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Tag Archives: Pakistan

Who is Muslim?

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A Muslim is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe

Jabir heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say:
A Muslim is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe. (Muslim 14)

Narrated AbuHurayrah:
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe and a believer is one in whom people place their trust in regard to their life and wealth. (Al-Tirmidhi 3)

Narrated Abdullah bin Amr:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. And a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden.” (Al-Bukhari 1:9)

United for Pakistan?

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Conference at Portcullis House, Westminster, 13th June 2011

 

The function was chaired by Sheikh Daoud Rosser-Owen, Amir of the Association of British Muslims (AOBM) the focus of which was to support Pakistani students and youth activists in both in Pakistan and the United Kingdom to help the people of Pakistan.

Mr Abu Bakr Carberry said that it is essential that the Muslim community develop its ability to utilise economic and political power with the UK, ensuring that there is a wider distribution of power within the U.K. He also insisted that it is important that the Muslim community use that power to ensure that they champion the needs of all deprived groups. He argued that economic and political marginalisation is the driver of extremism in a variety of communities.

The Association of British Muslims is working with a diverse range of contacts and is in the process of making a strategic think tank for exercising political, economic influence and reach out to the corridors of powers both in the United Kingdom and overseas.

Mr Paul Salahuddin Armstrong, Co-Director of AOBM stated, “The world has become a global village, it would be wrong therefore, to think that we will not be affected by some trouble erupting in some other country. For example, the current economic crisis highlighted, what effects one effects us all”.

President of the National Union of Pakistani Students and Alumni (NUPSA) Mr Hussain Ali said they were working for the welfare of Pakistani students to raise positive image of Pakistan. “Our basic aim is to change the negative image of Pakistan through our positive activities. We go to different universities under the ‘Pehchan Programme’ as we have to teach our youth how they could play their role in bringing about a positive change in the system. Youth need to be empowered to benefit from their talents”.

Further Mr Ali said seminars and conferences are arranged from the organisation’s platform both in the United Kingdom and Pakistan. The PYLC (Pakistan Young Leaders’ Conference) has been held for the last two years to provide opportunities for students to interact and exchange views and to hear and question politicians directly. Issues are debated and their possible solutions are discussed.

The Vice President of NUPSA, Mr Ahmed Khan Yousufzai stated, “Pakistani youth have always proved that they can achieve anything they want with their determination. Youth were the vanguard of the Pakistan movement. Youth of today want supremacy of constitution and stable democracy.”

In responding to the panel: His Excellency Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK stated, “Pakistan is not responsible for extremism and radicalisation in Britain, whereas the fact remains that people of diverse schools of thought had sought political asylum in this country. They enjoyed complete freedom to preach their religious ideologies and thoughts. Mr Durrani further said, “Hizb-Ut-Tahrir in Pakistan is banned, but here in the UK its members are propagating their ideas unchecked”. Mr Durrani emphasised that he supports the freedom of expression, but “The British need to know these are the causes of spreading extremism and such ideology unchallenged, is working as breeding ground for extremism that affects Pakistan and other parts of the world” he said, “One should check his own home before raising fingers at others”.

Further The Deputy High Commissioner for Pakistan mentioned that the Middle East crisis should be resolved to frustrate Al-Qaeda further but no serious step is being taken in this direction. He asked British Muslims to press Her Majesty’s Government to resolve Middle East crisis. He said Pakistan is suffering from the wounds of its past. “We did not invite Russia to invade Afghanistan, nor did the Afghan refugees come to Pakistan at our will, “Instead of criticising we should pay attention to these social problems and find their solutions”.

Dr Khurshid Ahmed said, “Instead of holding one another responsible for extremism, there needs to be a stronger focus on empowering the youth and students to bring about educational revolution.” He maintained, “Efforts should be made through think tanks against polarisation and to address youth issues”. He implored the youth, instead of dreaming for basic changes, they should be the change they so desire.

NUPSA Under Pechan Pakistan Programme 24 universities have been visited and meetings held with their students. This year under ‘Bashaoor Pakistan programme’ schools in deprived areas of Pakistan will be visited and the students would be given information about civic responsibilities, political system and importance of vote.

The purpose of this conference was to show that British Muslims stand with the People of Pakistan – especially the youth and students in their desire for a positive, prosperous future and that we will share our knowledge, skills, education.

 

In Solidarity with the People of Pakistan!

Family and the Fight Against Terror

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By Sheikh Muhammad Amin Evans

Some comments from Shiekh Muhammad Amin Evans of the Britslam Partnership regarding a few issues that came up during the AOBM / NUPSA conference, United for Pakistan held on Monday at Portcullis House in Westminster. The Association of British Muslims will shortly be releasing an official statement.

At AoBM’s conference ‘United for Pakistan?’, in the House of Commons yesterday, Deputy High Commissioner Asif Durrani stated that the most common experience of crime for Pakistanis is that perpetrated by near relatives. While this would be a poor reason for not dealing with the extremism, torture and extra-judicial killings that have disabled Pakistan’s society and marred its international reputation it is a valid observation that endorses my own work experience, sharing and implementing shari’ah rulings, of many Pakistani, although not exclusively, families. A functional family unit is the essential building-block of a wholesome society and it is clear that where dysfunctional families abound social order suffers. Even where families are apparently stable the customary use of force and torture are injustices that spread from the shelter of the home to undermine a nation’s social and humanitarian values.

The Islamic model of the family is a structure built with rights, duties and obligations applied to and respected by all its members. It is the nature of this structure that human dignity and status are not merely recognised but also enhanced. Even a servant may become a member of such a household. However, all too often rights and duties are applied selectively and obligations are held to be duties to serve the needs of a rigidly unjust patriarchal family structure dominated by a male-gaze.

Male and female heads of families feel entitled to excessively misuse the limited Islamic right to use corporal punishment, conceived to deter immoral behaviour, as a means to enforce their own sense of importance and interests upon weaker or vulnerable relatives. Children are brainwashed and brow-beaten into believing that such hierarchical and gender based injustice is ‘Islamic’ and acceptable. Thus, in extreme cases, as adults they are coerced into unsuitable marriages, or to maintain loveless or violent marriages, inheritance rights are voided, inter-sibling violence erupts, self-respect is destroyed and with it the respect for law and humanity. Although, these are extreme cases the belief culture that relies upon misinterpretations of Islamic texts and false honour values to spawn them is all too common.

Parents and elder relatives do not have the right to be obeyed absolutely. Parents do have the right to be respected and not treated rudely but this does not extend to their bad guidance being followed or their wrong deeds being praiseworthy. Muslim children should remember that on the last of days they will be called upon to give evidence against themselves and their loved ones. It is our belief that if they have aided and enabled their parents to do wrong, they will all be accountable before a Judge who sees through the cloaks of lies and false honour.

The aim of the conference was to see how British Muslims might help and support our brothers and sisters in and from Pakistan. While we can, and should, talk about a fairer and more prosperous economy to promote peaceful and law-abiding societies free from the threats of corruption and terrorism there is little that we can do as voluntary organisations or as individuals to implement such sound advice. Where we can have an immediate and important effect is in our homes and neighbourhoods by conducting our family affairs according to moral Islamic principles rather than feudal customs, expecting this of our friends and demanding that our governments, like good parents, do the same.

Reprieve | Pakistan Police Torture Project

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When a YouTube video emerged last summer showing Pakistani policemen taking turns to beat prisoners in their custody, it sparked a surge of anger among Pakistanis around the world. In the weeks following, a notable pessimism set in as bloggers and commentators mused on the inevitability of police abuse in Pakistan.  But for those working towards a fairer Pakistani justice system, including my team at legal action charity Reprieve, these are exciting times — with plenty of reasons for hope.

YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are enabling citizens and police alike to communicate and disseminate information like never before, even with limited resources. This means cases of police abuse are better disseminated, increasing debate around an issue that many were previously too scared to raise. Yet there are also many positive stories to be told about the police– real-life day-to-day anecdotes that encourage citizens to trust officers more, and inspire police to be the best they can be.

Positive stories are important because, despite their reputation, many members of the Pakistan Police Force are hard-working, trustworthy pillars of society – the embodiment of the childhood career ambitions of so many. This is despite numerous inadequacies in their employment, notably the low level of financial reward that comes with such responsibility.

Of course there are exceptions. Some corrupt officers demand bribes and abuse those in their custody, and it is these stories that may now be taking permanent residence in many people’s minds.  The recently published report by the Asian Human Rights Commission on the incarceration and subsequent torture of Ruby Masih in August 2010 is available to all at www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2010/3595. Following police occupation of her Karachi home, Ruby filed a First Incident Report against those police responsible, which led to her being arrested, allegedly gang raped and held incommunicado for 50 days. It has also emerged that 50 year-old father-of-five Akbar Khan was apparently beaten to death by police in Harbanspura Precinct in February 2010, after allegedly being found to possess a small amount of hashish.

These incidents are crimes committed by corrupt officers and should be treated as such. Yet the fact that they are increasingly emerging into the public domain is the crucial first step. While all police forces struggle to control officers who would abuse their power, it is the persistent cover-ups which have roused so much resentment in Pakistan. And for this, sunlight is the best disinfectant. We’ve seen how the media attention surrounding the Sialkot killings generated debate, demonstrations and much-needed criticism of the officers involved; the police were subsequently disciplined.

That’s why we at Reprieve’s Pakistan Police Torture Project are trying to shine a light on the Pakistan Police Force, for better or for worse. Based in Birmingham in the UK, we are collecting witness statements of both British Pakistanis and Pakistani nationals who have passed through police stations and prisons across Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. With lawyers in the UK and Islamabad, and experience representing those held in Guantanamo Bay, Reprieve is well-placed to assist those who have suffered at the hands of authority. We have helped release many prisoners, including Moazzam Begg and Binyam Mohamed, and taken important confidential testimony about the so-called ‘War on Terror’ from countless more. Personal stories about encounters with the police, both positive and negative, help us to assist prisoners in seemingly hopeless situations.

With your help we can assist people like Ruby, Akbar and the families of those poor boys murdered in the summer of 2010 in Sialkot, and eventually restore trust and transparency in the police force in Pakistan  Help us to create pride in a country where so many positive stories still remain to be told.

Our ultimate aim is to have torture abolished and restore trust in the Pakistan Police Force, thereby making life easier for all Pakistanis, British or otherwise. If you too want this, please contact us or visit www.reprieve.org.uk/pakistanpolicetortureproject.

 

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring

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By Bulleh Shah

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring
The lesson of love-rapture when first I read
The mosque my heart began to dread
Into the Thakur’s abode I fled
Where a thousand conches sing

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring
When the ways of love-rapture I gained
Differences of me and you were not sustained
The shell and pith were washed clean, unstained
Wherever I look the Friend is befriending

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring
Heer-Raanjha came into fusion
Erring Heer search in the moors had begun
In her shawl frolicks beloved Raanjhan
I have no sense now, nor that awareness thing

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring
Reading, re-reading the Qur’an, Vedas, scholars are tired
Marks on foreheads by myriad rubdowns are sired
God’s not in Mecca nor in holy shrines mired
Once light enters the heart it’ll forever ring

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring
Burn down the prayer-mat, crack the ablutions vessel!
Forsake the rosary, the priest’s scepter, his cudgel!
Hear the Love-raptured declare from the heart and yell
“Give up sanctioned fare, take to carrion eating!”

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring
A lifetime wasted in the mosque
The pith a profane, brimming cask
Never Unity focus of the praying-flask
Now why the raving, ranting?

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring
Love-rapture made me forget prostrations before You
Now why the shrewish wrangles construe?
Long silent Bullha to silence says adieu
He’s in raptures! loving and loving

Every moment love’s a new surge of spring

Extract from, “Bulleh Shah Within Reach” by Muzaffar A Ghaffaar, part of the Masterworks of Punjaabi Sufi Poetry series.

The Enemy Within…

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By Paul Salahuddin Armstrong
Co-Director, AOBM

“A nation can survive its fools and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and he carries his banners openly against the city.

But the traitor moves among those within the gates freely, his sly whispers rustling through all alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself.

For the traitor appears no traitor; he speaks in the accents familiar to his victim, and he wears their face and their garments and he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men.

He rots the soul of a nation; he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of a city; he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to be feared. The traitor is the plague.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero, from a speech to the Roman Senate.

Today there are some within the Muslim community (ummat ul momineen), who blame all our problems on others; be it America or Israel, consumerism or globalisation, communism or capitalism etc. While all this time, we’re not facing up to the fact that many of the problems our community faces, are self-inflicted! There are some calling for jihad, yet they neglect the real jihad - jihad means struggle or striving, although there are some who only interpret it as warfare!

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AOBM On The Visit of Fazlur Rehman to the United Kingdom

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The Visit of Fazlur Rehman to the United Kingdom

The Association of British Muslims views with serious concern to decision of Her Majesty’s Government to allow the visit of Mr Fazlur Rehman, head and founder of the Jamiat Ulama e Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), to the United Kingdom.

It had previously acted to refuse entry to Zakir Naik and Qadi Ahmed. To allow the visit of Mr Fazlur Rehman smacks of inconsistency in its purported programme to eradicate extremism within the UK’s Muslim communities, especially given the cautionary advice from Mr Ansar Burney (former Pakistan federal Minister for Human Rights).

Mr Fazlur Rehman’s organisation has been closely linked to the development of the madrassahs that produced the Taliban both in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which body is causing great internal security issues in this fellow Commonwealth country.

It has, however, been pointed out that the government of the former President of Pakistan, General Musharraf, did try an use Mr Fazlur Rehman as an intermediary in negotiations with Mulla Omar of the Afghan Taliban.

If it is the intention of HMG to get Mr Fazlur Rehman to assist with setting up a chain of negotiation with the Afghan Taliban as a necessary prelude to the withdrawal of Her Majesty’s Forces from that country, then the Association of British Muslims would welcome such a step wholeheartedly but would consider that a more discreet approach would have been more efficacious.

Contact: press@aobm.org

Update: Floods in Pakistan

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Every day the magnitude of this flood disaster in Pakistan is increasing. Some 20 million people have now been effected. Pakistan and its people are going through a terrible time, especially with this flood. The images speak for themselves. They are so difficult to watch and think about what it must be like, to experience this sort of thing… Natural disasters affect all of us, it could be us next time…

Please forward this video to friends and send money to some reputable charity, to help the flood afflicted people of Pakistan, many of whom have lost everything…


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