BMSD Press release:
PRESS RELEASE – 15th February 2011
British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) are alarmed at the footage contained in last night’s Dispatches programme, “Lessons in Hate and Violence” on Channel 4. The documentary exposed sectarian teachings and violence against children in certain madrassahs, as well as the inadequate regulation of such institutions.
BMSD notes that British Muslims are caught in a quagmire between far-right extremism, and extremism that purports to have a religious basis. During these testing times, mosques and madrassahs have an enormous responsibility to promote harmony. This includes enjoining respect for non-Muslims, as well as Muslims who may vary in their levels of belief and practice.
It is therefore highly distressing that certain madrassahs are able to teach a hardline version of Islam (in some cases, with impunity). The Government must ensure that existing child protection legislation is extended to cover after-school institutions, and that the recommendations in good practice guides – such as Kirklees Council’s “Safe Children, Sound Learning: Guidance for Madrassahs” – are followed.
Dr Shaaz Mahboob, Vice-Chair of British Muslims for Secular Democracy, said: “BMSD hopes that such occurrences are not the norm, but happen in only a minority of cases. Further research, with the co-operation of mosques and madrassahs, should unveil the true picture. BMSD would like to work with Islamic institutions to promote harmony, civic responsibilities and democratic norms.”
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Notes to the editors:
bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.
bmsd’s mission statement: “To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.”
bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.
For details please visit
http://www.bmsd.org.uk For any further queries, please contact: Dr Shaaz Mahboob on shaaz@bmsd.org.uk or 07961365751 or Tehmina Kazi on 0207 242 8691.
Topic: Dispatches: Lessons in Hate & Violence