Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of the Ramadhan Foundation
comments:
“I strongly condemn Channel 4's documentary tonight titled
"Islam, untold story" which makes a mockery of impartial and
objective broadcasting. This distorted, biased programme did not
have the decency to check its facts and has broadcast lies. I am
disappointed that an international broadcaster like Channel 4
has behaved in unbelievable way.
There are thousands of Muslims scholars across the globe
including many in locations where Tom Holland visited during the
programme but he did not see fit to speak to them and therefore
I draw the conclusion he did not want the real truth but wanted
to promote his utter rubbish.
For instance he said Mecca was never mentioned in the Holy
Quran, but in reality it is mentioned two times; Al- Azhab
Chapter 33 Verse 6, Al Fath Chapter 48 Verse 24. There is also a
mention of the Kaaba and Sacred Mecca Mosque in the Quran in
Surah Al Isra Chapter 17 verse 1. A simple search would have
produced this but his desire to distort Islam blinded him to
objectivity and honesty. He featured evidence from a number of
University Professors who happened not to be Muslim when he
could have gone to any Muslim Scholar and asked his questions
and would have got the answers.
I have asked several senior Muslims Scholars in the United
Kingdom to watch the programme and identify all the inaccuracies
which we will forward to relevant authorities for action as
detailed in our complaints.
There is a desire amongst some people trying to change or
discredit Islam whether its politicians, commentators or
broadcasters like Channel 4. The British Muslim community will
not allow Channel 4 to distort our faith and our history.
The Ramadhan Foundation calls on Channel 4 to apologise for this
programme, withdraw it from online viewing and also order an
immediate inquiry into why this was allowed to be broadcast. How
many Muslims Scholars, community leaders were given a copy of
this programme before transmission? Whether historic facts in
relation to Islam were verified by the presenter and who his
sources were.
The Ramadhan Foundation has complained to Channel 4 and also
Ofcom in this matter and hope it will be addressed promptly and
extensively
END
Notes for editors
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(Media only)
-
The Ramadhan Foundation is a leading Muslim organisation in
the UK that is working for peaceful co-existence and
dialogue for all communities.
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The Ramadhan Foundation has complained to Channel 4 and also
Ofcom, to complain to Channel 4 -
www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us and to Ofcom -
www.ofcom.org.uk
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Based in Greater Manchester and working to also establish
the platform for human unity amongst our communities in the
UK
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Mohammed Shafiq is 33, Chief Executive of the Ramadhan
Foundation, a regular contributor on TV, Radio, Online and
also newspaper columnist
