By Tamanna Rahman

I often hear the complaint, with some justification, from many friends that Muslims are almost always portrayed negatively in the media; as wildly exaggerated caricatures of stereotypical backward types, or as the vanguard of the new feminist movement who are using driving lessons to kick start the revolution.

For some reason, they say, of all the immigrant religious communities that live in Britain, Sikhs and Hindus are seen as being more integrated and seem to get a better press. How do they manage it without trying, they wonder? It’s not like Muslims are so very different.

By H M Zaheer

The pessimists among us will inevitably say that Britain is currently in a state of paranoia and as a consequence is heading into a stagnating decline.  There is some truth in the belief, given the shocking rise of the fascist far-right in recent years to the devastating credit crunch that plunged the UK into a deep recession.  Politically and economically, things may appear dire in the eye of the beholder.  Indeed, they complement an array of problems that plague our society today.  However there is a significant difference between the predictions of what will happen by 2020 (based upon the negative status quo) and the hopes of what will be rectified by the end of this decade.  Ultimately it is the latter which is more important; as a platform for optimism creates targets that we all can aspire to.  With this in mind I shall set out my pseudo-aspirations of where I would like to see Britain in ten years time.

By Suleman Khan

Afloat

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The sight of different cultures and religions coexisting is an inspirational one and worthy of preserving and sharing. I enjoy capturing the vibrant images of people and landscape

By Iqbal Chowdhury

A letter to my Self-less Ego

Dear Ego,

In the chambers of Corazon, we drank from the fountains of Zest

You favoured only those liquors sweet, disliking the rest

Scorning my indifference as My Self drank those acrid

Telling My Self to indulge the sweet Senses, whenever they’re arid

I loved you as I loved My Self, effects of the sweetness you made me taste

Little did I know, it was the last this Trinity of mine was ever chaste

By Samihah Dharamsi

Addressing Disability in the Muslim Community: Now and in the Coming Decade

The 2001 Census revealed the group with the highest level of disability in the UK is in fact the Muslim Community, with almost a quarter of Muslim females (24 per cent) and one in five Muslim males (21 per cent) as having a self-declared disability. So why are we so reluctant to accept these situations and tackle them?

Monday 8th March to Sunday 28th March 2010

Editorial

After weeks of contributions and debate, addressing a remarkable spectrum of issues through a vibrant range of genres, we have now come to the completion of the six themed and structured weeks of The Platform. And we would like to thank all of you who have taken part and made the discussions on the blog both energetic and passionate.

By Nabil Ahmed

I was fortunate enough not long ago to be invited to join a bunch of cool Muslim students out on camp who were socially and spiritually nourishing themselves off Snowdonia’s peaks and crisp air.  The pleasant young gentlemen (I consider myself a ripe student-elder) could cook well, hike and even (when asked) give an excellent rendition of the Maori Haka.  But take a look at the bigger picture and they represent an exciting future for Britain, presenting a trailer for the decade ahead.  They are united, diverse religiously, culturally, socially and politically, they were able to discuss how universal concepts of justice actually are, and between them you could formulate more than a patchwork of social reform.

By H M Zaheer

Why should British Muslims bother with wider society and the political system?

In a post 9/11 world, it is fairly easy for British Muslims to feel more polarised and ostracised from wider society.  Such a mindset is not surprising, especially with the heightened levels of stereotyping and shocking hate crimes that have been committed against Muslims.  Does this consequently mean that it is correct for British Muslims to instantaneously react by being more insular and inward to the on-goings around them? 

By Mohammed Amin

At first sight the question sounds trivial. Who would choose to be powerless? Many though have no choice but to remain politically powerless. Around the world, millions live under dictatorships where power is jealously guarded by the few. Any attempt to produce change can result in imprisonment or death.

In contrast, we live in one of the freest societies on Earth, where power is dispersed and readily available to those who seek it.

By Basmah Saqib

I’m out with my flag
strapped to my backpack
and I’m staring
again at the Houses that have given up caring
When is my voice gonna be heard?
When will my government learn that
We’re cursed?
Sitting on a moral debt