Victory for the peace loving people of Harrow
Today’s demonstration by the Stop Islamisation of Europe and the English Defence League was in every measure a miserable defeat for the hate mongers and the Islamaphobes.
The Harrow Central Mosque is extremely grateful that people from so many backgrounds and faiths stood shoulder to shoulder in support of and in solidarity towards this great centre of peace and harmony.
The Mosque would also like to express its grateful thanks to the youth of Harrow and its surrounding areas for heeding the call to not attend this event.
During the afternoon the Mosque extended an invitation to both the groups and at one stage even directly invited the leaders of EDL to have face to face and civilised constructive dialogue with Mosque representatives. Initially they agreed but then changed their minds and went home. However, the SIOE declined to accept the invitation point blank and the leader of this group, Stephen Gash, said ‘this will be a total waste of time and fruitless exercise’.
The Mosque is always ready to welcome all people regardless of faith or background and is proud of its well long standing track record to uphold the principles of a multicultural and cohesive society.
So today was a victory for the people of Harrow and defeat for the racists and the fascists. There is only message the Mosque is willing to give- this is our home; Britain is our country; British people are our people; and we will do everything for its well-being.
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Cross religious and political support for Harrow Muslims
At a press conference at Harrow Mosque on Tuesday 8 December, there was unanimous support for the Muslims of Harrow ahead of a yet another protest by a far right extremist on Sunday 13 December.
This was a unique gathering where high profile leaders from every faith and politicians, both locally and nationally, spoke out time after time about the freedom of worship to be protected. Everyone spoke about the shared values across the religions and stood steadfastly with the Muslims. They also praised the way the Mosque had conducted itself by appealing for calm and restraint despite the provocation from a handful of individuals out to besmirch the Islamic faith.
We are grateful to the following who spoke out so forcefully against the protesters:
- Rabbi Jonathon Ramain
- The Reverend Canon Dr Giles Fraser, Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral
- Rajesh Parmar, Wealdstone Hindu Temple
- Sheikh Babikir, Southall Imam
- Hafiz Muhammad Akram, Harrow Imam
- Sheikh Sulemani, Hounslow Imam
- Bhopal Bachu, Southall Sikh Temple
- Andrew Copson, British Humanist Association
- Tony McNulty MP
- David Ashton, Harrow Council Leader
- Susan Hall, Deputy Leader of Harrow Council and Environment and Community Safety
- Navin Shah, GLA member for Brent and Harrow and Jain representative
- Chief Inspector Nick Davies, Met Police (Harrow)
This event was widely reported by BBC London as well as the Harrow Times and Harrow Observer.
Harrow Mosque is appealing for calm and asking for people not to attend any counter demonstration, a sentiment since echoed by the Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
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PRESS STATEMENT
Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Harrow Central Mosque is disappointed that once again people from outside the area will attempt to disrupt our hitherto peaceful community relations in Harrow. We join with the residents of Harrow in refusing to be antagonised by outside provocation. We extend an open invitation for the leaders of the protest to meet with us and discuss their concerns and dispel their ignorance over the British Muslim community.
Our message to the young people who will be attending is not to fall into the trap from those who clearly want to provoke you into an angry response. Foremost, our message is: if you want to help, then stay away on the day. We have the fullest confidence in the Police to safeguard the mosque. If you are to attend we request that you are not disruptive. We should be open, proud of our faith and behave with the correct Islamic etiquette at all times.
Our message to anti-fascist groups is that we respectfully ask that you do not organize any counter-demonstrations. We value the goodwill of others but believe that a counter demonstration only sows more discord on the day.
Harrow Central Mosque & Masood Islamic Centre
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Harrow Declaration of Unity
We, the people who live and work in Harrow, are united in our commitment to the Borough.
We are proud of Harrow, the diversity and integrity of our people and our common purpose in building a safe, prosperous and healthy Borough.
We cherish our tradition of welcoming visitors and newcomers and our dedication to building stronger communities.
We stand together to reject all those who bring division or hatred within or without Harrow on whatever grounds.
We accept the rights and responsibilities of our commitment to Harrow: to show dignity and respect to all who live and visit here and to reject intolerance in all its forms.
To sign the document please CLICK HERE: SIGNING PAGE
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