VENUE CHANGE: HT leader in public dialogue on Islam in Europe [7pm Fri 12 Feb]

Press Release
Monday, 08 February 2010
Due to government pressure, today (Thursday 11th February), the University of Westminster cancelled this much needed public dialogue between a Muslim and a Swiss Professor. The event will now take place at VENUE: Toynbee Hall, 28 Commecial Street, London, E1 6LS (Underground: Aldgate East) DOORS OPEN: 6:30pm for 7pm start DATE: Friday 12th February 2010 ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************** London, UK, February 8 2010 - Jamal Harwood, a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain's Executive Committee will take part in a dialogue titled ‘Islam and Europe - Identity and Anxiety’ with Dr. Jean-François Mayer*, a Swiss academic and founder of the Religioscope Institute this Friday 12th February 2010. In late 2009 the Swiss public voted for a ban on the building of minarets. Although minarets are not a requirement of worship in Islam, Muslims understandably took this as a further attack on their living in Europe whilst maintaining an Islamic identity. This vote by the general public was affected by media portrayals of Islam and Muslims, and as such differs somewhat from calls by mainstream European politicians who are, for example, calling for a ban on the burqa. It illustrates just how fearful the ordinary European has become since the start of the War on Terror*. In this public dialogue we hope to bring together different voices to discuss the fears the non-Muslim public have, together with the misconceptions about Islam. It is hoped that both Muslims and non-Muslims will attend and have an open, honest and civil dialogue to increase understanding on these complex issues. DATE: Friday 12th February 2010 VENUE: Hogg Theatre, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road NW1 5LS (Underground: Baker Street) DOORS OPEN: 6pm for 6:30pm start [End] Add this Article to your Bookmark site Set as favorite Bookmark Email this Trackback(0) TrackBack URI for this entry Comments (2) Subscribe to this comment's feed H Khan: ... In sharing part of its name with the other thoroughly discredited and self-centred law making institution in the borough, it is indeed unfortunate that this World-renowned seat of learning should have its good name tarnished – not least because of the capitulation of its dean under unwarranted bullying tactics of the Home Office and its security apparatus. The expenses scandal has convinced the ordinary citizens beyond doubt not to trust what their politicians spew out; hence it beggars belief that those tasked with fostering the intellectual development of tomorrow's generation should themselves succumb to such propaganda. Only last month it was exposed in the media that Tony Blair’s government, at the time, had imposed a 60-year gagging order, denying any public access to Dr. David Kelly’s - the former UN Weapons Inspector’s post-mortem results and circumstances surrounding his mysterious death. At election time, it was Mr. Blair who ran on the ticket of ‘open’ and ‘accountable’ governance. So, why after being elected should the politicians feel the need to impose gagging orders, if they genuinely believe in Truth and Justice? On the contrary, they foolishly impose 60-year cover-ups; hoping that those complicit in heinous crimes will have long perished from the face of the Earth without leaving as much as a skeleton behind and thus escaping all justice and accountability. Hence, in reality, this episode is not about some lofty principles of protecting the public from ‘radicalisation’, but rather everything to do with prolonging a flawed colonialist foreign policy. Little to they realise that... “I do call to witness the Resurrection Day; And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil). Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones? Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers. But man wishes to do wrong (even) in the time in front of him. He questions: "When is the Day of Resurrection?" At length, when the sight is dazed, And the moon is buried in darkness. And the sun and moon are joined together, - That Day will Man say: "Where is the refuge?" By no means! No place of safety! Before thy Lord (alone), that Day will be the place of rest. That Day will Man be told (all) that he put forward, and all that he put back. Nay, man will be evidence against himself, Even though he were to put up his excuses.” [TMQ: Surah 75 – Al-Qiyamah (THE RESURRECTION):1-15] TMQ - Translation of the Meaning of the Qur’an. 1 report abuse vote down vote up February 14, 2010 - 18:48:58 Votes: +0 Dr Q A: ... AA... What a shame. This is a country where you never stop hearing about how us Muslims are against Freedom of Speech. So basically the only speech that is allowed is when Muslims/Islam is being insulted and nothing else. I know Dr Mayer who is highly learned and very well informed about various religions and their different socio political manifestations. If anything this talk shall be highly informative and both Muslims and Non Muslims can gain a fresh understanding of the real issues facing the world today. Perhaps it would be an idea to send a little complaint to the University of Westminster and demand an explanation why this talk has not been allowed to proceed and if an explanation is not given then they should apologize. We now have a very good example of how the west stops debate and discussion which would show Muslims in a good light!!! There is nothing more to this incident. 2 report abuse vote down vote up February 13, 2010 - 15:41:17 Votes: +3 Write comment Show/hide comment form Name Email Comment smaller \| bigger I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

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