The Ramadhan Foundation is deeply
worried at the constant media frenzy against Islam and
Muslims in the UK. There is a debate to have on
integration and increasing respect for all people in a
free society but this must not be done in this current
climate of fear and demonisation.
In a free society politicians should
never tell people how to live their lives or how to
dress, there can never be different laws for different
people; if that happens then that is true apartheid.
It is absurd the government in Phil
Woolas’s case is passing judgment on individual cases
even before employment tribunals have had the
opportunity to pass judgment. Ministers must never
interfere in the due process of law. For the Race
Equality Minister to make these comments is deeply
worrying and patronising, he should withdraw his remarks
or he should resign from the Government.
Contrary to belief Muslims are ready
for debate but we cannot allow this obsession with
attacking Islam and the way we practice Islam.
Politicians have to be careful when they are making
these comments. The debate has to be done in an
environment where tolerance and respect is at the heart
of this debate. When you get this drip feed of comments
and stories we realise that Islam is under siege from
people.
David Davis is wrong in saying that
Muslim leaders like ourselves are feeding apartheid and
division, he is absolutely wrong, the Ramadhan
Foundation is working to create bridges between
different communities and create a society where we can
coexist in peace and tolerance. These constant attacks
on Islam are demonising our whole Islam faith system and
millions of innocent people – the increase in hate
crimes are happening as a result of Jack Straw, Phil
Woolas, Bill Rammell and David Davis attacks on Islam
and Muslims. They are feeding this hatred and it must
stop. David Davis should speak to the South Africans
about apartheid.
Mr. Shazad Anwar, Chief Executive of
the Foundation comments:
“Firstly Phil Woolas should withdraw
his comments or resign from the Government, how can he
remain in position after making these comments before
the employment tribunal has passed judgement, he should
not interfere in the due process of law.
Secondly, David Davis is totally
patronising against Muslims, we are not the people that
are demonising a whole faith system, and we are not
passing draconian legislation, indirectly encouraging
hate crimes, locking up innocent people under the cloak
of anti terror and participating in a feeding frenzy
against Muslims.
We also support Nadia Eweida in her
campaign against British Airways; if she chooses to wear
a cross then in a free society this is should be okay.
People of faith cannot have their religious symbols
attacked and curtailed. We stand united with all people
of faith against this struggle against our respective
faiths. Now is the time for unity”
