British Muslims divided over Iraq

Atia Rifat wants to see more evidence

By Barnie Choudhury BBC Social Affairs Correspondent

The only time I ever go to Oldham is when there are riots or racial tensions. Well, that is what my colleagues say.

So it was nice to meet Abdul Malik-Ahad, a community worker who lives in Oldham for a chat.

He came to Britain from Bangladesh more than 20 years ago and is fiercely proud of being an Oldhamer.

Abdul Malik-Ahad: Case for war unconvincing

As we tuck into our poppadums and chutneys he says a possible war is an issue affecting all communities, not just Muslims.

"The fact that I'm a British Muslim in this case is neither here nor there. As a human being I feel that the case for war is not convincing at all."

He believes that Saddam Hussain is a bad man who has killed his people but the argument for war is far from black and white.

"I don't feel we've exhausted all the peaceful means and mechanisms . I think we should be following all the alternatives. If the policy of containment for 10 years has worked - what has changed?"

Power struggle

But Abdul Malik does not think this is a war on Islam. It is a view shared 10 miles south-west of Oldham in Manchester.

Atia Rifat is a pharmacist. Close your eyes and hear her speak and you think of her as the native Mancunian she is. Only her hijab or head scarf gives us a clue that she is a Muslim.

There is no single Muslim view on the issue of Iraq

To her the conflict is America flexing its muscles, trying to re-order the geo-political map of the Middle East.

"It's about America wanting to dominate the world, to take control of the Middle East. America's own economy is in recession at the moment and they need that oil, they need the control."

This strikes a chord with all the Muslims to whom I have spoken.

Conflicting views

The myth perpetuated by the media, they say, is that Muslims are disloyal.

Yet listening to those to whom I have spoken, Muslims reflect the majority view in Britain: No war, a second UN resolution, greater evidence.

All faiths, all non-faith groups - all have extremists and lunatic fringes

Atia Rifat

So what about the reports of young Muslims going to fight against Britain and America? Atia Riftat responds immediately.

She says: "All faiths, all non-faith groups - all have extremists and lunatic fringes. It's for us the majority who are tolerant, respectful of each others' view points and belief systems to take control and not allow them to control the discussions and debate."

There is no single view of this war. Like most Britons, Muslims will be discussing the possibility of war on Iraq.

Like many they will be on the anti-war marches. And like most of us Muslims will be watching and waiting and hoping this episode of history can be concluded peacefully.