British Muslims warn over Iraq

One of the UK's leading Muslims is warning the government there is a growing fear within his community that the UK is being sucked into a war against Islam.

Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said that there were "deep concerns" in his community over the part being played by the government in America's war against terror and possible conflict with Iraq.

Speaking at the launch of a book on the 11 September attacks, Mr Sacranie said there was a "very serious perception" growing among British Muslims that America was becoming involved in a "war against Islam and Muslims".

"They do not want to see terror fought with terror," said Mr Sacranie. "We in the United Kingdom must go beyond that now.

"One of the most serious concerns is that the core issue of Palestine is now being ignored [by America and the UK].

"But unless Palestine is addressed, we will not be able to get rid of the terror."

Mr Sacranie said there was a widespread feeling of abhorrence among British Muslims at the prospect of war in Iraq because they believed many of their co-religionists among the Iraqi population would be killed.

He warned there was an "immense hatred" of America in parts of the Muslim world because of perceived double standards. "There's no such feeling against Britain. I don't want these feelings to filter to us."

Mr Sacranie said that Muslims could not support an unjust war. The MCB is consulting affiliates before a special meeting this weekend to set a policy on Iraq.

'Ostracised and excluded'

Mr Sacranie said the terrorists of 11 September had "not only brought down the world's two tallest buildings, they also hit our own high towers of equal rights and equal inclusion, especially with respect to the British Muslim community."

"We should not make worse what is already terrible.

"The Muslim community has been ostracised and excluded and, at the same time, lectured about integration, as if the community was refusing to integrate," he said.

He called on Tony Blair, who will be receiving a copy of the book, to ensure all communities within the UK can "hold together".

One remedy for Muslims would be for the government to outlaw discrimination against Islam, he said.

Book launch

In the book, "The Quest for Sanity: Reflections on September 11 and the Aftermath", Mr Sacranie describes the events of the day as "evil and criminal".

"Regrettably, it has been used to set a global course of action with little respect for human life, national sovereignty and the rule of law," he writes.

"In the process, Muslims the world over and the cherished religion of Islam - a religion for all humanity - have been made the focus of irrational anger and hate.

"Fortunately, however, there remain many voices clamouring for sanity and justice. We expect that these voices will grow and that they shall eventually prevail.

"Terrorism has no religion. Its aim is to spread enmity and destruction throughout civilised societies. In combating terrorism we must ensure that we ourselves do not terrorise others and dehumanise ourselves."

The book includes some 30 papers by Muslims and non-Muslims considering the fall-out of September 11, the future of British Muslims and the rise of Islamophobia.