Islam Channel: A Hotbed of Extremism?
Islam Channel: A Hotbed of Extremism?
...in the case of QF, devise an unsubstantiated association between interpretations of Islamic law found on Islam Channel and terrorism.
There are numerous examples that demonstrate the ridiculous nature of the so-called ‘research’, all of which illustrate that the report in itself is not only flawed and extremely biased, but that its very notion of being research is in contradiction to the bias it continuously exhibits. For example, the author of the report, Talal Rajab, clearly states in the introduction that the foremost concern to be had with the channel is its criticism of dogma adhered to by his parents, ‘Furthermore, as a Muslim whose mother follows the Shafi’i school of thought with aspects of Sufism and whose father combines those Sufic aspects with an adherence to the Ja’afari Shi’ah school of thought I have also been troubled by the sharp denunciations and criticisms of followers of both traditions by presenters on the channel.’[3] The statement is amusing, not least in view of the fact that any piece of research should refrain from exhibiting the biased nature of the researcher, something this ‘researcher’ has evidently not managed to do. Furthermore, the researcher has proven unable to distinguish between theological creed and political opinion. His accusations are as irrational as a Christian claiming that Islam Channel is biased towards Islam, or, that the channel portrays Islam to be the only true faith. If presenters provide a theological outlook which is inconsistent with the true nature of the Islamic sources of authority, it is up to individuals imbued with scholastic learning to challenge them on a theological basis, not for farcical groups to run to non-Muslims (as is usually the case with QF) and protest about matters that in no way pertain to them. Rajab’s approach implies quite clearly that the paper will in no way attempt to sincerely approach the claims made about the channel, but that QF have found a new target for their witch-hunt, given that it’s been quite a while since we’ve heard anything substantial from them.
The so called opposition of Islam Channel to mainstream Islam has been contrived merely due to the author’s sensibilities, namely, his parents comprising of a Sufi and Shi’ite, and it is this sectarianism that the QF has actively promoted since its inception that threatens to disunite Muslims along sectarian lines. Indeed, supposing that Islam Channel is guilty of promoting a sectarian outlook, is not QF’s work of exactly the same nature, albeit simply an alternative sect? Moreover, certain examples used by Rajab to indicate ‘extremism’ clearly conflict with Islamic law, such as worshipping at graves or supplicating to the dead. Indeed, it is a point of consensus amongst scholars from across sectarian divides, even Sufis, that to supplicate to the dead is a form of shirk (polytheism). The Qur’an itself states, ‘and they worship besides Allah things that neither hurt them nor profit them, and they say: "These are our intercessors with Allah." Say: "Do you inform Allah of that which He knows not in the heavens and on the earth?" Glorified and exalted is He above all that which they associate as partners with Him!’[4] This one example (of which there are many) clearly demonstrates the ignorance and malintent of the author and the way in which he deceitfully attempts to alter theological points into political discourse.
Most of the points raised by Rajab either pertain to fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) or aqidah (Islamic creed) that have nothing to do with politics. If, as Majid Nawaz claims, QF ‘is a political thinktank and as such does not claim to speak on behalf of anyone,’[5] then a political thinktank has no part whatsoever in discussing Islamic jurisprudence or theology, or, in the case of QF, devise an unsubstantiated association between interpretations of Islamic law found on Islam Channel and terrorism. However, as is ever the case with such fraudsters, their agenda neither reflects the genuine needs of the Muslim community, nor, as in the case of QF, a genuine and ingenuous approach to combating acts of violence perpetrated against civilians, but instead, they rally to the concerns of non-Muslims, and thus, never will you find QF and their like discussing issues that play no importance to non-Muslims. A mere glance at the issues raised by QF quite easily demonstrates this, for every time the (non-Muslim) media conjures the latest ‘Muslim’ problem QF are closely behind writing a report. Every time a famous face masked with Islamaphobia comments on a Muslim phenomenon QF have promptly issued a statement in concurrence. But where are their voices that speak out about the wave of Islamaphobia (an issue that does affect Muslims) that has recently surged across various institutions? Even their ally, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown has managed to see the affair for what it truly is, ‘...with Muslims, the establishment has surpassed its previous disgraceful record. They steal our human and civil rights and don't even try to behave with a modicum of honour during and after war. The same people call upon us to be more "British" but treat us as lesser citizens.’6]
Comically, QF are also seemingly offended by presenters’ comments on other religions, ‘and viewers are advised to “not imitate the non-believers” or wear clothes that “make us look like the non-believers”;the implication being that adopting what presenters on the Islam Channel refer to as ‘non-Muslim culture’ is undesirable.’[7] Yep, that’s exactly what they’re saying, just as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Abdullah ibn Umar upon seeing him wearing two saffron garments, “Indeed these are from the dress of the disbelievers, so do not wear them.”[8] There are numerous examples in the Prophetic traditions where the Messenger of God commanded that a line of demarcation be made between belief and disbelief, believer and disbeliever. Indeed, he physically demonstrated such as theological separation when he drew a line in the sand and said, “This is God’s path.” He then drew several lines [branching off] to the right and to the left and said, “These are the paths [of misguidance] on each of which is a devil inviting people to follow it.” He then recited the verse: ‘Verily, this is my path, leading straight, so follow it. And do not follow the [other] paths for they will scatter you about from God’s path. That is His command to you in order that you may be conscious of God.’[9]
The QF, in keeping with their political agenda, have attempted to assemble a slapdash report which bears none of the hallmarks of a sound and valid piece of research. At every turn QF have attempted to link extremism to theological and juristic issues, and in irrationally doing so, they overlook the fact that Islam Channel is an Islamic (and not terrestrial TV!) channel with an Islamic ideology that counters non-Islamic ideas. If, as QF claims, Islam Channel should be more inclusive of all, the same could equally said about various faith channels, from Christian, to Hindu and Sikh.Furthermore, Rajab states, ‘Young British Muslims need real answers on how to live as citizens in a pluralist, secular and diverse society.’[10] No doubt they do, but why must those answers be provided by Islam Channel? The channel claims neither to be political in nature nor does it include in its remit the need to repel ‘extremism’. If the QF founders, after having been members of HuT (Hizb ut- Tahrir), feel the overarching need to replace one political ideology (HuT) with another (QF), why must we all follow in their footsteps? Having answered the call of the divine, albeit the god of secularism, they stoop to ‘ideological blackmail’ (implying that disagreement with the QF is tantamount to ‘extremism’) in order to coerce Muslims to adhere to their perverted creed. Rajab claims that ‘Islam Channel is wasting an enormous opportunity to positively shaping British Islam.’[11] Even if that were the case, Islam Channel reserves the right to do so, and it is up to the board of directors to decide what to do with that opportunity.
The contradiction that is QF is incessantly being exposed, not only to the masses of moderate Muslims who actually practice their faith, but also to those who once might have lent an ear to these agitators out of naivety. The QF, just as BMSD (British Muslims for Secular Democracy), after having alleged that ‘Wahhabi-Deobandi-Jihadist-literalist-extremist-fanatic- fundamentalists’ are attempting an ideological coup, are attempting exactly the same, and now try to ram their inconsistent babble down our throats. Having realised that they have no audience, they are now trying belligerently to take control of Muslim media – something we must wilfully resist. The government should be made to know that the Muslim community, although at times divided, are at least united in standing against these pitiable nuisances.
Notes:
source: www.islam21c.com
[1] Please note that I am, in no way, expressing agreement with the all of the views espoused on Islam Channel. I merely seek to criticise the Quilliam Foundation, their methodology, and their with-hunt.
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