A new beginning with the British Muslim Forum

Page 14
Q-News, Issue 362
April 2005

The story of Muslims in Britain is a tale of true grit - of courage, innovation and hope. Gul Muhammad, secretary-general of the newly launched British Muslim forum, explains why a new national body is needed to carry this story forward into an era of new challenges.

The history of Islam and Muslims in the British Isles is a long and fascinating one: it begins well before the Middle Ages and can be traced down the centuries. The interaction has been varied, from those among scholars and pirates, traders and travellers to those between diplomats and soldiers. It is a tale we can all be proud of and thrilled by. It is also inspirational and should form the foundation upon which our future can be meaningfully constructed.

It was only in the 1950s and 1960s that we saw large numbers of Muslims migrating to Britain. Our fathers and grandfathers came here by invitation and were eager to participate in the rebuilding of the shattered post-war economy. They toiled hard and selflessly in the cotton mills and coal mines, cleaned floors and scrubbed machinery in factories and industrial complexes: they gave everything they had - their youth, their energy and their lives - to this country.

I, as a second-generation British Muslim, like so many throughout the country, am proud of the role our people have played. I am also proud of the contribution we have made to the country’s economy, to its social, cultural and spiritual life, and, more importantly, in making this country great in its diversity and in the way it has and continues to embrace pluralism despite all the challenges.

The launch of the British Muslim Forum (BMF) is an occasion that we can all be proud of. It marks the beginning of a new era: an era of relevancy, of responsible engagement and a genuine desire to make things better for all in our society.

The BMF is a co-ordinating platform that aspires to provide a focus reflecting the hopes, fears and aspirations of the grassroots. It has been set up to complement and enhance the tremendous work already undertaken by the hundreds of institutions and individuals who serve our communities.

We consider our primary role to be of service to society. We believe that service is a form of worship - and also a powerful method of self-transformation.

Most service we human beings offer is selfish; it is service for the sake of reward - money, praise or fame. The BMF believes in the Islamic understanding of service which is to “serve for God’s sake”, without any thought of reward in this life. This kind of service comes when we remember that we are a part of God’s creation, and that by serving creation we are serving our Creator - not for a heavenly reward, but out of love and gratitude for the blessing we have been given.

One of our scholars once said: “Service without love is like the corpse of someone beautiful. The outer form is lovely, but it is lifeless.”

Our blessed Prophet said: “Would you have me tell you about actions that are better than fasting, prayer and charity? Bring goodness and high principles between people.”

The BMF aspires to be a force of good to society; to share the teaching of love, tolerance and sharing that is intrinsic to our faith. We hope to be champions of those among us who are alienated, disenfranchised and marginalised.

Ours is a big tent that will make strenuous efforts at all times to embrace the rich and beautiful diversity represented by our communities. We hope never to shirk away from the responsibility of listening, respecting and championing the concerns and views of the vulnerable among us - particularly women and young people.

We are determined to be reliable partners with all those who want to work for the betterment of our communities and society. We are dedicated to be ferocious warriors in the struggle to fight misunderstanding and mischief in our society. And we are convinced that the qualities and agenda we are bringing on board are not only relevant and useful but essential for creating a socially cohesive society. This launch is but a step in a journey of a thousand miles. However, what is important is that we have began. The BMF is a new entity and I hope that we gain recognition in many quarters but not a reputation as a “long speech party”.

We pray as the Noble Prophet prayed: “Oh God, bring peacefulness among us, bring unity into our hearts; guide us to equilibrium, take us from darkness to light and away from ugliness; bless our ears, our eyes, our hearts, and our families; accept our repentance.”

www.britishmuslimforum.org