Government’s New Islam and Citizenship Education (ICE) Curriculum for Mosques and Madrassah’s- Too cold for the Muslim Community

 By Majed Iqbal- In the last few years there has been an intense effort by the government in taking direct hands on approach in the affairs of the Muslim community in the name of tackling ‘radicalisation’ and combating ‘extremism’.

For some, this has been a welcoming gesture, seeing the Government playing a ‘positive’ role in understanding the issues of the Muslim community. For the majority, this has been viewed as intervention and a concentrated effort to make Muslims swallow ideas with a carrot and stick approach.

No other faith group in the country has been subject to so much scrutiny as the Muslim community has with project after project being designed to tackle all possible sectors and groupings of Muslims.

Muslim women groups like the Muslim women’s assertiveness course, Youth groups, National Mosque Groups like MINAB, ‘Extremism’ tool kits for schools and Colleges for Muslim pupils, New Government endorsed curriculum’s for Mosques in the North West titled ‘Nasiha’ and local councils given thousands of pounds to give to groups to promote key ideas which the government is interested in imparting to local Muslim residents- the list can continue with numerous more examples.

Rochdale Council refuses to disclose PVE funded groups

By Majed Iqbal- A new report issued by the Tax payer’s alliance has singled out Rochdale Council, after it refused to disclose key information on how the Prevention for Violent Extremism (PVE) money had been distributed in Rochdale.

The Tax payer’s alliance, an independent body who research where tax payers money is being spent by the government, rubbished the Government “Prevent” strategy which was designed to tackle ‘radicalisation’ as part of efforts in its counter terrorism strategy. The Government promised £45 million to local authorities over three years as PVE grants, allocated to those Councils with Muslim populations of more than 5 per cent.

The new report by the Taxpayers’ Alliance used the Freedom of Information requests to compile the data, listing all the organisations that had received PVE (Prevention of Violent Extremism) funding in the last two years by their local councils.

ASIAN NEWS ARTICLE- Muslim Communities in the North Reject Government PVE strategy

Pubished on the Asian News Website-

By Majed Iqbal- A report released last week by think-tank the New Local Government Network (NLGN) has criticised the flagship £70 million Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) programme launched by the government two years back because it alienates Muslims.

Community groups across the North West and Yorkshire have refused to join a Government-funded scheme to prevent violent Islamic extremism because it “victimises” Muslims, it has been claimed.

The PVE programme was modeled to “promote shared values, support local solutions, build civic capacity and leadership and strengthen the role of faith institutions and leaders”.

The generic nature of the strategy was welcomed initially at the first look but rejected once the details became further apparent. The plans were considered divisive and an effort to divide the Muslim community on the lines of moderates and extremists by branding what ideas of Islam will be acceptable in Britain and what won’t.

ASIAN NEWS ARTICLE- MP declares Muslim segregated weddings as signs of ‘Intolerance’

Published on the Asian News Website

By Majed Iqbal- A government minister last week joined the list of Politicians in raising, once again, allegations that Muslims lead ‘segregated’ lives.

Following a similar line of discussion to his colleague, Jack Straw who raised similar comments on women in Blackburn attending his surgery with Niqaabs and dubbed it as a sign of segregation, Jim Fitzpatrick, the minister for food, farming and environment, stormed out of a constituent’s wedding at the London Muslim Centre after being told that male and female guests were to be segregated and that he could not sit with his wife.

Fitzpatrick said it was “strange” he could not sit with his GP wife Sheila at the ceremony on Sunday. “We’ve been attending [Muslim] weddings together for years but only recently has this strict line been taken. We left so as not to cause offence,” he said.

But the newly weds at the wedding ceremony did take offence after the minister contacted his local newspaper straight after the walkout to tell them he was “disappointed” by what had happened. “We are trying to build social cohesion in a community but this is not the way forward,” he said.

Muslim Parents face prosecution over school ‘Gay Week’ protest

By Majed Iqbal- Muslim parents who withdrew their children out of school to prevent them being taught about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender relationships are facing prosecution.

The East London primary, George Tomlinson School, has hit the headlines when around 30 pupils were absent from a week of special lessons to highlight non-heterosexual partnerships.

The row has once again bought the debate forward to the suitability of such explicit subjects, which were once introduced in the late years of High School some years back and are now being exposed and presented to young children at Primary Level.

As part of the ‘learning’ process, students were planned to watch a special adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet retitled Romeo and Julian. Stories covered in the lessons at George Tomlinson School included a fairytale about a prince who turns down three princesses before falling in love with one of their brothers and the tale of Roy and Silo – two male penguins who fall in love.

Leaked Government document “Contest 2” says you are an Extremist

 By Majed Iqbal- The Muslim community has been taken back by a new leaked document by the government which plans to ban traditional Islamic ideas, equating them with extremism.

The document titled ‘Contest 2′ was leaked to the press last month in the Guardian Newspaper and covered on a BBC Panorama episode where the classification of an extremist was broadened to include anyone whose views do not correspond to the ‘government’ definition of shared British values.

The new proposals in the leaked document plan to tackle people who are not involved in violence or support terrorism. Under the current proposals, British Muslims would be considered “extremist” if they advocated non-participation in UK elections, called for the creation of a caliphate, promoted Shariah for the Muslim world and argued that homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God.

Additionally, extremist views would include supporting armed resistance by Palestinians against Israel as seen in the current Gaza conflict – and a failure to condemn the killing of British service personnel in Iraq or Afghanistan.

ASIAN NEWS COVERAGE: Madrassah beating claims is scare tactic

   The following article was published on the Asian News Website detailing the views from various Community leaders in Rochdale on the Mosque Child beating Fiasco which has hit national press. Comments from this blog also featured in the article.

MOSQUE leaders and community members have hit back at an unpublished report by a Rochdale imam who has claimed students at some madrassahs are being regularly beaten and abused by their teachers.

Imam Irfan Chishti, a former government adviser on Islamic affairs and religious education teacher who runs the Light of Islam Academy on Milkstone Road, Rochdale, compiled the report based on interviews with victims in madrassahs in the north of England.

He told The Times, which also carried out its own investigation in Rochdale, that he was “shocked” how even victims had accepted the abuse and said there was a “culture that accepts it.” He said part of the problem was that madrassah teachers were ignorant of British law which bans corporal punishment.

Both Mr Chishti’s and the Times report suggest that children are regularly slapped, punched and even had their ears twisted. One student was “picked up by one leg and spun around” while another said a madrassah teacher was “kicking in my head – like a football”.

Rochdale Imam accuses local Mosques of ‘Child Beatings’

By Majed Iqbal- According to a new report compiled by Irfan Chishti, a government adviser on Islamic affairs and a close ally to Hazel Blears on her agenda to tackle Extremism, has stated that Muslim children are being beaten and abused regularly by teachers at some madrassas. 

Students have been slapped, punched and had their ears twisted, according to the unpublished report by the Rochdale imam based on interviews with victims in the north of England.

The times newspaper, who ran the story and claimed Exclusive coverage for it, was forthright in painting a bleak picture of Muslims In Rochdale and their institutions. It is yet to be verified as to how the report came to the attention of the times newspaper.

Rochdale Muslims have met the news with utter disgust and have been sceptical over the last months of the direct repeated references being made about Rochdale Muslims in Press and Government Circles. This news story adds to the frenzy which has gradually been whipped up in recent weeks.

What Rochdale Muslims can learn from Reading Muslim (PVE) Crisis Group

By Majed Iqbal-Rochdale has been the target of clear government agendas with dedicated recruits from the local community under the banner of Preventing Violent Extremism. Communities minister, Hazel Blears after taking over her failed predecessor, Ruth Kelly, in this field has embarked on creating various ‘larger than life’ projects which singles out the Muslim community as being problematic in the pursuit of tackling ‘extremism’.

We have therefore witnessed various ‘publicity stunts’ by Hazel Blears’ local recruits in Rochdale, who themselves lack any standing in our community and are no where to be seen for debate and discussion on their views which they advocate, in an effort to publicise the government strategy in this area.

Spin, deception, manipulation of facts- whatever we would like to call it- we have seen it all lately in Rochdale- especially after Hazel Blears singled out this peaceful town as some form of Radical hotspot.

Despite being challenged on this fringe minority view held by individuals not known for their discourse abilities, no discussion has been really led in the public domain.

VIDEO- Hazel Blear’s ‘Off the mark’ plans

Hazel Blears launched a dedicated campaign in her  new report ‘Preventing Violent Extremism: Next Steps for Communities’ which builds on the cross-government strategy published in June.

She said “The Government has always been clear that communities must be at the centre of the response to violent extremism. Over the last year we have been working with communities and local authorities in developing their capacity to confront violent extremism effectively, marginalise and undermine those actively peddling these views and support vulnerable young people. “

One of her areas of work has been with women as shown in the video. Muslim communities must make a correct stand on theses issues. Whilst no one disagrees that women in Britain in general need support, guidance and oppurtunities, to single out Muslim women fro empowerment courses tells clear tales of how conniving ministers can be in their pursuits of twisting the rationale for violence and the link to the Muslim community.

Rochdale Observer Coverage on Hazel Blears Citizenship Courses for mosques

 Rochdale Observer has run the story on Hazel Blears new initiative of introducing Citizenship courses in Mosques in Rochdale to combat “Radical Extremism”. She has raised eyebrows with her speech at the policy Exchange seminar on ‘Preventing Violent Extremism: the Government’s Approach’ as well as through her views expressed against not attending the Islam Expo event.

The observer article details views of Rochdales residents who primarily expressed real concern on the government agenda for Rochdale Muslims and its consequences on damaging rather than furthering relations with the Muslim community. Comments from the blog also appeared in the article highlighting a clear misrepresentation of the the governments views on tackling issues in Rochdale.

Despite the unsuccessful attempts of the previous communities secretary, Ruth kelly with her “Nasiha Project” to convince the Muslim community of the need for government sponsored courses for Mosques, Ms Blears believes somehow she will be succeed. This is despite the pilot area, Bradford, for the last project making a united stand against it.

Once again like her  predecessor, Ms blears is working on galvanising support from individuals in the Muslim community to buy her idea and implement it.

Rochdale’s Answer to Hazel Blears Citizenship Courses for Rochdale Mosques- “No thanks”

By Majed Iqbal- Today’s news story of Muslim Children being taught citizenship in mosque schools as part of a bid to prevent them being turned into “extremists” comes as a real surprise. Surprising because Rochdale has been mentioned specifically as an area where such an initiative will be rolled out in “one mosque”. Other areas include London, Leicester, Birmingham, Oldham, and Bradford.

“We have made significant progress working with communities to build an alliance against violent extremists,” Ms Blears says.

Talking of this “Alliance”, in Rochdale meeting after meeting which debated the “Violent Extremism” pathfinder fund which was proposed by the then Communities secretary, Ruth Kelly, was unanimously rejected by Influential Community Leaders in Rochdale. So who exactly is Ms Blears referring to when she mentions she has been “working with communities to build an alliance against violent extremists”?

The initiative also includes a new independent board of academic and theological experts and a group of community leaders to advise on local responses to tackling extremism. Who exactly are the personalities in Rochdale doing this and where was their presence in the community meetings that took place in this town amongst major decision makers?

VIDEO- Extremism Debate and Discussion

Watch the Question Time event titled “Extremism, Islam and the Muslim Community on Youtube. The event drew hundreds and produced a productive enviroment for dialogue in the Rochdale Community.

The Event was publicised in the press and was greeted with positive commentary after in local newspapers and regional websites. The Event Video is in five Parts. Click on the link HERE or on the YOUTUBE logo to see the event coverage.

Asian Image- Debate goes ahead despite MP backing out

Published on the Asian Image Website

A Question Time Event looking at “Extremism, Islam and the Muslim Community” was attended by over two hundred people.

The heavily publicized event drew extra attention after Paul Rowen MP backed out of the debate stating he did not want to give the members of the group Hizb-ut-Tahrir, who were also invited, a platform to air their views.

Organizer Majed Iqbal, who runs the Rochdale based Blog on community affairs “Majeds Blog” chaired the event.

He said, “Many participants were angry with the actions of their local MP in his refusal to debate issues that matter to many British Muslims.”

Asian News- Hundreds take part in Debate

Published in the Asian News- 13/02/2008

A public forum organised to discuss issues affecting Rochdale Muslims was hailed a success despite one of its key panellists pulling out of the event just days before.

The event, which was held in a ‘Question Time’ format, had been organised with local MP Paul Rowen to discuss extremism, Islam and the Muslim community. But Mr Rowen later declined the invitation because a member of Hitz-ut-Tahrir was also participating.

A spokesperson for Mr Rowen said: “Paul regrettably pulled out of the event after warnings from the police and other community organisations about giving publicity to Hizb-ut-Tahrir.”

But organisers say despite Mr Rowen’s absence, the event attracted over 200 people.

Organiser Majed Iqbal, who runs the popular blog on community affairs – Majeds Blog – said the event, held at Castlemere Community centre, gave the audience a platform to discuss issues at a grass root level.

The truth Behind Paul Rowen MP’s refusal to attend Rochdale’s Question Time

PRESS RELEASE from Majed’s Blog- Saturday 09/02/2008

Amid much planning, organising and Public discussion, the event titled “Dialogue, Debate and Discussion on Extremism, Islam and the Muslim Community” organised by Majeds Blog, a popular Rochdale based Blogger, has gone ahead, despite Paul Rowen MP, deciding not to attend the event.

Unfortunately, in true local Politics fashion, Paul Rowen has hid behind arguments to justify his decision for not attending.

His first excuse was aired whilst on a radio show on the Local Community radio station, Crescent Radio, when on being asked why he is attending an event alongside a member of the organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir he replied:

“I only found out on Friday (01/02/08) that Hizb ut-Tahrir were going to be on the panel that i had agreed to go to………….My position is clear. I am not willing to engage in Public discussion with Hizb ut-Tahrir…………..I have been given false information for a second time now about who is going to be there at that particular meeting”

EVENT ANALYSIS- Do Muslim Women in Britain Need Empowering?

By Yasmeen Ahmed (Rochdale)- Inline with the governments recent push to “empower” Muslim women headed by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, an event was organised by the North West Regional Assembly, Friends of Islam (All Party Parliamentary Group), it was held on Monday 21st January 2008 at Bolton Town Hall, and was entitled “Realising our potential: Promoting the talents of Muslim Women”

The government have invested £70m for Muslim womens projects, which has been allocated over the next 3 years; £45m will be given to local authorities for work on “preventing violent extremism”. Some of this money will go towards efforts to give Muslim women a bigger role in creating “strong, resilient communities”.

In the attentive audience was a mixture of people from the private, public, and voluntary sector; and, as it was a public event, there were members of the community in attendance curious to know what the latest government led initiative meant for the Muslim community.

The event which had been described as “ground-breaking” was well attended by Muslim women, of which I was one. Amongst the invited guest speakers was MP of Salford, Hazel Blears. Unfortunately?! Ms.Blears was unable to grace us with her presence on the day.

EXPOSED- “NASIHA” PROJECT

EXPOSED- “NASIHA” PROJECT-

NO to Government Agendas in Rochdale By Majed Iqbal

It has been months since the Government flashed out its new agenda for the Muslim community in the guise of re-structuring madrassahs with the teaching of a British version of Islam. Despite millions being poured in to win the ‘Hearts and Minds’ battle within the Muslim community, success has been minimal.

Gordon Brown, shortly after his inaugration re-championed the cause promising £32 Million in investment for next year on this very project and praising the launch of the Nasiha project in its pilot area, Bradford . Rochdale was allocated £100,000 by government to tackle the causes of ‘Violent Extremism’ , which again is the principle concept behind issuing this new curriculum for Masjids.

The clickable documents found above are all the organisations, institutions, groups and prominent individuals from Bradford who rejected the Government project and showed concern at the motivation behind the idea. However, on TV, through the press, and hand-picked Muslim personnel, the picture trying to be painted out is one of success and amazing results. The Documents are a proof of the rejection of the Government Plan, in the pilot area from grasroots organisations and individuals. If this is the case in the pilot area, what credibility does it have elsewhere?

COMMUNITY EVENT- WAR ON TERROR, EXTREMISM AND KHILAFAH- Is there a Link?

The community in Rochdale was presented with an opportunity to key into the many discussions that have taken place in Government circles, Press, Television and in the Muslim community. Over 70 people attended the event to understand the current political environment in which the Muslim community is being subjected to plans, demands and orders and what practical actions the Muslim community in Rochdale can do to present their side of the story.

Keynote speaker, Mehboob Ali, member of Hizb-ut-tahrir explained that Khilafah (caliphate) are dear to the Muslims as they embody the application of Shariah in Muslim lands. When Muslims look at the Muslim worlds problems of corruption, poverty, economic mis-management, political in-fighting, occupation by foreign powers, and corrupt rulers financed and backed by the west, they realise that only the Islamic Political system can resolve their problems.