|
YOUTH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Press Releases / Media
Follow Us on Flicker
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01 February 2010
British Muslim students: hopes for the new decade
Kawsar Zaman, a LSE law student and also Vice-chair of the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee, explains how a new initiative hopes to stimulate debate.
In recent times and most intensely in the past few months since the 'would be Christmas bombing', Muslim students have not being having an easy ride with regards to press portrayal and the media. Many media outlets have singled out Muslim students and in particular Islamic societies at university as breeding grounds for terrorism. However contrived the media might be surrounding Muslim youth; the reality is far from that which is perceived. Many accusers add that if Muslims weren't the suspects they deem them to be then why hasn't anything positive been generated by the Muslim community? This is where the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee comes in. Formed of a group of young Muslim students and graduates, the MCB's Youth Committee have begun a blog so that British students and youth, whether Muslim or not, can tell it like it is; a blog where myth is distinguished from reality.
At a launch ceremony at Imperial College, held in conjunction with the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, the Youth Committee launched 'The Platform' blog. A quick click onto the website and the bold Union Jacks seemingly resembling Islamic art will immediately strike you, indicating its central theme; Britain ten years on, with a Muslim angle and twist. The blog will bring together prominent leaders, politicians and activists and give them a chance to thoroughly criticise or praise society as it stands and where they think it is likely to move onto within the next ten years. Topics on the blog span from culture to security, spirituality to politics. All the articles posted are worth a read; including hilarious articles on integration to informative pieces on the place of Islam in Britain today, and many other hard hitting and misunderstood issues. You as the public are then welcomed to air your views on the blog, however positive or cynical they may be. It is sure to be an interesting read and a productive debate.
On a serious note, this blog is a very unique opportunity to get your voice heard, with none like it in current existence. Unlike what is espoused by media outlets surrounding Islamic organisations, 'The Platform' is a progressive solution to Britain's future problems.
Zainab Rahim, 21, a recent graduate of King's College London and project coordinator for The Platform comments, 'The Platform provides the opportunity for the youth of Britain to voice their views on improving Britain in the new decade. It gives the chance for the youth to lead the debate for renewal and positive change in Britain, channelling views and hopes in a constructive and vision-setting manner. And, significantly, it is a Muslim student-led initiative. In a context where Muslim students and youth are increasingly spotlighted as a source of problems, The Platform proves that they are, in fact, a source of solutions, as they proactively spearhead a movement for change and progression for all.'
So The Platform is not merely another mouth piece to air out frustrations or act as some sort of talking shop; it is an actual platform to generate ideas on how to improve Britain and the Muslim community for the coming decade.
Log on at www.the-platform.org.uk
[END]
British Muslim students: hopes for the new decade
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 January 2010
Muslim Aid on 'The Platform'
Initiatives that help to provide direction in the Muslim Community in Britain are rare enough. But more rare are those which offer practical ways to shape a vision for the future. On Friday last week Muslim Aid was proud to be the sole sponsor of one such event run by the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth committee.
The event marked the launch of 'The Platform', a blog which serves as an open internet platform for debate, discourse and discussion. The theme of the upcoming topics is Britain ten years on. It aims at envisioning and structuring progress and in the next six weeks writers from different backgrounds will be asked to submit their musings on issues as varying as civic participation and security.
Mujibul Islam head of the MCB's youth committee was particularly clear about the project stating `
we need to provide a vision for the future through discussion'. Other speakers at the launch included Professor Gwen Griffith-Dickson, Director of the Lokahi foundation who reflected that `I do not know what Britain's going to be like in ten years, but I do know you are the one's who are going to be deciding it.'
The evening was topped off with an inspirational speech by Dr Muhammed Abdul Bari, the MCB Chair who provided vision and wisdom for the platform moving forward.
Hamid Azad acting CEO for Muslim Aid said: `We remain committed to supporting initiatives that help to progress communities here in Britain and help to alleviate poverty and suffering across the world. Supporting this project will allow for us to have a direct impact on issues we consider our core area of work namely that of poverty and civic participation.'
Visit the platform here:
http://www.the-platform.org.uk/
[END]
Muslim Aid on 'The Platform'
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 January 2010
Building Bridges - Denmark
The words 'Denmark' and 'Islam' tend to be closely followed by a rise in blood pressure for most Muslims. But here we have some heart warmingly good news. A group of 30 Danish teenagers came to the UK on a fact finding mission on Islam and Muslims. During their week long tour, they interviewed people at the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, had a curry in Brick Lane, took part in a lively question and answer session at the Muslim Council of Britain. Of the visit to the MCB, Mrs Larsen, a teacher in History of Religion, said `it's the first organisation during our visit that we've managed to have a constructive discussion about Muslims. It's been a very educational experience for both students and teachers'. Frederik, one of the students, said: "Our class was very pleasantly surprised with the presentation. No questions were avoided, and we felt comfortable pursuing knowledge about the organization. As Danish students it was especially interesting to us to get an understanding of the Muslim community, which is much better represented in Britain than in Denmark. We were of course very affected by the cartoon-crisis..it was nice to be able to get an understanding of the view of the Muslim community.
MCB Youth Committee Vice-Chair Kawsar Zaman, who gave a presentation on the work of the MCB and Muslim life in the UK and later said `it's very important we speak to young people to bring across the fact that Muslims are normal people who have contributed a lot to this country and many countries around the world. It is contact and dialogue with others which breaks down barriers'.
Building Bridges - Denmark
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01 February 2010
Attacks on British Muslims are being brushed under the carpet
Last Saturday hundreds of Muslim civic and community leaders joined together during a public meeting in Birmingham to discuss the growing spate of unchallenged hatred and bigotry flourishing against British Muslims in our country. It took place on the same day that more than 1,500 supporters of the English Defence League (EDL) rioted in Stoke-On-Trent against the so called `Islamification of Europe'.
No less than six police officers were hurt and five police vehicles damaged as groups broke through police cordons, yet the story was hardly anywhere to be seen in our mainstream media. One wonders what the public, police and political reaction would have been if it was the other way round, if it was Muslims rioting and on a rampage.
There are growing levels of unchallenged attacks on British Muslims in many forms, with the fury continuing to mount. There have been cases of Mosques being vandalised, Muslim students being stabbed on university campuses and general anti-Muslim bigotry spiralling out of control without any rebuff.
Last week in Leeds, a bus driver was arrested after he allegedly called a female passenger a Muslim terrorist and asked her if she had put a bomb on his bus.
In Manchester, bereaved relatives have been forced to erect CCTV cameras at a cemetery after a series of attacks on Muslim graves, while on Boxing Day last year, a mosque in the West Midlands was burned to the ground by arsonists for the second time; these are just some examples of the overt attacks taking place against Muslims.
All over Europe, the far-right have come to realise that in today's world, attacks on immigrants, blacks or Jews are no longer acceptable if they are to capture a mainstream following. Rather, it is much easier to target Muslims. The BNP's Nick Griffin, who described Islam as a `wicked and vicious faith', is already on the record as saying:
`Bang on about Islam
because to the ordinary public out there it's the thing they can understand. It's the thing the newspaper editors sell newspapers with.'
At a time when some of our journalists often embark on a battle between who can write the darker tale about Islam or Muslim life, the media coupled with a lack of political will and direction have created a situation where attacks on Muslims, overt and covert, have sadly become acceptable.
In July 2008 Peter Oborne illustrated how anti-Muslim sentiments had achieved a level of respectability in Britain that no other form of prejudice enjoyed. He wrote:
`While overt racism and anti-Semitism were unacceptable in modern society: the systematic demonization of Muslims has simply become an important part of the central narrative of the British Political class; it is so entrenched, so much part of normal discussion, that almost nobody notices.'
Findings from a recent survey conducted by the British Social Attitudes Survey show that the public are far more opposed to Islam than to any other faith. Such views flourish because little is made or shown of the other side. In a recent survey conducted by the Open Institute Society, British Muslims were found to be the most patriotic in Europe.
Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Muslim charities based in the UK immediately pledged to raise more than two million pounds in emergency relief while Muslim students raised more than £300,000 through 'Charity Week' at universities across the country for orphans around the world. But you will of course never hear stories of this sort. Because they bluntly do not fit the mainstream stereotype of a Muslim.
The overwhelming feelings at the public meeting called by the Muslim Council of Britain was one of frustration and anger that anti-Muslim sentiments and attacks were not being adequately addressed by both the police and our political class. Enough is enough; we must act.
The usual suspects will of course accuse us of playing the 'victim' card, but British Muslims call not for special treatment, but equal treatment. Just like any other community, we call for a concerted effort to challenge extremism of any form which concentrates itself against minorities in a bid to create divisions to the detriment of our society and our country.
Bigotry, hatred and attacks against British Muslims are nothing new. But its unchallenged growth in our country can no longer be ignored. The half-hearted response by the government to this growing phenomenon has been far from adequate to date. The phase for window dressing is over. Now is the time to act.
What is urgently needed is clear leadership from both our police and the government in policy directions in dealing with Islamophobia in all its forms.
In 2005, in response to growing levels of anti-Semitism, a Parliamentary Committee was established to combat the threat. Likewise, at a time when British Muslims are now the new target for hatred and attacks, it is high time a dedicated committee is now set up to investigate Islamophobia in our country.
At a time when we join hands together in remembering the evils of the Nazi Holocaust, it would be most fitting to leave Carly Whyborn of the HMD Trust with the final say who, on Holocaust Memorial Day, referring to the treatment of minorities in Britain, said:
`We can pause to look at how we treat those around us. We can all make the choice to challenge exclusion when we see it happening we can choose to stop using language that dehumanises others and we can stop our friends and family from dehumanising and excluding others.'
Our guest writer is Kawsar Zaman, law student at the LSE and Vice-Chair of the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee
Full article on Left Foot Forward
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 January 2010
Crimestoppers attends Muslim Council of Britain's blog launch
The project organised by the MCB's Youth Committee is a new and dynamic youth-led initiative designed to channel the views and opinions of the wider community in a positive and productive way by providing a platform for constructive debate.
Anisa Abouelhassan, Crimestoppers' Asian/Muslim Communities Manager said: `Crimestoppers has contributed a blog article about fighting crime and I feel The Platform is a great opportunity for young people to engage in discussions around a range of issues. Asian/Muslim communities are disproportionally affected by crime both as victims and as perpetrators, so unique and innovative methods to tackle this are very welcome.'
Crimestoppers coverage
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 January 2010
Building Bridges - Denmark
The words 'Denmark' and 'Islam' tend to be closely followed by a rise in blood pressure for most Muslims. But here we have some heart warmingly good news. A group of 30 Danish teenagers came to the UK on a fact finding mission on Islam and Muslims. During their week long tour, they interviewed people at the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, had a curry in Brick Lane, took part in a lively question and answer session at the Muslim Council of Britain. Of the visit to the MCB, Mrs Larsen, a teacher in History of Religion, said `it's the first organisation during our visit that we've managed to have a constructive discussion about Muslims. It's been a very educational experience for both students and teachers'. Frederik, one of the students, said: "Our class was very pleasantly surprised with the presentation. No questions were avoided, and we felt comfortable pursuing knowledge about the organization. As Danish students it was especially interesting to us to get an understanding of the Muslim community, which is much better represented in Britain than in Denmark. We were of course very affected by the cartoon-crisis..it was nice to be able to get an understanding of the view of the Muslim community.
MCB Youth Committee Vice-Chair Kawsar Zaman, who gave a presentation on the work of the MCB and Muslim life in the UK and later said `it's very important we speak to young people to bring across the fact that Muslims are normal people who have contributed a lot to this country and many countries around the world. It is contact and dialogue with others which breaks down barriers'.
Building Bridges - Denmark
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 January 2010
Mujibul and Kawsar speak to the Turkish Daily HaberVakit Newspaper
Youth Committee Chair Mujibul Islam and Vice-Chair Kawsar Zaman spoke in an interview with the Turkish based Daily HaberVaktim Newspaper about their experience working in the MCB and with young British Muslims.
Daily HaberVaktim Article
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 January 2010
British Muslims: Time to Correct Misperceptions
Mujibul Islam, Chair of MCB Youth Committee writes for Islam Online on misperceptions
Every community has its share of good and bad. In recent years, there have been a number of convictions of some Muslim youth for terrorism-related crimes. We are also sadly aware that our community is overrepresented in the prison population. However, we forget that in the medical and some other professions the Muslim community outdo others. The issue does not have to be black and white.
Crisis of Muslim Youth
The Muslim community's demographic profile shows that young people constitute a great proportion of the community when compared with other age groups. Moreover, they live for the most part in socially and economically deprived neighborhoods, and their parents are likely to be unemployed.
There is a big problem of role models, and young people seem to be polarized within two groups:
1. Those who have managed to break out of this suffocating environment through education and their own willpower
2. Those who have lost hope and ambition and thus spiraled down to become society's rejects
The work of Muslim community activists, like in the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee, is to provide encouragement and pathways to those young people in the latter group in order to move them to the former group.
Media Misperceptions
But when one sees the depiction of young British Muslims in the media, most often than not it has to do with their extremism and disloyalty to the state, along with other negative connotations one can think of. The message portrayed is blunt: Young Muslims are a liability for the country. A few agenda-driven think tanks and a section of our political class want to make sure that Muslims remain marginalized in society.
British Muslims' Activism
This is far from the truth. The reality is that up and down the country, young British Muslims within their local, regional, and national groups are quietly working away for their communities and building the nation. Many young Muslims have shown themselves to surpass the names that have been attached to them, and to continue with their inherent drive to help others by volunteering their time and their energy for amazing projects. Traveling across the country, I have witnessed the passion and commitment by them to improve the future of young British Muslims and the future of Britain. Furthermore, a Gallup survey showed that 82 percent of British Muslims are loyal to this country. Having strong religious identities does not prevent strong national sentiments.
As a way of showcasing and inspiring excellence, the Young Muslim Beacon Awards was launched by the Youth Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain. In 2008, many projects were submitted to the Award Committee, showing excellence, vision, and action to improve the fortunes of local constituents. Last year, three outstanding projects were selected for their unique commitment to working with young Muslims:
1. The Association of Muslim Researchers (AMR), which worked on strengthening family structures within the Muslim community by carrying out intergenerational work through residents striving to reduce the generation gap
2. The PEACE (participate, activate, communicate, empowerment, and equality) Youth Project, which trains youth workers specifically working with young Muslims.
3. The Federation of Muslim Organizations (FMO), which celebrates the achievements and contributions young Muslims have made locally in Leicester and Leicestershire.
This year's winners included:
The disability charity RADAR for its contribution in training and encouraging young disabled Muslims to take part in civic and community activities. The Leicestershire-based BUILD Development Project working in madrasahs (Muslim community schools) and community centers tackling issues such as crime and substance misuse with boys and girls. The national student body the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) for its sustained work and services over decades to help more than 90,000 Muslim students and to foster community and global leaders such as Dr. Hani Al-Banna (founder of Islamic Relief), Abdullah Gül (president of Turkey), and Dr. Abdullah Naseef (former secretary-general of the Muslim World League). This year, FOSIS helped raise £350,000 for orphans around the world all of this with a volunteer workforce.
The silent work continues, and the standard continues to be very high. As a judge of the Young Muslim Beacon Awards, I have been humbled by the magnificent work going on across the country with even more excellent submissions of different projects. It is time to recognize and support the great work the organizations dealing with young Muslims do. It is time to make a stand; it is time to stand up and applaud what they have quietly and tirelessly been doing more importantly, what they will continue to do. Let the real work tell the story rather than the attitudes of the negative press toward all young British Muslims.
British Muslims: Time to Correct Misperceptions - Islam Online
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27 November 2009
Can the BBC shirk its responsibility if anti-Muslim attacks increase?
Kawsar Zaman, Vice-Chair of the Youth Committee wrote a comment piece, published on the Muslim News, in response to the BBC's decision to allow the BNP Leader a platform on its flagship politcal programme Question Time and its possible consequence of increased Anti-Muslim attacks.
Can the BBC shirk its responsibility if anti-Muslim attacks increase?
By Kawsar Zaman
I was glad to see the panellists and members of the audience confront British National Party (BNP) Leader, Nick Griffin, head on during the BBC Question Time, with regards to his despicable views of the Nazi Holocaust and ethnic minorities earlier this month. However, I was equally raged when asked about his views on Islam, he was left to openly preach hate and ignorance without any challenge whatsoever from neither the panellists nor members of the audience. A sad sight indeed.
While most commentators are consumed with how he came across long after the programme, with his unchallenged remarks on Islam, it will inevitably lead to more and more attacks on British Muslims. In recent months the so-called English Defence League have openly been demonstrating throughout the country against British Muslims. We have witnessed attacks on mosques in Luton, Sunderland, Woolwich and recently in Bishops Stortford. The national press are also at it. Recently the Daily Express ran with the headline, 'Now Muslims Demand Full Sharia Law', clearly an exaggeration. The alarming rise in Islamophobic attacks on British Muslims, sadly fanned by some parts of the media, is flourishing unchallenged by politicians as well as security forces alike.
Under the current climate it was clearly a serious error of judgement on the part of the BBC to give the BNP a national platform. Today the situation facing British Muslims is identical to that of the American McCarthyite era in the 1950s. We are merely seen through the prism of security; surrounded with suspicion and continuously faced with claims of disloyalty that our way of life is incompatible with the British way of life.
No. We are part and parcel of this society and our contributions speak for themselves - not least the Muslim soldiers who fought for Britain during the First and Second World Wars. Yet we are always misunderstood. Yes, there are a handful of Muslims who wrongly, for example, call for Shari'ah Law in the UK. But one bad apple should not equate an entire community.
The BNP and far-right fascists are concealing their true colour under a veil by attacking British Muslims and Islam (because we are an easy target), but they will soon move to the rest of the `non-indigenous' population. By allowing Griffin a seat on their flagship political programme, the BBC has given the once convicted criminal his much craved legitimacy and recognition.
Many commentators have said that 'the only way to defeat the BNP's ideas is by having them out in the open and properly contested'. Of course we all agree. But don't give them a national platform with 8 million viewers. It was completely the wrong setting. If he is to be robustly challenged, let it be in local community centres up and down the country; not a short debate on a panel alongside real mainstream panellists. It has created an unprecedented interest in the BNP which the recent YouGov poll in the Daily Telegraph clearly shows. 22% of people questioned now `seriously consider' voting the BNP. The taboo of voting for the BNP vanished overnight. The BBC cannot shirk its responsibility.
During the summer I was travelling as a Global Fellow of the Prime Minister: learning about culture in India. Every Indian I spoke to said how brilliant, open and free they thought Britain was: as one student said, `The UK is the real land of opportunity.' While there, the Indian media and public were gripped by reports of racist attacks on Indian students in Australia. One student where I was teaching said: `We should cut all ties with Australia until they act.' The image of Australia is now tainted in India. Sadly, I think the image of our country will now be tainted internationally too.
As a young British Muslim, I feel the saga surrounding the BNP and Question Time marked a dark period in our country's history. A dark week in fact for democracy. Because democracy is not about giving a platform for one to openly preach hate and vilify a whole community without debate. It sadly marked a grave period for mainstream political opinion and a rise for far-right extremism. At the end of the day: there is only one community who will suffer: the Muslim Community.
I, as well as many British Muslims up and down the country, feel let down. Let down by the silence on the panel and in the audience of the unchallenged Griffin attack on Islam, and let down by the BBC for allowing the media hype. As the Guardian wrote, it was `a once in a generation PR opportunity.'
Make no mistake. British Muslims will be left picking up all the pieces of the BBC's decision. And frankly, from anger, the sentiment amongst British Muslims is now turning to more alienation, disenfranchisement and mistrust with resulting negative implications for our society. No one seems to be challenging the fact that the Far Right are using Muslim extremism as a pretence to gain mainstream following. It appears our politicians and the media alike do not seem to appreciate the real threat the BNP and other far-right fascist groups are posing to British Muslims and for that matter our society.
Tragically, Griffin's appearance on the Question Time has played into the hands of those who seek to demonise Islam and its teachings. By leaving Griffin's attacks unchallenged, the BBC has recklessly added fuel to an already ignited fire. And for that the BBC should be held responsible, if as I suspect, there is a rise in anti-Muslim attacks.
Kawsar Zaman is Vice-Chair, Youth Committee, Muslim Council of Britain.
[END]
Full article on the Muslim News
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 November 2009
MCB on the English Defence League
An Austrian News Channel, ORF Austrian Broadcasting Corp, interviewed Mujibul Islam, Chair of MCB Youth Committee.
The interviewed concerned the English Defence League (EDL) and concerns felt by the British Muslim community in the rise in protests instigated by the EDL across the UK.
Speaking during the interview, Mujibul said `it is regrettable but we must stamp this sort of open Anti-Muslim rhetoric away from our communities for it is deeply damaging to our community relations'.
Mujibul Islam interviewed by ORF Austrian Broadcasting Corporation
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 October 2009
MCB on the BBC's decision to give BNP a National Platform for Hate
Kawsar Zaman from the MCB's Youth Committee was a panellist at the United Agianst Facism's emergency rally held at Conway Hall on Wednesday 21st November 2009. Kawsar said the BBC's decision to allow the BNP leader onto the BBC's flagship politcal programme marked a "really sad for the BBC; and a sad day for our country".
Amongst the panellist were Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone and the Secretary of State for Wales Rt. Hon. Peter Hain MP who were joined by various other Union Leaders.
Kawsar was externally quoted on the following news reports:
Gulf Times
Telegraph
Evening Standard
Left Foot Forward
European Jewish Congress
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 May 2009
Guardian article written by Kawsar Zaman, Vice-Chair of Youth Committee, Muslim Council of Britain
How to Alienate Muslims Even More
Claims of MI5 blackmail suggest that for Muslims, the presumption of innocence is no longer a right but a privilege
It recently emerged that MI5 has been busy not encouraging Muslims to work in concert with the authorities to root out extremism, but "blackmailing" Muslims to provide intelligence. This is a truly disturbing development, but one sadly stemming from a wider misguided strategy of engaging with the Muslim community.
Commentators including Zin Derfoufi who wrote on this topic earlier in the week have failed to appreciate the severity of these latest allegations or have drawn inappropriate comparisons with previous issues engulfing the Muslim community. Let there be no ounce of doubt. These allegations will cause the gravest level of discomfort amongst Muslims more than any other issue past and rightly so. It frankly beggars belief.
Young men say they were detained by MI5 agents simply by virtue of the fact that they were Muslim. They say they were then threatened that unless they provided intelligence for the security services they would face entirely false accusations of extremism. Over a period of 18 months they claimed to have been harassed by taunting phone calls, including one saying: "If you don't want anything to happen to your family you will co-operate." On one occasion a MI5 agent rang one of the men at 7am to congratulate him on a baby girl when the man's wife still seven months' pregnant the couple had told the hospital they didn't want to know the sex of their child. One man said that his house was entered by a man dressed as a postman who, in fact, turned out to be an MI5 officer with access to his house. He said he was told: "If you do not work for us we will tell any foreign country you try to travel to that you are a suspected terrorist." None of the men have ever been arrested any terrorism-related offence.
Many of those who commented on Zin's article cited cases of when they were searched and detained and were entirely content. I am too. But there are boundaries. And these boundaries have now been grossly breached. Dicey's classical conception of the rule of law dictates rule by law alone; a man may be "punished for a breach of law, but he can be punished for nothing else". Yet the definition may well now have an extra addition, "save for Muslims". The rules now appear to be: if you are a Muslim, accept that you are a terror suspect, accept infringement of your liberties, accept being treated differently prove that you are one of us. For Muslims the presumption of innocence is no longer a right but a privilege.
What is most concerning is that it appears Jacqui Smith was aware of these serious allegations as long as nine months ago but did nothing. She will no doubt, as usual, claim that it was an operational decision made without the interference of her department. But it will fall on deaf ears. With a summer cabinet reshuffle looming, her actions or lack of them in these unprecedented allegations may well prove fatal for an already beleaguered home secretary, who will now have the Muslim community asking serious questions about her judgement and why she failed to act.
The true significance of this development is lost without mention of the backdrop. The government's Contest 2 strategy has achieved unequivocal condemnation from Muslim leaders across the spectrum for its baseless approach. It criminalises that which is perfectly legitimate and within the confines of the law. Suspicion about the real motives of our government has spread deep into the Muslim community and particularly affects those most vulnerable to radicalisation, young Muslims, who are, at present, facing an identity crisis.
More than ever before, the government desperately needs to command the full support, confidence and, most importantly, the trust of the Muslim community which they have at present unquestionably lost. Perhaps the reaction of the British public to the headlines engulfing Westminster in the last couple of weeks can teach a few lessons. And equally the response of the political elite illustrates that where there is complete lack of trust and confidence, it calls for bold action and a radical shift in policy.
But the story will reverberate strongly into the homes of every Muslim with mounting disbelief and deep distrust about the direction of our country's policy on engagement and counter-radicalisation. This descent to nowhere will only be counter-productive.
[END]
Full Article By Kawsar Zaman on the Guardian
The article was also externally reported on the following websites:
Muslim Institute
Islamophobia Watch
The Revival
Salaam.co.uk
Islamicboard.com
Khilafah.com
Cage Prisioners
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 May 2009
MCB NEWS
A New Guinness World Record for Gaza
The Muslim Council of Britain would like to congratulate the organisers and participants of the Gaza 100 Run which has created a New Guinness World Record for `the most people running 100 meters in a 12-hour relay.'
The world record, established last night at London's Mile End Stadium, was spearheaded by the IF Charity and is set to raise over £100,000 for Save the Children's Gaza Appeal.
Speaking after the record was set, Ruhul Tarafder who led the event said `it has been inspirational to see so many people turn up and support the people of Gaza. I think we have all been overwhelmed by the level of support we've received from youngsters to politicians. This record will ensure that we never forget the plight of our brothers and sisters in Gaza'.
Supporting the event, Kawsar Zaman from the MCB's Youth Committee who was one of the 1,675 participants running at the relay said: `this unique occasion executed by a brilliant group of people has brought together the Muslim community but more importantly, it has put Gaza back on the agenda - enshrined via a Guinness World Record - available for all around the world to take notice of and remember'.
[END]
For more information visit:
www.ifcharity.com/gaza100.html
MCB News Article on the New Guinness World Record
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 May 2009
MCB NEWS
MCB Supports the UK's Bid for an Incredible Decade of Sports
The UK's bid to host both the Rugby and Football World Cup has the full backing of the Muslim community.
The Muslim Council of Britain strongly supports the UK's Official Bid to host both the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the Football World Cup in 2018.
Speaking of both bids, the Chair of MCB's Youth Committee, Mujibul Islam said `if the bids are successful, it will represent an incredible decade of the UK hosting all the biggest sporting events in the world'.
The UK is already hosting the Special Olympics this summer in Leicester and will be hosting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in London as well as the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The MCB played a crucial role in London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics having successfully influenced key Muslim member countries of the International Olympic Committee to back London's bid to host the games.
Commenting further, Mujibul Islam said `sport has always and will always remain to play a significant role in the national life in the UK. It represents the very best of our country'.
The MCB encourages all Muslims throughout the country to actively support and promote our bid to host the Rugby and Football World Cup, which would mark an amazing decade of sports in the UK.
MCB News Article on the UK's Bid to host the Rugby and Football World Cup
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 December 2008
MCB NEWS
NUS President Meets the Secretary General
Mr. Streeting informed Dr. Bari how much the NUS value its close and continued relations with the MCB.
The President of National Union of Students (NUS) Mr Wes Streeting paid a visit to the MCB office on Monday the 9th December 08 to meet Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari MBE, Secretary General of The Muslim Council of Britain.
Mr Streeting informed Dr Bari how much the NUS value its close and continued relations with the MCB. He also appreciated the pivotal role played by the Federation of Students' Islamic Societies (FOSIS), a national affiliate of the MCB, in the affairs of the NUS.
Dr Bari briefed Mr Streeting regarding the work carried out by the MCB and more importantly it's Youth Committee. He assured the NUS president that MCB Youth Committee will encourage other MCB youth affiliates to work with the NUS on issues that affect Muslims and their fellow students in Higer Education institutions.
Discussion then moved on to practical steps to further improve the partnership between the MCB and the NUS and the importance of empowering Muslim student's and youth organisations at this crucial juncture of our national life.
[END]
For more information contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
MCB News Article on NUS Meeting with the Secretary General
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 October 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Young Muslim Beacons Award 2008
The Youth Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain presented the Young Muslim Beacons Awards 2008 in Affiliates Youth Conference at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund in Westminster on Wednesday 29th October 08.
Lord Ahmed of Rotherham and Dr Daud Abdullah, Deputy Secretary General of the MCB presented the trophies to the winning Beacon Projects. The Beacons awards aimed at recognising and celebrating the achievements of three Muslim youth projects and organisations which have made a real and meaningful difference to the lives of young Muslims in their local communities, the country and beyond.
Out of the numerous applications which poured in from all over the country, only three organisations were selected. The awards went to The Federation of Muslim Organisations Youth Awards in Leicester, PEACE in Youth project in London and to the AMR in Preston. All three organisations and projects have distinctively made a real contribution in helping young Muslims to deal with some of the challenges facing the community as well as aiding youngsters to overcome these challenges.
In his keynote speech Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, the Secretary General of the MCB highlighted MCB's vision of empowering young Muslims to lead the community and create a better Britain for all.
On receiving the award, Riyaz Layer, from the Federation of Muslim Organisations Youth Awards said `it is an honour to receive this prestigious award from the MCB. We have worked to recognise the work of young Muslims as have the MCB. These awards will inshaAllah (God willing) drive other similar organisations to actively work for the community.'
Kawsar Zaman, the Vice-Chair of the Youth Committee, who co-ordinated the Young Muslim Beacons Award 2008 said `the three recipients of the awards have all contributed immensely to the lives of young Muslims in their communities and I hope this will encourage and indeed inspire other young people to actively work in their communities.'
[END]
For more information contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
All media inquiries, please email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For further information please contact the MCB:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
MCB Press Release on The Young Muslim Beacons Award 2008
Muslim News Article
FMO Press Release
CRIME Article
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 October 2008
PRESS RELEASE
MCB Youth Committee hosts the Affiliates Day Youth Conference
The Youth Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain is hosting an Affiliates Day Youth Conference on Wednesday 29th October 2008 at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund in Westminster.
The event which is aimed at bringing together MCB Youth Affiliates and youth groups and projects has attracted delegates from across the UK from Glasgow to London to attend. It will form the beginning of a network of relationships with youth organisations in order to combat the same common challenges that are being confronted by young Muslims up and down the country.
What's more, the highlight of the day will be the presentation ceremony of the Young Muslim Beacons Award 2008. Aimed at recognising and celebrating the achievements of unsung Muslim organisations, the awards will be handed out by Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari MBE and Dr Daud Abdullah, to three organizations which have made a real and lasting difference to the lives of young Muslims in the United Kingdom.
Speaking of the forthcoming event, Kawsar Zaman Vice-Chair of the Youth Committee who has co-ordinated the event said "this event gives us a real opportunity in not only addressing some of the issues facing our young Muslim community, but in recognising, awarding and indeed celebrating our youth groups and organisations who have already made a significant contribution in this area".
[ENDS]
Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with around 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Media Office on 0845 26 26 786 or 07956 353 738. Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Office at The Muslim Council of Britain, PO Box 57330, London E1 2WJ. Tel: 0845 26 26 786 Fax: 0207 247 7079
For further information please contact the MCB:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
MCB Press Release
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
06 October 2008
MCB NEWS
End Child Poverty!
September 4th October 2008 saw thousand's of young people, families, and supporters of the End Child Poverty campaign come together to ensure the government keeps its promise to End Child Poverty by 2010.
The proportion of children living in poverty has grown in the last three decades. The government has two years to ensure its promise to halve Child Poverty and end it by 2010. The End Child Poverty campaign is a comprehensive initiative that ensures the development of children for the future in all aspects of their lives.
Mujibul Islam, Chair of Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee was amongst thousands of demonstrators ensuring that this promise was fulfilled. `Thousands of people have gathered at Trafalgar Square. This shows how the public is concerned about the millions of children living under the poverty line and wants to make a real change. It is imperative that we all, regardless of our background, not only support but ensure that the government keeps its promise' he said.
MCB News Article
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09 September 2008
IN THE MEDIA
Live Dialogue with Islam On Line
Mujibul Islam, Chair of the Youth Committee, was invited on a live dialogue with Islam On Line in September during Ramadan to answer questions on the topic of 'Young, British, and Muslim: How Is Your Ramadan?'
Participants from around the globe posed instant question for Mr Islam on the MCB, the Youth Committee and the issues confronting the Muslim youth of the UK.
To view a profile on Mr Islam and the questions and answers from the session click on the following links:
Islam On Line Profile of Mujibul Islam
Islam On Line Q&A with Mujibul Islam
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27th August 2008
MCB NEWS
British Muslims Congratulate Team GB and Look Forward to London 2012
The Muslim Council of Britain pays full tribute to all the British athletes for their spectacular performance and achievements during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Team GB's efforts have made it the nation's most successful Olympiad team in over a century.
Our focus is now towards London to carry the Olympic flag. Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said, "London won the games on the basis of youth and regeneration and I hope that this will not be forgotten in the lead up to 2012." Dr Bari also said "I am sure that London 2012 will not only put on a spectacular display of British talent, traditions and values, but also leave a lasting legacy to all Londoners, the whole country and indeed the world".
This is a wonderful opportunity for the rest of the country to celebrate British talent and inspire others. Commenting on the Beijing Olympics, Mujibul Islam, chairman of MCB's Youth Committee said "the performance of British athletes over the past two weeks has simply been phenomenal. To see such range of athletes from Chris Hoy to emerging talents such as 14-year-old Tom Daley all do so well is an inspiration to us all. Their achievements will not only move many thousands of young people across the country to compete in sports, but also si gnal a much bigger message that enthusiasm, dedication and perseverance can ultimately lead to success. Our British moment has come, and I hope all will join in the festivities."
Mr Islam added "Beijing has illustrated to all of us that extra investment in sports such as cycling eventually pays dividends. Investment in other sports and grass root initiatives needs to increase or witness the reality of talented youngsters across the country go un-recognized. Host cities are important to the Olympics, but it is the very athletes who make the Olympics what they are."
The MCB who played a significant role in campaigning for London to host the 2012 games back in 2005, hopes that all young people, including young British Muslims, will fully participate in London 2012, not only in the sports, but also through volunteering in the myriad of supporting activities that will take place.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is hosting a victory parade through Central London on October 16 to celebrate Team GB's unprecedented medals haul and The Muslim Council of Britain calls upon the Muslim community throughout the country to join in the parade and celebrations for our Olympic heroes.
MCB Press Release on British Olympic Team Success in Beijing 2008
Press Release on London 2012 News Forum
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 February 2007
PRESS RELEASE
MCB Youth Committee calls to save free bus and tram travel for London's Youth
The London Assembly will vote tomorrow on the Mayor's Budget for London for 2007-2008 including the future of the existing fares concessions that give London's under 18s, who are in full-time education, free bus and tram use.
Kawsar Choudhury, Chair of MCB Youth Committee said:
'MCB strongly believes the free bus service for those under 18 in full-time education is extremely important for the Capital's young people, especially for those in the disadvantaged inner-city communities. It is a modern progressive policy for a world class city.
'At a time when young people are struggling to stay in education proposal to take away such initiative is really unfortunate. Such concession is of particular assistance to London's Muslim families who tend to be more resource-starved and normally have more than one child in education at any given time. It is also important on safety grounds and enables young people to participate more in the arts and contribute more to community programmes.
We urge all twenty-five London Assembly Members to support free bus and tram use for London's under 18s who are in full-time education.'
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
