Christian councillor accuses 'mega-mosque' group of broken promises
Posted: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 9:56 (BST)
Newham councillor Alan Craig last night accused Tablighi Jamaat, the controversial Islamic sect behind plans for a giant mosque near the site of the 2012 Olympics, of breaking its promises about keeping local people informed.
He called on them to "immediately come clean with their plans".
Tablighi Jamaat says that the mosque will include a 12,000-capacity prayer hall, a conference centre and an Islamic school as well as a library, an Islamic garden and living quarters.
Cllr Craig criticised the group for not being more transparent with the details of its proposals for the mosque, saying that enquiries to its public relations advisers, Indigo Public Affairs, had "regularly drawn a blank".
He also criticised the group for failing to meet their promise of a "Work in Progress" open day this summer.
"Tablighi Jamaat pledged an Open Day event during the summer at which we would view the work, see an exhibition and meet their architects and consultants," said Cllr Craig who is leader of the Christian Peoples Alliance group on Newham Council. "It is now almost the end of summer with the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan just two weeks away, yet there is still no sign of the event."
He continued: "In March they indicated to local residents and media their serious intent to press ahead with their mosque but refused to answer questions or give details," said Alan Craig. "So five months later worried locals are left with the threat of this huge mosque hanging over their heads yet still are given no information."
Tablighi Jamaat has also come under fire from moderate Muslims. Dr Taj Hargey, of the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford, accused the group of espousing a virulent intolerant form of Islam that will "generate social friction rather than community cohesion", whilst Dr Irfan al-Alawi, of the Centre for Islamic Pluralism, accused the group of being linked to terrorist activities in Pakistan and Britain.
"Tablighi Jamaat is a secretive global missionary sect from South Asia that wants to build its international headquarters mosque here in London," said Cllr Craig. "Yet they will not enter into discussions or explanation of their plans.
"This silence is not golden. It represents yet another false claim and broken promise by Tablighi Jamaat."
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 11:22 (BST)
Tablighi Jamaat are notorious, many terrorists have links to them. They pretend to be non political while being very political. I have read many articles in various publications about secretive Islamist groups such as these.
Recently there have been calls to stop all religious funds from Saudi Arabia (The home of Islam) and I like many people agree. The Saudis have a long term plan to change Britain into an Islamic state. There are many organisations from all over the world set up to do this.
We do not want them here, they have no right. Enough is enough.
Michael, London, UK
Added: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 11:15 (BST)
"There is no place for a non-Muslim child or a teacher in a Muslim schools. Bilingual Muslim children need bilingual Muslim teachers as role models during their developmental periods." Iftikhar...
No, British Asians need British role models, they do learn another language at school: French or German, plus you could always teach children Welsh or Gaelic.
An absolutely disgusting idea to undermine our country. I am Chinese/British I went to a British school, the last thing our country needs is even more segregation.
It is clear that Islamists have a plan to take over the UK and are simply biding their time. Islam encourages 'taqiyya' - lying by omission to gain the trust of the non believer. Truly shocking.
Islam is more than a religion, it is a total political and military system. I am an ethnic 'minority' and it is clear to me that this multi-cultural experiment has failed.
The divisive separatists who are damaging our country should be asked nicely to leave the UK, its not too much trouble, after all their relatives- like mine came from abroad. Although mine didn't seek to undermine the country. I learned English and observe all British festivals, traditions and customs, I don't need special laws, special food or a multi-faith centre, those that do not adapt should leave.
To tolerate the intolerant is cowardice.
Paul Wong, London, UK
Added: Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 19:12 (BST)
Muslims are always secretive and not open at all. Of course they will not be open because ther acts and deeds are dangerous. the Governemnt should not allow it to build a mosque because there are already pelnt to meet their needs.
v. john, West Yorkshire
Added: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 22:03 (BST)
Salaam
Muslim community needs Masajid as well as state funded Muslim schools in those areas where Muslims are in majority. The number of Muslim is on the increase in Newham due to high birth rate, migration and conversion. There is a great demand for a mega Masjid in Newham. The demand for state funded Muslim schools is in accordance with the law of the land. There are a dozen state schools where Muslim pupils are in majority. In my opinion, all such schools may be designated as Muslim community schools. There is no place for a non-Muslim child or a teacher in a Muslim schools. Bilingual Muslim children need bilingual Muslim teachers as role models during their developmental periods.
Bilingual Muslim children need to learn standard English to follow the National Curriculum and go for higher studies and research to serve humanity. They need to learn Arabic, Urdu and other community languages to keep in touch with their cultural roots and enjoy the beauty of their literature and poetry.
A Muslim is a citizen of this tiny global village. He/she does not want to become notoriously monolingual Brit.
Iftikhar, United Kingdom
Added: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 19:07 (BST)
To describe the Tablighi Jamaat as a "controversial Islamic sect" shows ignorance of Muslim communities, the group has historically been criticized within the Muslim community as being too passive and non political. Having been born and brought up in Newham, a borough with a rich history of tolerance and multi-culturalismn, it's sad to see how a minority within the Christian faith have jumped onto the Islamaphobia band wagon. In a society were faith is constantly under attack we need to support others who wish to practice their faith.
Ayesha, London, UK
