A controversial publication distributed at the Freshers’ Fair has left the Oxford University Islamic Society (ISoc) at the centre of serious allegations over the document’s criticisms of university life. The newsletter ’Al-Ehsan’, given to freshers who signed up for the society, was sent anonymously to The OxStu with a letter describing the contents as "frightening". Emran Islam, ISoc President, who compiled the newsletter, was quick to defend his choice of articles. Much of the criticism was directed at an introductory article about unity within Islam, which suggested that the issue was "a matter of life and death", and one which "the Believers must implement even if they have to kill or be killed for its implementation".
This viewpoint, however, was described by Mr Islam as "referring only to the author’s views on capital punishment, which are valid only within the historical context of a theoretical Muslim state, and not applicable to this society. Under no circumstance," said Mr Islam, "does ISoc advocate any form of violence."
Frightening indeed |