|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
You are in: Programmes: Panorama | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
Your earlier comments on Koran and Country
Your Earlier Comments on Koran and Country
It's good to see so many views on this site. These views are much more representative than your programme. At least people can air their views and know they have an audience. This can only be good and may help take out the tension from people of all different views. Well done BBC on this front. Walter Rigby Mostyn
I watched the programme with interest. I generally trust the BBC to provide a balanced viewpoint and am amazed at the extremism exhibited by the Muslim community in Birmingham. Do they follow international affairs? Do they consider the viewpoint of other ethnic and religious groups? Almost 7000 people were killed in New York on 11th September of many nationalities, ethnic groups and religions including Muslims. I believe the US when they say they have evidence against Bin Laden. Nobody would start a war lightly and without just cause. We must bring Bin Laden to justice, wherever he is hiding and whoever is hiding him. Without this, him and his organisation could just as easily carry on striking whoever he chooses in London, Birmingham, Moscow, Beijing, Karachi, Delhi...... We are living in a global society whether we like it or not and we must behave as such. In this context, the Imam's voiced opinions were from the dark ages. I wonder whether he uses the internet?
I've been following all the comments made throughout the week and I am amazed how anyone could honestly say that the programme was a fair and true reflection of the Muslims in the country. Religion does not play a part in any conflict. You are either good or bad as ordinary people. The idea of a holy war is nothing more than bad people forcing their ideas on others. Just because you agree with something does not mean other people do. This is the same for all people. Stop using religion as an excuse to allow bad people to wage war on the rest of us. No one religion will ever win over another as history has shown over thousands of years. When will humanity wake up to this fact. Perhaps we will all live in peace when we finally do. Wrong doers must be brought to account and they will.
I am very much shocked to note that freedom bestowed by Britain, is being misused to air extreme views. Do these Muslims know that in the country which they respect as Holy Islamic land (Saudi Arabia), the total intolerance towards other religions are preached and practiced. Even the non Muslim women, have to cover their bodies with purda. You cannot have the right to follow the religion you believe (other than Islam). Because of these restrictions, I left that country despite having a lucrative job. I ask the Muslims in Britain who misuse the British freedom, can you go to Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan and force the rulers there to practice religious tolerance towards other religious minorities?
There is a degree of hypocrisy when I hear Muslims claim that the West is ignorant of Islam. At my Church of England school in London, my GSCE exam was based on Islam. I learnt about Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism in R.E. classes. I would like to know how many independent Islamic schools in England would set a vital examination paper on Christianity or Hinduism? All parties involved in War on Terror need to have a greater awareness of religion.
The programme was a fair attempt to try to show as wide a range of opinions within the British Muslim population of Birmingham. It was good to see that a responsible and respected leader of the Muslim community, the Imam of The Birmingham Central Mosque as well as other responsible individuals, were given the opportunity to represent the true feelings of the clear majority of British Muslims. I would like to say to the majority of the "pseudo-intellectuas" Muslims who have voiced their opinions on this page, that get a grip of yourselves, and educate yourselves, before you make comments about responsible and respected Imams and about Islam in general. It was encouraging to hear that the group Al-Muhajiroon was highlighted as being wholly unrepresentative of the Muslim community living in Britain but it was a shame that no such point was made of the bookshop owner who also exhibited an extreme viewpoint.
After reading a lot of the views expressed in this debate, it is clear that even today in what is regarded as a "tolerant" society, there is still a lot of racial tension directed towards Islam. However, Muslims can not blame non-Muslims for these views as it is the media and the BBC who give airtime to and produce documentaries which do not fully explain any belief or reason for a belief. Instead, they persist in trying to show footage of Muslims which scares and sends false messages to non-Muslims. When will the western media wake up and realise that it is not always about TV ratings, but also about educating people properly about different cultures and beliefs.
I would like to re-assure the much respected majority of Muslims in this country that every reasonable person in Britain is aware that you do not share the extreme views of the minority featured in the Panorama programme. It is very important, however, to realise that we all (of whatever faith) urgently need to be fore-warned of any potential danger to our security that may now be posed by an extreme minority. As a multi-cultural and liberal nation, now more than ever we need to be vigilant to any enemy from within, and I for one am grateful to the BBC for this insight. It has in no way altered my opinion that the majority of British Muslims are fine people sharing the hopes and fears of us all, and I hope that we can stand strong together through this.
I thought the Panorama programme raised some acute issues. What I found most distressing was that many of these youth are born and bred in this country and yet have the temerity to say that the west is evil. I live in a multi-cultural, multi-faith area. Contrary to the views that the programme does not reflect the views of all Muslims but a minority lunatic fringe - I believe that this is not so - that in fact - many Muslims have felt/expressed such sentiments for many years.
This latest offering from Panorama was an absolute disgrace. An unchallenged platform for venom and extremism throughout. To permit the airing of the statement comparing President Bush with Hitler beggars belief. The Taleban may well want a copy of this to use as a recruitment film. Extremists everywhere must be rubbing their hands with glee at all the free publicity the whole of the BBC seems intent on giving them. This effort is the furthest ever from balanced reporting. I would like to say that it is very important that non-Muslims are educated about Islam. From reading the comments I have seen, there are a lot of misconceptions. Women are given EQUAL rights in Islam. I am saying this as I am a Muslim woman and I know what Islam is all about. Women have the freedom to work with equal pay, they are respected just as much as a man is. The problem lies with people seeing the effects that culture and society have on Islam. It is wrong to see this as Islam because Islam is separate from culture. The Koran states that women have freedom. The Koran also emphasises that Islam is a peaceful religion.
The people who did the attack had nothing to do with Islamic practises. In fact, witnesses saw some of the attackers drinking in a bar. They couldn't have been Muslim extremists because even the most modest Muslim does NOT drink alcohol! All Muslims feel bad about the attack on America and see the Taliban as oppressing Afghanistan. People must see that not all Muslims are terrorists and stop the racial attacks on the Muslim community in the UK!
Of those British Muslims featured on the programme who praised the illegitimate Taleban government, only a minority had a beard sufficiently long enough to avoid the floggings submitted by the Taleban. It would appear to me that reverse racism has merely manifested itself in a support of what should be considered a common enemy, to Muslims, Christians and the non-religious majority of the UK alike.
How can the Muslims in your programme be so distrusting of the government. The government couldn't have spelled out its demands to the Taleban any clearer. Had terrorists not flown into the towers none of this would be happening. This is not a fight against Islam, as far as we are told, the military are striking military targets, bunkers, storage, weapons - inevitably there will be civilian casualties and accidents. If the west wanted to wage war on the east it would, it clearly doesn't, exhaustive diplomatic missions to Pakistan, and other Arab states have shown that. Those people in Birmingham have created a good community within England, why are they so against it?
Well Done BBC and Vivian White. You have really shown us how Muslims feel about the west. If you ask me I think the only person who reflected a responsible view towards us in the West was the Imam of the Birmingham Central Mosque. I do not agree with the abuse of power by Bush and his dog Blair, when this crusade/revenge began.
As a white man living in Birmingham I have never experienced any problems with the Muslim community. I have actually watched the Bin Laden propaganda video and I was shocked at the content. The film is not and I repeat not a propaganda video but a video which explained the suffering and the grievances of the Muslims because of AMERICAN policy. I am a non Muslim and I have to admit I agree with the Muslims and we should show more understanding towards there concerns. I was shocked to hear some of the comments from the young Muslims shown on yesterday's Panorama programme. I thought that it was somewhat mischievous if not irresponsible of the BBC to give so much air time to al Muhajiroon and their supporters. This group have very little support in the Muslim community. Sadly, much of the British media and many English viewers will pay much more attention to what was said by the "fiery" young militants of al-Muhajiroon than the balanced views of the Chairman of the Central Birmingham Mosque.
I think a great majority of Muslims have chosen the UK as their home and value their freedoms and living standards. They continue to struggle and strive ("Jihad") to improve their position/standing in the UK, with an occasional moan. As Muslims and conscientious objectors we may choose to disagree with the UK foreign policy from time to time, but none of us would be willing to take the law into our own hands as suggested by fanatical elements like al-Muhajiroon. First of all I would like to thank the BBC for broadcasting a programme which gave out the views of the wider Muslim community. Up until now I felt safe to express my views and opinions openly, on whatever subject that may be, however recently I feel that although I am living in a democratic society I am not entitled to my freedom of speech. This is because the second a Muslim sympathises with the people of Afghanistan or other Muslim victims around the world they are stereotypically labelled as an extremist. In Islam the word 'Jihad' means to 'strive' or 'struggle' in the path of God. When God's religion is under attack, it is obligatory on every Muslim or 'believer' in God's faith to stand up and defend their way of life and beliefs. I would just like to point out that Islam is a peaceful and tolerant religion but firmly teaches the defence of oneself and ones religious values when they come under attack.
This does not mean that Islam supports the killing of innocent people e.g. in America however it certainly does not support the killing of innocent elderly people, women, men and children in Afghanistan. You do not have to be a rocket scientist or a cheesy politician to know that the American attacks on Afghanistan are totally wrong and uneven. America is a gigantic bully picking a fight with an innocent victim in the playground when the school bell rings. Seeing this great injustice inflicted on Muslims all around the world, it is not wrong for Muslims living in western countries to feel sympathy and want to participate in the defence of their Muslim brethren - just like the British troops are helping their American counterparts. I watched this programme and never have I been so incensed by a television broadcast! Firstly, these hot-headed angry young men (who I do not believe for one second are representative of general Islamic opinion) were denigrating this country and its leaders. That is their democratic right, and as the saying goes, I disagreed with all they were saying but I will defend until death their right to say it!
However, I would ask them one thing: as people who like to express an opinion, where would they rather live - the UK, or (for example) Egypt? Over there, religious trouble-makers are dealt with very severely, which is why we have so many of their so-called "dissidents" over here claiming asylum. I wonder if these young men on the programme realise just how lucky they are! Also, I was infuriated that their opinions were never challenged. It's all very well for the Imam to virtually call Tony Blair a liar when he says that the war is not against Islam, but surely he should be questioned as to the reasons why he thinks this?
I think the Panorama programme did not show a balanced view from this country's Muslim community and I was scared in particular by the bookshop selling books and videos encouraging violence against "the West". In regards to the bombing on Afghanistan, I do not agree that human beings have the right to kill each other but at the same time, I do not want to be afraid of going about my business in this country either and for this reason I think we do have a right to defend our country against terrorists who are too cowardly to even admit to their actions. They were the ones who made the first attack and without warning. Wouldn't it be nice if people could respect each other as human beings first and foremost.
I do not share the views of the minority of young Muslims who appeared on the Panorama programme. All religions have their lunatic fringe and Islam is no different in this respect. I condemn some of the racist views expressed by non-Muslim British people within these pages. They only need the slightest of excuses to vent their bile. They should know that these fundamentalist Muslims are also British. They have as much right to be here and express their views as British Citizens in general have. We may not agree with them but surely we can't deny them the freedoms that we all cherish and protect. We either have fundamental freedoms for all or we don't. You cannot pick and choose as to who should enjoy these freedoms. However, I would ask the Home Secretary to look at the contents of the programme very closely and if any law is violated then action should be taken against the culprits.
Who is turning this into a religious war? The answer is clear. Thank you BBC for an interesting & informative programme.
The Panorama programme should have been based on the opinion of ordinary Afghans who have suffered in the hand of the Taleban extremist regime who has no respect for their own fellow Afghans, but unfortunately I have to say that Taleban are exploiting Islam for their own causes. Islam is a religion of peace and tranquillity, according to Islam if you kill one innocent you have committed a sin of killing the whole of the humanity. I hope to see an Afghanistan free of terrorism and Talebanism in the near future.
To all those anti-war protestors who constantly worry about innocent civilians in Afghanistan: the bombings are aimed at military targets and training camps to bring down the evil Taleban regime and Bin Laden's terrorist network, which in the long term WILL create peace. Do not believe Taleban sources about "hundreds of civilian casualties" because they are liars: remember the first day of strikes when they claimed to have shot down 3 US planes?! This war is not against Muslims nor Afghan civilians, its against evil regimes and terrorists.
How can Muslims claim to want equality when in most Islamic countries women are seen as "un-equal" and freedom of speech is a rarity. The question of racism is a laugh. How many different faiths are represented in the government of Afghanistan or Pakistan for that matter. In the UK we bend over backwards for other creeds and faiths, yet in many countries that these faiths originate I would be locked up for playing music or drinking alcohol. I am not a racist myself as I see a person as a person - not a Muslim, not a Christian, not a Protestant, not a black, not a white. Why cannot others rise from behind their faiths and acknowledge each other as "people" and declare themselves simply as "people". Does it not strike anyone as odd that being prosecuted for say a "racist attack" is in fact a racist act in itself, since without prejudice surely one would be prosecuted simply for "an attack" regardless of the skin colour or faith of either party? We should be ignoring our differences, not enshrining them in law.
I was stunned by the Muslim who said that British troops were legitimate targets for "Jihad". Yet they are quite prepared to live in the secure environment that western values and military protection provide. It just shows what a religious cult it is because their ability to think objectively and clearly is taken away. The sooner the human race starts seeing all religions for what they are (i.e. a magic trick to control the minds and bodies of huge amounts of people), the better.
Regarding Steve Allen's comments, The prophet Muhammad lived amongst Jews and Christians in peace and harmony in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps you have been reading too many Taleban orientated extremist interpretation of the Quraan and hadiths (sayings of prophet Muhammad). Islam means peace but unfortunately Muslims are persecuting Muslims too as sectarian violence in Pakistan is prevalent i.e. Sunni Muslims killing Shia Muslims in mosques etc. The Taleban are persecuting Muslims who do not follow their extremist Wahabbi Islam in Afghanistan too. Islam in this day is being interpreted and used in a violent manner by too many people such as the Taleban and Osama Bin Laden who have hijacked the religion to justify their violent ideologies. Islam means peace and not violence
I am a British woman living in Pakistan. What was most surprising about the programme were the views expressed by the Muslims living in Britain. The way that they were condemning the west, how do they justify living in a western country. Why don't they go and live in the countries that practice their belief? How come they live in Britain? If they feel so strongly about anti-western culture the British government should give them what they desire by sending them back to where they came from. I myself am married to a Pakistani and have been living in Pakistan for the last 10 years and find that Islam is one of the most tolerant religions that has been twisted to the whims and fancies of this type of minority. All the Muslims that feel so strongly about this should not disrupte lifestyles all over the world but instead should prove their mettle by joining their 'brothers' in Afghanistan. It seems to me that they are hypocrites playing 'snooker' and passing comments that they know nothing about. Ask them how many snooker tables there are in Afghanistan. How would they really feel if their mothers, sisters and themselves would be living under the Taleban law.
I was shocked by some of the views expressed in the Panorama programme. Upon reflection I now believe that the extremists featured in the programme do not reflect the views of the vast majority of Muslims in this country. I also suspect, and very much hope, that the extremists views expressed will not translate into extremists acts. Panorama I believe has been irresponsible in highlighting the views of these extremists. This programme will have made a lot of people quite angry. This I believe has not helped anyone. The current US led military action is not a "war on Islam". It is an attempt to defeat a terrorist organisation and to facilitate the creation of a new political regime in Afghanistan. I imagine that many people are puzzled as to why anyone would believe this is a war on Islam. I have come to the conclusion that the extremists featured in the programme want to believe this is the case and no amount of evidence will ever persuade these people that this is not the case.
I found the programme very interesting and a certain eye opener. I was upset to see the BBC do its usual best to get these Extremists on Prime Time TV (such as Imran & Al Muhajiroun)and portray a narrow minded approach. However, I was impressed by the honesty and sensitive approach of their Imam of the Birmingham Central Mosque. I felt that his comments were bearable and more reflective of not only Muslim opinion but also of us all in the west.
I abhor extremism of all kinds, and also the unwillingness of some people to see both sides of the argument. Consequently I found the Panorama programme depressing. I appeal to all sides to wise up to what's going on and not be manipulated by those who have no true morals and peddle hate. Meanwhile I have been heartened by the efforts reported of some Afghanis to seek a future Government that is more inclusive and could even include some members of the Taleban who are not all evil. If the international community is true to its word and helps the Country rebuild without undue interference then we might see some serious progress in the fight to defeat international terrorism. We live in hope!
After reading some of the comments, I would like to ask all the "young bloods" of Islam living freely in the U.K. this question. If I, as a civilised Christian, had behaved in the manner that you have in this country, my country, in Afghanistan what pleasantries would I have received from the civilised Islamic Taleban ? Stoning, 50 lashes, amputation of my limbs, or possibly a nice gentle amputation of my head. Grow up Children of Islam, Great Britain is a free country with the right of free speech, but not to incite cruelty and murder on others, so if this does not suit you mentality I am sure someone will give you a lift from Dover to Calais. In reply to the comments of Dr Naseem regarding the amount of people who were in Trafalgar Square for the the CND Rally, what about the other 50 + million in the U.K. who stayed at home!
Robert Burns said that "A man's a man for a that" but after seeing this programme I now ponder this statement. I would have liked to have thought that we were all of mixed race and religion but that we were at least British. I now find that we have a serious undercurrent of citizens that see their first duty as not to support their country but their very aggressive religion. If this is the way that they truly feel then let them leave this country and all the "benefits" that they receive.
We keep being told that Islam is a peaceful tolerant religion and yet Muslims all over the world are at war with their neighbours of different faiths. From Algeria to Russia and Georgia, the Middle East, India and China, Muslims do not seem to respect or be able to live alongside any non Muslims. In the Koran, Mohammed 45.19 tells Muslims to 'smite the necks of the unbelievers' which is hardly the language of peace and tolerance. Muslims quite simply divide the world into two camps which are believers (Muslims) and unbelievers(non Muslims). As an earlier post stated "We may not be at war with them but they are at war with us."
I was sickened by your programme on Sunday night. As a granddaughter of Italian immigrants who settled in New York I can assure you that my family assimilated into American culture yet we still retained many of our customs. Yet my grandparents were proud to call themselves American and if the British Muslims consider themselves Muslim rather than British then they should not be living here. Why do they not live in the counties of their faith? Because in those places they would not have the standard of living they enjoy here nor would they be free to express their views without fear of retribution. Your programme left me feeling that the condolences from the Muslim community about 11 September thinly veils their real feelings - that America (and the West) somehow deserved it. Innocent victims in Afghanistan? What about the 7,000 innocent victims in the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon? The situation in Afghanistan is not the fault of America or Britain, it is the fault of Bin Laden and his crew. They spend money on terrorist schemes while their people starve.
I found the inflammatory remarks made by the so called 'leaders' of the Muslim community disturbing. For today's world, religious teachings are out of context. This is why religions are open to misinterpretation and abuse by extremists, segregationists or the plain ignorant, as we have seen in the programme. My (officially Muslim) parents did not assign me to a religion when young. They told me to concentrate on my academic studies instead. This gave me the freedom to develop my own identity as a peace loving British citizen of the world. Secularism and proper education, all over the world, cannot come soon enough for future generations who value themselves and each other.
I watched Panorama (Koran and Country) on Sunday night after seeing the programme advertised as a report on the growing violence against the British Muslim community. Little did I realise when I started watching that the programme would simply constitute one more act of violence against an already threatened minority. The programme focused briefly on the threats and violent phone calls that Muslim organisations had received and then moved swiftly on to present this as pretty much deserved. I wonder what 'unacceptable' views Panorama reporters would find if they trawled pool halls and interviewed white 18-25 year old men? Certainly many of the latter views seem to be represented amongst the letters on this page. I have not seen a more irresponsible piece of BBC programming for some time. Still, I guess the propaganda has now kicked in!
I am a Muslim and totally support the war on terrorism. The attacks in Afghanistan are targeted at the Taleban regime and not the people. Some of the people in the programme seemed to be paranoid and hold some intolerant views. The chances are that if these people were white instead of brown they would probably be members of extreme right wing groups of this country. Their views are akin to groups like the BNP in reverse.
Thank you very much BBC for creating racist tension and Islamaphobia by interviewing extremist Muslims whose opinions do not at all represent the vast majority of Muslims. Thank you very much Imam of Birmingham Central Mosque for the stupid remarks you made regarding the west is at war with Islam. Only in the west do we Muslims have so much freedom to practice whichever type of Islam without fear of persecution just as the shia Muslims under the Taleban regime have suffered and hence fled from their country. In the west we Muslims get government benefits and grants and funding for Islamic schools and mosques to be built and then the Imam of Birmingham Central Mosque states that the west is at war with Islam. He used and preached politics inside his Friday sermon which just does not happen at the majority of Friday sermons at mosques in UK. Politics and religion just don't mix in Friday sermons at mosques.
I was very disappointed by the standard of journalism shown by Panorama in this programme. Clearly there is a valid interest in the views of British Muslims but I may have been spoiled by the high standards set by Panorama in the past as I felt that this was more a simple report rather than a in-depth examination. The main shortfall was the lack of any sensible or probing questions. Instead of questions about the views of Muslims about the 'perfect Islam state' of Afghanistan and its treatment of women and home for terrorists we got the near tabloid joke probings like 'do you personally know anyone around here that would fight?' or 'what's your message to Tony Blair'. I felt the programme would have benefited from more challenging questions. How about the feelings towards the terrorists, towards the victims of the World Trade or towards the Muslims states that have been threatened by the Taleban. What about asking if they felt that their home in this country would come under threat from terrorists, how would they react? I really feel that overall the BBC is pushing towards a more sensationalist style of journalism when previously we could always rely upon you to be the balanced, sensible but probing voice of the entire World, let alone the UK. It was reporting but it wasn't very good reporting. Really must do better.
The BBC is very irresponsible. All Muslims I know in no way approve of these terrorist acts. Religious zealots of any creed are defeated people who lash out in desperation, and they often do horrific things. Muslims are peace loving people and like all traditions many people are ignorant and rely on the media for there misguided views. The BBC programme can be likened to the Japanese giving an interview with the BNP and saying ALL Brits are like this. The Muslims and non Muslims do have a real concern however. They cannot justify bombing of innocent Afghan people and the link of the legitimate claim of the Palestine, daily bombing of Iraqi people, and foreign forces in the land of Prophet Muhammad. As for some of the disturbing comments I have read, some members of the public need an excuse like this to cause trouble. At times like this people need to be introspective and stand on a higher moral ground. Peace be upon us all.
We heard comments in the programme about the Taleban being the only true Muslim government, yet in Afghanistan females cannot be educated or work outside the home, they must wear the veils and anyone who does not obey these laws is punished severely. In the west the Muslims enjoy the liberal laws of western culture, which culture do British Muslims choose. Religion, any religion, can be twisted by people for their own gain or motives, here in Ireland we can see this even today. Anywhere in the world where religion is taken too seriously there is conflict, fundamentalist Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Protestants are all as dangerous as each other, yet 'treating your neighbour as you would like him to treat you' is a corner stone of all of these religions! Western cultures have a problem with Islam because, we are told, Islam preaches we are unbelievers and therefore unequal and also the fact that there is no democratic Islamic country anywhere in the world! What is happening to Afghanistan is wrong and if Bin Laden believed the religious propaganda he preaches he would hand himself over to the USA and save innocent Muslim lives. He won't because he is a terrorist and terrorism only survives hidden behind innocent people.
I have to say how disappointed I am at the BBC for Sunday's programme. By showing the hatred of the minority view, you have given the rest of us, law abiding Muslims a very bad name. One that most of us do not deserve, as shown by most of the comments already posted on this page. You've created more hate and misunderstanding where there was already too much, thanks BBC for helping make our lives harder and giving people an incentive to express their racist views more openly and with so called justification!
I am amazed at the Imam's point of view. I hope free thinking moderate Muslims do not follow his rhetoric. I suppose the Taleban are all flowers and spice to all people in his views. Perhaps he should see John Simpson's report. As for the Pacifist view (we have enough of them here), who do they think you can negotiate and talk to? Moderate Muslims are condemned to death along with the west in the Taleban eyes. Take a long hard learned view. Take you head out of the sand. Those of us who stand outside can see much more than you can.
Watching that programme made me see how cowardly and how much they lie to protect themselves and their religion. They wonder why they're hated and why racial tension is on the rise in this country.
Forget about the West being at war with Islam - I want to be assured that Islam is not at war with us! This seems to be the underlying viewpoint of even the moderate Muslims portrayed in this programme. To hear that young Muslim men are willing to fight against UK forces in the name of Islam is sickening. Their loyalties seem to lie with some putative Islamic nation which could never peacefully co-exist with Western democratic countries.
We may not be at war with the Muslims, but it seems sure as hell they're at war with us
The Imam of the Birmingham central mosque kept on referring to "the British". Is he or is he not British himself? If he is not British then why is he in this country? I would also like to see the Pro-Islamic statements being made by young females in Afghanistan, or indeed any Islamic country. They would not be allowed to appear on television, much less speak! Thank God for democracy!
I am a professional Muslim and have been living in the UK for the past 25 years. Your Panorama programme on Sunday night disgusted me. Whilst we are all trying to live a normal life as possible, BBC has come up with another brilliant racial incitement to hate Muslims in Britain even more. Why is it only Birmingham that you were able to film? What about the London mosque and most of other leading mosques around UK? As usual, you have gone for the extremist 'rent a quote' and come up trumps. Thank you BBC.
John Cogger Brighton
The somewhat chilling views of the Muslims on tonight's Panorama do not reflect those of the friendly Muslim family at my local corner shop, or the Muslim doctor who's looked after my family for ten years. Those young Muslim men rushing off to fight the jihad might be making the biggest mistake of their lives. They may turn this into a war against Islam.
I am a Muslim and one of the views I didn't see on the programme today was the view of Islam itself. It seems many of the Muslims interviewed seem to have a strong opinion on the Taleban and Osama Bin Laden's actions. But the truth is the view that has failed to be brought up is that of the scripture itself. In the Qu'ran and Hadith it condemns actions like those taken on September 11th. Even in "Jihad", you are not allowed to attack women, children and old men. You cannot attack anyone unless they are physically the ones attacking you first (not innocent people). The Prophet Mohommad, himself, condemned the destruction of property and any lifeform - in one of his battles he even condemned the destroying or cutting of green trees. So our so-called "Islamic" fundamentalists themselves, are wholly contradicting the religion of Islam.
After watching tonight's programme I feel I have a better understanding of the Muslim religion. However many Muslims have said that that Islam does not condone war, however tonight many people have said that young Muslims will fight against the west? What is the point of saying that religion does not condone war if they are willing to go to fight. Tonight many people said that the US should hand over definite evidence that Bin Laden orchestrated the US attacks and that they have no concrete evidence, so should not be attacking. The way I see it if Bin Laden is not guilty then why hide? I do not agree with war but I do not want to live in a society that is always fearful of terrorism. Generally a well-balanced programme, but it appeared to avoid the real issues that concern Moslems. The interviewer was keen to get opinions from people, but no real attempt was made to understand what makes Islam tick. The program mentioned the concept of the Islamic Nation, but missed the associated point that an attack on any Moslem is seen an attack on Islam.
The action in Afghanistan should have been more covert, to ensure that more of the guilty are punished and less of the innocent suffer. Only in this way can we convince our Moslem citizens that the group of people referred to collectively as 'the West' are not anti-Moslem. Much as the more extreme Islamic leaders would like it to be, this conflict has no parallel with the actions that Christian Zealots carried out nearly a thousand years ago against the Islamic empire builder Saladin prompted by a short-sighted and greedy Pope, who saw his own empire shrinking.
The problem as always is not the word of God itself, but the interpretations of those words, by those who seek power rather than enlightenment. This sin has been committed by leaders of all faiths over the years to the detriment of the global race of man.
I watched Panorama tonight and with each minute felt more and more frustrated at the ignorance of the Muslims in Birmingham. They have been told time and time again that the present bombings in Afghanistan are NOT against the people there but against terrorism and those who harbour terrorists. If they think this country of ours is so terrible why don't they leave and go and live in Afghanistan? The present situation in Afghanistan is not the fault of the USA or Britain but of Bin Laden - it is he that the Muslims of this country should be blaming for the current situation there.
While the country is engaged in this action against the terrorists, tonight's edition of Panorama us the equivalent of Lord Haw Haw or Tokyo Rose. The programme did not seem to me to be at all balanced. It's time the BBC realised that the licence fee is paid for by people who don't want to hear the minority view all the time!
If as a bookshop owner I were to sell a book or video promoting hatred towards blacks and Muslims, it would not be tolerated. Why then is a Muslim book shop allowed to sell a video promoting hatred and worse towards us westerners? Are the Muslims really surprised at the reaction.
Having watched tonight's Panorama, I am shocked that such a one-sided programme could be given airtime. What was America supposed to do? Allow the atrocity of 11 September to pass without any response. It think not. The Muslims (in the UK) who advocate a Jihad hold a minority view and yet they are given maximum exposure.
Sid Tonight's programme frightened me. There is no doubt that the Muslims of this country support Bin Laden's violence. There was no support in any way for the democratic action that is being taken at present. They either support or are against. They do not believe in secular government. Better to deal with them now than wait until there are 20m and introduce through violence Islam government into this country. Remember no previous secular Government has converted to Islam without violence. I do not want my female descendants to have to cover their heads and probably also their faces. I used to work in a northern town where there were Muslims and they were intolerant of other religions.
We must acknowledge this.
Why is the BBC only showing the views of the minority Muslim society and not the views of the vast majority of the rest of the Christian UK. This is our country and we are the ones discriminated against. They have their say again and again and the BBC very rarely voice the opinions of the majority of this country. As a Muslim living in Britain and in touch with the reality that tonight's panorama portrayed, I am left with a feeling that this constituted a new form of irresponsible journalism. I have no qualms against the programme itself which I believe was produced to the highest standards that I have come to expect of the Panorama series. I only feel frustrated that it was aired too late and angered that if the BBC were in possession of this material they didn't make the feelings of British Muslims (and Muslims around the world) more understood when it really mattered... before the strikes started. I am personally affected by the content of the programme because unlike Imran Khan the author in the programme who claimed that he did not personally know any Muslims who have chosen to take up arms against the Western armies in defence of Afghan Muslims, I have close personal friends who have gone, wish they could go or are planning to go. People must not underestimate the feelings of ordinary Muslims about this. The fact is that the western forces have shown a complete lack of understanding of their Muslim "friends" when they started this campaign. They thought they could smooth things over with a few food parcels and some public appearances with heads of states of Islamic countries. Combining this with a similar misunderstanding by ordinary Muslims worldwide of the mindset and motivations of the West creates a recipe for disaster beyond our wildest fears. I cannot help but wonder whether if the decision makers about this "war" had the material from the programme before the strikes began, they might have opted for a different and more appropriate course of action. Or at least exercised more caution.
Why, oh why didn't the BBC show this programme last weeks (the day the "atrocities" began) rather than last weeks Panorama which was an important and informative programme, but came across as justification for the strikes? Having an unkempt beard doesn't make you a Muslim. Supporting military action against the Taleban doesn't make you an attacker of Islam. One must have the courage to face the complex situations forced upon us by the modern world. Tony Blair, George Bush, the Director of the CIA etc have all gone to great lengths to express their respect for Islam and emphasize that their military action is not a war on Islam. Those apparent Muslims who express the view that it is an attack on Islam have simply fallen into the trap laid by Bin Laden and his friends, the Taleban. Falling into this trap causes one to view matters as black and white, good and evil, right and wrong. This is an abrogation of social and intellectual responsibility. Being the most powerful country in the world imposes certain challenges and responsibilities. When to interfere, when not to interfere? These are difficult decisions and not faced by most so-called Muslim governments. The US and the UK have to walk the difficult path of balancing freedom, tolerance and justice. This is not an easy situation and there are no easy answers. But to do nothing in response to September 11 would be unconscionable.
Islamic values include freedom of religion, equal rights, tolerance and justice. The finest example of a country upholding Islamic values is the United States of America (which has gone through considerable growing pains in the last few decades). One of the worst examples is Afghanistan (under the Taleban). There are no easy answers for those who must see the world only in black and white.
I watched tonight's programme with interest and it was a very useful insight into Muslim thinking on the current crisis. I do however feel that many of the statements made by the so called " Holy man" of the Mosque should have been challenged, statements like " no Muslim believes Blair" Wouldn't the obvious question have been Why?? The programme reinforced for me that the world would be a better place if we could rid ourselves of all religions!
How irresponsible of the BBC to show a programme such as this at a time like this. The BBC have now done their bit towards alienating the indigenous people of this country against the British Muslims - and the British Muslims have not helped themselves with the views expressed in this programme.
Ranjeeta Johnson London
I do not support any form of religious extremism, but do not think bombing Afghanistan is the right way to respond to the attack on the WTC. This should cease now and immediate efforts be made to relieve the impending famine in Afghanistan. UK and America should then cooperate with Muslim countries to deal with the terrorist issue. Central to this is for America to make future support for Israel conditional on resolution of the Palestinian issue.
As a British Muslim, I am absolutely appalled at the bad name and very bad image given to the name of Islam by the thugs whose violent and differing interpretation of the Koran and hadiths has upset lots and lots of Muslims, such as myself in the UK. This is not a war against Islam. In the UK, we British Muslims are allowed to follow and practise our different ways of Islam in freedom and peace which is not possible in many Muslim countries. We get funding from the government for mosques and Islamic schools to be built and we are allowed to propagate the true image of Islam (PEACE) too. Also, the BBC Panorama team generally interviewed the radical British Muslims who tarnish the majority of British Muslims' reputation, just as Osama Bin Laden, Taleban and Al Qaida do to worldwide Muslims Muhammad, Bradford
I have never been racist, but hearing some of the comments comparing President Bush to Adolf Hitler in the Birmingham mosque can only make things worse for the Muslim community in this country. After the unprovoked attacks on 11th Sept in the USA, any country - regardless of religion or colour - has the right to defend themselves, using whatever means necessary. Some of the Muslims in this country are getting religion mixed up with cold blooded murder. I back President Bush and Tony Blair 100%. If Bin Laden and his followers were Christians they would still need hunting down in the same way. 11th September 2001 is a day we shall all remember. The tragic loss of innocent human lives in America has shocked the world. There is no justification for this horrific terrorist attack and people are angry and want justice. But justice is not revenge. There have been many racist attacks in the US and here in Britain on the Muslim and Asian community as a result of people¿s outrage at the great loss of human life. It has allowed people to act out their racist views and fears. Instead of moving towards a multicultural society there is more of a division in our society and ties are being broken. In certain areas of Britain, like Oldham, there is growing concern over race relations and a lack of communication and understanding between white people, Asians and Muslims. Blaming a religion is easier than attempting to create a dialogue between different cultures to overcome mistrust and apprehension. This is what happened in Oldham and it is happening across the country. The devastation caused in America was not based on religious belief but blind faith to a cause that is destructive and has no place in today¿s society. We live in a world where the majority of people believe in multiculturalism. There has been great generalisation and stereotyping of Indians and Muslims - this need to be challenged. If a small group of Muslims are celebrating the disaster, does that mean all Muslims are? This is clearly not the case and the media, when presenting such images has a responsibility to report in an unbiased, objective way. We need to address the role of the media in creating the moral panic we are facing in our communities.
We all have prejudices about different cultures. As a result of the terrorist attack, these prejudices have surfaced and people now feel they are justified in acting against Muslims and Asian people. We cannot become integrated if we continue this circle of hatred. We cannot allow the terrorists to divide our communities, we must mourn the loss of lives together, stop terrorism together and re-build relations together.
|
|
Top Panorama stories now:
Links to more Panorama stories are at the foot of the page.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
 E-mail this story to a friend |
|
|
|
||
 |
||||
 |
|
Back to top
|
||
 |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To BBC Sport>> | To BBC Weather>> | To BBC World Service>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMIII | News Sources | Privacy |
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~24~RS~)
Those young Muslim men rushing off to fight might be making the biggest mistake of their lives
