06-07-2007

British University to bring about the Islamic Renaissance.

British Universities could bring about a renaissance in Islamic intellectual thought in Europe says the Islamic Foundation.

The report, Islam at Universities in England-meeting the needs and investing in the future, looked at the way in which Universities run Islamic studies programmes. It argues that Britain has the potential to become a world leader in Islamic studies outside the Muslim world.

Director general Dr Manazir Ahsan, of the Islamic Foundation said: “some have commented that the report is about Imam training – it is not. It deals with the delivery of Islamic studies at universities and argues for a genuine engagement with Islam in the modern day context:”

For Muslim woman, this could be the beginning of a change.

Islamic Feminist, Abdennur Prado said: “When we speak of feminism, we talk about the fight against family-related codes,which are discriminatory.This means being wary of Sharia and recognizing that the large schools of Islamic philosophy have been placed under of patriarchy.”

With Britain being placed at the forefront of Islamic thought, the integration of Islamic feminism could be useful fighting against patriarchy and reassess the faith according to genderless lines.

29-06-2007

Crimes of Passion, no longer an excuse

Italy’s first honour killing trial has begun as Muslim women and Islamic organisations now stand to abolish this human right violation.

The Pakistani man is charged with the murder of his daughter, Hani Saleem, 21 in the city of Brescia, Italy. 

It was said that he opposed her western ‘rebellious’ lifestyle choices. 

Hani Saleem, 21, was living with her 33 year old Italian boyfriend previous to her death.

The police discovered her body in a shallow grave in her family home.

The UK based Ramadhan Foundation has called on all Mosques, Imams and Muslim organisations to speak up and confront these issues.

Here in the UK, Mahmod Mahmod, 52, and Ari Mahmod, 50, from Mitcham, south London, were convicted of the murder of Banaz Mahmod.

Miss Mahmod was killed after falling in love with a man her family did not want her to marry.
Her father and uncle believed she had shamed the family, the court heard.

Chief executive of the Ramadhan foundation Mr. Shazad Anwar said: “We are horrified at this case and wish to make clear that the illegal practice of forced marriages and honour killings are not from Islam and Islam specifically condemns and forbids them.“
   

The Ramadhan Foundation will be publishing a pamphlet on forced marriages with the Islamic guidance that forbids violence against women.

 

21-06-2007

Freedom to choose for ex Muslims

Bournemouth Imam criticizes ex Muslims for creating their own council in Britain.  

The prayer leader, Majid Yassine said: “It’s their personal choice but why make a mention of leaving the faith.  They clearly have an agenda.”

Following the steps of the Central Committee of ex Muslims in Germany, the Council of ex Muslims of Britain was launched Thursday.

It is proposed to be a voice for those labelled as muslims but have renounced the faith and do not want to be identified by religion.

British human rights activist, Maryam Namazie is the voice of the organization in the UK.  She said: "We are establishing the alternative to the likes of the Muslim Council of Britain because we don't think people should be pigeonholed as Muslims or deemed to be represented by regressive
organisations like the MCB.”

The group ascertain that they represent the majority in Europe and said: “we are breaking the taboo that comes with renouncing Islam but also taking a stand for reason, universal rights and values, and secularism.”

Majid Yassine said: “It is their experiences with their own individual cultures and personal family values that have effected their disbelief in Islam, we can not judge and have other matters to think about.”

16-06-2007

Veil, a threat to road safety 

Women wearing hijabs should be prohibited from driving as they are a threat to road safety say the Freedom Party, a Dutch political party.

 The Freedom Party (PVV) known for their anti immigration stance is urging the Dutch Ministry of Transport and its Minister Carmiel Eurlings to look into the 'growing number' of  accidents with women wearing hijabs behind the wheel. 

Speaking in Parliment on behalf of the PVV, Barry Madlener believes that the hijab narrows the sight of the female drivers:  They are unable to notice the oncoming traffic to make a decision.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Waterworks said:"It is the way Dutch parliament works, a member of parliament asked if it was safe and we must answer but it hasn't happened yet"
 
Chairwoman of Pro Hijab, Rajnaara Akhtar said: “I think if anyone tried that here (UK) it would not work; they are welcome to undertake research there is absolutely no difference and is ludicrous."

The PVV combines a liberal economic platform with a conservative outlook on immigration and culture. Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV, is known for his anti Islamic stance.