The following is the letter published in The Times from the Muslim Council of Britain over its coverage on Jewish and Muslim divorce on 5 February 2013. The coverage, felt by the MCB and many of the paper's online commenters, was sensationalist and would help fuel Islamopobia. Of course, the paper chose not to publish the following crucial line "Once again such reporting raises uninformed hackles against our faith, and what British Muslims really want. With a recent YouGov poll highlighting prevailing negative attitudes against British Muslims, there is a responsibility to report such matters fairly."
The following, therefore, is the Muslim Council's letter in full...
Dear Sir,
We find it odd that your report of a landmark divorce settlement under Jewish Beth Din Courts should be framed under the narrative of Islamic Sharia courts (High Court opens way to Sharia divorces, 1 February). Once again such reporting raises uninformed hackles against our faith, and what British Muslims really want. With a recent YouGov poll highlighting prevailing negative attitudes against British Muslims, there is a responsibility to report such matters fairly.
Of course, we do welcome any move facilitating choices for those who wish, as Muslims, for their personal relationships to be governed by a Shariah civil code. This legitimate aspiration requires full discussion in an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance. It allows for British Muslims to fulfil their religious obligations under British law. It does not require a change in British law, or a diminution in human rights. We seek parity with other faiths, not special favours.
Yours Sincerely,
Farooq Murad,
Secretary General,
Muslim Council of Britain
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