As the future of any community (especially a minority community) is strongly dependent upon the education of their children, are there any concrete plans to open schools for muslim children's education.
Secondly, as we know, practically majority of the children will still be going to the regular schools because enough schools will not be there for all of them. In this situation, are there plans to educate these children Islamic studies on a solid basis so that these children can flourish in the future as muslims in the society.
Jazakallah khair.
Answer
Yes, we have in the MCB a number of educational projects. We have books for schools project which has been running for the last five years done in collaboration with local educational authorities in which we supply appropriate Islamic educational material to students bit Muslims and non-muslims. We also have a footsteps project to help introduce role models to youngsters as well as a leadership development programme.
Name
Moahmed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Dr. Daud Slamu ALikum
I am really happy that I am speaking to you directly...I adore your personality; the way you speak, the way you give lectures...I used to be your student and I am know one of your fans....
Anyway, I wonder what are really the future of British Muslims in your opinion...What are the coming challenges that we have to get ready for???
Answer
Thanks for your kind remarks. The future is loaded with challenges and I believe we are capable of meeting them. One of the distinguishing features of the Muslim community in the UK is that it is highly skilled and well organized when compared to other parts of Europe. They are well aware of issues and have in my view begun to rise up to the many social, cultural and political challenges that face them. Of course things would not change over night. The stronger and better focused we become the easier our task. Don't forget that we have a rich legacy of history to draw from. The early Muslims who came to Europe have left us a tradition of accomplishment to build upon.
Name
Fatima
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
Salamu Alikum,
Thanks to IOL for bringing this nice guest..Not only British non-Muslims adore him but I know a lot of non-Muslim friends who do really like this man...Sir, You are really a good represantative for us....
I wonder what are your MCB's coming plans and events and what are the roles that normal British Muslim citizens may play to support MCB? Is their any channel for volunteering?
Answer
Thanks for touching on an area that is often not known that is the MCB is a voluntary organization. So we are in need of dedicated young people especially sisters to help us. As you know this is an area we are often criticized about that there is a disconnect between the youth and there is no role for women. At present we have just appointed a volunteer officer. She is a young sister and has already mobilized a number of colleagues to help out. We would welcome you joining them. We have a media training seminar coming up and if you are interested again please get in touch. do call our office for more details.
Name
Rahim Mansour
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
What is the reaction that MCB will be taking in response to the 42-day detention?? Are you pro or against and why??
Do you agree that they really need more time for investigations or these are illegal justifications??
Answer
We signed the joint statement issued by the human rights bodies led by liberty. We also issued a press release stating that the case for extension is not convincing. I also appeared on BBC on the day the vote was taken in which I outlined that the government appears to be undermine centuries old traditions of due process, i.e., suspicion, charge and conviction. What this measure proposes is sentence before charge. We oppose it.
Name
IOL Lover
- France
Profession
Question
What would be the impact of the new strict law on the British Muslims? W hat about MCB's reaction??
Answer
We have -from the beginning of the debate- outlined our opposition. We don't believe it would come into effect in the near future. There is still a long way to go but it is important that the debate is no only handled by the MCB or liberty or civil rights bodies. The wider public has to become involved and I am sure we would see in coming months a more intense public debate and opposition.
Name
Islamic Education
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
I wonder what are the MCB's plans on Islamic Education… And do you believe in the importance of it or you prefer integrating Muslims into non-Islamic schools with bearing in mind the role of the Islamic home and parents in guiding their children and putting them on the right track? Thanks w Jazakom Allah Khayran…
Answer
We believe that more faith schools should receive greater state funding. We have supported the cases of Muslim schools we seek to benefit from this. They are after all tax payers and are entitled to assistance. That does not mean we should abandon Muslims in state schools. As you know not all Muslims can afford to pay for private education offered by faith schools.
Name
Ismail
-
Profession
Imam in UK
Question
What are your expectations for the future of the mosques in UK and will they be facing a lot of obstacles?
Answer
I expect that the mosques will continue in their quest for excellence. Many are already highly developed institutions providing a number of services. Many more must be enabled to realize their potential. we in the MCB have at present a Mosques 100 project in which we are working with 100 mosques from across the country trying to provide them with essential training and skills that would enable them to become centers of worship as well as places of learning and guidance.
Name
Salim Mokhtar
- France
Profession
Question
Do you think that the terrorism British law is stricter than any other European laws? What are the steps taken by MCB to counter such challenge…?
Answer
Yes they are stricter not only in Europe but globally. The council of Europe commissioner for human rights has described them as out of line with what obtains in Europe. The UN reporter on human rights has also expressed concern. We will continue to work with partners in the legal establishment, politicians and the voluntary sector to ensure that civil liberties are not sacrificed fro political gain.
Name
Muhammad
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
Salam. What are your thoughts that the UK is turning into a police state? I heard there are 14 cameras for every person in the UK? Thank.
Answer
There are serious concerns about the level of surveillance citizens are subjected to. We call it big brother. He is always there watching you. We recognize that security and safety should be guaranteed to all. However a balance must be struck to preserve fundamental civil rights.
Name
Ayman
- Romania
Profession
Question
What is the role of Muslims in UK when it comes to political participation?
Answer
Muslims should engage in the political process. They share the same needs as well as concerns as the rest of society and as such should honor their responsibility to contribute to the progress and development of their country. 50% of British Muslims were born in the UK. They are the largest faith community after Christians. They cannot afford to sit on the margins or allow others to marginalize them. Surely Allah would not change our condition until we change.
Name
A new Muslim convert
-
Profession
Question
Is the MCB recognized by the government as an official representative of British Muslim? I am a new British Muslim, I have converted soon alhamdolelah and I need to know where to go when I want something concerning Islam and Muslims?
Answer
No the MCB was not created by the government. Please read our website for a history of how it came into being. There are many credible institutions across the country. If you contact us we would be able to direct you to a body that can help.
Name
Radwa Khorshid - Editor
-
Profession
Question
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Answer
This session has come to an end.
We would like to thank Dr. Daud for speaking to IslamOnline.net viewers today, and we also thank all those who participated in this dialogue.
We apologize for not being able to accommodate any further questions. We request our readers to join us in the upcoming sessions.
