Brick Lane traders hit back

Brick Lane traders hit back at hate preacher’s anti-alcohol march - Crime - Hackney Gazette "Traders in Brick Lane have rejected calls to stop selling alcohol after a rally was held by a Muslim group that accused them of “destroying the community”."

Lee Rigby trial - update

BBC News, Lee Rigby murder 'indefensible', court hears, 17 Dec 2013 "In his closing speech, prosecutor Richard Whittam QC said: "Islam, one of the world's great religions, is not on trial.""

Lee Rigby murder trial

BBC News, Lee Rigby murder trial: Michael Adebolajo 'a soldier of Allah', 9 Dec 2013 "A man has admitted killing soldier Lee Rigby but said it was not murder because "I am a soldier of Allah" and "this is a war"."

Yasmin Alibhai Brown discusses universities

Yasmin Alibhai Brown, Independent, It’s shameful that our universities have accepted gender segregation under pressure from the most oppressive religious fanatics opinion piece

'Muslim vigilantes jailed for 'sharia law' attacks in London'

Guardian, Muslim vigilantes jailed for 'sharia law' attacks in London, 6 Dec 2013 "A judge at the Old Bailey had heard that Jordan Horner, 19, Ricardo MacFarlane, 26, and a 23-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons, had terrorised a couple for walking through Bethnal Green holding hands, told a woman in Stepney that she would be punished in "hellfire" because of the way she was dressed, and attacked a group of men who were drinking in Shoreditch."

'A Road Trip to War'

Recommended listening: BBC World Service, A Road Trip to War "Catrin Nye follows the British Muslims risking their lives to deliver medical supplies, blankets and dried food to the thousands of people affected by the on-going civil war in Syria. The group travel overland through France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece and finally to the Turkey-Syria border where they cross into Syria. They deliver aid by hand and dodge snipers to administer medical treatment in hospitals." Available to download/listen.

British Kataa’ib

Daily Mail, The British Muslims waging 'five-star jihad' for Al Qaeda: At least 17 extremists post messages about experiences in war-torn Syria "The group is called the British Kataa’ib, meaning British Brigades.

"As well as operating social media accounts that detail their activities, some of the group also operate blogs and even participate in question-and-answer sessions with supporters, often urging others to join them ‘while the path is clear’."

'British Muslims Decry Police Apathy'

OnIslam.net, British Muslims Decry Police Apathy "As British Muslims continue to fall victims of recurrent online hate messages, the police are failing to investigate these attacks, leading to increase of racial attacks against the religious minority."

Up to 20 Britons 'killed fighting in Syria'

Telegraph, Up to 20 Britons 'killed fighting in Syria', 21 Nov 2013 "Security sources believe number of Britons to have died fighting with al Qaeda linked rebels is well in to double figures, amid concern over conflict's attraction for would-be jihadists."

'Meet the Somalis'

opensocietyfoundations.org, Meet the Somalis: The illustrated stories of Somalis in seven cities in Europe 

I have yet to read this, but it looks like an innovative way to present a narrative (with shades of Joe Sacco)

 

'Forced weddings'

irinnews.org, Girls still sent to Kashmir for forced weddings "[Other] ... women have made dramatic escapes, using the internet to seek help from the British High Commission or hiding spoons in their underwear to set off airport metal detectors, giving them an opportunity to speak to authorities."

Lewthwaite Profile

Amelia Gentleman, Yahoo Australia, The Hunt For The White Widow "She was once a middle-class girl, from a sleepy English town, but, since the devastating Nairobis attacks, Samanatha Lewthwaite has become an international fugitive. Amelia Gentleman looks at the mystery and mythology of the "White Widow"."

'New Labour and the Re-making of British Islam: The Case of the Radical Middle Way and the “Reclamation” of the Classical Islamic Tradition'

Stephen H. Jones, New Labour and the Re-making of British Islam: The Case of the Radical Middle Way and the “Reclamation” of the Classical Islamic Tradition, Religions, Volume 4, Issue 4 have yet to read this " This article examines the emergence of new forms of Islam in Britain between the 1990s and the present, and in particular the role played by the New Labour government (1997–2010) in encouraging new expressions of Islam. It charts the development of the Islamic tradition in Britain between the migration of mainly South Asian Muslims in the 1950s and 1960s and the Rushdie affair in the late 1980s, before outlining some of the challenges Muslims in Britain have faced transmitting Islamic traditions in a stable state to younger generations. Against the backdrop of increasing public concern about an inter-generational divide among Muslims and its supposed role in allowing radicalism to flourish, the article explores recent attempts to develop and promote forms of Islam that are “authentically British” and that challenge radical perspectives. Using the case study of the Radical Middle Way initiative, it looks into the uneasy relationship between these newer forms of Islam and the supportive New Labour administration, highlighting weaknesses in literature that focuses on the ‘disciplining’ of Muslims. Finally, it explains how the concept of classical Islamic tradition is utilised in creative ways not anticipated or engaged with by advocates of the “clash of civilisations” thesis."

Burqa Escapee

Reuters, Government says to 'learn lessons' after male terror suspect escapes in burqa "A Somali-born man who escaped from special police surveillance by disguising himself in a burqa has exposed shortcomings in the way Britain handles some terrorism suspects, prompting an embarrassed government to announce a review."

Also see

Independent, Terror suspect Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed on the run after changing into burka on London mosque visit and Telegraph, Terror suspect who escaped in burka had alleged electronic tag tampering court case dropped

Do British Muslims confront extremism?

BBC, Do British Muslims confront extremism? "The wearing of the veil, along with attitudes to women, the radicalisation of some young British Muslims, sexual exploitation and grooming cases, forced marriages, and honour-based violence raise questions for Muslims in Britain today.


"Giles Dilnot reports on how British Muslim communities confront these issues, days after the World Islamic Economic Forum was hosted for the first time in London."

Fingerprinting for international students

Independent, Is this really necessary? Universities introduce fingerprinting for international students, 21 Oct 2013 "Universities of Sunderland and Ulster both involved"

Student pleads guilty to attacks on Midlands mosques

Guardian, Student pleads guilty to attacks on Midlands mosques "Pavlo Lapshyn killed 82-year-old Muslim and planted bombs in Wolverhampton and Tipton to increase racial conflict"

Forced Marriage Issues

Soeren Kern, Gatestone Institute, Britain's Underage Muslim Marriage Epidemic, October 15, 2013 "More than a dozen Muslim clerics at some of the biggest mosques in Britain have been caught on camera agreeing to marry off girls as young as 14." Also see ITV, Underage marriages 'agreed' which includes disclaimer from one of the mosques in the documentary. The full report is here. The ITV Exposure programme is still available to view via ITV Player until (around) 13 November 2013 for UK viewers.

"Britain’s jails facing ‘growing problem’ of forced conversion to Islam, officers warn"

Independent, Britain’s jails facing ‘growing problem’ of forced conversion to Islam, officers warn, 20 Oct 2013

Al Shabaab threaten British Muslims

BBC News, UK Muslims warned of militant al-Shabab threat, 18 Oct 2013 "British Muslims who speak out against extremism are being warned that they could be targeted by members of the Somali militant group al-Shabab." Update: Sky News, Al Shabaab Video Threatens British Muslims, 19 Oct 2013 Also see The Blaze, New Terrorist Video Urges Western Muslims to Emulate London Terror Attack, Fort Hood Shooting – Should We Be Worried?, 17 Oct 2013 opinion and analysis (+ link to 'safe copy' of video)

Al-Madinah School in Derby

This Is Derbyshire, Derby Muslim school Al-Madinah 'in chaos', says Ofsted, 17 Oct 2013 "The damning report into Al-Madinah School followed an emergency inspection at the beginning of the month, ordered by the Secretary of State."

Tommy Robinson's resignation - opinion piece

George Eaton, newstatesman.com, Tommy Robinson's resignation from the EDL is just a tactical retreat

EDL leader Tommy Robinson quits group over 'dangers of far-right extremism' - Home News - UK - The Independent

EDL leader Tommy Robinson quits group over 'dangers of far-right extremism', The Independent "Counter-extremism think tank Quilliam has announced Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll, leaders of the English Defence League, have decided to quit the far-right group."

'Two plead not guilty to Lee Rigby murder in Woolwich'

BBC News, Two plead not guilty to Lee Rigby murder in Woolwich, 27 Sep 2013 "Two men accused of murdering soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, south-east London, have pleaded not guilty."

Commentary on Lewthwaite controversy

Jamie Gilham, Guardian, CIF, 'White widow': public enemy No 1 "On Monday morning the front pages of the tabloids condemned "evil" and "fanatical" Samantha Lewthwaite, aka the white widow, as the Nairobi "bloodbath mastermind". The precise nature of the tragic events in Nairobi are still unfolding and, when the tabloids went to press on Sunday night, little was known about Lewthwaite's alleged involvement in the Nairobi attack. A few days on, we still don't know much, and the evidence against Lewthwaite is scant and contradictory. Nevertheless the Muslim convert and widow of 7/7 attacker Germaine Lindsay has become the symbol of home-grown terrorism, a target of fear and loathing."

Commentary on poll

Matthew Goodwin, Guardian, CIF, To tackle Islamophobia in Britain, we need to fight clever "The BBC poll has no sample of the wider population, so we have no way of knowing whether these views are unique to the young Britons polled, whether they reflect the national trend, or whether they paint a more positive picture of a young generation who are more at ease with migrants and minorities than older Britons. My money is on the last of these, and here's why."

BBC Poll

BBC Newsbeat, Quarter of young British people 'do not trust Muslims', 25 Sep 2013 "More than a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds in Britain do not trust Muslims, a BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat poll suggests.

"Of the 1,000 young people questioned, 28% said Britain would be better off with fewer Muslims, while 44% said Muslims did not share the same values as the rest of the population."

Naturalising Newham

BBC Asian Network, Naturalising Newham - Special Report "The Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, is on a mission to make his borough British. He thinks that if you live in Newham, the UK's least white borough, you need to speak English and adopt British values and he has brought in a range of measures to this end. So, by pushing integration is he uniting people or alienating them? BBC Asian Network's Catrin Nye has this special report."

'Former Territorial Army male soldier, 28, becomes Britain’s first transgender Muslim woman and is now MARRIED'

Daily Mail, Former Territorial Army male soldier, 28, becomes Britain’s first transgender Muslim woman and is now MARRIED, 13 Sep 2013 "A former trained soldier has swapped her Territorial Army beret for a veil and become Britain's first transgender Muslim woman."

'Birmingham Metropolitan College drops ban on Muslim face veils'

Evening Standard, Birmingham Metropolitan College drops ban on Muslim face veils "Birmingham Metropolitan College originally said students must remove all hoodies, hats, caps and veils while on the premises so that they were easily identifiable."

Habib Ghani

Daily Mail, Ally of world's most wanted woman the White Widow is shot dead in Somalia raid: Briton killed by rival Islamic militants, 13 Sep 2013 "A British bomb-maker on the run with the widow of a London 7/7 bomber is believed to have been killed in a gun battle in Somalia.

"Habib Ghani, 28, was ambushed along with one of America’s most wanted terrorists in a dawn raid after falling out with commanders from militant group al-Shabab."

Leicester fire deaths

BBC News, Leicester fire deaths: Murder probe starts after family killed

Bradford bus driver Mohammad is now at the wheel of the TUC

thetelegraphandargus.co.uk, Bradford bus driver Mohammad is now at the wheel of the TUC " A Bradford bus driver is now at the wheel of the powerful TUC after being elected its first Asian and Muslim president."

Islamic TV channel fined

Daily Mail, Islamic TV channel fined £85,000 by watchdog for broadcasting hate preacher's saying it was 'acceptable to murder anyone who disrespected Mohammed', 25 Aug 2013 "Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom reprimanded Al Ehya Digital Televison, which runs the Islamic channel Noor TV for allowing its presenter to tell viewers it was their duty to murder non-Muslims during a phone in show."

"Why young black men are ditching Christianity for Islam" - Bishop Joe Aldred

The Tablet, The Tablet Blog, Why young black men are ditching Christianity for Islam, Bishop Joe Aldred, 26 July 2013 "For some years now, there has been a noticeable increase in young black people, particularly men, moving across from mere fledgling Christian involvement to full immersion into Islam." Opinion piece.

"Eritrea Extorts UK Refugees to Fund Somalia's al-Shabaab Islamist Fighters"

Eritrea Extorts UK Refugees to Fund Somalia's al-Shabaab Islamist Fighters [SPECIAL REPORT] - IBTimes UK "Eritreans living in the UK are being forced by their own government to pay a "diaspora tax" that ultimately funds the secretive country's network of influence in the Horn of Africa, including supporting the al-Shabaab group of militants in Somalia, an IBTimes UK special investigation has uncovered."

Muslim Brotherhood - opinion piece

John Ware, Time to wise up to the Muslim Brotherhood - The Commentator "The Muslim Brotherhood plays off the naivete of the media and politicians, but with its background and what we all now should know, it's time to wise up to this illiberal organisation." Opinion piece by journalist John Ware.

Zakir Naik named Dubai’s Islamic Personality of the Year

Zakir Naik named Dubai’s Islamic Personality of the Year – The Express Tribune: "Britain had earlier banned Dr Zakir Naik from entering the country in June 2010. Dr Naik had been due to give a series of lectures in London and northern England but new Home Secretary Theresa May decided to bar him for some of his ‘unacceptable behaviour’."

Sami Yusuf to perform in Oman

‘Islam’s biggest rock star’ to perform in Oman - Alarabiya.net English | Front Page:

Big Iftar

Sayeeda Warsi, Breaking bread and Islam myths - Comment - Voices - The Independent "This weekend, mosques have been opening their doors to people of all faiths, and none, to share iftar, the meal Muslims have when they break their fast each evening during Ramadan. These events have been taking place in scores of community centres, living rooms, parks – even flash mobs – across the country."

Channel 4 - The Adhan: The Muslim Call to Prayer

Ramadan 2013

Independent, Ramadan 2013: Fasting for the body, food for the soul

British Muslims Sign Historic Intra-Faith Unity Statement

MCB, British Muslims Sign Historic Intra-Faith Unity Statement "British Muslims from a diverse range of faith traditions came together today to affirm their commitment to Muslim unity and pluralism. A historic document was signed by leaders and representatives of a number of organisations from a cross section of Britain's Muslim community. At a time of deepening sectarian tension in the Middle East and Muslim world, this document has been drawn up to warn and ward off any threat to cross-sectarian unity in the United Kingdom. With Britain possessing one of the most diverse Muslim communities on earth, this document is intended to provide an initial framework for respect, dialogue and cooperation amongst Britain's Muslims."

Muslim graves desecrated in Newport

southwalesargus.co.uk, Muslim graves desecrated by racist vandals "Muslim graves at a Newport cemetery have been desecrated with racist graffiti."

Half of Britain’s mosques have been attacked since 9/11

Independent, Half of Britain’s mosques have been attacked since 9/11

Also see: Tell MAMA (maps of Anti-Muslim Incidents)



View Tell MAMA in a larger map

Britain’s Channel 4 hopes for ‘provocation’ in airing Muslim call to prayer

alarabiya.net, Britain’s Channel 4 hopes for ‘provocation’ in airing Muslim call to prayer

Muslims unite to condemn 'extreme depravity' of child grooming in first UK-wide single sermon

Independent, Muslims unite to condemn 'extreme depravity' of child grooming in first UK-wide single sermon, 28 June 2013

Anjem Choudary

Daily Mail, Muslim group backed by hate preacher Anjem Choudary called IED 'mocks Britain’s war dead' with its name, 25 June 2013

Sunni vs Shia... in Gerrard's Cross

Cahal Milmo, Independent, Sunni vs Shia... in Gerrard's Cross: New mosque highlights growing tensions among British Muslims

'Is it safe for children to study the Koran online?'

Rahila Bano, BBC Asian Network, BBC News, Is it safe for children to study the Koran online? "More British Muslim parents are turning to online service providers for their child's Islamic education - but this has fuelled concern that members of radical groups, based abroad, could pass on extremist views to children."

Redditch Central Mosque

BBC News, Swastikas sprayed on Redditch Central Mosque walls "A mosque being built in Worcestershire has been broken into and graffiti including swastikas sprayed on to the walls and windows."

Woolwich

huffingtonpost.co.uk, Pamela Geller, Robert Spencer To Speak At EDL Rally In Woolwich, Campaigners Call For UK Entry Ban "Anti-fascist campaigners have called on the home secretary to stop two far-right, anti-Islam activists from America speaking at an English Defence League rally in Woolwich, where Drummer Lee Rigby was murdered."

Shrewsbury mosque

onislam, UK Muslims Get Shrewsbury Dream Mosque, 21 Jun 2013 "Defying far-right anti-Muslim rants, Shrewsbury city council has finally approved a Muslims’ request to build their first mosque in Shropshire in the West Midlands region of England, fulfilling a ten-year far dream."

Sadiq Khan, Why Charles Moore is wrong about British Muslims

Sadiq Khan, Why Charles Moore is wrong about British Muslims, 20 Jun 2013 " British Muslims were outraged by the Woolwich attack – but it is being used to slur our entire community, writes Sadiq Khan."

Al-Arefe visit plan

huffingtonpost.co.uk, Muslim Leaders Fear Rise In Sectarian Tensions Over Saudi Preacher Mohammad Al-Arefe UK Visit "Senior Muslim leaders in Britain have expressed concerns that a controversial Saudi preacher who arrived in London this week could exacerbate sectarian tensions.

"They told HuffPost UK said they feared Mohammad Al-Arefe's presence could "negatively impact the peaceful co-existance amongst the Muslim community"."

Muslim Flowers for Peace in Britain

onislam, Muslim Flowers for Peace in Britain, 17 June 2013 "Bringing a message of peace and love, Muslims in the south-eastern British town of Wokingham have shared flowers with their non-Muslim neighbors in an effort to counter anti-Muslim hostility in the country."

'Sex Grooming: Muslims To Hear Hard-Hitting Sermon In British Mosques'

huffingtonpost.co.uk, Sex Grooming: Muslims To Hear Hard-Hitting Sermon In British Mosques "Thousands of Muslims will hear a hard-hitting sermon condemning sex grooming in mosques at the end of June, emphasising strict Koranic messages on respect and morality."  Also see Bradford Telegraph & Argus, Bradford Imam Alyas Karmani drafts sermon to condemn grooming  " The hard-hitting Islamic message, called a Khutba, has already been sent to 50 local Imams to be delivered during Friday prayers on June 28."

Met chief calls for calm after fire at Islamic boarding school in Chislehurst

Independent, Met chief calls for calm after fire at Islamic boarding school in Chislehurst, 9 Jun 2013 " "The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has made an impassioned plea for unity after a fire in an Islamic boarding school in south-east London three days after a fire at a community centre in Muswell Hill, north London."

York Mosque Initiative

BBC News, York Mosque praised for offering EDL protesters tea

Female converts to Islam considered in new study

Times Higher, Female converts to Islam considered in new study, 27 May 2013

Woolwich attacker named 'Mujahid' was known to banned Islamist organisation Al Muhajiroun

Exclusive: Woolwich attacker named 'Mujahid' was known to banned Islamist organisation Al Muhajiroun  "He [Anjem Choudary] denied that Mujahid could have been radicalised by his teachings, adding that more extremist material, including the sermons of Yemen-based cleric Anwar Al Awlaki and the Al Qaeda-linked magazine Inspire, have been easily available via the internet."

Woolwich attack: We must tackle hate preaching over the internet, security experts say - Telegraph

Woolwich attack: We must tackle hate preaching over the internet, security experts say - Telegraph

Woolwich attack: reaction round-up

MCB, Muslims Condemn Attack on Soldier in Woolwich

ITV News, Exclusive video: Man with bloodied hands speaks at Woolwich scene

Telegraph, 'Soldier beheaded' in Woolwich machete attack: latest

Guardian,Woolwich attack: lone wolf and jihadist theories will occupy security forces

Converts

Economist, Changing my religion "Proselytising has little do with it. A handful of Muslim groups hand out tracts in the street. But most are more concerned with issuing press releases condemning extremism than wooing converts, says Leon Moosavi, an expert on Islamic conversions at Liverpool University."

'Pakistani girls take lead to marrying each other in Leeds'

Asian Echo, Pakistani girls take lead to marrying each other in Leeds, 14 May 2013 "Speaking to Geo News after the news was aired, British Pakistani religious scholars from various Muslims denominations objected and said that Islam, like other religions, only recognises marriage and partnership between a man and woman and all other forms of union are not recognised in the religion. They however said that this country allows people choices they make about their life and that’s understandable."

Oxford child sex abuse verdict

The Oxford child sex abuse verdict highlights a cultural problem, but not a specifically Muslim one - Commentators - Voices - The Independent, Paul Vallely This contains a comprehensive round-up of issues and perspectives.

Demonising UK Muslim Students

Demonizing UK Muslim Students - Europe - News - OnIslam.net "Allegations by a campus watchdog accusing Muslim students of gender segregation and extremism are inviting a storm of fury as a new attempt to demonizing the Muslim community and creating the fear that Islam is not compatible with western society."

British Muslims decry Islam distortion

Press TV, British Muslims decry Islam distortion "Heads of Muslim communities in Britain have denounced individuals for distorting the message of Islam by preaching hate and division, local media reported."

Elderly UK Muslim Killed In Racist Attack

onislam.net, Elderly UK Muslim Killed In Racist Attack "The brutal murder of an elderly Muslim granddad has shocked Birmingham after detectives investigating the incident said they believe he may have been targeted in a racist attack."

'Cambridge Lecturer Defends Himself For Comparing Homosexuality To Arson'

huffingtonpost.co.uk, Cambridge Lecturer Defends Himself For Comparing Homosexuality To Arson "A Cambridge University spokesman said: "Mr Winter has apologised for these remarks, recorded nearly 20 years ago, and has emphasised that he no longer holds these views."" Ongoing controversy, with internet element.

Most Muslims deplore violence. Most think homosexuality is wrong. They sound like Christians

Most Muslims deplore violence. Most think homosexuality is wrong. They sound like Christians – Telegraph Blogs

Six plead guilty to plotting attack on EDL rally

Guardian, Six plead guilty to plotting attack on EDL rally

Panorama: Secrets of Britain's Sharia Councils

BBC One - Panorama: Secrets of Britain's Sharia Councils "Panorama goes undercover to investigate what is really happening in Britain's Sharia Councils - Islamic religious courts. Some women reveal they have suffered domestic violence ignored by these councils as campaigners say it is time to tackle the parallel legal system which can run counter to British law."

Muslims in Wales

iPlayer - BBC Wales - The Wales Report 28/04/13 has a segment (25'00") on issue concerning Muslims in Wales

Trial Verdict: Richard Dart, Jahangir Alom and Imran Mahmood

Mail Online, Only Allah can judge me': Muslim convert Richard Dart refuses to stand in dock as he is sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism offences, 25 Apr 2013 "Three London-based Islamic extremists, including a white Muslim convert and a former police community support officer, have been jailed for terrorism offences today."

'Anglo-imamania'

Economist, Anglo-imamania "... Nobody knows exactly how many imams there are in Britain, let alone what languages they speak. But Muslim leaders such as Ibrahim Mogra, a Leicester imam and senior member of the Muslim Council of Britain, say that the number of English-speakers is growing. And fewer preachers are coming from abroad, he reckons."

Muslim Council attacks Gove's proposed history curriculum

Guardian, Muslim Council attacks Gove's proposed history curriculum "Muslim Council of Britain attacks new plans for teaching history in British schools, for omitting reference to Islam's trade, cultural and military achievements."

Luton plotters - trial

huffingtonpost.co.uk, Luton 'Terror Plotters' Planned Sending Toy Car Bomb Into Territorial Army Centre, 15 Apr 2013 "Luton terror plotters discussed sending a toy car carrying a bomb under the gates of a Territorial Army centre, based upon instructions in an al Qaida manual entitled "make a bomb in the kitchen of your mom, Woolwich Crown Court has been told."

'Secrets of Britain's Sharia Councils'

BBC One - Panorama, Secrets of Britain's Sharia Councils "Panorama goes undercover to investigate what is really happening in Britain's Sharia Councils - Islamic religious courts. Some women reveal they have suffered domestic violence ignored by these councils as campaigners say it is time to tackle the parallel legal system which can run counter to British law." This is now 'forthcoming', having been rescheduled because of Baroness Thatcher's death

Modern, Rebellious, and Pleasing in the Sight of God

Modern, Rebellious, and Pleasing in the Sight of God - Qantara.de "Melih Kesmen designs Islamic fashion, which has brought him a great deal of international success. Laura Overmeyer relates how Kesmen, a German Muslim, developed his spontaneous idea into a successful concept and how fashion can be used to promote interreligious dialogue."

Muslim Council vows action to stop children being groomed for sex

BBC News - Muslim Council vows action to stop children being groomed for sex "Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra of the council said people were sometimes reluctant to speak out - but they have a "religious duty" to do so."

Muslim Families’ Experiences of the Education System

Muslim Families’ Experiences of the Education System in... - Eventbrite
Muslim Families’ Experiences of the Education System in England and Scotland: What are the key messages of the research for policy and practice?, CREID - University of Edinburgh, Monday, 13 May 2013

'The Urban Kube'

Tasnim Nazeer, huffingtonpost.co.uk, Innovative Community Radio 'The Urban Kube' Showcases the Best of Muslim Talent "The Urban Kube, a show aired on Luton based community radio station, Inspire FM, has played host to a range of renowned and emerging talented Muslims and presents a refreshing view of the contribution Muslims are making to British society and across the globe."

Syria: 'up to 100' British Muslims fighting in war

Syria: 'up to 100' British Muslims fighting in war - Telegraph "Up to 100 British Muslims are fighting in Syria’s civil war amid fears some could return home to carry out terrorist attacks, senior intelligence chiefs disclosed yesterday."

Muslim education in Britain: Learning to live together, or separately

Muslim education in Britain: Learning to live together, or separately | The Economist: "This week the Bradford Council for Mosques, representing 80 or so places of Muslim worship, published a report about the city's madrassas; its co-sponsors included the West Yorkshire Police and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a respected NGO. Although the language is cautious and euphemistic, it gives a sense of the distinctive social reality in which many Muslim children in England grow up. It opens by predicting that the number of Bradford children attending part-time religious schools "will increase considerably over the coming years" on present demographic trends."

The report (pdf) is here: Bradford Council of Mosques, Children Do Matter... (Bradford Council of Mosques, 2013). Haven't read the report yet.

British Muslims start winning the war on terrorism hyperbole

British Muslims start winning the war on terrorism hyperbole - The National, 29 Mar 2013: "Some observers suggest a growing sophistication - by British authorities, in particular - in the handling of stories of Islamic radicalism."

Marriage Becomes Problem for UK Muslims

Marriage Becomes Problem for UK Muslims - Europe - News - OnIslam.net "Marriage has become a troubling problem for many Muslims in Britain as parents are finding difficulty in finding suitable partners for their children, forcing many to postpone it to older age."

Abu Qatada

NY Times, Islamic Preacher Wins Battle Against Deportation from Britain, 27 Mar 2013 "A militant Islamic preacher wanted in Jordan on terrorism charges won the latest of many legal battles to remain in Britain on Wednesday when senior appeal judges upheld an earlier ruling that his human rights would be violated if he was sent to Jordan for trial. "

Court case

Guardian, Muslim convert from BBC documentary pleads guilty to terrorism charges, "Richard Dart, 29, admitted plotting a terror attack in Royal Wootton Bassett after receiving training at camps in Pakistan."

Also see Brendan Hughes, WalesOnline, Court hears of Cardiff family's extensive links with terrorism, Mar 15 2013 "Jahangir Alom, who admitted getting involved in terrorism, is the husband of Cardiff woman Ruksana Begum, whose brothers plotted to blow up the London Stock Exchange.

 "Begum was jailed in December for a year at the Old Bailey for having al Qaida terrorist material in her mobile phone."

University College London

Daily Mail, University College London bans hard-line Islamic group which tried to segregate men and women at a debate held on university premises "A Muslim group has been banned from a university after segregating men and women during a debate."

'Britain, Islam and the Generational Struggle'

Matthew Goodwin, Britain, Islam and the Generational Struggle, 11 Mar 2013 " Policy makers will also need to work hard to ensure that levels of contact between different ethnic and religious groups (which is important in curbing prejudice) remain strong and robust. And given that these attitudes are most likely among those in society who have benefitted from higher education, ensuring access to both education and labour markets will remain a priority."

Goodwin is Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Nottingham, and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.

More information/data on his project is here: Chatham House, The Roots of Extremism: The English Defence League and the Counter-Jihad Challenge

Lord Ahmed

PA/Independent, 'Jewish conspiracy' Labour peer Lord Ahmed suspended, 14 Mar 2013 "Labour today suspended one of its peers as it launched an investigation into allegations that he blamed a Jewish conspiracy for his imprisonment for dangerous driving."

'Conflict in Syria creates wave of British jihadists'

Independent, Conflict in Syria creates wave of British jihadists, 14 Mar 2013 "Syria has replaced Pakistan and Somalia as the preferred front line where Islamist volunteers can experience immediate combat with relatively little official scrutiny, security agencies said."

Samira Ahmed documentary: "The Story of 'I Dressed Ziggy Stardust'"

I have been looking for an excuse to put David Bowie into my research posts (given he has a great new album out). This fits: Samira Ahmed, BBC Blogs, The Story of 'I Dressed Ziggy Stardust'. "This is a story about heroes and how they change us. As a little girl I grew up in the 70s & early 80s south London suburbia terrified and fascinated by David Bowie." The R4 programme is broadcast this coming Saturday.

'Muslim Women Prime Victims of UK Hatred'

OnIslam, Muslim Women Prime Victims of UK Hatred "A Muslim helpline has found that women are taking the full brunt of anti-Muslim discrimination and racial hatred in Britain, criticizing the police for failing to provide a helping hand to victims." Also see Faith Matters: MAMA

Bradford: British Muslims Save Jewish Synagogue

OnIslam, British Muslims Save Jewish Synagogue, 7 Mar 2013

BBC Radio 4 - Beyond Belief

BBC Radio 4 - Beyond Belief:

"Islam and Homosexuality - Ernie Rea and guests discuss whether homosexuality is compatible with Islam." This programme is available as a podcast.

Birmingham trial - update

Standard, Bungling plotters 'were the real deal', 21 Feb 2013 "In a reference to a black comedy film, Ali also told her: “Oh, you think this is a flipping Four Lions. We’re one man short.”

 "When police raided his home, they found Ali had downloaded nearly 150 Islamic lectures from the internet, including extremist rants, and passed them to Naseer."

Independent, Birmingham terror cell: a forlorn fight against extremism in the Balti Triangle, 21 Feb 2013 "Muhammad Suleman, 60, a former welder and community elder, believes young men, isolated from their families, frustrated by a lack of prospects and angered at Western military intervention in the Muslim world come under the influence of militant propaganda which contradicts the teachings of Islam.

“A lot of young people don’t go to mosque. They learn on the internet. It is information you can’t hide and they make their own mind up,” he says."

ITV Video Report

Juliet Bremner, ITV News, Trio hoped to cause worst atrocity on British soil "The three men convicted today wanted to be remembered as the suicide bombers who had committed the worst atrocity ever seen on British soil. Irfan Naseer and Irfan Khalid - known as Big and Little Irfan - and a third man Ashik Ali appeared to be religiously observant but not fanatical. They had all been born and raised in the Sparkhill and Sparkbrook suburbs of Birmingham, second generation Pakistanis with no criminal record or reason for the authorities to single them out for attention."

Also see ITV News, Muslim Aid comment on guilty terror verdicts and scroll down for ITV News, Worshipper: 'Everybody's disappointed. Everybody's horrified'

'Life as the spouse of a suspected al-Qaida terrorist'

Victoria Brittain, Guardian, Life as the spouse of a suspected al-Qaida terrorist "What's it like being married to a man who has spent 13 years in UK prisons fighting deportation to the US on terrorism charges – and seeing him finally lose that battle? In an extract from Victoria Brittain's book, Ragaa, the wife of Adel Abdul Bary, tells of the prison visits, the battles with bureaucracy and the struggles to raise a family under extraordinary pressures."

Guilty: the terror ringleaders who plotted another 9/11

Independent, Guilty: the terror ringleaders who plotted another 9/11, 21 Feb 2013 "The ringleaders of a Birmingham-based extremist cell whose deadly ambitions were matched only by their incompetence are facing life terms after the unravelling of their plot for a terrorist spectacular to rival the September 11 attacks."

New and noted: "E-Arranged Marriages: How have Muslim matrimonial websites affected traditional Islamic courting methods?"

Ayesha Ahmed, E-Arranged Marriages: How have Muslim matrimonial websites affected traditional Islamic courting methods? (LSE Electronic MSc Dissertation Series, No 93, 2012) [PDF] "The aim of this study was to examine the effects and impact that online Muslim matrimonial websites have on traditional Islamic courting methods. Through a thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with a sample of second generation British Asian Muslims, this study aimed to achieve an insight into how orthodox and traditional Islamic methods of finding a spouse are being challenged amongst this diaspora." I have just been alerted to this study, so haven't read it yet. The findings look useful.

Newport man can keep Islamic sign on home

Newport man can keep Islamic sign on home, South Wales Argus "Mahmood Ali won an appeal against a decision by Newport planners to refuse consent for a green Arabic sign that gives the declaration of the muslim faith on his Chepstow Road house."

UK Muslim MPs scared after voting for gay marriage bill

UK Muslim MPs scared after voting for gay marriage bill - thenews.com.pk "Extremist websites are abuzz against Muslim members of the British parliament who voted in favour of gay marriage legislation and there are fears that the Muslim parliamentarians could face serious hostility after clerics issued fatwas against these MPs declaring them “apostates”."

National Theatre Wales’ De Gabay To Link Butetown, Cardiff With Global Somali Diaspora Through Poetry, Video And Music, Over Three Days

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation | National Theatre Wales’ De Gabay To Link Butetown, Cardiff With Global Somali Diaspora Through Poetry, Video And Music, Over Three Days: sounds like an interesting event in Cardiff!

Research: Taking Part: Muslim Participation in Contemporary Governance

Bristol University | Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship | Research outputs: Taking Part: Muslim Participation in Contemporary Governance (January 2013)

"This final report provides the main findings from the most comprehensive study to date on UK Muslim-government relations, which included an analysis of public policy since 1997, a total of 112 interviews with key policymakers and Muslim civil society actors, and in-depth local case studies of Birmingham, Leicester, and Tower Hamlets, London.  The Report describes how British Muslims have been taking part in governance in the three policy fields of equality, diversity & cohesion; faith sector governance; and security (including the Prevent Strategy).  It describes how modes of Muslim representation have developed into a broader 'democratic constellation' ""

PDF link here

Halal food certification worries UK Muslims

Halal food certification worries UK Muslims | MuslimVillage.com "Following recent fiasco surrounding pork traces found in halal food, the relation between Lancashire Council of Mosques and the city council has come to a deadlock after raising concerns about the certification of halal food supplied to schools."

"How do I deal with my daughter, 7, being told she has the 'wrong skin colour'?"

Irna Qureshi, The Northerner Blog, Guardian, How do I deal with my daughter, 7, being told she has the 'wrong skin colour'? :

Muslims find a 'shtender' at UK Jewish study confab

Muslims find a 'shtender' at UK Jewish study confab | The Times of Israel "In the early days of Limmud, organizers tended to focus the inter-religious encounter on Christian Jewish relations, but over the past few years the thrust has shifted from Christians to Muslims. Lawton said that probably reflects the growing interest of the audience in issues pertaining to Islam."

Islamophobia in contemporary Britain

The FINANCIAL - Islamophobia in contemporary Britain, 11 Feb 2013  "Even though two years have passed since a high-profile politician like Warsi highlighted the problem, it appears little has changed, which is why in January 2013, she again made public comments explaining that Muslims are still marginalised in British society."

'Preachers of hate on British TV'

Telegraph, Preachers of hate on British TV: what they said that broke the broadcasting rules "Muslim fundamentalists have been found breaching the strict rules on what can be broadcast on the airwaves in Britain, by inciting violence and intolerance."

Halal food issues

BBC News, Q&A: Meat contamination, 6 Feb 2013 "The food industry is attempting to reassure consumers after horsemeat was found in burgers, and halal food was found to be contaminated with pork. One MP has suggested the recent cases could be just the tip of the iceberg." Related: BBC News, Supplier of halal meat containing pork DNA is named, 3 Feb 2013

Opinion piece: Muslim Patrols: Urban Britain’s Newest Street Gang?

Palash Ghosh, IBT, Muslim Patrols: Urban Britain’s Newest Street Gang?, 6 Feb 2013 "In recent weeks, British media have reported on so-called “Muslim Patrols” in parts of London in which Muslim youths harass, badger, bother and even physically assault anyone in their neighborhoods whom they believe are violating their extremist, fundamentalist version of Islam as embodied by Sharia law." Opinion piece by Palash Ghosh.

Snow Patrol

Meet the other ‘Muslim Patrol’ roaming the streets | Liberal Conspiracy:

Mehdi's Morning Memo: Warsi's War On The Islamophobes [opinion]

huffingtonpost.co.uk, Mehdi's Morning Memo: Warsi's War On The Islamophobes:

Leicester Mercury prints open letter to Masjid Umar community

iengage, Leicester Mercury prints open letter to Masjid Umar community

Opinion piece: ‘Sharia squads’

Opinion Piece: Hasnet Lais, These misguided Muslim ‘Sharia squads’ are playing right into the EDL's hands - Comment - Voices - The Independent: "The vigilantes exposed by YouTube are as repugnant to ordinary Muslims as the EDL are to ordinary Christians; don't let them give Sharia a bad name."

Bristol’s First Muslim Lord Mayor

Bristol’s First Muslim Lord Mayor - Europe - News - OnIslam.net  "Making history in the south-west British county, a Labour councilor has been selected as Bristol’s first Muslim lord Mayor, being the youngest person to hold the office."

Life jail for son's murder over Koran studies

BBC News - Sara Ege: Life jail for son's murder over Koran studies "A mother who beat her seven-year-old son to death when he failed to memorise passages from the Koran has been jailed for life, for a minimum of 17 years."

Staffordshire School Lifts Muslim Morale

Staffordshire School Lifts Muslim Morale - Europe - News - OnIslam.net

UK Muslims Champion Blood Donation

UK Muslims Champion Blood Donation - Europe - News - OnIslam.net  "Extending a hand of help their society, Muslims in the United Kingdom have launched a nationwide campaign for blood donation, a move seen as helping promote the Islamic values of giving."

Are free schools working?

Are free schools working? | Education | The Guardian refers to the Muslim school sector