Monday 15 February to Sunday 21 February 2010

Editorial

At present, the British Muslim community is suffering disproportionately as a result of crime, on both sides of the spectrum. How can we help the community progress?

Each community has both its fair share of wrongdoers and its exemplary citizens. This is no exception within the British Muslim community.

There are many issues that are affecting the community, but the issues of crime and security features with a regrettable significance. It is unfortunate that there is a disproportionate focus on the Preventing Violent Extremism and Counter Terrorism agenda. There are other areas of concern to be seriously considered, ranging from the disproportionate Muslim prison population, high substance misuse including alcohol and drugs, and gang cultures – to name but a few. With all of these cases, families and societies are suffering, regardless of religion.

The Holy Quran encourages community cohesion and understanding: “Help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression” (05:02). This clear recognition of mutual cooperation points to the importance for individuals to openly acknowledge and work together to solve issues in society.  Thus, the various effects and responses to crime and security should be recognised as deciding factors in the successful, or unsuccessful, cooperation of a community.

Crime and security is not the only prism through which our identity is defined, but it is one of the many facets that shape our identity today. This week, we focus on some of these key questions. Where is the government going wrong? Or are the current legislations enhancing our security? In which direction would you like the community to head? Are the current institutional structures adequate? How do you think we should get there?

The Platform Editorial Team