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Is this a triumph for the Islamic peacemakers?
Allegra Mostyn-Owen26.02.10
On Tuesday in London, a revered Muslim scholar will announce a fatwa against suicide bombing in the name of Islam. Here, Allegra Mostyn-Owen talks exclusively to Dr Tahir ul-Qadri as he outlines his historic vision...
I meet Dr Tahir ul-Qadri in a neat, terraced house in Barking where he emerges from his studies resplendent in an elegant silk striped grey and white juba and a black woollen hat.
I am honoured to be in his presence because he is considered a living saint by his followers. All Sunni and mainly Pakistani, they celebrate his birthday and his photograph adorns all the mosques which are part of Minhaj-ul-Quran, the movement which he has spent years raising into an international organisation. It now operates in 33 countries and advises the British Government on how to combat youth radicalisation.
Minhaj-ul-Quran welcomed, for example, the news last month that plans to build Europe's biggest mosque close to the Olympic site had been blocked. Weeks earlier, the group urged police to prevent Islamic extremists marching through Wootton Bassett. “These kind of extremists do not represent the British Muslims,” they said. Dr ul-Qadri is impressively ecumenical in his relations with other faiths such as Shia and Christian. He gets a lot of flak for this from those who do not agree with his views.
On Tuesday, in central London, Dr ul-Qadri, friend of former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in 2007, will declare suicide bombings and terrorism un-Islamic. Taken from a 600-page document published in Pakistan last month, Dr ul-Qadri will use texts in the Koran and other Islamic writings to argue that suicide and terrorist attacks are “absolutely against the teachings of Islam and that Islam does not permit such acts on any excuse, reason or pretext”.
I first met Dr ul-Qadri five years ago at his headquarters in Lahore, where I was for a wedding. I was recently married myself for the second time — as the former wife of Mayor Boris Johnson I'd wed again in secret to my 23-year-old Muslim lover, himself from Lahore. His parents knew nothing about it. Since 2005, I have been giving art classes for women and children at the Minhaj-ul-Quran mosque in Forest Gate.
Today, in Barking, Dr ul-Qadri is focusing on the problems of how many young British Pakistanis are being radicalised. Although the Government is working hard, says Dr ul-Qadri, they are working on the wrong lines. In other words, he believes, that the Government has not kept abreast of the multi-culturalism of its own people. “England is the hub of the Western world. There is a big community here of around two million with a Pakistani background. The communities are in great numbers.” As Dr ul-Qadri sees it, no terrorists have emerged from a Sunni or Sufi background: instead, they have come from the Salafis (Wahhabis) or Deobandis. The Deobandis are a South Asian variant which is close to the Gulf-orientated Wahhabis.
“Every Salafi and Deobandi is not a terrorist but I have no hesitation in saying that everyone is a well-wisher of terrorists and this has not been appreciated by the Western governments,” he said.
Dr ul-Qadri, who has the authority of a Sheikh–ul-Islam, a title given to those who have superior knowledge of the principles of the faith, is coming out with his statement now because the Wahhabis and Deobandis have been silent in condemning the killings in Pakistan and abroad.
They dominate much of the apparatus of state in Pakistan — as well as most of the mosques in London — which is why in the West we receive mixed messages: the military launches vast offensives while the religious and education ministries say nothing. As a result, many in the West believe that the church in Pakistan is not doing enough to counter the violence.
British-Pakistanis lured into extremism present a peculiar problem because, when they go to Pakistan to further their murderous ambitions, they have mixed loyalties. They do not feel British but nor do they feel wholly Pakistani and yet they are a diplomatic nightmare for both countries. Terrorism is, Dr ul-Qadri says, an intellectual phenomenon as it applies to British-Pakistanis. They have been groomed from an early age in their Deobandi-leaning mosques where they are taught that they are living in a kafir society where they cannot integrate.
It is an “us and them” way of thinking and the narrow-mindedness starts when children attend mosque from the age of five. But, as Dr ul-Qadri says: “isolation is not the Islamic model — integration was the practice of the Holy Prophet in the society of Medina”.
The maulvis (untutored clerics) give a misguided concept of Jihad: “This is the burning issue of the whole world,” says Dr ul-Qadri. Once these children have been groomed into intellectual conservatism, they are very susceptible to extremism especially if they are not attached to society by a job. “Those who still have contact with [such clerics], whether they act out their ideas or not, they will be well-wishers of the Taliban,” he says. Since the governments and agencies working on anti-terrorism are not brought up in Muslim culture, Dr ul-Qadri believes they do not understand. “Still their policies are not on the right track.” I ask him about the role of art in children's education. It is commonly thought that Islam is contrary to art. He has no quibbles: he sees art as helping to satisfy one aspect of the human personality. “Islam wants a balanced personality,” he says.
“We teach children intellectually and academically. The fight against the darkness of ignorance, the fight for charity: this is the true jihad.”
Why this fatwa for peace matters so much to us all
By Douglas Murray, Director of the Centre for Social Cohesion
The most commonly asked questions since the 9/11 and 7/7 terrorist attacks is “Where are the Muslim clerics who condemn violent actions? Where are the voices of opposition to violence being committed by people in the name of Islam?”
It is no small point. In recent years, when they have been needed most, far too few Muslim leaders have unequivocally condemned violence committed in the name of Islam. In fact, weasel words and double-speak have been endemic.
So a sentence that may to many people seem clear, such as “There can be no justification for the killing of innocent people” is filled with caveats.
What is an “innocent” person? Who decides who is or is not “innocent”? Too many Muslim religious figures sound as if they are condemning violence when in fact they are merely condemning violence in certain situations, against certain people.
So there are two potentially significant things about the fatwa being released by Tahir ul-Qadri.
The first is that the ruling is said, by those who have seen it in advance, to include a comprehensive condemnation of violence, taking away any religious justification for attacks without caveats for “grievances” or other excuses. The second thing which makes this 600-page ruling potentially important is that Dr ul-Qadri has a highly respected scholarly background.
His ruling has the possibility of being respected by a far wider range of people than any of those individual non-scholarly Muslim voices who have also condemned terrorism without caveat.
Dr ul-Qadri has a large following, both here in the UK and in Pakistan. He is also respected for his ability to cross some of the notable sectarian boundaries that abound in the Islamic faith as in all others. Even Muslims who might dislike Dr ul-Qadri will not be able to dismiss him out of hand.
Yet even if the contents of this fatwa are what people have long hoped for, it will not, of course, stop Islamic terrorism straight away.
A single fatwa will not change the level of denial and lack of self-criticism inherent in so much of modern Islam.
Nor will it stop every fevered young radical eager to kill and maim. But the trickle-down effect is important.
The most violent interpretations of Islam have indeed trickled down to terrorists via learned scholars.
The clean-up operation will have to be dealt with by the same means. And we will have to hope, as ever, that the peaceful Muslim scholars in this millennia-long battle within Islam, can indeed win through. For all our sakes.
Reader views (30)
I think most salafi and deobandi scholars have already issued such fatwas, long before Mr. living saint became aware of the problem
- Sara, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
in my opinion Dr. Tahir ul Qadri is a wel Known muslim Scholar who is serving for upgaradation of islamic thoughts. and fatwa regarding terrorism is the best effort he has made to defend the islam. because islam is a religion that is nearest to nature fulfils the need of every human being who follows it even non muslims too.
- A Hameed, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri "unreservedly condemn terrorist attacks and suicide bombers and urged the Muslim world to take a firm stand against those who bring Islam in disrepute". Who would disagree that this type of verdict is bad?
- Rohan, Lahore, Pakistan
The replies of Islamaphobes never cease to amaze you.
The cry out over and over "Why do Islamic scholars never condemn terrorism, it must mean Islam supports it" - as though they and their governments somehow have the moral ground on Muslims
Then when a respected scholar condemns it with a comprehensive fatwa, they say "Why does someone need to be told that killing is wrong" - "What a rubbish Fatwa" - not even wanting to give any thought or respect to anything remotely Islamic.
And then they present themselves to be the most rational person that ever existed with comments like "When is religion going to end" as though they alone with their perfect (feeble) minds understand the world from its beginning to end.
They want the world completely to cynical depressing Atheism, as though Stalin and Hitler were great examples for mankind.
The truth is they wish Islam didn't exist, so they'll never be happy with anything Muslims do.
I have a proposition for them.
Grow up and just learn to live with Muslims, because you know what? We will be around for a long long time to come. If you hate us, come and discuss it in person with us, maybe we can be friends. You know what else? We don't hate you one bit, nor do we wish for any bad to befall you.
Don't sit behind your little computer screens and flex your typing muscles.
- Australian Muslim, Sydney
Such a fatwa was definitely needed at a time when the media chooses to only show the negative actions of so called Muslims - finally we see the true face of the Muslims in this 'war against terror' and that is the voice of Dr Tahir ul Qadari - i suggest everyone reads the fatwa before they dismiss it as being irrelevant otherwise you are drowning in your own ignorance
- Soheb Malek, baroda GUJARAT
Dr Tahir Qadri is absolutely spot on that the Salafis/Wahabies/Deobandis are responsible for all the terrorism we see. Hamas, Usama Bin Laden, the 9/11 attackers, Al-Muhajiroon, Taliban - all, without exception, are affiliated to one of the mentioned groups. Bosnian/Kosovan Muslims went through absolute hell in the 90's - yet not a single suicide bombing or terrorist act was committed in retaliation - because they are SUFIS.
- Yaqoob, uk
this Fatwa will definitely helpful for clarification of doubts regarding terrorist activities in the name of jihaad and Islam
- Syed Wajid, Dubai, UAE
Dr.Tahir ul-Qadri completely dismantles al-Qaeda's violent ideology & other Extremists Groups Like Osama bin Laden & Wahabies.. A must read book/edict for whole world.
- Asif, Pakistan
Hi All, I think all of us must THINIK before we speak. Time is to recognise who is able to pass the message. Muslim community needs to remind such things regularly and by all creeds of Islam. Is someone is labeled then shey should come forward and declare such Rulings, NOT ON THE INTERNET. I would like to see the contents of the Fatwa and I want to be Optimistic for any benifits to the Ummah of Islam. Islam is totality on little little sects or groups and this fatwa will join the hands of Billions of Muslims. My prayers if this becomes tidle wave for big change for Young muslim in UK.
This group is able to attract over thousand muslims every year in their youth camps and centres all over the UK. So Good luck for them
- Kaleem, Manchester
Very much needed Fatwa...it's a relief to finally see a leading Muslim scholar comment intellectually, with vision and understanding on an issue that is affecting the East and West. Quite contrary to the usual captain hook Image.
Also a relief to see the ideology of the wahabi, deobandi and Khawarij sects within Islam being brought to the forefront-this minority who support extremist ideologies should be exposed so that we may all be aware and can campaign better against them.
Dr Tahir ul Qadri has dedicated his life to support love, peace, harmony and humanity, let us hope this fatwa, his message and his esteemed personality can enrich and enlighten the lives of all peoples.
- Memoonah Zainab, UK
Such a fatwa was definitely needed at a time when the media chooses to only show the negative actions of so called Muslims - finally we see the true face of the Muslims in this 'war against terror' and that is the voice of Dr Qadri - i suggest everyone reads the fatwa before they dismiss it as being irrelevant otherwise you are drowning in your own ignorance
- Mariam, Sheffield UK
Actually most Islamic scholars and imams have consistently condemned killing people in the name of Islam for a long, long time. There is simply minimal publicity.
And the idea of a "living Saint" is arguably heresy in Islam anyway. For him to dismiss millions of people as tacit supporters of terrorism because they don't follow his particular sect is unfortunate and the journalist who wrote this piece is clearly well meaning but there is no constructive criticism or commentary on how self-publicising this seems to be.
The poster from Toronto should stick to stoking up racial hatred in North America and leave us Londoners to laugh at the ignorance coming from that part of the world.
- Stg, Peckham, London
i was once told the that war was caused by religion but it is not, it caused by man and not woman or religion
- Stephen O M, woodford green essex
All I can say is congratulations to Dr Qadri.
Ordinary mosque imams (Muslim priests) writing 1 liners complemented by a handful of Islamic references is the very reason that uneducated young Muslims have not been convinced and have fallen prey to extremist psudo-scholars. These psudo-scholars nearly all if not all of whom have not completed their education at any classical institutions misuse verse after verse often producing literature going into several pages. The ordinary street Muslim is going to think that the view of the extremist is closer to the faith for no reason other than the extra (misused/misapplied) material. This is the reason why a fully comprehensive water-tight work needed to be produced so that semi-literate extremists cannot be allowed to misapply Islamic texts without exposing their ignorance of the faith. Going by the standard of Dr Qadri’s literature in general, when he deals with a topic, he ensures that no room is left for anyone to misuse any Islamic text to justify terrorism, the murder of non-combatants (Muslim or non-Muslim) or any other barbaric act. Hence the 600 pages!
Many may not know this but he really has put his neck on the line by issuing this edict (fatwa). Pakistan has seen extremists murder in excess of 150 scholars of Islam which has hardly been reported here in the West. The extremists knew that by doing away with the religious authorities, there will be less qualified imams to inform the youth about what Islam really says.
- R Ahmad, London, UK
The fact that muslims need someone to tell them murder is wrong shows what a violent religion it is. Not that I would trust what any imam says. As far as I am concerned this is just more of the "it's them, not us BS" that Islam has been saying for years. The thing is if they say this same thing in countries where Islam is the authoritarian law they would be murdered. Lies Lies and more LIES from Islam.
- Del Evans, Toronto
No one has provided proof that God doesn't exist.
It is up to you to provide proof that God exists, not the other way round.
You are the one making extraordinary claims about belief in the supernaturnal. You must provide extraordinary evidence.
After thousands of years, there is still nothinhg.
At the moment your beliefs are just a delusion, wishful thinking, with no value whatsoever.
If you want to delude yourself - fine. But keep away from children.
- Zoltix, London UK
Dr.Qadri showing the real face of Islam to the whole world, According to Islamic education Peace is the 1st priority in all matters , the word Islam Means Peace, so some supponsered Terrorists are like Bin ladin ,Mehsood etc... are using the name of Islam to give the bad impression to the whole world that All Muslims are terrorist and unfortunatly media also playing role to support their deeds against Islam, I am muslim and living in Pakistan and want to say All terrorist are Curse full and they have no any religon , This interview is a very Positive step because this is showing and representing the millions Peace full muslims views, i really appreciated Madam Allegra Mostyn-Owen to show the world that Islamic educations are not based on Terrorism and i think no religon have any concept to support terrorism
- Muhammad Nadim, Pakistan
The root of all problem is religion. Living saints are an ancient tradition and not welcome here.
He calls himself sheikhul Islam. I thought there were no preisthood in Islam and I asked a few of Moslem friends and non of them have ever heard of him. Sounds like someone is blowing their own trumpet here.
- Susan Green, London
This is an entirely undue story. Everywhere including the Saudi and Deobandi led Ulemas have denounced suicide bombings. However, apart from the Muslim media none of the mainstream media has carried their message, choosing only to focus on the fringe ones who have continuosly had distorted understanding. In Islam, there is no place for these living saints, as there is no one standing between man and God, this is just a mEans of cheap publicity.
- Ahmad, London
Sounds like a subtle case of Taqiyya to me. Don't fall for it.
- Ben, Lancs.
i think tahir ul qadri is just tryin here to promote himself, and what utter rubbish that terrorists come from salafi backgrounds, tahir ul qadri follows the sufi school, so obviously he will promote that school, you can check up on scholars of the salafi school such as sheikh al albani, who have given fatwas such as suicide bombing is forbidden, so its been said before i dont understand why they make such a big thing about it, in the Quran it clearly says if you cause harm to yourselfs or others, your goin hell!
so tahir ul qadri should give up these cheap tactics of promoting his sufism and stick to his spinning in circles
- Umair, london
Regardless of whether or not the readers of this article have faith in religion or not, this Fatwa is of great importance. The main reason is because it is a deterrent for young Muslims who are being influenced by extremists. Just knowing that a fatwa of this status on such a subject exists will make the Muslim youth think twice about getting into terrorist-linked activities! That is the reason as to why this first step of denouncing terrorists and their excuses of justification is so important!
- Qas, London, UK
What part has a 'Fatwa' to play in today's England?
We might as well start giving importance to voodoos
I don't want any part of this stone age militant religion in my life...
- Richard, London
Whoopee whoo, it takes an Islamic convert to find one Muslim out of one and a half billion Muslims who will speak out against extremism.
- Tom, london, England
I must say, I've browsed through the contents of this edict (fatwa) and it puts to shame all statements made by the Papacy during the Nazi onslaughts of the WW2.
I think this Islam scholar represents the Muslims of old who respected the rights of and treated with fairness their fellow Jewish and Christian brothers.
Keep up the good work.
- A Haagman, London, UK
Hi Gary
On the thorny subject 'no one proved that God does not exist'. I am sorry, but in scientific discourse burden of proof rests with those who propose the hypothesis in the first place. Otherwise - Santa does exist until you prove otherwise! 
)
- Legal Immigrant, City of London
This is of immense importance for at least two reasons I can see straight away.
Firstly, it shows non-Muslims that Muslims aren't all hell-bent on trying to destroy Infidels.
Secondly, regardless of what anyone else believes or doesn't believe, -millions of people hang onto this man's every word, so anything he says to prevent any more carnage is all to the good.
It's nice to hear from the peace-promoting Muslims for a change, so don't knock it!
- Huggy, Cumbernauld Scotland
Do we really need a fatwa for this. I think any normal person would agree that suicide bombings are immoral... I don't see what benefit will come from this living saint declaring that suicide bombings are anti-islamic. If the taliban or the suicide bombers were rational people in the first place they wouldn't be doing what they are doing.
- Sal, Southampton,UK
Hi Kev,
May I just say that the belief in God is different from the belief that the earth is flat. No none has provided proof that God doesn't exist, there however is plenty of proof that the earth is round(ish). I am not a man of faith but I try not to belittle or devalue the beliefs of others, especially when they are moderate and anti-murder.
- Gary, london
Islamic scholar!theologian,Christian scholar,Surely a contradiction in terms if ever there was one!As for Saint either living or dead,ha ha just sums it up really.
Why does society give such people such credence! religious belief is just that,a belief,whilst we are all welcome to our beliefs,why do we place such relevance on religious belief!its no more important a belief than the belief that the earth is flat,or that fairy's live at the bottom of the garden.
- Kev, London uk
