FIRST PERSON: A FEAST WHICH FOLLOWS A FAST IS NOT IN SPIRIT

Manzoor Moghal has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

A feast which follows a fast is not in spirit

The month of Ramadan is once again upon us and Muslims everywhere are fasting. It is obligatory for Muslims to fast during this month, as laid down in the Qu'ran, and they refrain from food, drink and tobacco from dawn to sunset, which at this time of year would be an average of 19 hours a day in Britain.

Before the advent of Islam, fasting was also prescribed for other religions but, with the passage of time, their fasting practices became truncated, distorted and were tailored to the convenience of their followers, with the result that the whole concept of fasting in these religions became totally corrupted.

In one of these religions, a whole month designated for fasting allows its people to eat and drink everything except cooked food and a few other items during the fasting period from morning to evening.In another religion where fasting stretches beyond 30 days, its adherents have to give up one item of their daily favourite food, while allowing them to eat and drink everything else at any time.

In yet another religion, two separate fasting days are extended to 24 hours of total refrain from any eating or drinking, and it has four other days which are somewhat similar to the Islamic way of fasting.

Other minor faiths have some variations, but none of these are anywhere near the Muslim way, which has remained in its pristine purity since its inception some 1,400 years ago.

However, there is a worrying trend which has recently crept into the Islamic way of fasting and it has begun to undermine both the spirit and the letter of fasting.

The time of breaking the Muslim fast at sunset is called iftar, and Muslims do this generally by eating a couple of dates and drinking tea or a glass of milk or water, followed by the fourth obligatory prayer of the day called maghrib.

After this, they disburse to their homes where they eat a modest meal before they go into the long night prayers at their mosques.

Unfortunately, the breaking of the fast time iftar is being turned into feasting by well-heeled Muslims – and it is becoming fashionable practice among many Muslims in some countries, including Britain.

Arab Muslims in the Middle East gorge themselves routinely with large quantities of food every evening after breaking their fast, and Muslims in places such as Pakistan have big iftar parties in restaurants, hotels and community centres.

Of late, a national Muslim organisation is encouraging Muslims in Britain to organise such iftar parties, inviting non-Muslims to participate in order to socialise and promote better understanding between different faiths.

The month of Ramadan is for fasting and not feasting!

Manzoor Moghal is an author and social commentator

DOCTOR ILLEGALLY CIRCUMCISED DOZENS OF BOYS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Doctor illegally circumcised dozens of boys

by David W Owen

A doctor has been ordered to pay more than £32,000 after admitting illegally circumcising dozens of young boys.

Dr Hassan Abdulla carried out the operations while working at the private Al-Khalill Clinic in Conway Road, Evington, Leicester, between October 2011 and January last year.

Leicester Magistrates’ Court heard that although he was qualified to perform the procedures, he did so without being registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is required by law.

Dr Abdulla (62), of Scothern Lane, Sudbrook, Lincoln, pleaded guilty to five offences involving operations on individual boys when he appeared at court on Monday.

He also admitted to a charge relating to illegal surgery performed on a further 36 children.

He was fined £2,700 and ordered to pay over £30,000 in costs.

Carl May-Smith, prosecuting, told the court that healthcare services are required to be registered with the CQC so they can be “subject to regulation”.

He added it was important that people know whether such services “meet national standards of quality and safety”.

“Mr Abdullah should have known he needed to register, being a qualified health care professional with a duty to follow up on these matters,” he said.

Mr May-Smith said the CQC was alerted to Dr Abdulla’s illegal practice by members of the local community and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

In bringing the prosecution, the independent health regulator carried out two visits to Dr Abdulla’s Evington practice.

Mr May-Smith said that what was found would not have met the national standards of quality and safety.

“Infection control practices were inadequate, equipment being used was out of date and staff were not appropriately trained,” he said, adding that five of the children Dr Abdulla carried out the procedure on suffered complications and required further medical treatment.

The court heard that Dr Abdulla had provided circumcisions for children, mainly of parents adhering to the Islamic and Jewish faiths, since the NHS halted offering non-therapeutic surgery back in 2005.

He had not been required to register with the previous health regulator, the Health Commission, before it was replaced by the CQCin 2009.

Russell Davies, in mitigation, said Dr Abdulla had sought to register with the CQC in September 2011 but had been unaware that his initial application had been rejected.

He pleaded guilty to the six charges on the basis that he should have known he could not provide the service without being registered with CQC.

The court heard, however, that the CQC wrote to Dr Abdulla when his application was refused and spoke to him by telephone.

Mr Davies added: “With Dr Abdulla’s behaviour, the objective was not commercial gain.

“He is not only a man of good character but someone with a hitherto unblemished record.”

Dr Abdulla was fined £450 for each of the charges and ordered to pay £30,099.80 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Sentencing him, District Judge Timothy Daber said: “Without registration, the CQC had no power to regulate your practice, thereby putting patients at risk.”

Following the hearing, Fiona Allinson, compliance manager for the CQC, said: “This sends a clear message to any healthcare professionals that they not only need to ensure they are registered with CQC but we will take action against those who fail to do so.

“By not being registered, providers of care put people at risk as it is not possible for CQC to assess the quality of service being offered.”

FIRST PERSON: BREAK DOWN BARRIERS FACING OUR COMMUNITY

Habib Akram (on right in photo below) has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Break down barriers facing our community

Habib Akram says Ahmadi Muslims are committed to peace and the UK but face prejudice from many people

Today is an historic milestone for my community - marking 100 years since our establishment in the UK. We have much to celebrate. We are committed to Britain and its prosperity. Our ethos Love for All, Hatred for None underpins our belief and is manifest in a nationwide peace campaign. In addition:

We have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for UK charities.

• We support the annual Poppy Appeal and organise drives to join the Armed Forces as well as blood donation drives throughout Britain.

• We have engaged in widespread interfaith events and celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at each of our mosques across the country.

• We constructed the first purpose-built mosque in London, which opened in 1924, and was used as a bomb shelter during the war.

• We run western Europe's biggest mosque, in Surrey, with capacity for 10,000 worshippers.

• We have translated the Holy Koran into more than 70 languages, including braille. 

Britain has provided a home for thousands of Ahmadi Muslims over the past century. Our duty as Muslims is to be grateful to God and to give thanks to Queen and country for allowing us to practice [sic] our faith freely.

Islam teaches us to be loyal citizens and we believe it is our duty to serve the country, contribute to society and promote peace for all. When we say Islam means peace, we practice [sic] that.

Today will be a day of thanksgiving for us - the day falls during the blessed month of Ramadan.

However, the occasion also serves as a reminder of the acts of terror committed by extremists on my community.

Hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims have been murdered in Pakistan, where we are not allowed to practice [sic] Islam, and we continue to be persecuted in Indonesia and other countries where an extremist clergy is able to wield influence.

Even in Britain, there have been attempts to foment hatred against us through satellite Asian news channels or by firebrand clerics.

The result of this is that my community remains isolated from other Muslim communities, even in Leicester, and despite speeches and opinion pieces in this paper about the need for community cohesion, no attempt is made to reach out to us.

Invitations for other Muslims to join us at our interfaith events are ignored by all but a few.

So the need to build bridges and remove the barriers of prejudice is greater than ever. If the words that appear in this paper about building communities are not to be mere platitudes, real action needs to be taken now to break down the barriers of ignorance and prejudice.

As loyal citizens, we enter our second century here in the UK with much optimism. We hope to build on our achievements and, God willing, be of even greater benefit to this country.

Dr Habib Akram is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Leicester

BBC RADIO LEICESTER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: RAMADAN

This morning I'm in the studio at BBC Radio Leicester, to record a Thought for the Day with John Florance. This one's for broadcast on Jonathan Lampon's breakfast show, Monday 8 July - and here's how it sounded on the day:

JL: It's time for Thought for the Day, which comes today from George Ballentyne, a local Bahá'í.

GMB: Good morning

If you were to make a list of things that religious people do, fasting would be one of the first that comes to mind.

Fasting has always been one of the central practices of people who have religious beliefs – and this remains so in the modern world. Fasting is taken seriously by people of faith everywhere. 

Of the eight member religions represented on Leicester Council of Faiths, for example, seven have distinctive periods and methods of fasting at some time during their own calendar year.

On any given day, a sizeable number of people in Leicester and beyond will be fasting for religious reasons. Others will be fasting for different purposes: under medical instruction, as an aid to losing weight, or so that they can detox. And, sad to say in this day and age, more and more people find themselves going without food against their will, because of difficult personal or social circumstances.

Muslims everywhere will begin fasting tomorrow for the month of Ramadan – more than 60,000 people in Leicester, almost one in five of our city’s population.

For Muslim listeners, I hope you have a good fasting period, that the experience helps affirm and strengthen your faith identity for this month and the rest of the year.

For those of us who aren’t Muslim ourselves, but have Muslim friends, colleagues, co-workers or neighbours, why not ask them why they fast during Ramadan? Hopefully that should help us see fasting as part of a shared life experience – and that may come as a pleasant surprise.

JL: Thought for the Day there, which came from George Ballentyne, a local Bahá'í

I thought (without checking on it) that I was doing this with my Council of Faiths hat on. If I'd known I was going out on air as "a local Bahá'í" I'd have spoken about the commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb, that takes place on Tuesday 9 July. Still, it's perfectly in keeping with the Leicester way to have a Bahá'í comment on Ramadan - and have no one remark on it!

DIABETICS WARNED OVER FESTIVAL FASTING

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Diabetics warned over festival fasting

by Cathy Buss, Health Correspondent

A health specialist has warned thousands of Muslims suffering from diabetes to make sure they prepare properly for Ramadan.

City pharmacist Moinuddin Kolia said people must plan in advance before the religious festival, marked by fasting, or risk major health problems.

Those observing Ramadan will not eat or drink during daylight hours.

Mr Kolia, one of the directors of Moin's Chemist and Wellbeing Centre, in East Park Road, Spinney Hills, said he was concerned at lack of education on how people who fast should manage their diabetes medication.

He said: "This is a subject that really needs highlighting within other communities that fast, not just Muslims.

"Unless people understand what is required when fasting, it can be very dangerous and cause major health problems, such as low blood glucose levels, which can lead to a coma. In some circumstances, it can be fatal.

"Diabetes is something which needs to be managed properly throughout the year and Ramadan is no exception.

"What we are finding in general is a lack of education among many diabetics on how to manage their medication.

"With Ramadan falling at the peak of summer, with long hours, it is more important that those affected understand what they have to do.

"In the majority of situations, it will probably be a simple case of educating patients on how to manage medication, what to do if they have a hypoglycaemic attack when sugar levels fall very low and how the Ramadan diet will affect their diabetes.

"Some people do not realise if their diabetes is very severe they are not expected to fast."

This year, Ramadan begins on July 9 for 30 days.

Moin's Chemist, which recently opened a pharmacy in Market Harborough, has teamed up with experts at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the Leicester Diabetes Centre, which includes experts from the University of Leicester, to produce a number of ways to help those who are fasting.

This includes a diabetic specialist nurse and a pharmacist who have been running a series of workshops for patients. They have also produced a guide for diabetics called Fasting Toolkit for type two diabetics, which can be picked up from the store.

Mr Kolia said: "Most people who want to fast can do safely."

ANSWER LIES IN UNITY, NOT "TERRORISTS" OF THE FAR RIGHT

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Answer lies in unity, not "terrorists" of the far right

Last month, we witnessed the brutal murder of a solider as he walked down a street near his home.

Within hours the word "terrorism" was being used to describe the attack and if it transpires this was indeed a politically or religiously-motivated murder then there would be considerable justification for using this term.

The aftermath of Lee Rigby's death also saw a rise in attacks on mosques and Muslims.

If "terrorism" is to be used so quickly to describe the actions of the Woolwich murderers, then surely this term equally applies to these attacks.

Elements of the far right, in their misguided defence of their concept of England, have sought to create fear among other communities – the very definition of terror.

The right-wing media is generally quick to use labels such as "hate preacher" for those few individuals advocating violence in the name of a particular religion, but, so far, most are reluctant to use the term to describe the leaders of the far right.

While the leaders of certain organisations may say they are encouraging peaceful protest, their words influence others to commit acts of violence.

It is not enough, though, to dismiss extremists of all shades as evil and to ignore the underlying issues which motivate their actions. To ignore them is to frustrate them to further acts of hatred.

As a socialist, I perceive these underlying causes in terms of class.Successive neo-liberal governments have sought to devastate the working class.

Some groups have been unfairly subjected to racism and discrimination while others have been completely ignored, or condemned as "workshy shirkers".

We have witnessed our industry disappear and our core values, such as solidarity, replaced with rampant individualism.

Now, especially during this economic crisis, we are all competing for an ever-decreasing slice of the pie.

It is no wonder working class communities turn on each other to compete for jobs, services, dignity and respect.

The answer, though, does not lie in looking to the far right: the answer lies in acknowledging what we all have in common, regardless of race, religion or country of origin.

It is in our shared interest not to fight each other but to fight against the injustices brought upon us by the elites of politics, banking and big business.

As a final point, it is to the credit of trade union, community and faith groups which have sought to heal the divisions in our society by taking steps to bring people together.

It is much more difficult to hate someone if you find you have something in common with them.

Matt Widdowson, Leicester

FIRST PERSON: RESPONSIBILITY THAT EACH OF US MUST SHOULDER

Suleman Nagdi has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Responsibility that each of us must shoulder

Society should come together and oust radical extremists - wherever they are, says Suleman Nagdi

The cold-blooded murder of Drummer Lee Rigby has once again cast a spotlight on radicalisation and raised questions about its causes. The notion of individuals driven by a particular cause to commit acts of murder and destruction is abhorrent to the majority, but what leads these individuals to shun society and and develop this hatred for their fellow human beings?

There is no faith which condones extremist violence, even though faith is quite often used as a mask to further the extremists' geo-political aims.

The radicalised can also include far right extremists, animal rights activists and separatist movements - ultimately, anyone who sees their cause as a justification for their extremist behaviour.

Unfortunately, we all too often associate radicalisation with Islam. But extremists comprise a very small minority and are predominantly detached from the mainstream Muslim majority.

The 2012 Home Affairs Select Committee report on the Roots of Radicalisation, chaired by Keith Vaz MP, identified a number of drivers for radicalisation which we are familiar with but also suggested that "radicalised individuals come from a wide range of backgrounds" and are "demographically unremarkable".

There can be many sources of radicalisation, including institutions. However, as the home affairs report identified, it is most likely to be the internet.

Disillusioned and disenfranchised individuals are more likely to be using private premises to access extremist sources from the internet.

We must adopt a unified approach to tackling extremism. It is a shared responsibility for all in society and not simply the responsibility of one group, faith or organisation.

This responsibility needs to be borne by our many institutions and centres.

We also need to teach our children the dangers of the internet and must monitor their use of internet sites as the shadowy sources of extremist hate and radicalism are only too easily a click or two away.

From an early age, we need to eradicate any opportunity for extremism to take root in the minds of our young people.

It is very difficult to identify an individual who is being radicalised and therefore we all need to remain conscious of our responsibilities.

There are organisations such as East Midlands Community Contact Unit, of which I am part, and the Channel project, which seeks to provide a multi-agency approach to helping vulnerable people who may be targets for radicalisation.

We need to ensure we don't criminalise these individuals and further disenfranchise them from society but rather look to bring them away from the causes of radicalisation.

Suleman Nagdi is chairman of Leicestershire Faith Forum [sic] and spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations.

IT IS TIME FOR ACTION BY MUSLIM LEADERS

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

It is time for action by Muslim leaders

I write in response to Suleman Nagdi's First Person article ("Religion can't be defence for brutal killings", May 24).

My response is not that of a politician, religious expert or supporter of any right-wing organisation. My response is that of a working class man appalled by the atrocity committed in Woolwich.

I support Mr Nagdi's response and the sentiments contained. I have no doubt Mr Nagdi's intentions are noble and that he wishes for peace and, as he puts it, that "the forces of hatred do not prevail".

Unfortunately, his sentiments are, I fear, not enough.

Until the attacks in London on July 7, 2005, the perceived threat to this country was from terrorists from outside the UK.

Since then, there has been a catalogue of arrests of individuals born and raised in the UK.

Irfan Naseer, Irfan Khalid and Ashik Ali were jailed in April for plotting terrorist bomb attacks.

Next month, six men will be sentenced for preparing acts of terrorism. Richard Dart, Jahangir Alom and Imran Mahmood are also awaiting sentencing for terror-related offences. All were born in the UK.

Mr Nagdi calls for "solidarity" and states Muslims "have been distressed by the fact they are being made to defend themselves".

I agree the actions of a small minority should not influence the majority and the residents of this country should be able to live in peace.

However, what Mr Nagdi has failed to address is the fear and distress many people in this country have as a result of the events and arrests I have referred to.

Muslim leaders need to show positive action to demonstrate they are doing all they can to combat the extremists that use the name of Allah.

I have seen no evidence of positive, tangible action by Muslim leaders.

Community work, recognition of diversity and inter-faith groups are noble and praiseworthy, but what of the people not included in these?

What of the ordinary people who are afraid?

For every Stephen Lennon there is an Anjem Choudary, for every Nick Clegg an Abu Qatada and for every terrorist there is a right-wing fanatic.

I encourage Mr Nagdi to show those in fear they have nothing to fear and those who doubt Islam that their doubts are unfounded.

In an article published by the BBC, Dr Usama Hasan said: "In our times, we need non-violent jihads; social struggles against all forms of inequality and oppression, and for justice and liberation."

Perhaps now is the time for Mr Nagdi and other Muslim leaders to embark upon their own non-violent jihad against those Muslims who use their faith to justify the murder of innocent people.

David Gibbs, Scraptoft

EDITORIAL APPEAL FOR CALM WELL RECEIVED

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Editorial appeal for calm well received

An open letter to Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth:

On behalf of the Federation of Muslim Organisations, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the editorial published on Friday, May 24.

The shocking events that unfolded in Woolwich last Wednesday, when Drummer Lee Rigby was brutally slaughtered in broad daylight in full view of passing members of the public, has been almost universally condemned, including by most of the Muslim community.

We live now in most troubled times where the actions of a few criminals can unfortunately have a detrimental effect on other members of a law-abiding community.

Regrettably, there have already been a number of incidents of hate crime, targeting the Muslim community, which have been reported.

This is a clearly unacceptable state of affairs and we as a society must not accept or tolerate hate crime carried out against any individual, group or organisation.

It is against this background, that your editorial is much welcomed.

Your emphasis on the fact that the horrifying events in Woolwich are not reflective of the behaviour of an entire community could not have been expressed better.

Moreover, your appeal for calm has been extremely well-received by the community, as well as other communities who have asked us to relay their thanks to you.

There was absolutely no obligation for you to write this editorial.

However, the fact you have gone out of your way to do so reflects your humanitarian concern for safer and stronger community cohesion, something which we in Leicester have prided ourselves in for many years now.

At a time when some sections of the media have come under attack for their sensationalist reporting, yours is an example of balanced and just reporting which needs to be recognised. You have clearly set yourselves out as an example for others in the media to follow.

Suleman Nagdi, Federation of Muslim Organisations.

ARCHBISHOP & IMAM ISSUE APPEAL FOR UNITY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Archbishop and Imam issue appeal for unity

by Dan Martin

The Archbishop of Canterbury today stressed the need for unity among Leicester’s religious communities in the aftermath of the brutal killing of a soldier in a suspected terrorist attack.

The Most Rev Justin Welby, the Church of England’s most senior clergyman, said the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich by two apparent Muslim extremists had “no place in Islam.”

The archbishop spoke about the young soldier’s murder outside the Masjid Umar mosque, in Evington, after rearranging his schedule in a visit to Leicester, planned before Wednesday’s horrific events.He met officials from the mosque, along with the bishops of Woolwich, Bradford and Pontefract as well as Bishop of Leicester Tim Stevens.

he archbishop stood side-by-side with assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain Ibrahim Mogra to address reporters follwing events in the capital.

The archbishop said: “We have all been horrified by the brutal murder of drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich and all of our prayers are with his family, colleagues and comrades, all those who witnessed this crime and members of the community who have been affected by it.

“I want to recognise the response of churches, mosques and other faith and civil society groups, as well as those brave individuals who have done so much to bring our communities together at this time.”

The archbishop, who later signed a book of condolence opened for the murdered 25-year-old at Leicester Cathedral, added: “The strong response from the Muslim Council of Britain and many other organisations have rightly emphasised that these acts have no place in Islam.”

He added: “I think Leicester is a shining example of how communities work together. I am confident because of the very good work Ibrahim (Mogra) has been doing, and we are all doing, that we are in a good position.”

Mr Mogra said: “Muslim communities in Britain are shocked and appalled by the horrific murder in Woolwich.

“The murderers chanted slogans during their heinous crime claiming to do it in God’s name.

“Far from it.

“This is a betrayal of Islam.

“This is a truly barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and we condemn it utterly and unreservedly.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee Rigby’s family and friends and especially his two-year-old son.

“Drummer Rigby was a serving member of the armed forces.

“Muslims have long served in this country’s armed forces proudly and with honour.

“This attack on a member of the armed forces is dishonourable and no cause can justify this murder.

“This crime has heightened tensions across the country. The MCB calls on all our communities, Muslim and non-Muslim to come together in solidarity to ensure the forces of hatred do not prevail.

“I am immensely grateful for the leadership of our archbishop during this most difficult time and thank leaders of all our faith communities for your support.

“Your local Muslim communities will welcome your support and I encourage you to knock at the doors of every mosque and offer you neighbourly love.

He added: “There is concern about safety in large sections of Muslim communities who live in mixed areas.

“We hope that the police will ensure law and order is maintained.

“We say to the Muslim community: “Let us continue with our lives as normal.

“If we begin to cower and hide ourselves away then we allow the terrorists win. Life must go on.”

Bishop Tim said: “I hope what is clear is that this terrible incident, from driving a wedge between us will bring us closer together.”

Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the mosque for Friday payers and heard Imam Muhammad Sindhi condemn Wednesday’s tragedy.

He said: “Don’t be extremists. In Islam there is no space for terror or terrorism.

“Islam doesn’t teach, in broad daylight, to go out into the streets of London wielding a butcher’s cleaver and hack someone to death.

“This Stone Age savagery is not the message of Islam.”

MUSLIMS SHOCKED BY HATE KILLING

There are four of these blue boxes around the city centre, housing vendors of the Leicester Mercury. This one is at the top of Gallowtree Gate, near British Home Stores. Each of the blue boxes had this headline poster on it. I think this was a good thing to say in public and I  wanted to record it.

FIRST PERSON: RELIGION CAN'T BE DEFENCE FOR BRUTAL KILLINGS

Suleman Nagdi has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Religion can't be defence for brutal killings

Suleman Nagdi says the murder of a soldier on a London Street betrays all Muslims

The shocking murder which took place on Wednesday has left me appalled and angry. Appalled at the brutality and savageness of the murder of an innocent man and angry that this wanton act of violence is being labelled as "Islamic".

The Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) rightly condemned in the strongest terms possible what occurred. I concur with our Prime Minister when he said: "This was not just an attack on Britain. It was a betrayal of Islam and the Muslim communities who give so much to our country."

I must begin by expressing sympathy and condolences to the family of the dead soldier, who have lost their loved one as a result of inexplicable violence.

It is shocking that this tragedy happened in broad daylight.

Eyewitness accounts describe the depth of psychotic callousness with which the killers acted – killers whose motives are irrelevant, as the crime itself demonstrates an extreme level of psychological disturbance.

I am numb and outraged that two people intent on violence have hijacked my faith to such an end. This is a complete distortion of the true meaning of Islam.

It betrays all Muslims who have peace and compassion in their hearts and particularly those in our Muslim communities across the UK who work for the security of our nation.

Such a brutal act of murder cannot be justified using religion as a defence. Islam places the highest value on life and safeguarding a single human life is tantamount to safeguarding all life.

It is truly distressing to see the extreme right opportunistically using this tragedy to spout their vicious racist hatred and sadder still to see that some people are responding to this incident by joining their extreme cause.

Most Muslims I have spoken to have been distressed by the fact they are being made to defend themselves when the deranged killings have nothing to do with them or their religion.

The killers' motives are political and their methods are criminal.

The tensions felt by British Muslims will be exacerbated in the days to come by those who blame all Muslims for the actions of two psychotic men, who may happen to be Muslim.

As reports of two lone attacks on mosques in Britain are covered in the media, it is imperative that all of our communities, Muslim and non-Muslim, come together in solidarity to ensure the forces of hatred do not prevail.

It is important we allow our police authorities to do their job without speculation. We also urge the utmost vigilance and ask the police authorities to calm tensions and ensure this tragedy does not unfold into greater tragedy.

Suleman Nagdi is chairman of Leicestershire Faith Forum [sic] and spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations.

MERCURY OPINION: TERRORISM MUST NEVER DIVIDE US

This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Terrorism must never divide us

It is a sad reflection of the turbulent times in which we live that Muslim leaders have had to swiftly put out public statements condemning the utterly horrific and barbaric murder of a soldier in London on Wednesday afternoon. They should not need to do so any more than any other group.

The people who carried out this atrocious attack are hopelessly deluded and misguided individuals and do not remotely reflect the values of the Muslim community.

However, Muslims have been so demonised over the past few years that an incident such as this fuels unwarranted suspicion and reprisals, as we have seen in London with attacks on mosques.

It is in this febrile atmosphere that Muslim leaders have had to react quickly to make it clear that the actions of the killers are condemned by the Islamic community and do not represent its values and beliefs.

Apparently, the killers chanted the name of Allah during their vile attack. People who have committed atrocities throughout history have proclaimed religious faith, as though their appalling actions have some sort of divine sanction. In reality, they are simply using the name of a faith to try to justify their own crimes. Their behaviour bears no relation to the teachings of the religions they proclaim.

Defeating terrorism is not just the work of the police and security services but wider society, too. It is about being united and showing the terrorists that people in this country stand shoulder-to-shoulder with one another in the name of peace whatever their faith and background. Those who demonise Muslims or attack mosques are just continuing the division and discord that the terrorists seek.

The reality is that terrorists have nothing to do with any of us. They are people who exist on the margins of society wrapped up in their own hate-filled views. They are not part of any religion or group or community. They are isolated individuals in a hell of their own making.

Finally, let's not lose sight of what matters most here; the dreadful death of a young man in the most barbaric way imaginable. Our hearts go out to his loved ones. We cannot imagine the pain they are going through. Our sympathies seem inadequate in the face of this horror but they are all we have to give.

LEICESTER'S MUSLIM LEADERS CONDEMN WOOLWICH SOLDIER KILLING

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Sheikh Ibrahim Moghra

Leicester's Muslim Leaders condemn Woolwich soldier killing

by Dan Martin

Muslim leaders in Leicester have condemned the murder of a soldier in London yesterday in a suspected terrorist attack.

The serviceman was killed in the street near army barracks in Woolwich yesterday afternoon.

Shocked passers-by then took video footage of the two suspected culprits - one of whom said the victim had been attacked because British troops had killed Muslims everyday.

Witnesses reported the soldier was hacked to death after being run over. The suspected attackers were then shot and injured by police before being taken to hospital.

Today religious leaders in Leicester stressed the incident was in no way representative of Muslims here.

Ibrahim Mogra, imam at three city mosques and the assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain said: “We are shocked at this killing as is every decent human being. It was an appalling killing on our streets in broad daylight.

“One of the culprits claims to have done it in the name of God and Islam. Absolutely not. How dare he use the name of God to try to justify this terrible act. There is nothing in Islam that justifies vigilantism.”

Mr Mogra urged people to remain calm in the aftermath of the killing.He said: “We must allow the authorities to carry out their investigation.

“We should be vigilant against those who would use this awful act to try to divide the community. We cannot allow hate-filled people from any side to drive a wedge between us.

“It must be clear that the vast majority of Muslims stand side by side with all other communities in condemning this brutal killing.”

THe Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) has also condemned the killing in “the strongest terms possible.”

Leicester-based FMO spokesman Suleman Nagdi said "This is a most truly appalling crime.

“Reports about the graphic nature of the incident with the use of a machete to commit murder in full public view, makes this case even more reprehensible. As the situation unfolds, our thoughts are with the family of the victim.

Mr Nagdi added: “The FMO condemns violence for whichever cause in all its hideous guises and it is our sincere hope that the perpetrators of this horrendous crime are brought to justice.

“Muslims historically through the first and second World Wars have contributed greatly to the defence of our country.

“I appeal for all communities to remain calm in the face of this attack and not to allow this evil crime to divide communities in our country.”

The Bishop of Leicester, Rt Rev Tim Stevens, has also called on communities to remain calm following the murder.

He said: “I am deeply distressed by reports of this barbaric attack which took place in front of passers-by in a street in South London.

“It has been confirmed that the victim was a serving soldier and the Prime Minister has said that there were "strong indications that it is a terrorist attack".

“The police now need to be allowed to do their job and ascertain the facts behind what took place.

“Individuals who commit such crimes in the name of religion or politics stand at odds with the compassionate shared values which we stand for as a society.

“Such acts aim to divide our communities and I call upon everyone to remain calm and united.

“At this deeply tragic time, my prayers and thoughts are for the victim and those who knew him, but also those many ordinary people traumatised by this shocking and wholly unjustified event.”

LEICESTERSHIRE INTERFAITH FORUM STATEMENT RE WOOLWICH INCIDENT

As you can imagine, faithful reader, many comments and statements will be made regarding the incident in Woolwich, Wednesday 22 May 2013. I'm posting a selection of these on the blog, limited to relevant organisations with which Leicester Council of Faiths is involved to some extent. Below is a statement by Leicestershire Interfaith Forum, issued today in the names of the Chair, Mr Suleman Nagdi, and Vice Chair, Mr Resham Singh Sandhu:

The Leicestershire Interfaith Forum join with people across the country and world in condemning in the strongest possible terms the atrocity that took place on the streets of Woolwich yesterday. The Forum also calls for calm and peace on the streets of our city and county and for people to remember the murdered victim and to offer thoughts and prayers to his family at this sad time.

The Chair of the Interfaith Forum, Mr Suleman Nagdi stated that he was "immensely saddened at the tragic curtailing of a life spent in service of this country". Mr Nagdi also stated the following: "I am truly shocked at the fact that this tragedy happened in daylight on a street in my country and to a fellow citizen. I am also numb and outraged that two people intent on violence have 'hijacked' my faith to such an end. This is a complete distortion of the true meaning of Islam. It betrays all Muslims who have peace and compassion in their hearts and particularly those in our Muslim communities across the UK who serve our nation in the armed forces and indeed in all areas of life".

The Vice-Chair of the Leicestershire Interfaith Forum, Mr Resham Singh Sandhu wholeheartedly endorsed Mr Nagdi's comments, calling for people of all faiths and none to ensure that the hatred behind the murder was not in any way reciprocated or continued in its aftermath.

Mr Nagdi and Mr Singh Sandhu were united in their conviction that peace and harmony must prevail, that people saw the true meaning of Islam and of all faiths as messages of peace, goodwill, cooperation and friendship across our communities. The Interfaith Forum stands as an embodiment of this commitment and will continue to work to bring people of all faiths and none together for the common good.

Mr Suleman Nagdi (Chair of the Leicestershire Interfaith Forum)Mr Resham Singh Sandhu (Vice Chair of the Leicestershire Interfaith Forum)

FEDERATION OF MUSLIM ORGANISATIONS STATEMENT RE WOOLWICH INCIDENT

As you can imagine, faithful reader, many comments and statements will be made regarding the incident in Woolwich, Wednesday 22 May 2013. I'm posting a selection of these on the blog, limited to relevant organisations with which Leicester Council of Faiths is involved to some extent. Below is a statement issued this evening by the Federation of Muslim Organisations:

Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) condemns in the strongest terms possible the shocking and abhorrent murder of a soldier in Woolwich, London. FMO PR Officer Suleman Nagdi said "This is a most truly appalling crime. Reports about the graphic nature of the incident with the use of a machete to commit murder in full public view, makes this case even more reprehensible. As the situation unfolds, our thoughts are with the family of the victim".

The Prime Minister David Cameron has said that there are "strong indications that it is a terrorist incident". Mr Nagdi added, "The FMO condemns violence for whichever cause in all its hideous guises and it is our sincere hope that the perpetrators of this horrendous crime are brought to justice. Muslims historically through the first and second World Wars have contributed greatly to the defence of our country.  I appeal for all communities to remain calm in the face of this attack and not to allow this evil crime to divide communities in our country".

MEAT TESTS SHOULD REASSURE

This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Meat tests should reassure

Leicester City Council is to undertake widespread testing of meat. The aim is to reassure residents.

It is easy to find criticism of the outrage provoked by revelations some food products have contained meat other than the type advertised. Some have argued eating horsemeat, for example, is not dangerous, and consumers should "get things in proportion".

However, it appears the scandal has concerned a sizeable proportion of meat eaters; both butchers and manufacturers of vegetarian food have reported a significant increase in trade.

Whatever your view, consumers have a right to know they are eating what they believe they are buying and eating. That is something that is particularly important for Muslims, for whom the consumption of pork is prohibited.

The tests being carried out by the city council will, we hope, reassure consumers that they can have absolute confidence in local businesses.

HALAL BURGERS OFF MENU AT 19 SCHOOLS AFTER PORK FIND

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Halal burgers off menu at 19 schools after pork find

by Fiona Dryden & Jonathan Pott-Negrine

Halal lamb burgers have been removed from 19 city schools after tests revealed pork content in a sample burger.

Halal products are used in 24 city schools, but only 19 of these are affected because the lamb burger was served there.

The burgers have been on Leicester school menus since January this year and are the only product supplied to the city council by the firm.

Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for schools, said she was “appalled by the situation.”

Coun Dempster said: “The council took immediate action when it was discovered and the product was withdrawn from school menus immediately ahead of further tests being carried out. We will not be using this company again.

“It’s disgraceful that none of us can have confidence in the food we eat. We regret any distress this will cause families and staff, and would like to reassure them that robust action is being taken to address this serious matter.”

Regular tests have been carried out on behalf of the council since the horse meat scandal in February when traces were found in beef products across the country.

The council was informed of the results on April 18 and says it withdrew the product the following day to await further tests.

All other Halal products used in the council’s kitchens are supplied by another company, The Punjab Kitchen Ltd, based in Tyneside.

Tests have shown that they are Halal compliant.

Education bosses have sent out 6,000 letters to parents and head teachers at the affected schools this week to tell them about the situation.

Trevor Pringle, the city council’s director of young people’s services, said: “We will not be purchasing any further products from this supplier and we have made it clear to all our suppliers that this is totally unacceptable. We are taking urgent legal advice about the next steps.”

The Food Standards Agency has been notified of the contamination, along with local authority bosses in Doncaster.

Taylor Road Primary, in St Matthews, Leicester, is among the schools which received the lamb burger.

However, head teacher Chris Hassall, said that it had not been served in school since March.

He said: “The horse meat scandal made me very cautious about the food we were serving in school and regardless of its halal content, we did not consider it to be the healthiest option - therefore it was removed from our menu.

“I eat school dinners myself everyday and I want to be assured that children are receiving nutritious food that is what it says it is.

“I’m pleased that we took our own precautionary measures and that Leicester City Council has been pro-active enough to carry out tests since this scandal immerged. [sic]

“Muslim parents need to have confidence in school food and the council has been absolutely transparent about its findings.”

The council has been working with the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) as part of its investigations.

Suleman Nagdi from the FMO said: “This is a shocking and unacceptable development. As Muslims, we cherish our strict dietary needs, which are well known and have been developed for well over a thousand years. The consumption of pork and alcohol is prohibited for all Muslims.

“This recent event will raise an issue of confidence in our community as to the measures and processes that are put in place that gives assurance of Halal meals. All due diligence procedures should be thoroughly reviewed and bolstered where necessary and should include intermittent and random sample testing which should encompass DNA testing.

“It’s hoped that this will not occur again and the community are now looking to the city council and our elected councillors for this assurance and to rebuild the confidence that has clearly been shaken.”

The federation has also urged the council to take legal action against the company concerned.

Mr Nagdi added: “We feel that such a prosecution would be in the public interest and would send a clear message to all businesses in this sector that contamination will not be tolerated.

These are the schools:

• Coleman Primary, Crown Hills.
• Crown Hills Community College, Crown Hills.
• Hazel Primary, in the Filbert Street area
• Humberstone Infants school,in Humberstone
• Humberstone Junior school, in Humberstone
• Linden Primary, in Evington
• Medway Primary, in Highfields
• Northfield House Primary, in Northfields
• Oaklands Special School, in Evington
• Shenton Primary, in Spinney Hills
• Slater Primary, near Frog Island
• Sparkenhoe Primary, in Highfields
• Spinney Hill Primary, in Spinney Hills
• St Barnabus CofE Primary, in Evington
• St Paul’s School, in Evington
• Taylor Road Primary, in St Matthews
• Uplands Infant School,in Highfields
• Uplans Junior school, in Highfields
• Whitehall Primary, in Evington

FREE SPEECH, YES, BUT MUST IT BE SO LOUD?

Harry Perry has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Free speech, yes, but must it be so loud?

Harry Perry, of Leicester Secular Society, has his own say on the city's modern speakers' corner

A reprint of a 1958 article in the Mercury referred to a Sunday morning Speakers' Corner, in the Market Place. Orators from different persuasions would regale onlookers with their particular truth – even some from Leicester Secular Society. And all without artificial amplification.

Speakers' Corner has long since ended, but I ventured into the city centre on a sunny Saturday to see how free speech is faring today.

The first encounter was by the Haymarket – seven Christians singing in Chinese to the accompaniment of a chap on a fiddle.

It was easy on the ear so I stopped to listen for a minute. This brought me to the attention of the choir and a chorister broke away to offer me … eternal salvation. I explained I was an atheist and way beyond redemption.

Next stop was a Muslim stall near the Clock Tower. The African chap here was keen to debate. I struggled to hear, being hampered by the PA system blaring out behind me.

I think he explained he didn't belong to a mosque, believing them all to be wrong in their telling of Mohammed's message. We soon got to the inevitable, "how did the universe start?"

For the sake of argument I said "The Big Bang". He said: "Yes, and that's what Allah told Mohammed, too"!

My eyebrows rose of their own accord. Pulling out his well-thumbed Koran he flicked to the relevant verse… which refers to the Earth appearing in a puff of smoke.

"There, he said, the Big Bang."

"A puff of smoke is hardly the Big Bang," I replied, and left to give my undivided attention to the Christians with the PA system.

I was offered another leaflet promising forgiveness and was told the group was made up of "Charismatics and Pentecostals". My new friend was unfazed by my declaration of atheism and invited me to a meeting. I declined, and dreaded to think what their PA system must be like within the confines of a closed room.

As I passed the Big TV on my way home I thought its manager could take a leaf out of the evangelists' book. It can be heard for only about 40 yards, while the evangelical sound waves travel far down High Street. Indeed, if loudness was any guide to truth they'd have a head start on the skyway to Heaven for sure.

What a wonderful thing free speech is – but guys, there is no correlation between volume and veracity, so why not turn the amp down – or dump it altogether?

Harry Perry is president of Leicester Secular Society