St Luke's Church Eccleshill - Articles from "The Link"

In our Questions slot we will try to answer any query you throw at us. Here's one for election time ...

What about Islamic racists?

Q. I see you're very keen to ask us to vote against the "racism" of the BNP, but what about the racism of extremist Muslim clerics?

(The questionner included a press cutting from April 18th's Sunday Express about Ramee Muhammad. According to the paper:

Ramee is an Imam who lives in Manchester with a pregnant wife and 8 children. He is seeking asylum from America as he claims he is facing persecution there because of his beliefs. As an asylum seeker he is unable to work legally and so is being supported by state benefits. He once was a friend of the leader of the extremist group Al Mujaharoon, and gave lessons to suicide bombers; but claims he has now turned his back on preaching hate, and wants to start a new life.

He is quoted as saying: "I am now teaching the spiritual path. I would like Britain and the world to become an Islamic state. I want everyone to be Muslim. I want a peaceful life and the same peace for everyone."

The paper quotes David Davies as saying: "This is an abuse of the asylum system".)

A. First, yes I do ask British people to vote and to vote against parties like the BNP which have racist policies. I think the BNP has the wrong idea of what it means to be British. My ideal Britain is a place where everyone who lives here is equally respected, and there is religious and cultural diversity and tolerance for everyone. I agree with the BNP that there are problems about the way we manage diversity at the moment, and the way we allocate money to different parts of society; but I think the BNP has the wrong answer to these problems.

Second, I know nothing about whether the Sunday Express got this story right. But if it did ...

I think asylum seekers ought to have their cases decided quicker, and this one does sound wrong. But until his case is decided I think he should be supported. I too have a family and I get state benefits!

I think Ramee is wrong about an Islamic state being a peaceful place for everyone. Many Islamic states have a poor track record of allowing religious and cultural diversity, and I think they are often intolerant - Egypt is an example (see last December's Link, p4).

But I'm pleased he has turned from hate, and I respect his wanting to earn a living teaching a religious faith. Although I think he's mistaken in his religion I think he should be allowed to preach and teach, for the truth will only emerge in an atmosphere of freedom of speech. John Hartley.

John Hartley

	*St Luke's Church, Eccleshill - The Link* magazine** The Link is published monthly at 40p (Senior Citizens 35p), and we deliver free within the parish and post copies (at the reader's expense) to those who request it. Please contact us if you would like a free copy for a trial period. June 2004, Page 8.
Home Page. Index of articles: by subject, by date. In this issue: (June 2004) Vote! The Passion (2), Song: Come to me, Islamic racists? Kosovo Kids Other articles on race & faiths. Other questions to the clergy.	In our Questions slot we will try to answer any query you throw at us. Here's one for election time ... What about Islamic racists? Q. I see you're very keen to ask us to vote against the "racism" of the BNP, but what about the racism of extremist Muslim clerics? (The questionner included a press cutting from April 18th's Sunday Express about Ramee Muhammad. According to the paper: Ramee is an Imam who lives in Manchester with a pregnant wife and 8 children. He is seeking asylum from America as he claims he is facing persecution there because of his beliefs. As an asylum seeker he is unable to work legally and so is being supported by state benefits. He once was a friend of the leader of the extremist group Al Mujaharoon, and gave lessons to suicide bombers; but claims he has now turned his back on preaching hate, and wants to start a new life. He is quoted as saying: "I am now teaching the spiritual path. I would like Britain and the world to become an Islamic state. I want everyone to be Muslim. I want a peaceful life and the same peace for everyone." The paper quotes David Davies as saying: "This is an abuse of the asylum system".) A. First, yes I do ask British people to vote and to vote against parties like the BNP which have racist policies. I think the BNP has the wrong idea of what it means to be British. My ideal Britain is a place where everyone who lives here is equally respected, and there is religious and cultural diversity and tolerance for everyone. I agree with the BNP that there are problems about the way we manage diversity at the moment, and the way we allocate money to different parts of society; but I think the BNP has the wrong answer to these problems. Second, I know nothing about whether the Sunday Express got this story right. But if it did ... I think asylum seekers ought to have their cases decided quicker, and this one does sound wrong. But until his case is decided I think he should be supported. I too have a family and I get state benefits! I think Ramee is wrong about an Islamic state being a peaceful place for everyone. Many Islamic states have a poor track record of allowing religious and cultural diversity, and I think they are often intolerant - Egypt is an example (see last December's Link, p4). But I'm pleased he has turned from hate, and I respect his wanting to earn a living teaching a religious faith. Although I think he's mistaken in his religion I think he should be allowed to preach and teach, for the truth will only emerge in an atmosphere of freedom of speech. John Hartley. John Hartley
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