Well well well, look who is in the headlines….once again. The Islam4UK group a.k.a Al-Muhajiroun, experts in fueling anger and hatred. They are frequently given the platform to speak, conveniently getting major media attention which they use to incite hatred and whether directly or indirectly, the result of their actions only damages the image of British Muslims and Islam. They openly claim they want Shariah and follow the Prophet Muhammad(SAW), while behaving in a manner that is so far off the way of the Prophet(SAW) that it really makes you think; is there more than that which meets the eye?
Who they are and what they do – some basics
(1) They’re a group called al-Muhajiroun re-invented under a new name. (2) They’re a minority, they exist mainly in one town and they aren’t gaining support or a following. (3) They were pushed off the streets and told to leave by their (Muslim) townsfolk. (4) Many of them don’t work and believe it’s okay to leech from the government. (5) They organise protests at all the wrong times, shout inflammatory remarks and the media is conveniently always there to get some juicy footage of “Extreme British Muslims”. They seem to have a suspiciously “special” relationship with the tabloids. (6) I don’t like the word “extremist” nor do I like labels, but these guys have views that are far from Islamic, so it’s safe to say they are extremely off the mark when it comes to Islam. (7) Overall they don’t embody the way of the Prophet(SAW), watch a few videos on YouTube, it becomes apparent very quickly. (8) You’ll find them donning the appearance of the stereotypical “extremist”; thobe, big beard, a kiffayah wrapped around the face or alternatively the old serious look. (9) Overall, most Muslims will agree that they are a waste of space and are creating friction in a time when we need cohesion and understanding.
Their chosen methods/styles of interaction
When trying to understand these people, you’ll find it difficult to comprehend why they act as they do. Firstly, from a universal perspective of humanity, or even common sense, most sane people know what will hurt, upset and simply tick other people off. Likewise we know which areas are sensitive and require a little wisdom in the way they are approached. While there is nothing wrong with protesting against the War for example, basic knowledge, understanding of human psychology and care about fellow humans should prompt any responsible person to voice their opinions in a way that won’t unnecessarily incite hatred or cause people to become averse to ones message. Why don’t these guys understand that? I mean really, it doesn’t take a genius.
Secondly, lets take the Islamic perspective. Anybody who has read the biography of the Prophet Muhammad(SAW) will see that he(SAW) was a hard working, active and useful member of society, a highly respected person due to his wisdom and his undeniably impressive manners[among Muslims and Non-Muslims]. Most importantly He(SAW) was responsible and rational. Then why do we see these guys shouting about Shariah while they are behaving contrary to the Prophet(SAW)’s way? You’ll see them on the news shouting and acting aggressive, holding up banners with questionable comments on them when they know it’s only going to stir up negative emotions, which cause offence to some and make life UNNECESSARILY difficult for others, all the while presenting Islam in a negative light. They show no responsibility or concern for the consequences of their actions. Again I ask, why do these guys not understand this?
Whats the deal with ‘Islam4UK’: Is there more than meets the eye?
Apart from finding their mannerisms repulsive and their intellect lacking, there are a few possibilities that present themselves. Speculation among Muslims may vary, but the objective mind points to two possibilities:
1) They really believe what they are doing is correct and Islamic. If this is the case, then we’re dealing with some really thick headed and ignorant people. [In my opinion I don't believe their leaders are that stupid, I think they are well aware of the consequences of their actions]
2) They know what they are doing and are doing it on purpose, completely aware of the damage they cause, by increasing anti-Islam/Muslim feelings and pushing people towards hatred, and away from peace. Maybe there are *ahem* ‘incentives’ involved? A fellow blogger recently mentioned a group of people in the U.S who seem to be doing similar things and alluded to the agent provocateur concept. Are Islam4UK’s antics not ideal given that the governments are continuously trying to justify this “War on terror” while instilling fear in the world populous? The Muslim and British population in general are not benefiting from the actions of this group. Is Islam4UK’s leader, Anjem Choudry the self proclaimed Sharia Judge, really that dimwitted? If not, then whose cause is he helping? All I’ll say is “hmmmmm” with a raised eyebrow.
How they get away with misrepresenting Islam
The sad thing is the media has often proven to be a bias and unreliable source, yet the majority of people believe what they hear and see on TV. While the media has a part to play, it’s time we as Muslims look inside ourselves and realise we have a larger part of the blame. Muslims in the US/UK tend to be disconnected from society, they remain in their Pakistani, Arab, Bengali communities, however this is not the way of the Prophet(SAW) as we have a duty to spread the uncorrupted message of peace to our neighbours, colleagues and friends – this is best done through action, behaving like Muslims, not just holding the title of Islam. For obvious reasons people like Islam4UK will continue to have disproportionate media attention, making it all the more essential that Muslims and Non-Muslims educate themselves about the truth. We must free our minds and realise there is an initiative to inject fear into our hearts of a religion which is far from barbaric and oppressive, but revolves completely around morality, justice and peace for all of mankind, regardless of race, religion or culture.
Salaam, great article!
Islam4UK seem to enjoy grabbing any media attention, which often results in negative media for muslims because of them.
I think they just enjoy the attention they get from the media because theres not really any other grounding for it!
Isn’t it strange how all the decent muslim groups never get attention. Its like the media plans to show Islam in a bad light, and it would, even if Islam4UK didn’t exist.
what your saying is true i have just started to read the qur”an and find it very hard to believe that these people have read it too.they totally misrepresent ordinary muslims,but do think that muslims should integrate better into communities instead of isolating themselfs .
after all our holy books are very similar ,and we should be building bridges instead off divides.
Wassalam
“They really believe what they are doing is correct and Islamic. If this is the case, then we’re dealing with some really thick headed and ignorant people. ”
It could be ignorance, and also a case of Allah swt misguiding these people. Maybe they need educating, but they also need to willing to learn from the wise, the righteous, the guided. Some people allow their arrogance and egos to over-take them.
They’ve been banned now on the basis of terrorism. A part of it was also to prevent people to incite hatred, and I wonder whether there’s any real balance in that. Whether it spans across the spectrum.
It is the responsibility of Muslims to work harder to integrate into society, to become a part of the norm in order that fight the perception of the ‘other’ DESPITE the many inevitable obstacles.
It comes down to sincerity and opening ones heart and mind to the truth and wholeheartedly, happily acccepting and implementing it without hesitation.
I find it reprehensible that even with the magnitude of potential benefit Islam has to offer, its public image is personified by a horde of obtuse and ranting individuals. The focus of Islam4uk is to instil a sense of religious identity upon the impressionable and uncultured members of the muslim community. They attribute a purpose to behaving in seemingly controversial ways by using provocative and aggressive language.
Any group that claims to represent a profoundly glorious religion would never rely on primal responses to achieve it’s goals, this is the methodology of insufferable brutes!!!. Since man decided to control his fellowman many identity groups have emerged claiming supremacy over a concept or comprehension. This process is inextricably linked with creating rifts between humanity, increasing distinction by alluding to the differences of people as opposed to the similarities.
Al-muhajiroun’s intention is to attain pleasure in the segragating of others, this provides the with a sense of purpose and control. The prophet, peace be upon him, said ‘ the best of humanity are those that benefit others’, considering this statement I ask what benefit have they bought, I can only see detriment!!!
Thanks to the brother for this article he has developed an issue that is vital for regaining a balanced perception of Islam as opposed to the currently incongruent one.
Good stuff. I’d add, muslims really need to start engaging with anjem choudhoury and his group and get to the bottom of his behaviour properly.