I refer to the letter last month which lambasted Labour and its supporters who advocated that the wider and long term interests of the Muslim community in the UK should take precedence over those of Iraq and which are best served by supporting the Labour Party.
No single Party will ever fulfil all our demands and needs, but on balance, the Labour Party is better than the others - a view shared by the MCB and the Ulema.
Labours' achievements in promoting religious freedom and community relations in the UK is second to none. I wont list them all, but Muslim schools and Muslim representation in Parliament, setting up of the Haj delegation and the Lawrence Enquiry, facilitating Islamic mortgages, outlawing of religious discrimination at work and the abolishment of the hated Primary Purpose rule are just some examples.
Labour is also committed to eradicating third world poverty and has written off 100 per cent of debt for the poorest countries, which includes countries with Muslim populations. They are also committed to a just and lasting resolution to the Palestine issue whilst it was Labour who also intervened in the Kosovo crisis to help Muslims.
Contrary to what some people may feel, we too are concerned about Iraq and we are lobbying from within the Labour Party but I am realistic enough to know that whilst we may not be able to change American or British foreign policy from here in Blackburn, I believe our stance will achieve significantly more for both the UK Muslims and the Muslims in Iraq and Palestine than simply slandering and abusing fellow Muslims, as some correspondents have done.
Perhaps one day all those who disagree with our support for Labour, will realise that even the four great Imams differed in opinion from each other and that before them the Shahabas (RA, the Holy Prophets' (PBUH) companions) too differed in opinion amongst each other. However, this did not make any one Imam or any one Shahabah superior to the others (and Allah knows best).
Perhaps one day.....but I wont hold my breath!
Ibrahim Master
London Road
Blackburn
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article