MCB letter to Muslim communities

Iqbal Sacranie wants Muslims to turn out to vote

The following open letter to the community was sent by the Muslim Council of Britain.

Dear Respected Brothers and Sisters,

As-salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah

I am writing to emphasise the crucial importance of next week's elections. All Muslim electors, men and women, young and old, should utilise their votes.

The rise of the Far Right parties poses a dangerous threat to our communities.

Many of you will have seen the threatening anti-Muslim party political broadcast by the BNP last Friday.

They make no secret of their extreme hatred of Islam and Muslims.

They make no secret of their extreme hatred of Islam and Muslims.

Under the electoral rules, this fascist leaning party needs only five percent of the votes to win seats in the Greater London Assembly elections and around 9% of the votes to gain delegates to the European Parliament.

If this happens, may God forbid, the BNP would have access to much more than just television and radio.

By right, they would be given funding with which to promote their racist agenda in Britain.

Therefore, it is important to make sure that all members of our community, men and women, young and old, cast their vote on Thursday 10 June.

This is the time to make a difference

Irrespective of whom they vote for, their participation will help reduce the percentage of votes cast for the BNP, making it more difficult for them to succeed with their divisive and menacing plans.

This is the time to make a difference.

It is not the role of the MCB to recommend a particular political party you should vote for.

However, it is our duty to keep the community informed and aware about the dangers that threaten it from staying away from the polls and not participating.

Please convey this urgent message in your Friday khutbah and rally the community to take action by voting on Thursday 10 June. Please also display this letter on your notice board and make copies of it for distribution.

May Allah bless you and protect and guide us all.

Yours sincerely,
Iqbal AKM Sacranie
Secretary General
The Muslim Council of Britain