Islam4UK describe themselves as a platform for the global front of Al-Muhajiroun, a successor to Hizb ut-Tahrir. Omar Bakri Muhammed, the Islamist leader who helped develop Hizb ut-Tahrir in the UK, is known to have once led Al-Muhajirounwhose aim is ‘Izhaar ud Deen’, or domination of the world. This includes re-establishing the Islamic Caliphate and introducing sharia law. Al-Muhajiroun’s two offshoots, ‘The Saviour Sect’ and ‘Al-Ghurabaa’, are banned in the UK for the ‘glorification’ of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2006.
In March there were deplorable scenes of extremists protesting against an army parade of 200 returning soldiers from Iraq in Luton. Protestors shouted ‘terrorists’ and brandished placards saying ‘Anglian soldiers go to hell’ and ‘butchers of Basra’. Now Islam4UK is going to be protesting in Wootton Bassett, where bodies of fallen British soldiers have been repatriated. Islam4UK have said their event will be “held not in memory of the occupying and merciless British military”.
This is cruel and evil. No right-minded person would think of being so insensitive and offensive. Anjem Choudary, the current UK Head of Al-Muhajiroun, has released a letter to the families of British soldiers who have died or who are currently in Afghanistan. In it he pays respect to Osama Bin Laden by using the title ‘Sheikh’ to indicate that he believes Bin Laden is a wise elder and scholar of Islam. This planned event will turn to violence and lead to a counter-response by the English Defence League. Then the BNP will begin to stir up divisions in the surrounding localities.
Even if you disagree with the actions of the brave soldiers who fight to protect British security, it is wrong to antagonise the families of the fallen. This is hateful and evil. I am writing to the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson MP, to call for Islam4UK to be also banned.
ProgressOnline – We have heavily moderated the comments on this column. We are a progressive organisation that strictly does not tolerate racist or abusive comments on our forum.
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Posted by Robert Sharp on 05 January 2010, 4:21:23 PMÂ
Wow, I agree with Sam Rosenthal that the comments here are unprogressive and undemocratic. But I disagree with James Alexander, Sam and my namesake ‘R Sharp’ in suggesting that the Islam4UK march should be banned. That would be anti-free speech. If our troops are fighting for anything in Afghanistan, it is human rights, including the right to free expression (something sadly lacking in that country at the moment). The greatest tribute to our soldiers, living and fallen, would be to maintain our principles consistently at home and abroad: This means allowing the Islam4UK march. The idea that the British people en mass cannot control themselves when confronted with a sorry band of Islamists is ridiculous and divisive. Locals and others who disagree with Islam4UK’s ridiculous ideas are perfectly capable of staging a bigger, PEACEFUL counter march, without any of the pathetic threats of violence that the other commenters here are so keen to see realised. It is this, and only this course of action that is consistent with the British spirit of tolerance and democracy. Progress members should be using their power and influence to bring this course of action about. Anything less is to sink towards the level of the fundamentalists.Â
Posted by Imran on 05 January 2010, 1:04:16 AMÂ
I read a few of the points ppl have made on this discussion. First of all let me tell you alittle abt myself I am a British Muslim born in England my parents came over from Africa in the 70’s we are of Indian Origin. Since the day my parents arrived in England they have worked everyday & still do to this date, never hav we claimed any benefits & Yes we have paid all the Taxes do, as per the law of the land. I have 2 elders sisters & 1 brother we have all been educated to university levels. Growing up I was never really involved with any indians bar my relatives as where I grow was mainly a white population area, besides the few racist idiots I was never considered as an outside from any of my friends. My parents have bought me up to love & respect both my land & my religion. What annoys me the most abt most of the comments I have read on this forum that half the ppl here haven’t got a clue whatthey are on abt… some ppl stating what has Islam given to the world & others stating the western world is evil. Bottomline your all idiots!!! Since the beginning of time man has never been happy with what he has. I’m sure all will agree with this. I hate when I watch the news a see some guy or group of ppl who have tried to plan a terrorist attack in the name of ISLAM. BULLSH1T!!!! Any one who has read the Quran will clealy note no where does it state you can cause harm or grief to another human followers off Islam or not. Islam teach’s love for one another N mainly accepting there is only 1 god. So ppl don’t argue amongst each other if you havent got a clue shut up n sit down. If you unsure abt some thing the ask a question n seek the answer. PPL who dont like the way things r being down in England then first of all look at urselves r u perfect? R u doing what god is asking from u? Ur trying to change England to be more Islamic but what abt the countries that are already Islamic states u should be telling them to ct as stated in the Quran!!! Sorry for the long note I coud go on but whats the point ppl will never listen. PS this is for every the word JIHAD doesn’t mean religous war, it means to strive on. The Phophet Muhammed (PBUH) told his followers if someone causes you pain & grief whilst u are going abt you religous duty then JIHAD (strive on & dont let them get the better of u) Peace & Blessing to everyone Kind Regards
Posted by andrew on 04 January 2010, 11:47:13 PMÂ
Can any Muslim answer a question please? It is regarding reciprocity or fair play; How is it not possible for a Christian to even take a bible into the heartland of Islam, saudi arabia, let alone build a church and yet Muslims expect total freedom to build their mosques in the UK?
Posted by andy on 04 January 2010, 10:30:52 PMÂ
As a voice of reason I do except there are innocent civilian victims in this war. If there was no body shooting at the soldiers there would be no need to fire back. The soldiers who have died are respected on their return to Wootten Bassett and any march by islam4uk in the same town is disrespectful to the soldiers that have died trying to remove oppressive rule and terrorism in Afghanistan / Iraq , this is a action liable to provoke a breach of the peace and the march should be stopped and relocated to London .
Posted by Dave on 04 January 2010, 9:10:59 PMÂ
I hope the Police or goverment put a stop to this offensive rally as it would cause great upset and offence to the people of Wootton Bassett and to the familes of the fallen heros passing through Wootton Bassett and disgust to the British nation and it’s democracy.
Posted by Stan Rosenthal on 04 January 2010, 7:03:04 PMÂ
The highly unprogressive comments on this post demonstrate the old truth that extremism attracts extremism. Extreme action is only permissible in defence of moderation. That means cracking down hard on those (from both sides) who seek to exploit and abuse our liberties. James is quite right to try to stop this march of infamy.
Posted by BIlly on 04 January 2010, 7:00:21 PMÂ
Its about time the british people see the sort of damage there army are doing. the majority of the army are too useless to perform anyother job in the UK and are not the best of society but the expendable section. Imagine one afghan day in the UK, no one here would be supporting the UKs occuipation. Hopefully by the Islam4UK protest there will be dozens of processions.
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