9 September 2006

Immediate Press Release

9/11 – Five years on, gap between British Muslims and wider society is increasing

Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, Leader of the Muslim Parliament and Director of the London-based think tank, the Muslim Institute, has stated that the gap between Muslim communities and British society is widening as a result of the Muslim communities’ failure to sufficiently recognise, and expunge, the militant Jihadist ideology in their midst, and a British media that is still obsessed with promoting the views of extremist voices on both sides of the argument over that of moderate and progressive views. This has resulted in a greater fear and mistrust over the last five years between the two communities – as indicated by recent polls.

“The militant Jihadist ideology has succeeded in convincing many young British Muslims that the war on terror is a war on Islam and Muslims. As a result, many Muslims have remained in their ghetto mindset. Most mosques have remained immune to change – five years on, they have no plans to involve youth and women in mosque management and no serious de-radicalisation strategies. Also, more changes are required to Islamic faith-schools to make them inclusive and embracing of wider society.

“Muslim failure to act robustly against extremist ideology provides ammunition to those who wish to pursue the Neo-con agenda by demonising Muslims and creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred within society.”

“Many in the media – notwithstanding notable exceptions – still prefer sensationalism to sober news reporting. By providing extremists’ voices so much air time, they inadvertently promote and boost their credibility in local communities. This has had the affect of drowning out moderate voices that are emerging quietly at a grassroots level.

“It is up to moderate Muslims to reclaim Islam and for a new generation of young Muslim activists and leaders to emerge who love both their country and their religion. And it is up to journalists to give them the time and air space they deserve.”

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For more information please contact Dr Siddiqui on 07860 259 289 / 020 8563 1995