The British Muslim Inititiative is greatly concerned by the unmerited attack in the Times on 7 and 10 September 2007, against the Deobandi movement and the Islamic scholar Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq.
The term Deobandi originates from the first Islamic seminary established in the town of Deoband , India in the mid 19th century. “They are neither a sect nor an organization but form a mainstream ideology, and they do not preach hatred or isolationism” said Ismail Patel spokesperson for BMI.
Furthermore, since the inception of the ideology, Deobandis now constitute a significant number of the 140 million Muslims in India who have lived side by side with people of all faiths under the biggest democracy in the world. The maturity of the Deobandis is reflected in their harmonious amalgamation in many countries around the globe.
The Deobandis in the UK are no different to this. They continue to be at the forefront of interfaith work in many British cities, and have helped foster trust and build bridges between Muslims and people of other faiths. “The spectacularly unprovoked and unjustifiable attack by The Times is seeking to undermine all of these efforts and create mistrust and enmity where there should be none,” stated Ismail Patel.
The attack on Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq with the misleading use of selective quotes falls nothing short of vilification. Shaykh Riyadh has lectured extensively on Islamic theology and law and has publicly and privately encouraged cohesion, multiculturalism and justice between all communities. Of the 400 hours of lectures delivered by him, The Times has selectively concentrated on a tiny fraction and taken them out of context. A more balanced report would have included quotes such as the following:
“We have to involve ourselves in the legislative, political, social process and it’s no good just expressing our concerns in private, we have to bring that out in the public domain.”
“Islam is based on the foundations: of justice, of balance, of equality, of fair treatment, compassion, tolerance, embracing others, their beliefs, their values, being mindful and sympathetic to the fears and concerns of others.”
Clearly not the words of a man enjoining isolation, hatred or murder.
“Such sensationalist and destructive journalism is both unhelpful and is an insult to the British people’s intelligence,” concluded Ismail Patel.
For further details please call BMI spokesman Ismail Patel on 07711 823 524
British Muslim Initiative 10th September 2007
www.bminitiative.net
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