[ News
| Homes
| Life
| Entertainment
| History
| Science
| Community
| Shop ]
| Sport
| Culture
| Cars
| Money
| Broadband
| Learning
| Health
| Dating
| Games ]
[ Text Only: Homepage ]
[ Graphical: Channel4 Homepage ]
In the fourth programme in Channel 4’s Shariah TV series, the studio audience discuss citizenship with a panel of Islamic experts.
Living in a secular society
One concern is over whether Muslims who take British nationality should swear allegiance to the Queen, as they are now required to do, even though, according to Islam, Allah is the highest authority. The panel all feel that pledging allegiance to the British monarch does not conflict with Shariah. This is because Islam is flexible: it teaches that Muslims should follow the law of whatever country they live in, but that God is above them all.
There is also a discussion about living according to Shariah in a secular society. Dr Zaki Badawi points out that the Prophet Muhammed lived for over 10 years in a non-Muslim society in Mecca. He adds that living in Britain’s secular society benefits Muslims as it allows them the freedom to enjoy their faith.
Extremism and the war in Iraq
The audience and panel discuss how to relate to extremist groups such as Al Muhajiroun which preaches violence and hatred of the West. Dr Zaki Badawi and Dr Usama Hasan agree that most people grow up and out of extremist views, saying that this is part of the process of getting older and wiser.
Ahmad Thomson agrees, saying: ‘In the heart of a happy Muslim, he is not happy with extremes.’ The audience and panel then discuss the difficulties many Muslims have suffered during and since the Iraq war. Many feel that they cannot support British troops who are killing Muslims. The panel assert that the two things are not incompatible. It is acceptable as a British citizen to oppose the Iraq war, as do many people of other faiths and beliefs.
Women, men and the mosque
The panel are keen to encourage mosques and imams to play a greater role in British society. They all agree that there should be more English-speaking imams in the mosques who would be able to reach out to the younger generation; they also say that women need to be more involved in the life of the mosque.
Professor Haleh Afshar says: ‘Women are excluded because men want to exclude them. Women have a place in the mosque and must claim that place.’
The panel discuss the issue of Islamic schools. While they agree there are benefits to separate faith schools, they all think it important for state schools to be multi-faith and to teach about all religions.
Should the government fund Islamic schools? 76% say yes. 24% say no
Forum
Have your say about Shariah TV