Dr. Shakiub, how do you evaluate bin Laden's message?And did he meant to choose the birthday of prophet Mohamed to unveil this message?
Answer
Assalamu alaikum Mahdy
The timing seems to be more political than anything. Our analysis is that given the setbacks for al-Qaeda in Iraq, the wish is to move toward Europe by raising the issue of the cartoons at this time.
It would have been better to avoid the birthday of the Prophet as part of a political message, so that those who wish to deepen hatreds between Muslims and the West would not use it as an excuse to attack the Prophet (PBUH) and Islam.
The birthday of the Prophet (PBUH) is an occasion to emphasise the values of Islam, such as Justice and equality, and this message is negative in this respect.
Name
Sabry
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
In your opinion, are you pro or against the stance of the Danish Muslims towards reprinting the Danish cartoons? Was it the best solution to solve this problem calmly and internally as they did?
Answer
Assalamu Alaikum Sabry,
Looking back, we can see that this issue was dealt with when it first arose by turning it into an international issue, which had a number of negative outcomes attached to that approach.
We must understand that this issue has been raised in order to provoke public opinion against Islam and Muslims. It must be noted that those who stand behind this are extremist and right-wing political parties, who have had no success in politics, and are seeking to make political capital and ride the wave of publicity that comes from provoking Mulsims, and also generating fear among Europeans of Islam as a threat to their culture and way of life.
Therefore, we find that the best way to tackle this issue is to deny these extremists the publicity by tackling the issue locally, and so derive many gains.
For example, in Sweden we tackled the picture published here, locally, where we met with the Swedish Prime Minister, and were able to defuse the situation very positively. In fact, we have a conference in 2 weeks with politicians, and thinkers and influential persons in Sweden and the Muslim World to study this phenomenon and the Stockholm document arising will define the best way of tackling it.
Name
sanaa
- Germany
Profession
Question
what is the relation between charter of Muslims of Europe which you made last month , and your press realease againest what BEN LADIN said ?
Answer
The European Muslims charter calls for openness and respect for values and religious rites and symbols. Therefore, we reject violence and bigotry from whoever it is.
We reject the publication of the cartoons ridiculing our Prophet (PBUH) as well as the violent manner that bin Laden proposes to deal with this issue.
The Prophet (PBUH) when he was ridiculed by the Arab poets would command Hasan to answer poetry with poetry, and this is what we should do. The FIOE in conjunction with other organisations has chosen the path of dialogue and promotion of the Prophet (PBUH) as the best means of working positively to resolve this issue.
Name
Amin
- Belgium
Profession
Doctor
Question
Assalamu Alaikom, FIOE is the biggest muslim organisation in Europe , what did it do to protect the muslim life from the extremest thoughts like Bin Laden's?
Answer
As the largest Muslim organisation in Europe we work at all levels of Mosques and youth organisations to warn through mosque Imams and through youth work of the pitfalls of following extremist ideology, and spread the moderate Islam of the Prophet (PBUH), which is positive for Muslims and positive for Europe.
Name
Sabiha Salman
- Spain
Profession
Question
Do you think thus declaration will create more harsh security measures on European Muslims?specially in UK, where Muslims have the security measure as a main challenge to be encountered?
Answer
No doubt this affects all Muslims in Europe, and creates more obstacles for Muslims in all aspects of life. The Europeans will look at every woman in Hejab or Niqab as a ticking bomb and likewise a bearded man, all as a threat to their wellbeing and security.
Name
ahmed
-
Profession
student
Question
what is the agenda of your organisation regarding the interference of european governmemts in european muslim affairs ? Don't u consider it extremism as well ?
Or you are againest extremism of ben laden only !!
Answer
We reject direct interference from governments in our affairs as a Muslim community with its special character; we are after all a religious community in Europe, and we have our unique and distinct ways.
At the same time we are open and welcoming of a dealing on a fair and open platform to bring benefits to our shared societies. Obviously bearing in mind our special characteristics and that nothing violating our Sharia is entered into.
For example in a number of countries, the issue of Imam training is being raised, we consider this a completely Muslim issue and reject this interference by government.
Name
Kazy
-
Profession
Question
Salamu Alikum w Rahmut Allah?
Do you think that the European countries or EU commission will find it important to tackle bin Laden?s decelerations on a professional level and take this message on board?
Answer
Yes, in Europe State agencies, especially the security ones, take these messages seriously. In the past there were declarations from bin Laden with serious and damaging consequences. So yes, they take this seriously indeed.
What is sad is that this leads to greater difficulties for Muslims here in Europe, in terms of more restrictions, and spying and so on. In some places they have authorised teachers to spy on Muslim children.
These are the negative outcomes felt by everyone from such declarations.
Name
Mohamed Elfateh
- Norway
Profession
Question
Does the FIOE is the official representative of Europe Muslims in front of the European governments? Or, the roles played by FIOE are merely gathering the organizations and discuss problems..? Does the FIOE present its statements and declarations to the EU and is the EU obliged to take them into consideration while discussing any relevant topics?
Answer
FIOE does not represent all the Muslims in Europe, but it is one of the largest and most widespread (across 28 European countries). Our goal is to bring together Muslim organisations of all directions to work together on common causes.
Our work is to unite the Muslim front in Europe and to seek that The EU recognises the rights of Muslims as a religious community.
Name
Aisha
-
Profession
Student
Question
What should be the reaction of muslims living in europe towards the generalization of non-muslim that we are members of a terrorist religion?What should we answer? Can you tell me what role does Bin Laden think he has as a Muslim? Is he really trying to work for Allah or is he just into politics and part of a propaganda?
Answer
As Muslims we find this deeply offensive; Islam is not a terrorist Religion and we Muslims have no history of terrorism. It would be wrong to generalise as others and say the because Europe had 2 World wars, Nazism, and terrorist organisations like the Red Brigades, then everyone is a terrorist. In the same way that we know that the actions of a few are not representative of Islam.
In response, we should work to inform people more about Islam, hold joint activities with non-Muslims, dialogue and discussion and portray a positive message that is Islam.
Name
Mohamed Ansary
- Egypt
Profession
Question
Do you think that the continuation of fiery statements by Bin Laden will eventually lead to more Islamophobia? Also what do you think about banning Niqab in some European cities?
Answer
Yes, these statements do deepen Islamophobia.
As for Niqab, we reject that such a step be taken; we believe that a a Muslim woman has the complete freedom to choose the way she dresses. Attempting to ban Niqab is quite serious and negative. However, we also recognise that there are legitmate times, when a Muslim women would need to show her face for identification at the airport or hospital.
However, we are against a wholesale ban.
Name
Karim
- Poland
Profession
Teacher
Question
Salams , may you give us a brief information about FIOE , and are you really belonging to Muslim Brotherhood Movement?
Answer
FIOE is large umbrella organisation present in 28 European countries, it officially came into being in the 80's.
Its main focus is to help Muslims fulfill their religious duties, however, it has many specialised organisations, like the European College of Human Sciences, the European Womens Organisation, European Youth Organisations, and the European Council of Fatwa and Research.
Name
Kadry Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
What are the consequences of this announcement and warnings on the European Muslims, who already face a lot of problems?
Answer
No doubt the announcement and threats will lead to increased problems for Muslims in Europe. It also fuels the anti-Muslim extremists to work harder against Islam. It reduces the space of freedom allowed to Muslims, and makes them subject to targeting by extremists.
We notice that whenever such statements are made, there are attacks on Mosques and Muslim schools; breaking windows, throwing pork into them, etc.
Name
Radwa Khorshid- Editor
-
Profession
Question
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Answer
This session has come to an end.
We would like to thank Mr. Shakiub Maklouf 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.
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