War memorial for Muslims

November 06, 2009

| Submit Comments | Comments (11) | Previous | Next

This Remembrance Sunday, Muslims are calling for a war memorial to recognise the contribution of over one million Muslims who risked their lives fighting for Britain during World War I and II.

emel, the Muslim lifestyle magazine, highlights this contribution and believes these efforts are largely forgotten by the British public and is leading the call for a memorial.

"It is important to recognise the invaluable contribution made by these Muslims soldiers; they fought for us to enjoy the freedoms that we have," said Sarah Joseph OBE, editor of emel.

"At a time when those on the far-right express such hostility towards British Muslims, whilst appropriating war imagery for their own use, it is all the more necessary to inform the public of the significant role Muslims played in keeping Britain free."

The November issue of the magazine includes exclusive interviews with two British Muslim war veterans, Abdul Salam aged 84 and Mushtaq Ahmed aged 83. The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, acknowledges the debt owed to such Muslims.

He said: "Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their heroism, just like the contribution of British Muslims today, has helped to keep our country prosperous, strong and free."

The Head of the Army, General Sir David Richards, states in emel that, "Our forebears, as well as the people of this country, owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the Muslim soldiers who gave so much on our behalf."

David Cameron and Nick Clegg express similar sentiments, along with the Bishop of London.

"We believe a greater understanding of this remarkable episode of British history will give the lie to xenophobic and anti-Muslim feelings peddled by the likes of Nick Griffin, and at the same time highlight to young Muslims their important role as stakeholders in the future of British society," said Ms Joseph.

"That is a dual message of particular importance in these times."

| Submit Comments | Comments (11) | Previous | Next

Showing comments 1 to 11 and replies | View All

A Saracen (06/11/2009 at 11:06)

if the BNP say what have muslims ever done for Britain?
This article is your answer ( But the BNP being the BNP its a shame for most of them it wont be enough )

Ray Stay (06/11/2009 at 15:51)

A Saracen, I think you will find that sweeping statement totally incorrect. I am not a member of the BNP, but I have taken some time out of my day to actually read what they believe instead of being told by the media. If you get a spare hour one day, you might be wise to do the same. Then you can make comments in full comfort knowing that you have based your statements on fact rather than fiction.

Ray Stay (06/11/2009 at 15:52)

And yes, I agree, there should be a memorial for these soldiers.

A Saracen (07/11/2009 at 11:59)

Ray Stay are you paranoid? Where have i mentioned your name in the original comment? I find it ironic you tell me to take the time out to read when you cant even do the same.

Ray Stay (08/11/2009 at 11:16)

Hi A Saracen, I think there is some misunderstanding here regarding my comment. I have only made references to myself in the previous posting to build a grounding for my statement regarding the BNP and it's policies. i.e. Even though I am not a member, I do know that they would strongly disagree with your comment, and secondly, if you take the time to educate yourself on their policy, you also would come to that conclusion. I just think there are far to many people passing judgement of this organisation without being armed with the full facts. I find this approach rather lazy and would hope individuals use there own opinions rather than those feed to them via the media when they are commenting on public forums such as this. Regards..

A Saracen (09/11/2009 at 10:50)

Ray Stay, when a party’s member policy only allows indigenous (i.e. white ) people to join, I don’t think there’s much misunderstanding. There are only now being forced (notice the keyword forced) to allow non whites to join.

Ray Stay (09/11/2009 at 16:23)

OK, fair point, so lets discuss The Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA), The Black Solicitors Network, Music of black origin awards, The Asian network on the BBC and so on and so on………………

These by your definition must as be racist right?

A Saracen (10/11/2009 at 08:12)

So youre comapring Music of black origin awards, The Asian network to the BNP? hmmm Till the day that these groups call for the removal of whites from England and create mock executions of white dolls, is the day ill compare those respective parties.

Ray Stay (11/11/2009 at 23:44)

Hi, back to the point, I have just browsed through the photos of my local remembrance Sunday which can be found here: -

http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/1181823_town_falls_silent_to_remember_war_dead

Please take the time to look through the photos, and get back to me on how many Asian faces you see in the crowd. As you say, many cultures gave their lives, and this day is dedicated to remembering those that did. You want a memorial, So, were are the Asians? why are they not there? do you need an Asian and Black only memorial, and a day just for you? Do you not share the grief for your fellow country men? were is your social cohesion? Why did you not attend if this is so important to you?

Ray Stay (11/11/2009 at 23:52)

Also, your last bit of dribble -> Till the day that these groups call for the removal of whites from England and create mock executions of white dolls, is the day ill compare those respective parties.

The politically correct mind police are now here, so not long before unchecked and unwanted religious influence such as Sharia Law and other abominations of freedom start their rantings and calling for the above. Mr/Ms A, not all of us are alseep at the wheel.

A Saracen (12/11/2009 at 13:04)

Laughable. Ill break this down into a number of points so that you might be able to understand.
1. Is it not possible for Asians to grieve or remember at home? Do ALL Asians need to be present? Is that your idea of a patriotic test? Ask yourself what about all the white people who didn’t attend? Are they not patriotic?
2. How do you know that I did not attend?
3. The B.A.P.A or the Mobos have never called for the shariah law, so why that has come into the argument, only your mind will know. (paranoid again)
4. The Sharia Law is not associated with Asians, it is associated with Islam.
5. Just because the Sun or The Daily Star print a story about a mad preacher calling for Sharia Law does not mean all British muslims back him up just as all Asians know that Nick Griffin does not speak for all white people. If you think all or majority of british muslims want sharia law then you certainly are paranoid
6. Freeedom of Speech in Brtain? don’t make me laugh. Jimmy Carr made a joke about soldiers injuries and he get slammed for it. Freedom of sppech cant get any worse in this country with Sharia Law.

You may not be asleep at the wheel, but you are certainly driving erratically. Try to stay on the road mate

()

Report

News