Amir Khan British, Muslim and Proud!
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`The heart-lifting sight of Amir's family at ringside proudly draped in the red, white and blue of the Union Flag was far more powerful than any number of worthy speeches from politicians.'
Iqbal Sacranie
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The smiling face of Amir Khan, the British teenage boxing sensation has graced the front page of most of the mainstream newspapers this week. This is of course not the first time that a British Muslim has made front page news, but on this occasion the media attention is more than welcome. The British Muslim community is made up of thousands of boys full of potential, just like Amir who will we hope, be inspired by the character and humility of this young man to revel in their identity as British Muslims and through so doing contribute to our nation's success.
Sadly, over the years in general, and since 9/11 in particular, the British Muslim community has often been portrayed in a very negative light. These last few years have proved to be a difficult period for many Muslims. For example, a few days after the tragedy of the Twin Towers attack, the Jamia Alavia Mosque in Bolton Amir's home town was attacked with a petrol bomb. The nearby cities of Oldham and Burnley suffered riots the following summer, while the British National Party made substantial gains in some of Lancashire's old mill towns. Moreover, British Muslims have had to endure a 'war on terror' that many feel targets their religion, however obliquely, and daily questions their loyalties to their chosen country of residence.
While I write these words, Republicans in America are raving at the success of their 'war on terror'. The tragic suicide attacks in Russia and Tel Aviv along with the news of twelve murdered journalists in Iraq adds to the gravity of the situation. It is indeed due to stories like these that our religion comes under the probing eye of the world. Organisations like ours continually attempts to explain that such actions have nothing to do with the teachings of Islam and voice the views and concerns of the overwhelming majority of British Muslims who reject categorically such travesties, but who are struggling to be heard.
However, the fact remains that speech can never surpass the impact of a strong image and that answer seems to have come in the form of the images of a young British Muslim boy fighting for the pride of the British nation. As Iqbal Sacranie the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain has so aptly stated,
"The heart-lifting sight of Amir's family at ringside proudly draped in the red, white and blue of the Union Flag was far more powerful than any number of worthy speeches from politicians.'
Amir Khan almost seems like an answer to our prayers. He has made the Muslim community front page news again, but this time, it's a news with a difference.
The best thing perhaps about Amir is that he is
so normal, so typical! He gels his hair, listens to the British charts and follows his British dreams. He could easily be the boy next door. Young, energetic, self assured and escorted by his hijab (scarf) clad mother and proudly cheering father, he is to so many a real homegrown hero.
"When I came here (to the Olympics) I was just proud to be a 17-year-old representing Great Britain,"
Khan said with his characteristic humility. Little did he know at the time that through his professionalism and dedication he has, united our nation and through so doing has become a role model for young people of all backgrounds, colours and faiths.
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