PRESS RELEASE 6 January 2006
Progressive British Muslims (PBM) Group Supports Holocaust Memorial Day
PBM announced today that it will be joining other organisations and individuals throughout the country in marking Holocaust Memorial Day. This is in contrast to some other Muslim groups who are unfortunately expected to boycott the day.
Farmida Bi, a spokesperson for, and one of the founders of, the group, said " It is important that members of all faiths and none stand together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and remember a singular atrocity committed against a European minority group. The Holocaust is an event in the history of humanity which must not be forgotten in order to ensure that it is never repeated. The purpose of the day is not only to remember the victims of the Nazis but also to assert our common humanity and our determination to fight racism, bigotry and prejudice in all its forms. "
NOTES TO EDITORS:
What is PBM:
PBM is a group of London based liberal minded Muslims who have decided to establish a platform to provide a voice for progressive British Muslims who feel unrepresented by the existing faith-based Muslim groups. We each have a cultural identity as Muslims that is important to us. We believe there is no single definitive version of Islam and that each individual must decide how best to live his or her life.
Who do we represent:
We do not purport to represent any particular group(s) of British Muslims. We speak only for ourselves but believe, based on our personal experiences, that we reflect the views of significant numbers of Muslims in Britain.
What is our purpose?
To articulate the views of those Muslims, who consider themselves to be British, integrated into mainstream society and who have a cultural identity as Muslims, in the mainstream media who feel unrepresented by the existing faith based organisations.
What do we not do:
We will not attack or denigrate other Muslim groups although we will promote our values in a positive and vigorous manner. We will not decide what is or is not Islamic. We are not Muslim scholars and do not feel qualified (or, believe it is appropriate) to judge others.
What is our aim:
To advocate:
- equality in the Muslim community, especially between men and women, but also address equality issues based on sexual preference and disability
- Muslim integration into mainstream British society whilst maintaining an Islamic identity
- freedom of speech
- respect for all faiths
- human rights and democracy
1) PBM was launched on 10 November 2005 in the House of Commons to voice the views of progressive British Muslims who feel unrepresented by the existing faith based groups. The launch of the group was supported by cross party MPs and peers.
2) See website- www.pbm.org.uk
For further information, please email info@pbm.org.uk
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