Republication of Danish Cartoons

I am deeply saddened by the republication of these evil cartoons; I condemn the newspapers concerned unreservedly and urge them to stop escalating this matter.

I urge the Muslim community across the world to remain calm and not allow success to those that want a violent reaction from the community. I urge people to express their concern via their Danish embassy and to the Danish Government.

I support and practice freedom of speech but this ends when others are hurt

I'm attacked by right wing bigots, badge of honour!!!

Recently the right wing bigots who class themselves as columnists in mainstream British Newspaper have started attacking me for taking a different position to theirs on Nazir Ali's comments on no go areas by Muslim extremists in the UK, see below for comments:

Mohammed Shafiq accused the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, of spreading hatred towards Muslims

Writing in the Daily Express, Forsyth laid into Mr Shafiq, spokesman for the Rochdale-based Ramadhan Foundation, over his comments.

Forsyth called for his resignation for saying that fundamentalism had made some Islamic communities hostile to Christians and those from other faiths.

But Day of the Jackal author Forsyth said the Foundation and fellow Muslim organisation, the Islamic Society of Great Britain, were over-reacting and accused them of distorting the truth.

He wrote in the Express: "The Ramadhan Foundation claimed again that anyone criticising even the most extreme proponents of the poison that beyond any doubt exists inside the Muslim ‘umma’ in our country is criticising all Muslims.

"This is simply not true and one suspects these ‘spokesmen’ secretly know it.

"The Bishop made absolutely plain that he was referring to extremists and to suggest that no such maniacs exist is ludicrous."

He added: "To claim to speak for British Islam, but only to rage at a Christian bishop who preaches against the evil of hatred – and hatred is evil in all beliefs – is not the answer."

But Mr Shafiq has hit back at the criticism, claiming the column was an attempt to demonise his organisation.

He said: "There is clear intent to demonise and attack a Muslim organisation, which works to build understanding between different communities.

"There is clearly an attempt to attack me in particular and damage my reputation. These comments belittle the work we do."

I welcomes the comments and support from the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams for the introduction of Sharia law in the United Kingdom for civil matters. These comments from Archbishop Williams are testament to his attempts to understand Islam and promote tolerance and respect between our great faiths.

The introduction of Sharia Law for civil matters in the UK will allow British Muslims to seek religious ruling for matters that UK courts do not pass judgement on, Sharia law is widely misunderstood and this intervention from Archbishop Williams will reinstate the debate based on facts not right wing headlines.

I do however express concern that Archbishop Williams did not speak publically against the comments made by Mr. Nazir Ali about no go areas, it is now clear that his article was false and in fact there are no go areas for Christians in the UK. Without the strong condemnation from Archbishop Williams when certain figures try to promote intolerance Muslims will take the silence as authority and support for such comments.

I will continue to work with the Church of England to build understanding and respect for our two communities”

Banning of Shaykh Yusuf Al Qardawi

I want to expresses my total condemnation and concern at the banning of Shaykh Yusuf Al Qardawi from visiting the UK for medical treatment. The Government have pandered to the right wing xenophobes who wish to isolate and demonise Islam and Muslims.

Shaykh Al Qardawi is a voice of moderation and is widely respected across the international community, he has spoken out against terrorism and totally condemns 9/11, 7/7 and other terrorist attacks. I am concerned that this will fuel the anger Muslims have towards the Government and Politicians like David Cameron who jumps on bandwagons to demonise Islam and Muslims.

There are many people in the BNP and the far right that project violence and hatred towards minorities yet this Government does not take any action, this banning smacks of double standards, one rule for Muslims and one for non Muslims.

I urge the government to rethink this decision and allow him to come to the UK for medical treatment.

I am clear that the Government is pandering to prejudices when it made this decision.”