Sir Iqbal Sacranie on Islamophobia and Multiculturalism

Sir Iqbal Sacranie on

Islamophobia and Multiculturalism

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Since British Prime Minister, David Cameron’s Speech at Munich, there have been lots of debates, discussions and deliberations on the subject, whether multiculturalism has failed or not. New Statesman’s Senior Editor (Politics), Mehdi Hassan, disputed the claim that multiculturalism has failed in his write-up, “In defence of multiculturalism” in New Statesman, dated 31st March 2011. I have shown before what the scholars and academicians think about the situation of Multiculturalism and their responses to the British Prime Minister’s speech. Their scholarly observations and comments are of great value and importance. But I was interested to know the feeling of the common people of this country. Sir Iqbal Sacranie, the former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and the present Chairman of Muslim Aid, who have been working in the community for 30 years, I thought, would be the most responsible and representative voice of the people. I had the opportunity to interview him on these three most important issues.

Sir Iqbal Sacranie said, “Last few months have seen the curse of Islamophobia on the increase; we had seen a number of nasty and unpleasant incidents happening in the community including mosques being vandalised, desecration of Muslim graves, women being attacked because of wearing Hijab or Nikab and list goes on. With all such attacks happening, the mainstream media is either silent or ignorant at worst of these anti Muslim hate crimes. What one finds amazing instead of showing signs of concerns to good community relations and social cohesion by reporting these incidents, the right wing media continues to pursue its agenda of denigrating Islamic values by concentrating on the un-Islamic acts of the few which have been condemned by mainstream Muslim organisations.”

“This results in further isolation of Muslim community and thereby exarcibating the core problem of marginalising the entire community. Sadly, the role of some of the senior politicians and government officials is much desired. Instead of providing the lead to address the serious issue of Islamophobia and it's ramifications on the wider society, they join the bandwagon by making inflammatory speeches wrongly quoting awful examples of forced marriages has to do with some Islamic practices!!” said Sir Iqbal.

Islamophobia – Baroness Warsi

Sir Iqbal commented, “I think it was a very positive message coming out from the most senior figure of the Conservative Party that Islamophobia should not be tolerated and more importantly measures are needed at the political, media and policy level to confront the ugly face of Islamophobia.”

“What we found rather very saddening is the reaction to the excellent speech from the Conservative Party. There was a deadly silence; instead of acknowledging and supporting the stance taken by Baroness Warsi we found within the section of the Conservative party there was huge attack on her. As though she has uttered what was despicable. I think this did not reflect well on the party or leadership,” said Sir Iqbal and added, “Even some of the mainstream papers were not supportive of her stance. Although one must say that there were few journalists including Peter Oborne and Yasmin Ali Bhai-Brown and the Guardian who of course defended the views of Baroness Warsi. That fact she had mentioned that something needed to be done was a powerful message to the Conservative Party from the only Muslim figure in the Government that strong measures to condemn Islamophobia are essential and to take actions similar to those taken to fight anti-Semitism and other forms of racism. It is about time that those who deny the existence of Islamophobia are confronted with facts and figures rather then just rhetoric.”

Prime Minister on Multiculturalism

Commenting on Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech on Multiculturalism, Sir Iqbal said, “I think it was a great disappointment. David Cameron, Prime Minister of a country, brings up an issue relating to Muslim community and Islam at a Security Conference in Munich, Germany. This conference was geared towards discussing issues surrounding international security. Sadly a very high-profile conference was seen as an opportunity for the Prime Minister to have a go at Islam and Muslim community without recognising the tremendous contribution of the vast majority of Muslim community in UK. Nor was there any reference to the scourge of Islamophobia and it's ill effect on the community and the British society. I believe it was a typical blunder to quote forced marriages as somehow related to Islamic practice.”

“Prime Minister’s advisers should have known better that Islam utterly and totally condemns forced marriages. In Islam, forced marriage is no marriage. And yet he uses this example as though it is prevalent widely in the Muslim community. This is a cultural issue; an issue that transcends the sub-continental communities and has no bearing of any of the religions,” said Sir Iqbal and observed, “So for him to condemn multiculturalism by quoting this worst example shows how badly he was briefed. Forced marriages are not a product of Multiculturalism nor does multiculturalism condone forced marriages.”

Sir Iqbal also lamented, “It was rather very sad that he did not have any positive things to say about the Muslim community. There was a negative connotation throughout his speech which alienates the Muslim community from the mainstream. It was quite a disappointing speech. One can certainly criticise the whole concept of multiculturalism but the examples he used could not simply stand to scrutiny.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on Multiculturalism

Commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s speech at Luton, Sir Iqbal observed, “Nick Clegg, I think, brought back or reversed the position of Cameron by bringing the Coalition government’s view to multicultural and multi-faith society, where he acknowledged that there are clear benefits in a society which respects and understands people of faith and no faiths and cultural identities of the communities. I think it brought out a very important point that diversity is a matter of strength for our communities.”

“Multiculturalism enables us to work together; to appreciate and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each other and enables us to work for the common good of the society. We need to look positively and work constructively to strengthen the common values. Clegg did try to balance the very negativity that came from Cameron and somehow acknowledge what Baroness Warsi had to say,” said Sir Iqbal.

Sir Iqbal also said, “I think, one can simply say that those of us who have been working in the community for last 30 years have seen the real benefits accruing to all sections of our societies whether it is recognition of rights and responsibilities of every citizen or addressing lacunas in legislation. The fact is Multiculturalism recognises that every citizen has an important role to play irrespective of ones religious or cultural identity. The recognition of the fact that we are living in a multicultural society and the different communities have a role to play which together builds a national identity of being a proud British citizen. This has brought together and enabled those communities like Muslim community, who has been marginalised for a number of decades, to play its role in the mainstream.”

Sir Iqbal also argued, “If one were to compare the position of the Muslim community today to that of 20/30 years ago you will see a remarkable improvement in every facet of daily life. In the socio-economic front, our community was lingering behind at the bottom of league in education, high unemployment, poor health and high crime rate. Today, the very same Muslim community has moved forward and is more confident. Of course we still have serious concerns in many other areas such as extremism, high numbers in prisons etc but we do see huge improvement in education and in the socio-economic status of our community.”

“If you look at the political front, a community which had no representation in Parliament and public life 10 years ago, today, we have half a dozen MP's and approaching a dozen in the House of Lords. We have few hundred Councillors from different political parties, playing a key role in the national life of our country," mentioned Sir Iqbal and added, “In addition to that, if you look at the professionals and businessmen they come from across the community consisting of doctors, accountants and engineers. There has been a remarkable increase in the numbers of Consultants in the National Health, as well as in private practice. Same applies to leading lawyers and engineers.”

“If you look at the contribution to the economy of the Muslim community in terms of GDP, we may be the three and a half per cent of the population but our contribution is more than 12% of the GDP. These are fruits of multiculturalism. If the community is not given its due recognition, I don’t think, it would have played such an important role in the mainstream. Muslim community is part of the mainstream and will always remain part of the mainstream,” mentioned Sir Iqbal and said, “If the government faces economic crisis, or has problems with it’s foreign policy then the Muslim community should not be used as a scapegoat or an excuse to distract from the real crisis. We can only succeed if we recognise the realty on the ground and work together with all organisations and institutions sharing same objectives of living in harmony and peace and recognising and respecting the differences but at all times working for the Common good."

In Tower Hamlets a mosaic of the world

In Tower Hamlets you have a Mosaic of
the world – says Foreign Secretary

Dr. Mozammel Haque

During the last week, two important events took place, one was organized by Muslim community and another was a visit of British Foreign Secretary to a mosque in east London. About the first event, I have to narrate the whole story of the event and about the latter I will write a report of the visit of the British Foreign Secretary. The first event was attended by many important dignitaries and personalities, such as Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, MP; Privy Counsellor and Cabinet Minister, Sadiq Khan, MP; Communities Minister Shahid Malik, MP; Lord Sheikh and diplomats from Saudi Embassy and many others whom I met outside the Hall. They were asking me to join with them inside the Hall; but I could not. So the story needs to be told.

Let us first start with the visit of the Foreign Secretary David Miliband, MP, at the Brick Lane Mosque immediately before the Jumah prayer on Friday last.

Foreign Secretary’s Outreach Event in East London

On Friday, 26th of February, 2010, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, MP, came to visit East London with a tight programme of addressing to the Friday Prayer congregation at the Al-Huda Mosque; another address to the Friday Prayer congregation at the Brick Lane Mosque, followed by a brief tour and discussion with local senior opinion formers from the British Bangladeshi and Somali Muslim communities; discussion with students at Stepney Boys School and a reception for 100 opinion formers of the local and national British Bangladeshi communities.

At around 1:20 pm Foreign Secretary David Miliband, MP. arrived at the Brick Lane Mosque along with the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Dr. Muhammad Saidur Rahman Khan, Tower Hamlets Council Leader Lutfur Rahman and other councillors.

Dr. Muhammad Saidur Rahman Khan
While welcoming the Foreign Secretary David Miliband, the High Commissioner for Bangladesh, Dr. Saidur Rahman Khan mentioned the importance of this month. He said, “Today is the 12th of Rabiul Awaal; on this very day our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born and coincidentally on the same day he died. So it’s a very great occasion for the Muslim community of the world and we know that Islam is the religion of peace. All people are Islamic and I relate this multiracial society; people of all faiths are living in peace and harmony and I believe that would be strengthened in the days to come.”
“On this day we pray for the friendship, for peace and tranquility of the human being; people of all walks of life of all ages,” said Bangladesh High Commissioner.

Lutfar Rahman
Councillor leader Lutfur Rahman described the architectural beauty of the Mosque and the fusion of different cultures in the place.

Foreign Secretary at Brick Lane Mosque
British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, MP. started with saying “Assalamualaikum to those who were present including the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Councillor Lutfur Rahman and any other Councillor.”

Foreign Secretary said, “It’s a great honour, probably a great privilege that you have invited me to this historic mosque. I am deeply grateful for the chance to convey my greetings and profound thanks that the contribution you made to this remarkable community here in east London. I am here for a very simple wish. I am the first Foreign Secretary of British citizens whose heritage is Bangladesh; who worship in Mosque like this. I am also the Foreign Secretary of people who pray in Churches, who pray in Synagogues and who pray in Temples.”

“Every British citizen, whatever their race, their religion, their creed, knows that the Foreign policy of the government formed by the ideas and ideals of all the communities of this country,” said Foreign Secretary.

Referring to what Bangladesh High Commissioner mentioned earlier, Miliband said, “it is a special time of the year, very important month. The special celebration of Maulud brings to the national and international events; the values and ideals and the life of the Prophet Muhammad.”

“The ideals of social justice, responsibility, compassion and ideals too of internationalism and it is in the name of internationalism that I speak to you today. The country from which the vast majority of people draw their heritage, Bangladesh, is a remarkable country – the country I launched visit year before last; it’s a country which needs of values, of respect and justice and compassion very strongly. It’s a country which needs the compassion of great country like ours that help in tackling poverty,” said Foreign Secretary and added, “We are now partner of Bangladesh in tackling poverty in Bangladesh. It needs the support of people of mutual respect.”

Foreign Secretary while referring to the very history of democracy in Bangladesh said, “I am pleased that I am standing next to a representative of a democratic government in Bangladesh, the High Commissioner. The country of Bangladesh needs the value of responsibility across the generation. You know Bangladesh faces the challenge of climate change that threatens the way of livelihood of tens of thousands of Bangladeshis. Bangladesh needs too values of mutual respect because terrorism and security of Bangladeshis in Bangladesh or in London and it is vital to work together against violence.”

While speaking about the foreign policy or international policy in the Middle East, Miliband said, “Across the world the value, justice and compassion are needed in the foreign policy or international policy.”

Referring to Palestine, Foreign Secretary said, “In the Middle East, Palestinians still wait for a State for forty years after the 1967 war; they wait for a State based on the pre-1967 boundaries; they wait for a State Jerusalem will be the capital of Palestine as well as Israel; they wait for a State for the settlement of refugees on an enough space.” He also added, “I am proud of the British government support for those aspirations of the Palestinian state.”

Foreign Secretary also emphasized about values. “Somalia also needs values of respect and justice as well. Across South Asia, notably Afghanistan and Pakistan those values needed too,” mentioned Miliband and said about Britain, “I know this is a country that gains massively from the waves of immigration over the centuries. I know that because my family came before in this country; I know this is the country that provides refuge.”

Foreign Secretary said, “What I see today is a community proud of its heritage but committed to build their future in this remarkable city of east London together; we share together with all faiths and with none.”

Referring to Tower Hamlets, Foreign Secretary said, “In Tower Hamlets you have a mosaic of the world; it is a mosaic that is vibrant, dynamic and effective” because in Tower Hamlets all communities reside peacefully. He congratulates the Council.

Miliband also pledged to work with the Council “to improve this community” and he also pledged, above all, to work with the assistance of the Council, “to build the future that is worthy of values”.

The other event, which actually held earlier, on Monday, 22 of February, 2010 was the MCB Fundraising dinner party at Marriot Hotel.

MCB Fund-raising dinner party
As early as mid-January 2010, I came to know that Professor Tariq Ramadan was coming to deliver a Lecture at a meeting organised by Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). Naturally, I was very much enthusiastic to listen to his lecture though I have been attending to his lectures at various places, universities, and other centres several times. I am happy that I was able to present those thoughts and ideas of Professor Tariq Ramadan to my readers through this column.

Why I was so much excited? Because I know most of my readers are also interested to know and read his thoughts and ideas. Above all, Tariq Ramadan is a professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University (Oriental Institute, St. Anthony’s College). He also teaches at the Faculty of Theology at Oxford. Through his writings and lectures he has contributed substantially to the debate on the issues of Muslims in the West and Islamic revival in the Muslim world. He is active both at the academic and grassroots levels lecturing extensively throughout the world on social justice and dialogue between civilizations.

Naturally, I wanted to present his thoughts to my readers through this column. Without any further delay, immediately I contacted the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, with a request to arrange for me so that I can attend the lecture. Dr. Abdul Bari was a nice person and he sent me the text message saying: “Salam Dr Mozammel. Thanks for the call. I hope you are well. This is the MCB’s first fundraising dinner in our current dire financial situation and the attendance is on the basis of sponsorship – L250 per chair and L2,500 per table (with 10 chairs). Respected elders/leaders are Alhamdo lillah helping us in getting sponsorship for this. Dr. Jamil is the lead person.”

When I received this text I was, for a second, disappointed simply because I phoned him in the hope that he would arrange something as I am a member of two committees of the MCB - the Media Committee and European and International Affairs Committee (EIAC). But I understand that and I appreciate his straight forward reply without any hunky bunky. He is, no doubt, a fine, honourable respectable person.

But I thought why not talk with The Muslim Weekly editor-in-chief, Mr. Ahmad Malik, who generally sponsored Muslim Fundraising dinner. Mr. Malik told me, “There is no problem; I will do something.” On Thursday, 18th of February, Mr. Malik told me that he talked with Mr. Farooq Murad, Treasurer of the MCB and “arrangement has been made and my name is in the list and Mr. Farooq Murad will send me the confirmation through email.” Mr. Farooq Murad did not send me any email but Mr. Malik said, “Don’t worry he has confirmed me.”

For the last nearly five decades I have been following my father’s advice to use my knowledge, whatever I have and my pen for the service and cause of Islam and Muslim. This is the first time; I am going to write about myself, because for the first time, I felt myself insulted in an event where I went last Monday (22 February) evening, being told by the Editor-in-Chief of The Muslim Weekly that my name is in the invitees list. After reaching at the Marriot Hotel, I found my name is not in the list and I felt embarrassed; because generally I do not go anywhere unless I am invited.

Now the question is how it happened? There may be two explanations: one, which I don’t believe, is either Mr. Malik or Mr. Farooq Murad did not give me the proper picture; but I don’t dare to doubt the truthfulness of these two honourable respectable gentlemen. The other alternative is: probably some invisible but, of course, powerful hands behind the screen used his authority to remove my name from the guest list. (Who is really responsible for this immoral, malicious hateful act, I do not have any idea. Allah the Almighty knows better.)

People are thinking that I am ‘overreacting a bit’. I don’t agree. It is a matter of principle. Invited guest is not a trivial, negligible, insignificant matter, if you look from an Islamic perspective. Guest is a person who deserves to be honoured, not humiliated or insulted. (The importance and significance of guest in Islam I would like to talk later.)

Immediately, after the completion of the speech session, I left the event, organised by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), about which I have been spending my ink and giving space to my column and articles since before the birth of the MCB in the late 80s when Iqbal Sacranie, the spokesperson of the then UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs first met with the then Shadow Home Secretary Jack Straw at a meeting in the Islamic Cultural Centre, London.

Muslim Council of Britain was founded by Iqbal Sacranie in the late 80’s with the aim of unifying the diverse Muslim communities of the United Kingdom. Its purpose was to respect diversity and at the same time respect personality. The ideologically broad-based national umbrella organization of the British Muslim communities of different schools of thought of Islam, of different ethnic, linguistic, regional and cultural backgrounds, like MCB, should remain clean from sectarian, parochial, insular, prejudiced, close-minded elements.

I will be failing in my duty if I do not mention those well-mannered, young energetic spirited volunteers who were time and again coming to me, while I was waiting outside the Hall being embarrassed, enquiring whether they could be of any help. I would like to thank them through this column and appreciate their good-natured words of hospitality which should be an eye-opener for those who are yet to reach to that level. Their well-mannered conduct turned my disappointment, skepticism and pessimism into optimism. I am now hopeful that those youngsters who are between 20s and early 30s will be the bright future of our Ummah.

In spite of the painful agony I had to pass through at that very particular moment, I will not disappoint my readers; rather I will present them a brilliant thought-provoking lecture of Professor Tariq Ramadan on “What I Believe” delivered at the London School of Economics (LSE). I promise, I will, Insha Allah, write in this column.

Courtesy: The Muslim Weekly Friday 05 March 2010
and also Eurobangla, Monday 29 February 2010

Muslim Aid's Children's Night of Empowerment

Muslim Aid raises over 300,000 Pound Sterling
at its Children’s Night of Empowerment

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Muslim Aid raised over £300,000 at last weekend of February, 2011 at its Children’s Night of Empowerment Fundraising Dinners held on the 25th, 26th and 27th February in London, Manchester and Birmingham respectively. The fundraising dinners were part of Muslim Aid’s 25th anniversary initiative to raise awareness and support for disadvantaged children around the world.

The keynote speaker included internationally acclaimed academic, Professor Tariq Ramadan at the Children’s Night of Empowerment Fundraising Dinner held at Porchester Hall, London, on Friday, 25th of February, 2011.

Muslim Aid’s Chairman
Sir Iqbal Sacranie’s Address
In his address of welcome, the Chairman of Muslim Aid, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, greatly appreciated and thanked the remarkable support given by the community to Muslim Aid’s call for empowering children. Highlighting dismal statistics of global child poverty, he said: “22,000 children under five die every day due to lack of basic healthcare According to the UN about 70 per cent of these deaths occur in the first year of a child’s life.”

Sir Iqbal also mentioned, “1 in 7 children in the world is a child labourer. That equates to 218 million children are child labourers; and they have to work to help their families survive. How can we expect to change the condition that these children currently face if a major portion of their life is overtaken by having to fend for themselves and their families?”

“In Africa, only 62% of kids go to school, complete primary education in Africa alone; this is compared to an average completion rate of 94% in some western countries. And according to the UN Millennium Project, children whose mothers have five years of primary school education have a survival rate 40 percent higher than children of mothers with no education. These statistics point to serious global problems in the provision of healthcare, and more worryingly the provision of education. This is the plight of our world’s children” said Sir Iqbal and added, “Muslim Aid is determined to help eradicate this problem with Allah’s help and this is why one of our key strategic goals for the next 5 years is to extend our formal and non-formal education programmes worldwide both at primary and secondary level.”

Speaking about the various programme of the Muslim Aid, Sir Iqbal referred to the healthcare programme of Muslim Aid in Sudan in 2010. “Muslim Aid was able to employ skilled healthcare professionals to treat over 800 pregnant women at the Wagar Clinic ensuring both mother and child were given the best start in life. This programme and others have contributed directly to the Fifth Millennium Development Goal namely to reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio and increase the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel.”

Guest Speaker at London Event
Professor Tariq Ramadan
The Children’s Night of Empowerment was started with the recitation of the verse of Surah Ad-Doha from the Holy Qur’an. Referring to that verse, Professor Tariq Ramadan said, “We have to think about the very essence of our religion. We have values; we have to follow him (Prophet peace be upon him) and all his life. Never forget the poor; there is no spirituality; there is no Islam; there is no values if you only talk to the rich and forget the poor and the children. The prophet (peace be upon him) was showing in every piece of his Mission this kind of care specially for the children. This is not only to send the message to the people; this is also to send the message for everyone; show solidarity to humanity; to all the people around you,” mentioned Professor Ramadan.

“This is the way the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself educated his daughter Fatema (may Allah be please be with her); the way she was with the poor people around the mosque. He used to come to her and taught her: never forget the poor,” mentioned Professor Tariq Ramadan and said, “So the closer you are to the last one the closer you are to the ONLY ONE. This is our religion.”

Referring to the recent tragedy in Pakistan, Professor Ramadan said, “I am sure it is our responsibility to be there as much as to be in all the non-Muslim majority countries; everywhere; as Muslims we don’t ask about the religion of the people. We care for the dignity of the being. This means you are like a doctor when you are conscious of the solidarity. You don’t ask the religion; you do the job; you save lives, you educate people you invest in the present and in the future and this is the very essence of our religion.”

Professor Ramadan also said, “Remain Muslims; show the name Islam; show Muslims are for everybody; though the opposite people expected. People think that you only care for Muslims. We practice Islam but we care about all the people; all the human beings, because this is the very essence of being a Muslim and this is what we do according to our religion and according to our principle.”

“We are investing, we are giving the means to the people to be free, to help them to be equipped in the future to be able to see any injustice; any lack of dignity. We are here to change the world to be better. This is our message; this is our contribution,” said Professor Ramadan.

Professor Tariq Ramadan also said: “It is an Islamic and human obligation to support the poor and be involved with the education and future of children not only with our money but also with our hearts. I am extremely pleased that Muslim Aid is not just involved with helping Muslim communities but, as an aid agency, is serving humanity.”

At Manchester Event
At the Manchester event, Sarah Joseph said: “Charity is not only an act of worship and a way to personal righteousness; it helps to bring justice to the world. It is an honour for me to acknowledge Muslim Aid’s work through local community, as well as its inspiring global activities."

In Birmingham
In Birmingham, the Head of Gatton School, Rifat Batool said: “The grim statistics of child mortality in the developing countries is heart rendering. If each one of us gives as little as £3 a month we can make a huge difference to save lives and give children a bright future. Muslim Aid is helping us to make a direct intervention to change this grim reality.”