As-salaamu'alaikum!
I write out of immense concern over the current strikes against
Afghanistan, and would be grateful if you could forward this message
on to the appropriate people in your organisation, insha'allah.
Over a week ago, my concern was such that I drafted a petition,
gained some feedback from local muslims, and then posted it on the
Internet to gather signatures. This petition may be found at the
following site (an html copy of the petition is attached):
www.petitiononline.com/COMAA/petition.html
I was also very worried at that time by the apparent
response to the attack in the US of our muslim representatives.
It seemed that while condemning the attack, muslim leaders were so
worried of the backlash against our community that they failed to
issue strong warnings against attacks on Afghanistan. Consequently,
the Mr. Blair and his Government has persistently stated that they
have the backing of all 'moderate' muslims in this country for any
action that they see fit.
Even now, public statements made by muslim leaders appear to
concentrate on the fact that they are against the attacks only for
humanitarian reasons. Why can we not just come out and say that we
will not tolerate attacks against our muslim brothers, full stop?
As I state in my petition, we may not agree entirely with the
particular implementation of Islam by the Taliban, but they are
still our brothers.
I am somewhat more gratified, however, to see your latest stance on
the crisis. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be getting much
publicity (a brief mention on BBC 10 o'clock news tonight, and that
was it). How can we make our voices heard more loudly? I am aware
that reps from your and other organisations met with Mr. Blair
yesterday, apparently to state their opposition to the attacks. But
what was the result? Mr. Blair at the despatch box in the Commons
yet again stating that he has the support of the 'moderate' muslims
in this country. Well, I'm moderate, I don't belong to any extremist
group, but I am totally against this action. Why can't we get this
message across?
I would like to arrange visits by the local media (BBC, Meridian TV,
etc.) to gather the real feelings of muslims down here in
Southampton. Although not an official member of the local
organisation, the Muslim Council of Southampton, I am in close
contact with several of its members, including the chairman, as well
as being a member of the Islamic Society at the University of
Southampton (as the Islamic Awareness Week Officer), one of the
constituent members of the MCS.
Perhaps you could advise us as to the best and necessary steps to
make the above contacts with the media? I feel that we must do
something, although I am concerned that many muslims feel too worried
to put their head above the parapet, so to speak, to do anything en
masse.
Do you think it is time for a national demonstration? Other,
non-muslim organisations are arranging them. Why can't we?
May Allah guide us all to the correct path.
Wa'salaam
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