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Progressive British Muslims' response to the terror alert at British Airports
PBM is shocked to hear of recent intelligent reports of a planned plot to bomb various planes in the UK and US. It is also concerned to hear of the arrests of British Muslims linked to this intelligence.
PBM urges British Muslims to do their utmost to help police with their enquiries and asks them to stay calm in these difficult times. It also reminds the media and wider public that the vast majority of Muslims considers actions such as these utterly abhorrent.
Dr Shaaz Mahboob, of PBM said: "This latest terror alert strikes fear into the heart of all British citizens - both Muslim and non-Muslim.
"The vast majority of Muslims are disgusted by those who feel that killing innocent civilians is the way to make a political point. Actions such as the London bombings and the latest alerts doubly affect British Muslims - both as British citizens living in fear of a terrorist threat and as Muslims fearing a backlash due to the actions of a minority. We urge anyone who has any information at all to speak to the Police - now more than ever all British citizens must stand together and show the world that we will not be divided."
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 mail.pbm@gmail.com or enquiries@pbm.org.uk or contact Dr Shaaz Mahboob on (07884) 473491
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