Whitehall Editor
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The government is to sponsor a theological board of leading imams and Muslim women in an attempt to refute the ideology of violent extremists.
The committee, to be announced this week, will issue pronouncements on areas such as wearing the hijab and the treatment of wives and is part of a government strategy to counter radicalism.
It will rule on interpretation of the Koran and promote the moderate strain of Islam practised by most British Muslims. It will also comment on controversial issues affecting Muslims living in Britain, including whether or not they should serve in the armed forces.
Its members have been recommended by leading moderates in the Muslim community and will be technically independent, although the government is expected to provide civil service support, a secretariat and members’ expenses.
Hazel Blears, the communities secretary, will announce the committee as part of an anti-extremism strategy called Prevent, devised following the 2005 London bombings. It tries to foster close contacts between Muslims and the rest of society to combat the glorification of terrorism.
The Muslim public affairs committee questioned whether the board would address issues relevant to Muslims’ lives. “To be successful, this initiative must have credibility with the Muslim community as a whole. What matters is what happens at the grass roots in someone’s local mosque,” said a spokeswoman.
The government is concerned that extremist leaders who preach jihad have been able to radicalise young Muslims, partly because of the failure of leading Islamic figures to challenge them.
A committee of Muslim young people will try to ensure the policies are relevant to them and do not inadvertently lead to further radicalisation. The government also plans to support Muslim women by providing discussion groups and work placements.
As part of the Prevent strategy, Blears will go on an international tour to learn the roots of British Muslims. A spokesman said: “Hazel is going to the subcontinent to deepen her understanding of communities.”
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The gov't isn't listening - the Caliphate is the only legitimate authority in Islamic theology that can bind Muslims to a religious view. Noone else.
Why not engage with Muslims and their proposed caliphate like we did withthe IRA or the Soviets for a peaceful future for all?
jak, Midlands,
Surely we already have the 'rulings' that these Imams are apparently going to make (no doubt at vast cost to the British taxpayer) - they are called British Laws???? As far as I know, it is already illegal and unacceptable to promote the stoning to death of people for adultery or homosexuality??
Paul, ipswich,
You will find "Taqiyya" in the new Testament, i.e. Peter's denial of christ.
Christ never condemned Peter or loved him less for it.
Kash, London,
"extremist leaders who preach jihad" are preaching straight from the Qur'an, to make Islam supreme over infidels. Allah promising "paradise" for killing and being killed in his "service.".
Violence was foundational to Islam, and remains deeply embedded in it. That's the problem we're facing.
Paul, Leeds, England
Islam sanctions Taqiyya (lying). Will the duplicitous, mendacious mouthings of these spokesmen for Allah be believable?
Paul, Leeds, England
All religious leaders in the UK, of whatever faith, should be civil servants, obedient to parliament and liable to be sacked if they start rabbiting on about jihad, abortion, special religious alternative courts, or anything that threatens a civilised secular society. They do it in Turkey.
Bob, London, England
we are a secular nation, NOT a christian nation.
disestablish the CofE, remove the bishops from the House of Lards, & put an end to ALL faith schools. Give a clear sign that religion should only be a matter of ADULT personal choice; a choice that should never be brainwashed into children
del Bartle, Tring, United Kingdom
Muslims represent only about 6% of the population yet we pander to their every wish. Establishing a theological board is another step away from asserting ourselves as a Christian nation. If the law was tough with extremists we'd be in control and you wouldn't see so many eager to voice their opinion
PR, Manchester,
You do just wonder where all this is going because everybody in the UK should obey the law which is far better, more equitable and more open than any religious laws. The people who have the same rights but seem to be increasingly discriminated against are those not attached to organised religions.
Keith, Rayleigh, England
All they are really doing is sponsoring a bunch of Immans who will just spend most of their time promoting Islam in Britain. People like Hazel Blairs have no clue as to what they are dealing with. And who said that Islam in Britain is moderate, I never seen any evidence of that.
chris, Woodbridge, England
I demand equality for the worshipers of the Great Banana.
The slice or bite controversy needs immediate attention.
We are a non violent Faith............ damn, I think I just excluded us from funding.
J D S, Cardiff, UK
Extremism (Jihad) is the core of Islam and is fully demonstrated by the life, words and actions of Muhammad. There is NO "moderate Islam." These orgs are the means by which a Caliphate will be set up in Britain & your clergy, judiciary, govt & academia support Sharia & Islam totally.
Niki, London (aka Londonistan),
More money wasted from a Government that funds Islam more than Christian. They have opened a box and are bewildered as how to close it.
Roger, Surrey.,
Sounds like a free international trip with her entourage to me, at taxpayers expense yet again.. We have enough quangoes dealing with the muslim religion. To no avail. They have yet to speak out against the extremists.Please save the taxpayer some money and stop this interference by the PCbrigade.
ann, london, UK