It would appear that Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for the Communities and Local Government (CLG) department clearly has delusions of grandeur. Latest news reports would suggest that she has started to treat Muslims as if she was still living in the days of the British Raj.

"We are concerned that the statement calls for direct support for acts of violence in the Middle East and beyond. We are also aware that a senior member of the MCB may have been a signatory to this statement. If it is proven that the individual concerned had been a signatory, we would expect the MCB to ask him to resign and to confirm its opposition to acts of violent extremism."

The MCB has made clear in a statement that it ‘in no way supports the targeting or killing of British soldiers anywhere in the world.’

It adds that Dr Abdullah’s signature on the Declaration corresponds to ‘the right under international law of the Palestinian people to resist the ongoing illegal and brutal occupation of their land’.

Seeking the resignation of a high ranking individual in a non-state organization evinces the minister’s contempt for the independence of the MCB and its right to adopt positions that run counter to a Government’s stated preferences.

It could be that Ms Blears has been spending so much time with stooges such as Ed Husain and his government-funded outfit the Quilliam Foundation that she has come to believe that other Muslim organisations too will also simply roll over and follow her orders.

It is commendable indeed that the MCB has not buckled under the pressure exerted on it to dismiss Dr Abdullah. The organization, to its credit, stated that:

"The MCB will not be dictated to by Hazel Blears. We do not take orders from Ms Blears. She is mistaken if she thinks the MCB will dismiss people at her say-so."

It would seem that the engagement Ms Blears seeks with groups at dissonance with the Government will come about not because the minister desires it, but because the organisations themselves will robustly defend their right to demur and resist ministerial control.

As an increasing number of Muslim organisations avail themselves of PVE funds and those recently announced under the Community Leadership Fund, it remains to be seen how many will retain their independence and refuse to trade in their principles for a pay cheque. Or will submission to the government of the day be the order of the day?

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Ibrahim M   |2009-03-23 21:49:24 The Prophet (pbuh) said "The amount of reward is in accordance with the amount of suffering. When Allah (SWT) loves some people, He tries them (with affliction). He who then is content (with Allah's decree) has achieved the acceptance (of Allah), and he who is dissatisfied (with Allah's decree) will attain the anger (of Allah)." [Tirmidhi] Well done MCB, may Allah (swt) grant you the strength to remain steadfast in the face of such an undue and maliciously contrived agenda.

Anonymous   |2009-03-23 21:53:53 Cam across an interesting hadith which rings true here: Allah's Messenger (saw) said: "Whoever approaches the ruler's gate become afflicted. Whenever a slave draws closer to them ruler, he only gains distance from Allah." (Ahmed) The Council must always stand firm for justice, I am glad they reiterated they're pledge against the killing of soldiers and the cancer of terrorism, however we know this severance and pressure has little to do with such notions and more to do with the desire of the establishment to control, interfere and frighten.

Kenny   |2009-03-25 02:37:31 Why do you hate so much? Can't you see you are doing the same thing you claim Israel has done except you are doing it in a different way? Can you honestly say that Islam is a religion of peace? That Islam is not above other religions? Why don't you leave the Christian countries alone, leave them to be Christians? If you want to live amongst Muslims, live in a Muslim country. I just don't understand........

SP   |2009-03-25 10:27:40 Hey Kenny, what has people on this website done which is illegal to do in this country. We live in a democracy. Everybody in this country has a right to stand free when they are being dictated to. As for your concluding statement I suggest you do what everybody does when they don’t understand go back to the original source which is the holy book of the muslims and look at the biography of the greatest Muslim; prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After reading that book i promise you will detract the rhetorical questions.

Kenny   |2009-03-25 22:16:40 Hi SP, I have read and understand the Koran. My point is you say you live in a democracy, well, when UK becomes sharia it won't be a democracy any longer. Then you won't have any right to demonstrate willl you?

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