| By Matthew Penright Security Correspondent London Daily News
The 1.3 million British Muslim community is preparing to end the Ramdan fast only to be confronted with yet more as they see it “provocation and incitement” in the form of the “Jewel of Medina” novel which has been described by the moderate “Ramadan Foundation” “as an attempt to belittle, spear one of the greatest woman in Islam Aisha (RA).
On Saturday morning a petrol bomb was used to attack the home of the publisher Gibson Square which has resulted in the arrest of several London Muslims, and the anti-terror police stepping up its efforts to prevent any further incidents.
The Ramadan Foundation has sent a message to all British Muslims urging them:
“To remain calm and peaceful but be under no illusion our faith is constantly under attack and we will not remain silent – we urge Muslims and those people of faith that are disgusted at this novel to unite and launch a peaceful campaign to protect the honour of all faiths and their figures.”
“We further strongly condemn the violence and terrorism that has been used this weekend against the Gibson Square Publishing House, whilst we passionately oppose their plans to print the novel, trying to use violence is against Islam and we urge all Muslims to remain peaceful and within the law.”
Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of the Foundation comments:
“I am disgusted at the novel and the plans by Gibson House to publish, this serves no purpose and does little to promote understanding between communities – indeed attacking the central figures of Islam under the guise of freedom of speech is patronising and the world sees their attempt to belittle our faith.
“I also strongly condemn the thugs that used terrorism against the publishing house; they do not represent Islam or Muslims and violence in any form cannot be justified and we urge the Publishers to withdraw publication.”
The intelligence and counter terrorism units of the police are believed to preparing an effort to prevent any attacks or protests that may create more animosity in the capital at this holy time in the Muslim calendar. |
The statement from the Ramadan foundation is commendable, but some serious soul searching should be done as to why it is even necessary.
Do people really think that this “novel” is some sort of formulated attack on their belief, or a half-rate author cashing in on publicity. Don’t buy into it.
http:/troyshouse.blogspot.com
Troy
October 3, 2008 at 2:58 pm
“There are enough conflicts in the world already, we don’t need another one!”
The novel is clearly a silly attempt by a first time author to earn some quick publicity (and therefore money). It is clear for everyone to see. Any publishing house thinking of publishing this novel is also doing it for the same reason.
After September 11, and all of the religious conflicts that are currently taking place all over the world, the last thing everyone needs is for an amateur novelist and a few publishing companies to create a new issue that will further divide the communities of the world.
Out of all the things in the world to write about, the author, Sherry Jones, has made a mistake to write her very first novel about the most revered man in Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and his wife Aisha (RA).
This matter should be drawn to a quick close by an apology from the author, and any companies involved, and the immediate end to any thoughts or actions of releasing the novel.
This is best for the entire world.
Miff
October 11, 2008 at 10:47 am