Post by maruf on May 7, 2005 1:14:40 GMT -5
Muslims told not to vote
But forum highlights community's positive impact
By Aamina Zafar
MUSLIMS at a conference discovered the positive impact they have made to their community.
More than 100 visitors attended the Road to Progress for the Muslim community conference, which was held at Copthorne Hotel, Cippenham Lane, Slough, on Sunday.
The event, hosted by Hizb-ut-Tahrir, featured three speeches about Muslim life in Britain today.
The proceedings were kicked off by aid worker Nadeem Illyas, who gave a presentation about his journey to various regions across Asia where he delivered aid to Tsunami victims.
This was followed by a speech by the editor of Salam Magazine, Taji Mustafa, who gave tips on how Muslims can maintain an Islamic lifestyle while living in the West. His tips included setting up youth clubs to avoid children turning to drugs and a Muslim networking service to allow people to build up contacts outside pubs. Other ideas involved ensuring Muslim youngsters receive an Islamic education by setting up more education centres.
Meanwhile, Hizb-ut-Tahrir member Asif Dawood urged Muslims not to vote in the May 5 General Elections.
Speaking before the meeting Mr Dawood said: "Over the last 30 years, the government has not delivered to the Muslim community. We [the Muslim community] have chronic drug and education problems. "We have real problems and need real initiatives"
"We are encouraging the community to adopt an independent political path because political parties are unsuitable for the Muslim community, don't vote."
A crèche was provided at the event to encourage mothers to attend the gathering. This was noted by Hizb-ut-Tahrir member Shagufta Malik, 30, who said: "It's so important for our message to get to all family members because we are discussing things that affect everyone. They all should be here."
Visitors had the chance to sign a petition demanding the release of prisoners who are held in custody without evidence -including Slough resident Moutaz Dabas, who was arrested and held without charge in March.
Organisers are hopeful they will collect at least 1,000 names for the document, which will be presented to Paddington Green police station tomorrow (Saturday) during a march, protesting against Muslims who have been held in police custody without evidence.
Source: Slough Observer
But forum highlights community's positive impact
By Aamina Zafar
MUSLIMS at a conference discovered the positive impact they have made to their community.
More than 100 visitors attended the Road to Progress for the Muslim community conference, which was held at Copthorne Hotel, Cippenham Lane, Slough, on Sunday.
The event, hosted by Hizb-ut-Tahrir, featured three speeches about Muslim life in Britain today.
The proceedings were kicked off by aid worker Nadeem Illyas, who gave a presentation about his journey to various regions across Asia where he delivered aid to Tsunami victims.
This was followed by a speech by the editor of Salam Magazine, Taji Mustafa, who gave tips on how Muslims can maintain an Islamic lifestyle while living in the West. His tips included setting up youth clubs to avoid children turning to drugs and a Muslim networking service to allow people to build up contacts outside pubs. Other ideas involved ensuring Muslim youngsters receive an Islamic education by setting up more education centres.
Meanwhile, Hizb-ut-Tahrir member Asif Dawood urged Muslims not to vote in the May 5 General Elections.
Speaking before the meeting Mr Dawood said: "Over the last 30 years, the government has not delivered to the Muslim community. We [the Muslim community] have chronic drug and education problems. "We have real problems and need real initiatives"
"We are encouraging the community to adopt an independent political path because political parties are unsuitable for the Muslim community, don't vote."
A crèche was provided at the event to encourage mothers to attend the gathering. This was noted by Hizb-ut-Tahrir member Shagufta Malik, 30, who said: "It's so important for our message to get to all family members because we are discussing things that affect everyone. They all should be here."
Visitors had the chance to sign a petition demanding the release of prisoners who are held in custody without evidence -including Slough resident Moutaz Dabas, who was arrested and held without charge in March.
Organisers are hopeful they will collect at least 1,000 names for the document, which will be presented to Paddington Green police station tomorrow (Saturday) during a march, protesting against Muslims who have been held in police custody without evidence.
Source: Slough Observer