Federation of Muslim Organisations press release

The Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) has today issued a press release, outlining its position in relation to the proposed demonstration by the English Defence League scheduled to take place in Leicester on Saturday 9 October. While I had nothing to do with its creation and lay myself being open to the accusation of having gathered a garland of other men's flowers, I want to reproduce it in full here. The Federation of Muslim Organisations is an infrasturcture body, representing the interests and speaking on behalf of a large number of mosques, community associations, centres and groups from within the Muslim community of Leicester and Leicestershire. It is itself a member body represented on Leicester Council of Faiths.

PRESS RELEASE

POSITION IN RELATION TO ENGLISH DEFENCE LEAGUE PROTEST

24^th September 2010

The Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) held an open meeting with significant numbers of its affiliates, Imams, Councillors and community members at the Highfields Community Centre on Thursday 23rd September 2010. Following this consultation, the FMO issues this initial guidance with regards to the forthcoming anti-Islamic protest by the English Defence League (EDL) scheduled to take place in Leicester on Saturday October 9th 2010.

1.    We respectfully and humbly inform all of our 186 affiliates, comprising of Mosques, Charities and other Muslim Organisations that the EDL intends to hold a demonstration on Saturday 9^th October. Our strong advice is that people stay away from the EDL protest and any counter demonstration and rallies that may take place in the city. At this stage we have not been informed about the location of the EDL protest but it is likely to be in the city centre. Having listened to a variety of opinions within the community, the decision is based on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community. People must stay away from any potential violence and do their utmost to keep family and friends away from the city centre on the day. Please note that Muslims and indeed others may become innocent victims of violence and so we have a duty as Muslims to ensure the safety of all communities. We believe that any counter protest will only serve to undermine the image of Muslims as a law-abiding and peaceful people particularly in the media.

2.    We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from Muslim communities in other parts of the country. We in Leicester appreciate this greatly but would urge our fellow brothers and sisters from around the UK not to travel to Leicester and participate in any counter demonstrations. The FMO thanks everyone who is involved in opposing the vitriolic campaign that the EDL have waged on the British Muslim population. Whilst Muslims up and down the country work hard to build stronger relationships with all communities, the EDL represents the ugly face of society. Our fear is that this could lead to serious community tensions in the city. Islamophobia (hatred against Muslims) is as unacceptable as any other form of discrimination. It divides and weakens our society by making scapegoats of one single community.

3.    The FMO extends its gratitude to other faith communities and key community groups that have shown their solidarity with the Muslim community by contacting us and assuring us of their support. Though the FMO’s agreed position is not to counter demonstrate, we understand that many organisations and individuals will counter demonstrate. We plead to them that they do so in a peaceful manner and be mindful that if there are any negative incidents, then the respected Muslim community and elected bodies such as the FMO will be left to pick up the pieces and are likely to be blamed.

4.    We call upon the media and politicians to make responsible and informed statements about Islam, its teachings and values, which would help to decrease the anti-Islamic climate, which groups such as the EDL thrive upon.

5.    We call upon Muslims to challenge any anti-Islamic reporting, collectively and individually, in an intelligent manner by discussing with and writing to elected officials, editors of newspapers and senior police officers that such anti-Islamic propaganda should be taken seriously as they damage good community relations and impact on community cohesion.

6.    We are all reminded to take examples from our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that at times of trials and tribulations; we must exercise wisdom and patience whilst continuing in our supplications to our creator Allah (SWT) in the pursuance of peace in our country.

We are drawing up further guidelines in liaison with the local authority and the Police which will be distributed shortly to our affiliates which we anticipate will be subsequently circulated throughout the Muslim community.

Find out more about the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO):
http://www.fmo.org.uk/