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| Britain |
| Mosque image problem post-7 July |
| 2006-05-13 |
| The London bombings created the perception that mosques require "close attention in the war on terrorism", says the Muslim Council of Britain. A report on how attitudes towards Muslims have changed said the impression was these places of worship offer extremists a sympathetic ear. General Secretary Sir Iqbal Sacranie said it was a big challenge to change this unjustified reputation. The council discussed how to do this at a conference in Manchester. "In Britain, mosques have enjoyed the same autonomy as other places of worship. "However, the tragedy of [7 July] spawned new and aggressive thinking in some quarters. These quarters contend that mosques and imams require close attention in the 'war on terrorism'," said Sir Iqbal. "The perception outside the community is not very favourable. There is negative stereotyping that mosques are somehow related with criminal activity. This is totally untrue. There is no such activity taking place in the mosque." There are more than 1,000 mosques in the UK, and plans were under way for these to not just be a places of prayer but a focal point for the wider community. Muslim leaders gathered in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, on Saturday to endorse the new approach. The report also recommended setting up an advisory body chosen by, and accountable to, the British Muslim community. Sir Iqbal added that government measures, such as the consultation floated on the closure of places of worship last year, risked alienating mosques further. Earlier this week, the council joined calls for a public inquiry into the attacks in which suicide bombers killed 52 and injured more than 700. |
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