Imams Urge Britons Not To Travel To Syria Or Iraq

[naomi24]

More than 100 imams have signed what I think is an ambiguously worded 'open letter’ urging Muslim communities "to continue the generous and tireless effort to support all of those affected by the crisis in Syria and unfolding events in Iraq". Will it have a positive influence?

[ChillDoubt]

One certainly hopes so and it's not before time.
But how much influence do they actually wield, given allegations that the current crop in Syria were radicalised within the mosques themselves?

[naomi24]

As I said, I think the wording of the letter is ambiguous.

[ChillDoubt]

Any chance of a link please naomi?

[Gromit]

[i] Dear Sir

The month of Ramadhan is a time of reflection and compassion for humanity.  The ethos of this month is to demonstrate generosity and solidarity especially towards those who are less fortunate.

As the crisis in Syria and Iraq deepens, we the under-signed have come together as a unified voice to urge the British Muslim communities not to fall prey to any form of sectarian divisions or social discord.

Ramadhan, the month of mercy, teaches us the value of unity and perseverance and we urge the British Muslim communities to continue the generous and tireless efforts to support all of those affected by the crisis in Syria and unfolding events in Iraq, but to do so from the UK in a safe and responsible way.

The Muslim communities have already generously contributed over a hundred million pounds to the Syrian relief effort. We welcome the British Government’s commitment to spending £600 million to support the Syrian people.

With more than 9 million Syrians internally displaced and requiring help, 2.8 million living in refugee camps and 60% of the countries medical infrastructure destroyed, this is the largest human crisis since World War II.

The Holy Qur’an’s guiding principle states:

‘And they give food for the love of God to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner.  They say to them, “We give you food, only for the sake of God – we do not seek any reward or thanks from you.” (76:8). [i]

http://imamsonline.com/blog/2014/04/emirati-imams-will-reflect-the-uaes-values/

[Gromit]

I totally disagree, the wording of the letter is not at all ambiguous, it is very clear and straight forward...

// urge the British Muslim communities not to fall prey to any form of sectarian divisions or social discord. //

// support all of those affected by the crisis in Syria and unfolding events in Iraq, but to do so from the UK in a safe and responsible way. //

A very well written letter, and all but the very dim should understand the message. I think it will discourage some from going, I hope so.

[naomi24]

Sorry, Chilld, I forgot that. I can't remember the original link, but this is a later report.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28155683

[naomi24]

Gromit, I think from the perspective of the wonky-eyed extremist it could be seen as ambiguous – and if that comes across as ‘dim’ to the unobservant, so be it.

[ChillDoubt]

There is an uncommon occurence that has troubled me lately on more than one occasion - I agree with Gromit.

The letter appears genuine and heartfelt with no hidden agenda IMHO.

Let's hope it has the desired effect.

[anotheoldgit]

Could it be that they have finely come to the long overdue conclusion that the actions of their brothers in the Middle East, is beginning to make it very uncomfortable for them in this relatively peaceful country?

[sandyRoe]

Where's the ambiguity?

[ChillDoubt]

Interesting viewpoint AOG, hadn't thought of that.

[humbersloop]

the only ambiguity I can see is the Imams appear to be damned if they do and damned if they don't

hope it has a positive effect

[Gromit]

I must be unobservant Naomi, please tell me where you think the ambiguity is, I can't see it.

Even if the letter does not work, I think it is a good sign that they are at least trying to dissuade their youth from getting involved in foreign conflicts.

[naomi24]

I’m sure it has been done with the best of intentions, but I think an extremist might interpret encouraging British Muslim communities to continue tireless efforts to support all those affected, and not to fall prey to any form of sectarian divisions, as something quite different.

[royfromaus]

More than 100 imams have signed an open letter urging Muslims to offer help "from the UK in a safe and responsible way".


Offer help to who exactly?

[naomi24]

Gromit, cross posted there. Will that ^ do?

[sandyRoe]

It could easier be read as advice to support humanitarian charities, such as the Red Crescent, than as a secret message to continue supporting ISIS and their ilk.

[Gromit]

Royfromaus,

// Offer help to who exactly? //

It is in the letter,

// The Muslim communities have already generously contributed over a hundred million pounds to the Syrian relief effort //.

[Gromit]

naomi,

Thanks, that is clear, but I think you are wrong. The important phrase you are not seeing is...

// from the UK in a safe and responsible way. //.

That is a clear instruction not to travel abroad.

[youngmafbog]

Wont make a ha'peth of difference. It is not your average peaceful Muslim that is the problem. The vast majority of them (including many parents of fighters) deplore the actions of the jihadists(at least publicly)

Yes AOG. I strongly suspect you have hit the nail square on the head.