Do you think that European Muslims are playing a role in being discriminated against through neglecting the political participation?
Answer
I do certainly think that there is a need for greater participation by Muslims - in the European Parliament there are only about 4 or 5 Muslim MEP's with a European Muslim population of about 14 million upwards.
Thank you for your question.
Sajjad
Name
----
- Czech Republic
Profession
Question
How do you evaluate the Euro-Muslims' situation, especially their political participation?
Answer
It varies from a member state to another. The recent accession of Bulgaria has increased participation from Muslim residents of the EU. In UK, we do quite well in local, national, and European politics.
Thank you for your question.
Sajjad
Name
Ihtisham
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Do you think British Muslims are more politically active than many other European Muslims?
Answer
Britain has been particularly good at allowing recent immigrant communities to become a part of the wider society. Political engagement has been particularly strong amongst Muslim communities from Asian origins as opposed to those from Arab origins.
Thank you for your question
Sajjad
Name
Mrs. Sheikh
- United Arab Emirates
Profession
Teaching
Question
Assalaamu alaikum...
Isn't politics against Islamic Shariah?
Answer
No. Not at all in any way. Politics was practised by our Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and in itself it can act as a service to mankind.
Thankyou for your question.
Sajjad.
Name
Marwan KL
- Belgium
Profession
Engineer
Question
Do you expect to get votes from non-Muslims?
Answer
Yes of course. I am contesting and representing the North West of England with a population of 7.9 million of which about 230,000 are muslims.
Name
Ihsan
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Osama Saeed, a local Muslim candidate for Edinburgh, faced discrimination through Quliiam Foundation's adminstration. How do you see such case and how can a Muslim encourage his fellow Muslims to be active and participate politically?
Answer
It is important for Britain that all of its population feels itself as a part of the political decision-making process. This can only be achieved if each and every section of Britain engages in the political process.
Name
Usman
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
As a Muslim MEP, how do extremist right-wing MEPs see you and are you discriminated against inside the parliament?
Answer
I am an MEP that represents the North West of England and I happen to follow the Muslims' faith - the point I am making is that the EU is made up of minorities to the extent that there is no majority culture. The extremist MEPs of course have their own opinions and I have to accept their right to be present in the Parliament - after all they were elected just like me!
Thank you for your question
Sajjad
Name
Marwa
-
Profession
Question
Dear Sir,
Could you please tell us how the Euro-Muslims can be more active in their communities on the political level?
If you please highlight the major challenges facing them in their trial to participate politically.
Answer
Muslims within Europe come from a very wide variety of backgrounds. The challenges they face to become more politically active depend very much upon different member states and indeed the difference in the political systems operating in them.
In Britain, for instance, political engagement is at a very active level especially amongst people of Asian origin. In France, the French culture is very different and therefore the same level of engagement does not exist.
Sajjad
Name
Salman
- Belgium
Profession
Question
How do you evaluate your previous experience as a Muslim MEP and have you contributed positively to making Muslims in Britain able to fulfill their rights?
Answer
I am completing my first term as an MEP out of a lifetime of political activity since the age of 7, at the local and national levels. I hope I have been able to make some positive contributions during that time on each of those levels. The beauty of our democratic system is that those who do not make a contribution soon find themselves weeded out of the political system.
Sajjad
Name
Asif
-
Profession
Question
Dear Sajjad,
I just wanted to let you know that we Muslims in UK are very proud of you and would like you to make it in shaa Allah..
Good luck,
Radwa
Answer
Radwa many many thanks for your best wishes.
Sajjad
Name
Rahman Khalil
- Finland
Profession
Question
What qualifications should a Muslim MEP have to play an effective role and should he/she be aware of some Islamic regulations to be ready to clarify any misunderstanding about Islam and Muslims?
Answer
It depends on the individual in question. No MEP is elected as a "Muslim" however, one's faith should effect ones thinking and in this respect the contributions made are coloured by ones Islamic, Jewish, Christian,...etc faith.
Sajjad
Name
Yacob Keth
- Denmark
Profession
Question
Do you think that European Muslims can have more rights through being represented in the European Parliament?
Answer
It is important that all of Europe's diversity be adequately represented at EU level - it ensures that through participation relevant debates are properly influenced by all sections of its populace.
Sajjad
Name
Zedan
-
Profession
Question
What message would you like to send now to all the people in your electional area?
Answer
THESE ELECTIONS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT EUROPEAN ELECTIONS TO DATE.
A low turnout will simply mean that the make up of the parliament will act as a negative force preventing the EU from properly serving the best interests of our population.
The USA, India, and now the EU - the three largest democratic unions in the world are all going to the polls in close succession. It is vital we return an open, forward looking Parliament in Europe.
In my constituency, we face a real danger from the BNP who are fielding their leader again as they did in 2004. A low turnout will help them under this PR system - so please come out and cast your votes!
Thank you
Sajjad
Name
Taher Khan
-
Profession
Question
Do you blame the European government for the isolation of some European Muslims and why?
Answer
There is no "European Government" as such. The EU is made up of three parts - the Commission, Council, and Parliament. All three of which act in a complimentary fashion to get things done. Through the Council, the 27 member states governments are directly represented, in the commission appointed commissioners from each member state meet and the parliament has directly elected MEPs from the member states.
As such there is no "European government" in the terms that you refer to.
Sajjad
Name
Sami
- Cyprus
Profession
Question
Salam Mr. Sajjad...
I do not think that we as a Minority compared to the Jewish minority can be equally represnented officially as the European Governements are isolating us.
Do you think we have internal problems making us not qualified for this step compared with the jewish minorities in Europe?
Answer
I am very aware of the issues facing Northern Cyprus and indeed have visited there - making a point of entering through ERCAN airport and being lambasted for "making an illegal entry as an MEP!".
The trade embargo is unjustly applied and at a EU level there is much that needs to be done to allow Northern Cyprus to gain full membership - isolation in this way is of no use to either Cyprus or the EU.
Sajjad
Name
Kareem Elason
- France
Profession
Question
What plans did you set for your coming five years in the EP which are different and much more effective than what you used to do over the last five years?
Answer
I have recently been appointed as a whip by my party and this is a role I wish to develop.
My work on the International Trade Committee is not yet complete so I hope to continue this. One term in the European Parliament allows an MEP to put in place the basic building base, the following terms allow one to build from this foundation.
Sajjad
Name
Angelica
- Italy
Profession
Question
My question is not directed to you in particular as an election candidate, but mainly to those who work in Politics.
Why you are playing with words always, why you are not direct and you don't give detailed answers, even if they are moderate, but still satisfy the reader?
Answer
I hope I am sufficiently clear and concise in conveying my message.
Sajjad
Name
Kamal
-
Profession
Question
Can European Muslims get more integrated through political porticipation?
