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British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) approves of the decision to exclude Zakir Naik from the UK

18/06/2010

British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) approves of the decision to exclude Zakir Naik from the UK, based on thorough research conducted by the Home Office.  Dr Naik is a high-profile figure who has been elevated to a position of power and influence, and many of his statements are not conducive to the public good.  For example, he made this remark on Osama bin Laden in 2006: "If he is terrorising the terrorists, if he is terrorising America the terrorist, the biggest terrorist, every Muslim should be a terrorist." 

bmsd supports rigorous application of the exclusion policy to any international speaker who incites hatred and violence.  However, it is also vital that the Home Office are consistent in their application of a tool as powerful - and potentially controversial - as exclusion. 
 
Dr Shaaz Mahboob, Vice-Chair of bmsd, said: "This is an encouraging decision from the new Government.  We would now like to see them take a similarly firm approach to far-right organisations that stir up racial hatred, and domestic extremists such as the newly-formed 'Muslims Against Crusades,' who hurled abuse at the Royal Anglian Regiment homecoming parade in Barking on 15th June 2010."

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Notes to the editors:  

  1. bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.  
  2. bmsd’s mission statement:   “To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.”   
  3. bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.  
  4. For details please visit http://www.bmsd.org.uk  
  5. For any further queries, please contact:  Dr Shaaz Mahboob on  shaaz@bmsd.org.uk or 07961365751 or Tehmina Kazi on
    0207 631 4175