Sir, Anthony Browne, in his attack on the Muslim Association of Britain (Comment, August 11; see also letters, August 14), says that “like the BNP, the MAB presents a moderate face to hide its extremism”. But the MAB makes no distinction between the private and public and our views are clearly set out on our website (www.mabonline.net). Browne resorts to quotes mistranslated and taken out of context by pro-Zionist groups to try to discredit Muslims.

Our record speaks for itself. We work in partnership with many non-Muslims, including alliances with others in the anti-war movement. In the BNP’s stab at respectability does it make alliances with any other than their own vile partners such as Jean-Marie Le Pen?

We boast within our ranks members and supporters from all over the world including Africans, Asians, Arabs and Europeans. For an organisation that suppresses women isn’t it odd that women have been at the fore in so many of our events and campaigns, and indeed occupy positions right at the top of our organisation? As far as links with the Muslim Brotherhood are concerned, MAB is an independent British organisation. Links with others extend simply to shared ideas, values and expertise, in which the Brotherhood is indeed rich, with around eight decades of experience.

It is not a pro-terrorist organisation as Browne claims and it has regularly condemned terror attacks including 9/11, Bali and Madrid. It follows a moderate path, neither extremist nor rejecting Islam. The Islamist position is fully compatible with democracy, and indeed first adopted notions of accountability of leaders and consultation 1,400 years ago, well before Europe and the US.

The reality is that this strand of thought is the dominant ideology of the Muslim world. This needs to be recognised and respected, for there is nothing to fear in this, as coexistence is very possible once we get the hysteria of the likes of Browne out of the way.

Yours sincerely,
ANAS ALTIKRITI.
(President, the Muslim Association of Britain, 2003-04),
233 Seven Sisters Road, N4 2DA.
info@mabonline.net
August 16.

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