Channel 4’s Shari’ah TV was once again on our screens; the fifth series was broadcast from New York. As usual the nature of these types of programmes is to a create some sort of controversy and debate, and many of the questions posed during the course of the discussions did generate just that.

As someone who has interfaith discussions and dialogue with the local vicar, I was particularly interested in the third programme, ‘Pluralism and Interfaith dialogue’.

There were three experts on the panel. Imam Yahya Hendi from Georgetown University, the first American university to hire a full-time Muslim chaplain, is apparently a sought after international speaker on interfaith issues.

Then there was Daisy Khan, co-founder of the American society for Muslim advancement. She lectures on religious pluralism across the United States and around the world, and is one of many pseudo-experts on Islam after 9/11. This is the Rumi version of Islam: all religions are truth Continue reading Shari’ah TV: Pluralism and Interfaith dialogue

We all have, in one way or another, come across the dramatic story of King George III. A true story of the tragic deteriorating mental health of the 17th century British monarch. Officially considered ‘mad’ until recently, he was put in a straightjacket to restrain his frequent and violent attacks which continued to his demise. However, modern scientific analysis concludes that his abnormal behavior was due to an medical condition called ‘porphyria’ and not a mental illness. This to some modern researchers and psychiatrists explains King George’s ravings and epileptic fits.

In our contemporary world the colossal discovery of oil, particularly in the Arab and Islamic world, has triggered an outbreak of round-the-bend leaders Continue reading The madness of King Abdullah

I suggested yesterday that the reasons for the instigation of terrorism and radicalisation amongst people are mainly due to savage foreign policies, and economic and social instability.

Muhammad Sadik Khan, the suspected leader of the 7/7 atrocity left a video message stating that his reasons for the attack were the invasion of Iraq, and abuses in the war: “Your [the West's] democratically elected governments continue to perpetuate atrocities against my people all over the world… your support for them makes you directly responsible… until we feel security, you will be our targets. Until you stop the bombing, gassing, imprisonment . . . → Read More: Eradicating antipathetic rhetoric [Cont]

The crucible for attaining recognition in the battle against extremism amidst the ranks of some secular Muslims is reaching its crescendo here in Britain. A couple of weeks ago we witnessed the mediocre launch of the Quilliam Foundation, followed a week later by the launch (re-launch) of the British Muslim for Secular Democracy [BMSD]. Both these and other similar initiatives have been plagued at the outset for their links with neo-cons and pro-war supporters and a secular agenda, leaving their credibility amongst Muslims void and non-existent.

When will the government understand that these attempts to fight radicalisation will not . . . → Read More: Eradicating antipathetic rhetoric