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Name
Samir
- Bahrain
Profession
Question
Have you decided to run for the elections in UK? What are the obstacles and the opportunities?
Answer
Assalamu alaikum Samir! Yes, I have decided to run in the elections in the UK - in fact we are just 11 days away from the election day and I'm very busy campaigning...but I thought it might be interesting to share some of experiences in this process.
I particularly liked your question about what are the obstacles and opportunities, because it encapsulates very much how I feel about this campaign, and my approach to it.
First of all, I am standing as a candidate with a new party - RESPECT, which I helped to form just last year. This came about because of the disappointment many of us felt with the three existing mainstream parties - in relation to foreign policies in particular, but also domestic policies here in the UK. For example the ruling Labour Party helped George Bush to attack Afghanistan and Iraq, the Conservative Party supported this and the Liberal Democrats said they opposed the wars but then supported them once they began!
The obstacles are many eg. We are new; it is unusual even within the Muslim community here to have women taking an active role in politics. But things are changing and we are receiving a fantastic response!
Name
Noor
-
Profession
Question
Is the Anti-war movement still active in UK? If the answer is yes, why? How?
Answer
Yes it is still very active...just recently on March 19th 2005 we had over 150,000 people demonstrating in London. We feel it is as important to oppose the continuing occupation, as it was to prevent the war in the first place. To keep up to date check out www.stopwar.org.uk
Name
Sarah
-
Profession
Question
I know taht you are an activist participating in the anti-globalization movement , how can the Muslims contribute to such a movement?
Answer
Muslims can contribute in many ways. Right now we are in the run-up to the G8 Summit in July when the leaders of the richest countries will meet to discuss economic policies. The anti-third world debt campaigners as well as other groups working for social justice are running a 'Make Poverty History' Campaign to maximise pressure on these leaders to repeal unjust trading practices which have institutionalised poverty around the world.
As Muslims we should actively participate in such campaigns, and use whatever sphere of influence or networks we have to create awareness e.g. Universities, colleges, mosques, friends and families etc.
Yesterday on one of the Asian TV stations (ARY digital) I saw a short program where Muslim representatives from the various parties were unable to hold a discussion in a sensible way i.e. very quickly; quite unprofessionally they began a shouting match with the moderator unable to control them, and their having to take a commercial break. My question is, when 'Muslim' politicians cannot even hold a civil dialogue in a studio, what confidence do we have in their ability to represent us correctly be it in parliament or elsewhere?
Answer
It is true that many of our so-called representatives to not act in dignified ways. It is often observed that Muslims are either too quiet and defensive, not getting involved - or when they do they get so emotional that the point is lost!
But it is the duty of every single one of us to speak up, and to do so in the best way, inshallah...and there are many many good people coming forward who we are proud of, who are both knowledgeable and articulate e.g. Anas-al Tikriti.
Name
Yaqeen
-
Profession
Question
How you can see the young Muslims generations in Europe? Are they qualified enough to face the crisis of identity?
Answer
We have to be ready to face the crisis of identity - whether we like it or not! There are many debates now going on within the Muslim community. Some people do not want to change from unthinking acceptance of what they perceive has always been the tradition (whether it addresses current concerns or not). Many youth are not aware of even some of the basic teachings of Islam, and some accept uncritically interpretations which are extreme.
On the other hand there are growing numbers of young people who are proud of their multiple identities here in England and simply want to get on with life in a positive manner, rising to the various challenges.
For example the election campaign has drawn interesting responses from the different sections of the youth and community, ranging from enthusiastic support to a small hostile group who have even resorted to threats!
Name
Muslim Woman
-
Profession
Question
Do you have real Muslim Women activists in Europe? What are the perspectives of their political participation?
Answer
Yes we do have real Muslim activists in Europe - indeed most of the most vocal and active Muslims in the movement have been women!
Of course when participating in political work, especially when one is married with children, there is a lot of juggling involved. We need to encourage among Muslims a greater culture of female participation in political life...men and women have an important duty in relation to this.
Furthermore we can bring our particular faith values into these important arenas by doing so.
Name
Abdallah
-
Profession
Question
Are the British Muslims lucky comparing to the other European Muslim communities?
Answer
I think we don't have it as bad as some European countries. For example I was genuinely shocked at the hostility I experienced in France when speaking at the European Social Forum in 2004 when I was speaking as a British representative of the anti-war movement, but was heckled by some of the French participants simply because of my hijab. I also witnessed the attempts to exclude and demonise Tariq Ramadan at the same event.
In comparison at this year's Social Forum in London, the French were shocked at how they were marginalised for their views when the issue of hijab was discussed! To see the debate, check out www.naar.org.uk/campaigns/islamophobia.asp
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
You are active in the Hijab Campaign, but some Muslims see that there is no hijab cause in UK and that the French Muslims themselves did react in the same way as the hijab campaign, what do you think?
Answer
It is true that there are no moves as yet to ban the hijab in the UK, but we are part of Europe and it is alarming to see the number of countries adapting this extreme stance. It is important in two ways that we have the campaign here. First to send a message of solidarity to the sisters and Muslims in other European countries who are feeling very isolated and under attack. Coming from a fellow European country with Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the campaign such a campaign has extra significance. Secondly it is important to be pro-active and send a clear signal to the government here now, rather than react when it is too late.
