FORBIDDEN ISLAM: British Courts Ban "Political Islam" In Move Towards McCarthyism

The British State has been attempting to develop a version of Islam that is subservient to a secular ideology, ever since the Rushdie affair. This version of Islam has been widely described as "moderate" Islam in the media. The State has also been grooming individuals and organisations whom it would deal with as representatives of "moderate" Islam (moderate Islam for them being Islam without politics and ideas of governance).

A New Milestone in the War on Terror

Illegal: The 60s Syed Qutb classic,

Milestones, was readily available

in Egypt during the Mubarak regime.

The dissemination of this version,

published by Maktabah booksellers

in England, was made illegal

because of the appendices which

include the syllabus of the Egyptian

Muslim Brotherhood

Landmark conviction of Ahmad Faraz for distributing and publishing books exposes extremely serious implications for society at large and Muslims in particular

In August 1966, Egyptian thinker and writer Sayyid Qutb was convicted in Cairo of conspiring against the State. The evidence used to incriminate him consisted primarily of extracts from his book Milestones, a treatise on Islamic governance written by Qutb during a previous stint in prison. For Egyptian President Nasser, the ideas contained in Milestones were as threatening to his position as the birth of Moses was to the Pharaoh thousands of years earlier. Nasser’s solution to his dilemma was little different from that of the Pharaoh. Kill the ideological revolution in its infancy. Qutb was executed in prison on 29 August 1966. All known copies of the book were confiscated and burned by military order, and anyone found in possession of it was prosecuted for treason.

The Danger Of Believing

In September of this year, Manchester based Munir Farooqi, was given four life sentences for preparing “terror” acts, soliciting murder, and disseminating “terrorist literature”. Israr Malik, and Mathew Newton were also convicted. Munir’s son Harris Farooqi, was charged with similar offences but acquitted.

The 12-month investigation, trial, conviction, and current attempts to seize the Farooqi family home appear to have set new and worrying precedents in the targeting of Britain’s Muslim community by the British State.

ISLAMIC AWAKENING: What can the West learn from Islam?

A conversation on PRESS TV with

Jahangir Mohammad contributing writer for Bayyina Foundation and Director for the Centre for Muslim Affairs.

Hajj & the Solution to the World Economic Crisis

In this series of articles exploring the economic crisis facing us all, this article takes a look at the recent pilgrimage to Makkah, or hajj, currently underway for close to three million Muslims, and explores the link between the two subjects.

The pilgrimage to Makkah is traditionally viewed as a spiritual journey… exclusively. There is no doubt that the pilgrimage is a spiritual journey. It is the fifth pillar of Islam, and a duty for all those Muslims who have the means to perform it. For those who fulfil it’s commandments, there is the promise of forgiveness of pass sins, such that the haji is as if he is newly born from his mother’s womb. The worshiper visit’s the one ‘house’ which was built on the earth, for the singular worship of Allah (swt). He seeks forgiveness of his sins, and renews his relationship with his Creator.

Reflections on the Free Babar Ahmad Campaign

The Free Babar Ahmad campaign reached a staggering climax in the last couple of weeks as, after an apathetic start, interest went viral and over 30,000 signatures were posted in two days alone. The petition broke through the 100,000 well ahead of 10th November deadline. Having being involved in drumming up support for the petition in the local area in recent weeks, I wanted to share my thoughts on the campaign. I won’t go into the specifics of the case, as the details are well documented elsewhere on the internet.

BBC Radio Manchester - Babar Ahmad

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION

LIFE IS ONE BIG ROAD - The Case Of Babar Ahmad

WATCH THE VIDEO:




Click Here To Sign The Petition


WHO IS BABAR AHMAD?

Babar Ahmad is a 37 year old British Muslim and the longest detained-without-charge British detainee held as part of the global ‘war on terror’.

Babar Ahmad was born in London in May 1974, and, until his imprisonment in 2004, lived in Tooting, South West London. His parents migrated to the UK from Pakistan in the early 1960’s. His father is a retired civil servant and his mother a retired Science teacher.

Time for Muslims to Veto the United States...

After the last few weeks there should no longer be any doubt that the Muslim world needs to rid itself of American presence and interference in Muslim lands. There can be no freedom, self-determination or independence in these lands unless that happens.

The United States veto of the Palestinian efforts at recognition in the United Nations, the decision to withdraw aid for Palestinians, as well as continued US military presence, repeated drone attacks and assassination of Muslims without charge or trial in Muslim lands, is surely compelling evidence that its time for a different approach.

Time-Up for Capitalism?

Economic Turmoil

It is almost impossible to watch or listen to a news programme daily without mention of increased levels of debt, or another bail-out package, stock market crisis or wildly fluctuating commodity prices. This turmoil is now the norm, and the real question is where will it all end? Can we really spend our way out of this crisis? How many more austerity measures are needed…more importantly, who will suffer from these and for how long? The prevailing economic system has produced a disparity in wealth which is so stark that even the wealthiest individuals in society are calling for tax hikes to save the situation. This shows that the economic building blocks need to be dismantled, as they have failed to produce a commercial model which not only promotes free enterprise and rewards effort, but is at the same time equitable and sustainable for a global society.

The Martyrdom Of Imam Anwar al-Awlaki(rh)

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon

The Martyrdom of Imam Anwar al-Awlaki (rh) comes after three previous attempts by the US to kill him using the controversial tactic of extra-judicial killings.

Although saddled with a bottomless pit of deficits, the US continues to spend trillions of dollars waging illegal wars, acting as judge, jury, and executioner for individuals outside its jurisdiction, without due process of a fair trial brought to any court in the world.

MUST WATCH: "The Savings of Millions of People are Going to Vanish"

“The savings of millions of people are going to vanish...and this is just the beginning.”
That's the bombshell that Alessio Rastani, an independent trader, delivered to BBC News yesterday.

A Tale Of Two Hinds...

News events this week threw open a trivial occurrence... two women, both called, Hind, both making the headlines. Now when’s the last time that happened, I hear some of you ask...

While the rest of you are musing... any excuse for a whacky title, and a possible entry into the Guinness Book of Records. So let's take a closer look... apart from sharing a name, there are some interesting contrasts between the two stories.

VIDEO: The Truth About The London Riot 2011

The Truth about The London Riots 2011

THE RIOTS: Is it Poverty or Greed?

There is chaos in the stock market, and on the streets of London. Is there a connection between the rioters and the investors? The common thread is economics, as some argue that a lack of economic opportunities is causing, or at least contributing, to these riots; the youths dissatisfied are expressing their anger. Well so far, most of those wearing hoods and with faces covered have prepared for a different agenda, and that is looting. To date, no one has come forward elaborating the case for their violent dissent, and under those circumstances, one can only infer their motive from their actions. Indeed, lack of economic opportunities seems to be the primary cause, because the rioters are breaking into the shops creating economic ‘opportunities’ for themselves!

Good Muslim, Bad Muslim: A Response to the Revised Prevent Strategy

Cageprisoners responds to the revised Prevent strategy - a document that is as flawed as its predecessor.

The full report can be viewed here

The UK government has released a revised Prevent strategy in the hope that it can break links to past policies in relation to Muslim communities. Those communities eagerly anticipated the new formulation in the expectation that the government would have listened and positively acted on the advice that had been given over the last six years.

NORWAY: The Religious and Political Narrative that feeds Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism

Just a couple of months ago the Norwegian Security Services concluded that there was little threat of terrorism from those associated with the far right. The British government in its revised Prevent Strategy also arrived at a similar conclusion. In the wake of the terror in Norway, we need to question whether Western Governments have taken the far right threat seriously enough or indeed understood it.

The UK Home Office seem to have overlooked the fact that it was violent provocation by extreme ring wing activists in 2001 that was the cause of the worst disturbances in this country since the early 1980’s, with appalling consequences for community relations. Somehow thanks to policy makers, the narrative became one of Muslim separate lives and segregation instead of right wing political provocation and violence. Muslim communities were too weak to challenge this narrative.

Gemma Dowler...’An Eye For an Eye, A Life for A Life’

A Tragic Case….seen all too often

The heart wrenching case of Milly Dowler, the 13 year old girl abducted and murdered in 2002, drew to an emotional close this week, as, following the conviction of Levi Bellfield, her family members took turns to share with the nation how the case had affected their lives for the past nine years.

In her statement to the press, Milly’s sister, Gemma, highlighted the failing of the so called ‘justice system’. A justice system which not only works to clear the name of the most blatant criminal, but does so by putting the victims of crime on trial themselves.  The stress and injustice is greater than any family should have to bear.

From Alistair To Ali: A Reverts Journey To Islam

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

It is built into a man’s instinct to find happiness whether that be in faith or in his desires. Before becoming a Muslim I sought happiness by fulfilling my desires on a day by basis. I started to notice that this “happiness” was only temporary and as soon as it wore off I would have to go buy some more.

Surely, there must be a more sustained purer happiness out there I would ask myself. I was baptised a Catholic at a very young age but was not brought up in a religious environment. When I stayed with my father he would occasionally take me to the Protestant church which I found hard to relate to due to the nature of the reformation. I could not take a religion rooted in Henry VIII’s personal desires seriously.

Ten Reasons to Invest in Gold & Silver…Now! [Part 2]

The first article looked at the reasons behind the economic woes the world is now experiencing, and identified that the move away from the gold standard, which led to the unrestrained ‘creation’ of paper money, fueling inflation, leading to the loss of value in the fiat currency.


We now go on to give you TEN reasons why NOW is the time is right to ditch paper money for some of the shiny stuff….

Ten Reasons to Invest in Gold & Silver…Now! [Part 1]

Economic Meltdown

The world is currently in the midst of an economic meltdown, the like of which is unprecedented in modern times. A number of countries are on the brink of collapse (Ireland, Greece, Spain, not forgetting the Middle-East revolts were sparked and by an ordinary citizen who was merely trying to earn a living in Tunisia, and protests for staple foodstuffs like sugar in Egypt) ; others are facing severe austerity measures in a vain hope to turn the situation around (such as the UK, typical stiff upper lip approach), whilst the US, who are arguably most to blame for the crisis, continue to add to the problem through printing of trillions of more dollars in an attempt to keep demand buoyant.

Voting on the 5th May (Part 2) – Can It Make A Difference?

This is the second article looking at the reality of voting in the context of change and progress in society. The first article discussed the feel-good factor, celebrity endorsements, AV and the reality of the economy today.

A Right Royal Hangover

Now that the Royal celebrations are behind us, we can look forward to a summer of discontent, as the reality of the morning after takes hold. While the party was in full swing, did we stop to think about the dictators the ruling elite originally invited to join in the celebrations, amongst them the Crown Prince of Bahrain, and ambassadors from the tyrannical regimes in Zimbabwe, Syria and Libya. Did we stop to consider how much it cost the taxpayer? Or the role of a monarchy in an advanced democracy such as the UK? Or even whether we support the idea of a monarchy in today’s day and age. I guess for some, any excuse for a party.

Voting on the 5th May – What Difference Will It Make?

Local elections are looming once more, on this occasion being quite unique as people pass judgement on the first coalition government since WWII. Also taking place is a referendum on the voting process, with AV being touted as an alternative to the current electoral process. This, the first of two articles, takes a broad look at some of the issues surrounding voting and elections in the UK.

Women, Weddings, War & Me... (Role Reversal)

My cousin Nel recently visited me in Afghanistan to see what life was like for women in post-Taliban era. I feel she was shocked at some of the things she encountered here in Afghanistan. She felt strongly that men control this country and women are treated as personal possessions, lacking any rights. She also felt that her life in Britain is much better, because the law is not imposed on her in any way; she is free to pray, or fast, or eat halaal food, without this having to be enforced by a government or other individuals.

‘..Britain’s friendship with Pakistan is Unbreakable.’

This was part of David Cameron’s opening remark as he arrived in Pakistan for his meeting with his counterpart Yousaf Gilani. After the customary exchange of pleasantries, PM Cameron proceeded to say a few words about three areas in particular – trade, security and education.

David Cameron encouraged Gilani to continue economic reform, and pledged to increase British business (such as financial services) to increase investments in the country.

Event Review - Understanding Mental Health

Bayyina Foundation arranged a public talk for ladies at Masjid-e-Noor (Saunders Rd, Blackburn) on 3rd March to discuss the subject of mental health.

The unique event brought together a team of qualified doctors from the NHS mental health services EIS (Early Intervention Service) and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and a community worker who discussed the topic from an Islamic perspective. Alhamdulillah, the event was a great success, with approx 30 people packed into the small venue for the morning. It was great to see the masjid used for a real community event outside of the normal prayers, madrassah schooling etc.

Tear Gas, Tyrants & Foreign Trade... East Meets West

As the grass roots revolution spreads across the entire Middle East, it is with a mixture of disgust, incredulity and jaw dropping aghast watching the bare-faced hypocrisy of western politicians, as they jockey for position in a new era for the Middle East and Arab lands.

Review: Dispatches - Lessons in Hatred & Violence

Channel 4’s Dispatches this week looked once more at the madrassah system in the UK. Two key issues were highlighted: the administration of corporal punishment in madrassahs, and the breeding of hatred towards non-Muslims (as well as Muslims) through virulent speeches.

America’s Fear – The Will of the People

The unfolding story of Egypt will run for a while longer... perhaps even another thirty years. While we can only guess at which path the country will take in the near term, this is undoubtedly an historic event for this generation. It is one of those events that will define the shape of not only the future Middle East, but the whole world. In recent history, this single event stands alongside the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York as a defining moment for the world.

Valuing the Debate or Debating the Values... Which Shall It Be?

The subject just won’t go away, will it? Or it isn’t allowed to go away. But is that such a bad thing really? Let us look a little closer

A few weeks ago, David Cameron stated ,

‘We have to drain the water from the swamp in which the violent extremism grows...’

Vying for Power in the New ‘Middle East’ Order

The scenes from Egypt and the Middle East are unfolding before our very eyes, almost too fast to scribe. These momentous events will do more to shape the future of not only the Middle East, but also global politics, consigning the previous despotic thirty year rule to a postscript in history.

What is apparent is that each of the players in this crucial game has her own interests, and each is attempting to influence events to her advantage.

Is that a WOMAN On The Touchline???

An interesting story...SkySports presenters Andy Gray (now sacked) and Richard Keys (now resigned) were reprimanded for ‘sexist comments’, made under the impression that their comments were made while ‘off air’.
 
Now, some of you may be wondering, what’s a Muslim doing commenting on a story like this? Surely, all Muslim males agree with the Sky presenters? As do their down trodden females, as they know their place isn’t on the touchline, but in the kitchen, ‘putting the kettle on’, as Karen ‘boiling blood’ Brady retorted.

Analysing Jack Straw’s Comments: Point-by-Point

The debate over sexual grooming was re-ignited again recently, not only with the conviction of two individuals of ‘Pakistani / Muslim heritage’, but also by comments from local MP for Blackburn, Jack Straw.

However, rather than indulge in sound bites, this article closely analyses the words of Mr Straw, and looks to raise the debate to a level above what we normally see , to dissect his statement, line by line, to elevate our understanding of the underlying truths of the situation.