Are you optimistic or pessimistic about your ability or lack of ability to win the election?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
Bolton South East is described as being a safe Labour seat and thus barring a great disaster, it is a Labour seat. If Labour lost than the Labour party as a movement would almost come to end.
As for ability, I am very optimistic about my ability to win election because I have a lot of experience of running election campagin and I have been a Labour activist for long time, I am familiar with media and as a barrister who regularly is in court conducting trials I have good oral skills as well.
Name
Joel
-
Profession
Question
What has been your most embarrassing moment on the campaign trail?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
None so far but I am sure there will be.
Name
Mohammed Al-Hindi
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikum sister
As a muslim MP, can you pay attention to the problems of the British Muslim community, and try to solve them, in addition to the duties that you are supposed to perform.
Answer
Salamu Alikum Mohamed,
Ihave been involved in community work on a voluntary basis for all different communities in the UK and as a Labour MP I will look after the interest of all of my constituents.
But I hope that with my understanding of Muslim community I can be more affective representative of their concerns and worries and to convey those worries and concerns to those that can make decision affecting their lives.
Most of the times the worries of Muslim are similar to others. There are more that unite us than separate us.
Name
Abed
- Norway
Profession
Question
what is the biggest obstacles that face muslim women in Britain in spesific and Europe in general? concerning integration.
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
I will answer this question with a lawyers caveat.
This is complex issue and answer may be very superficial.
The issue of integration is similar most of the time whether it is UK or Europe.
Many people see that the traditional Islamic thinking is that woman role is within home and the concept of modesty. These two concepts does not really allow for open mixing of women with men.
Until there is a change of this attitude, progress will be slow
Name
Noha
- Norway
Profession
Question
How can we bridge some kind of understanding for Muslim men to encourage Muslim women to get out in public life and higher education instead of early marriages?
Answer
It has to be done via modern well educated Imams Like the late Sir Dr Zaki Badwai who can reconcile these thinking with Islam and persuade people that actually there is nothing un Islamic about education or being in public life.
The men needed to be reminded of the great historical role that women in the past have played in Islamic society. We could start with the fact that Prophet PBH, first wife was a trader herself.
Finally they needed to be told that modern day 21st century life requires all this if people and families are to come out of poverty.
Name
Muslim
-
Profession
Question
How would you preview British law concerning the rights of religious minorities?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
The British laws on this subject are very good. In English law you cannot discrimiante against someone in work spehere on religion, we have state funded religious schools, we have offence of aggravated racial or religous assualt etc.
Name
Marwan
- Germany
Profession
Question
As Salamu Alaykum,
I would like to ask you about your feelings as Muslims' representative, and to which extent you feel responsible for those Muslims and to make their voice heard by the governmental figures?
Answer
Salamu Alikum Marwan,
I hope to be member of parliament for the Labour Party and my job is to represent all in my constituency of Bolton South East and to contribute to the Labour party.
As a Muslim I do understand the particular concerns of Muslim communities and I hope that I can convey those concerns in strong and positive way.
Name
Hammad
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
As salamu `alaykum
I appreciate this elegant web site about my sweet religion.
What is your real country before settling in Uk? The next year there is new immigration policy for Uk, tell me is there still any chance to get UK passport? thanks a lot. Allah Hafiz.
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
I was born in town called Gujarat city, in Pakistan and came to UK as a child with my parents.
There are many laws on immigration but UK like other countries will allow immigrants in if they satisfy the usual criteria such as marriage to a national, for studying and if there are jobs to apply for them and than we have got asylum laws.
Name
Heba
- Egypt
Profession
Question
Does you think that the fact of being a muslim will create any hinders to your politival role ? why and how?
Answer
Salamu Alikum Heba,
No I do not think that being a muslim will hinder my polotical work. I am very optimistic. Of course only time will tell
Name
Mohamed
- Austria
Profession
Student
Question
How do you see this chance as a candidate would benefit Muslims in Uk?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
I have track record in UK of taking up issues affecting Muslim communities as well as others.
I think as a candidate I have another platform from which to take up some of the issues affecting Muslim communities. So I think my being candidate would assist. How much of course is a different question.
Name
Khaled
- Belgium
Profession
Mechanical Engineer
Question
Have you found any obstacles for being a Muslim woman candidate who could become Britain’s first Muslim women MPs at the next poll?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
I think the bigger handicap has been is not being white and not being a man.
As you may now UK Parliament now has about 100 MPs on Labour benches which is higher than any other party. This came about as result of women only shortlist.
Thus the bigger obstacle was being a woman and being none white.
However in the Gen Election when ever it happens, I will lose some votes (not many) because I am Muslim,
Religion was never issue in the selection process to become a candidate.
Name
Salma Berrton
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
What exactly will you work on for Muslims and Islam in general if you are selected in the next election? And are you looking at correcting the misunderstanding about Islam which have been spreading around Europe in general, and Britain in specific?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
The main issues for me are:
1. Monitoring the use of the anti terrors.
2. Dispelling many of the negativity about Islam and image of it in UK and hopefully Europe.
3. Issue of education and trying to get youngsters involved in education.
At the Greater London Authority, we are funding a project which look as Islamphobia in the media.
Have made representation to various government departments regarding the above. Also I write articles and lobby journalist on the second issue more specifically.
Name
Maysa El-Gamal
- France
Profession
Question
In your opinion, why was you chosen for the candidacy? And was it all about Muslims' votes?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
Let me dispel few myths;
To become a candidate for the Labour party, the decision is made at the local constituency level not by the national party( except in a by-election that is when a MP dies in office and they need to have election quickly) .
In Bolton south east, the MP, Dr Iddon announced last year that he was retiring from politics and would not stand at the next General Election.
I along with 55 other people applied to become the candidate.
Thus the card carrying members of Labour party who live in area of Bolton South East ( there were 250 ) made the decision to select me out of 55 candidates.
majority of the members of Labour party in Bolton South East are English as are most of the voters of Bolton South East.
Thus the answer is. It was nothing to do with the Muslim votes.
Why was I chosen. Well modesty forbids me to answer this fully but I believe that I was chosen in the end because
1. I have known track record of woman who speak her mind, is not afraid of any one and takes up issues others sometime shy away
2. Have a good sense of humor and considered to have "good peoples skills"
3. Have very active history in the Labour movement
4. have good history of doing a lot of voluntary work
5. Being a barrister helped and having worked for the UN mission in Kosovo
6. My politics are left
7. I worked the hardest. It took me 7 months of hard work to get selected. I even put my legal career on hold..
Name
Arizen Mohamed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Professor
Question
Being a British Muslim of Pakistani origin is an obstacle in your opinion for enrolling in the British parliament? Or they do apply any discrimination based on race, or nationality?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
Actually,Being Pakistani or Muslim were not the barriers to being candidate.
But, being none white and being a woman are the real obstacles..
Name
Ahmed Bakret
- United Kingdom
Profession
A Dad
Question
I have heard that a Muslim woman called Rushnara Ali who is of Bengali origin, has been selected for the seats Bethnal Green and Bow, did you have any sort of cooperation with her or not, and are you planning to work on contacting her for any cooperation, as you are both Muslim women?
Answer
Yes Rushnara Ali has been selected in the seat which is held at the moment by George Galloway.
We did not have any cooperation on this. It was not needed.
In the future I am sure we will work together.
Although her politics is probably different to mine.
Name
Joel
-
Profession
Question
Can you in good conscience represent constituents who detest Islam as a religious cult?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
Let me dispel few myths; Firstly I am not an MP yet.
When I do (hopefully and inshallah) become the MP, I will have no problems in representing people of Bolton South East.
It is a surprise to me that people of Bolton South East regard Islam as cult.
I have not heard this description of it.
And anyway, any negativity about Islam can only be dispelled by Muslim actually getting out there and putting their points of views.
Sitting home getting angry and throwing the ketchup at the TV get you nowhere.
Name
An iraqi living in UK
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
I have heard that you warn against letting the legacy of Iraq taint all the positive changes Labour has introduced such as their investment in education, health, regeneration, pension credits, the minimum wage, state-funding for faith schools and imams in the prison service, that was wriiten on themuslimnews, i am just wondering what exactly are you planning to do for iraqi people and iraq un general if you become MP?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
You are right, I did say that Muslims should not vote against the Labour as Labour has done so much which has helped many a people.
For Iraq, I will campaign to withdraw our troops out of it and USA.
To continue to provide humanitarian assistance, finance and helping to build good civic society.
To ensure that Iraqi oil wealth stays with Iraq.
Name
Farrukh
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Assalam alaikum Yasmin,
I have always viewed parliament as well intentioned but closed to the harsh realities of life e.g. when the Muslim Council of Britain chose to point out that much 'terrorism' is related to UK foreign policy, their relationship with teh government weakened and the UK gov went off to find other 'partners' in their inter faith panels. Yet some months later the UK gov's own reports acknowledge this to be a reality. So given the variance between the percieved reality and the governments unwillingness to accept that reality in favour of the latest political twist, how can any long term policy, pro a peaceful multi faith environment be achieved when government at times seems whimsical about its approach to addressing the issues and concerns of its resident Muslim population, as well as acknowledging the wider impact of their policies domestically as well as internationally?
BTW, may Allah Almighty make your path easy, indeed the Prophet advised us to engage in mutual consultation, taking advice from many wise women as well during his life, good for you in following the sunnah!
Answer
You have raised many questions and I could spend a whole month discussing this.
But I will give you a candid view.
1. There are good and bad people in all religions and cultures.
2. The history of the world shows that religion has been used as basis to launch wars
3. That stronger nations often have attacked smaller weaker nations for their own prosperity. They have killed, maimed civilians and destroyed lands and than these empires eventually destroy themselves.
4. The nation states often do what is right for their countries and do not care about what chaos they cause elsewhere.
5. At this point in history. it is the Muslim world which is under siege and it is linked with oil and, capitalism.
6. The Muslim leadership has been often weak and corrupt( I think they need a woman to sort them out) and have done deals which benefit them but not their people.
7. We all know current so called "terrorism" is linked with our international policies and I think all the major political parties know this. but they cannot openly acknowledge it wholeheartedly.
8. I think it is our farraz that we should participate in UK be involved in politics, community work, educate ourselves and win the hearts and minds of the powers to be.
We must learn to talk to our enemies because our friends understand us. It is others that we must talk to
Name
Hend Ismail
- Jordan
Profession
Question
Salamu Alikum Sister,
May Allah helps you with your election, and i am just wondering if you could please tell us more about the experience that you have got throughout several years of working as a british prominent figure, but Muslim one, I mean have you ever faced any obstacles while working, and on personal basis have your family got influnced by your career, as we Muslim women do beleive that it's hard to work in carrer like that with being a wife and mum?
Please advise :)
Thanks dearest.
Answer
Walakam slaam sister
I am not married and do not have children so it is easier for me to do this.
I am also very close to my family who have been very supportive of me and they are my anchor in this world along with Allah.
I have been very lucky and Allah has blessed me with much in life.
As for advice, I have a sister who is a barrister like me, she is married with a daughter and works full time. `It is tough life doing all three.
Just continue if you c an.
I am sure as children grow it will get easier in some ways.
salaam and regards
Yasmin
Name
Tajammul
- India
Profession
Student
Question
Open mixing up of men & women is against Islamic Teaching Clearly contradicts with the saying of Quran (Words of Almighty Allah) The powerful & Wise.So how can you think of it?
Answer
Salamu Alikum,
Well I have a view of it and you have a view of it.
