/positive_agenda_for_muslims

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A positive agenda for Muslims in Britain

Defend against attacks on the Shariah Promote Islamic Values Support our worldwide Ummah Strengthen our Community

A positive agenda for Muslims in Britain Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain

Defend against attacks on the Shariah Promote Islamic Values Support our worldwide Ummah Strengthen our Community

July 2009 Rajab 1430 First Edition

Contact details: Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain Suite 301 28 Old Brompton Road London SW7 3SS http://www.hizb.org.uk info@hizb.org.uk

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Ů? Ů? ‍ ا‏ Ů? ŮŽ Ů’ ‍Ů? Ů’ Ů? ا Ů‘ Ů? ا‏

CONTENTS

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About Hizb ut-Tahrir

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The Global Struggle for Islam

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UK Governments efforts to westernise Muslims and change Islam

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Failed alternatives

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Principles upon which to move forward

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Our Values

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Our Community

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Our Identity

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Our Ummah

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Our Relationship with non-Muslims

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Your Party

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About Hizb ut-Tahrir

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a global Islamic political party that was established in 1953 under the leadership of its founder - the scholar, political thinker and judge in the Court of Appeals in al-Quds (Jerusalem), Taqiuddin an-Nabhani. Hizb ut-Tahrir global leadership is currently headed by Ata’ Abu Rashta. In the Muslim world, Hizb ut-Tahrir works at all levels of society to bring the Muslims back to living an Islamic way of life under the shade of the Khilafah (Caliphate) State following an exclusively political method. Hizb ut-Tahrir adopts the methodology employed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he established the first Islamic State in Madinah. The Prophet Muhammad limited his struggle for the establishment of the Islamic State to intellectual and political work. He established this Islamic state without resorting to violence. He worked to mobilise public opinion in favour of Islam and endeavoured to sway the political and intellectual elites of the time. Despite the persecution and boycott of the Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslims, they never resorted to violence. The party is therefore proactive in disseminating the Islamic intellectual and political thoughts widely in Muslim societies so as to challenge the existing status quo that exists there. The party presents Islam as a comprehensive way of life that is capable of managing the affairs of state and society. The party also expresses its views on political events and analyses them from an Islamic perspective. The party disseminates its thoughts through discussion with the masses, study circles, lectures, seminars, leaflet distribution, publishing books and magazines and via the Internet. We encourage people to attend our demonstrations, marches and vigils. In the West, Hizb ut-Tahrir works to cultivate a Muslim community that lives by Islam in thought and deed, adhering to the rules of Islam and preserving a strong Islamic identity. The party does not work in the West to change the system of government. The party also works to project a positive image of Islam to Western society and engages in dialogue with Western thinkers, policymakers and academics. Western governments, under the banner of the War on Terror, are currently working to present Islam as an ‘evil ideology’. Indeed at the heart of this campaign is to malign the Islamic ideology as an alternative to Western liberal capitalism. Because of this propaganda aspect to the War on Terror, Hizb ut-Tahrir works to develop opinion about Islam in the Western countries, as a belief, ideology and alternative for the Muslim world.

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The Global Struggle for Islam

‍ن‏ Ů? ‍ Ů?ŘĽ Ů? ŮŽ Ů’ Ů? Ů?Ůˆâ€Ź ŮŽ Ů? Ů’ ‍ ŮˆŮŽا‏ Ů? Ů’ ‍ ا‏ Ů? Ů’ ŮŽ! ŮŽ ŮŽ"â€ŤŮŽŮˆâ€Ź "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." [Surah al-Dhariyat 51:56] The Ummah of Muhammad (saw) is unique. It transcends boundaries of geography, colour, race and tribe. Our beloved Prophet (saw) said “Each Messenger was sent to his own nation. I was sent to all mankindâ€? [Bukhari]. While Allah Subhanahu wa-Ta’ala says to the Prophet (saw) in Quran:

ŮŽ Ů? ŮŽ ŮŽ Ů’ # %Ů‹ ŮŽ Ů’ â€ŤŮƒ Ů?ŘĽ َع‏ ŮŽ ŮŽ(Ů’ ) ŮŽ Ů’â€ŤŮŽŮˆ"ŮŽ َأع‏ "And We have not sent you except as a Mercy for all creatures." [Surah Anbiya 21:107] Wherever we live, in whatever age, it is Islam - the Quran and the Sunnah – that provides the basis for our role and purpose in life – as individuals, as a community or as a State. The fact we live in 21st Century Europe does not change this fact; nor does the passport we hold, the place we call home, the fact we are a minority or our ethnic origins change the fact that we have many obligations and responsibilities placed upon us as part of this noble Ummah – the best Ummah. Allah Ta’ala says:

‍س‏ Ů? ( Ů? Ů’ , ŮŽ Ů? Ů’!‍ Ů?أ‏%Ů? " ‍! Ů’ ŮŽ Ů?أ‏ ŮŽ Ů’ .Ů? (Ů?‍آ‏ Ů? Ů? ‍ن‏ ŮŽ 0Ů?("Ů? Ů’12Ů? ‍ Ů? ŮŽŮˆâ€Ź3ŮŽ Ů’( Ů? Ů’ ‍ ا‏ Ů?4 ŮŽ ‍ن‏ ŮŽ Ů’05ŮŽ Ů’(2ŮŽ ŮŽâ€ŤŮ Ůˆâ€Ź Ů? ‍ن Ů? Ů’ ŮŽ Ů’ Ů?Ůˆâ€Ź ŮŽ ‍ْ Ů?" Ů?Ůˆâ€Ź72ŮŽ “You are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind. You enjoin Al-Ma`ruf and forbid AlMunkar and believe in Allah.â€? [Surah al-Imran 3:110] Our community may live in Europe, but finds itself in the midst of a much wider global struggle. In their desire to maintain their control of the resources of the Muslim world and maintain their strategic dominance, western governments have launched a war on Islam around the world. 6

Some of this has been a military war– what they call the ‘war on terror’ in the Muslim world. These invasions, together with the client regimes western governments installed and supported over decades, are all aimed to prevent the rise of Islam as a way of life. They seek to prevent the rise of the righteously guided Khilafah state. These regimes oppress the people, introduce reforms of the education system and spread western values through the media - all in order to try to secularise Muslims. Western governments have learned that ideas travel and as such have developed policies for all parts of the world. Some of their plans have been to try to win the “hearts and minds� of Muslims in the west; to westernise them and ultimately to change Islam into a set of personal beliefs and ritual worship – like Christianity was changed some centuries ago. They call this westernisation or secularisation assimilation or integration. They do this by bullying Muslims; by spreading propaganda and lies about Islam in the media; by trying to control masjids and madrassahs; and by trying to create a new secular liberal Muslim leadership. Hizb ut-Tahrir has recognised these problems and proposed some ideas for a way forward. These ideas are based on understanding our role as Muslims, as part of this Ummah and in the midst of such a struggle. The proposals are aimed to be positive and Islamic, as well as to counter these destructive forces. Our Ummah is one and in today’s world distance is increasingly irrelevant. Global communication: telephone, television, internet and air travel - all mean that we become aware of problems in far off places; it also means that if we speak about these matters, our voices are heard in those far off places. We believe that our community has an active and positive role to play in the UK from an Islamic basis. However, we also believe that many of the solutions currently proposed are flawed, counterproductive or contradict Islamic values. We pray others find usefulness in this document. We invite discussion and feedback. We hope that some might work with us towards these objectives, and that others work towards the same noble ends in their own way. Lastly, but most importantly, we always ask for the Help of Allah and that He accepts these efforts no matter what the future holds for our community in the west.

‍ش‏ Ů? Ů’ ŮŽ Ů’ ‍ب ا‏ 9 ‍ َع‏0ŮŽ ‍ ŮŽŮˆ Ů?ه‏ Ů? Ů’ ‍ آ‏0ŮŽ 2ŮŽ Ů? Ů’ ŮŽ4 ŮŽ 0ŮŽ ‍< Ů?ه‏ Ů?‍> ا Ů‘ Ů? < Ů?ŘĽ ŮŽŮ€ ŮŽ ؼ‏ ŮŽ Ů? Ů’ ŮŽ Ů’?Ů? @ŮŽ ْ‍ْا‏0 0ŮŽ 2ŮŽ ‍َ@ Ů?ن‏ Ů? Ů?A ŮŽ Ů’ ‍ا‏ But if they turn away, say: ‘Allah is Sufficient for me. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’ [Surah Tauba 9:129]

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UK Government’s efforts to westernise Muslims and change Islam

In 2009 the government produced a new plan to assimilate Muslims called Contest 2. The 160-page document mentions many of the plans and shows how they plan to implement these, particularly under the guise of “Preventing Violent Extremism” also known as PVE. It blames Islam’s political ideas as a cause for ‘terrorism’ and even explicitly labels the struggles in Palestine, Chechnya, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Kashmir as ‘terrorism. A leaked article in the Guardian, which has never been denied by the government, explains the government definition of “extremism” they seek to prevent through PVE. The definition includes: •

Believing in a Caliphate (Khilafah) in the Muslim world

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Promoting Shariah for anywhere in the world, and even the personal aspects of Shariah in the UK

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Believing Jihad, or armed resistance, is permitted - anywhere in the world including armed resistance by Palestinians against the Israeli military.

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Believing that Islam bans homosexuality and that it is a sin against Allah.

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If you fail to condemn the killing of British soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Against this backdrop there is an urgent need for Muslims to wake up and realise that the government wants more than our silence over its unjust actions or the harmful failing values in this society. They want us to actively support their injustice and adopt these same values, and they want to control our communities to achieve this.

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Failed Alternative Strategies

Our community has made many mistakes in the past in mapping out a path for our future in the west. Some failed to see our cause here as linked to that of the wider Ummah. Others have been tempted by the perceived short term tactical gains offered by the government. Some retreated into their own communities as the best way they could see to preserve their culture of origin. Some simply allowed themselves to be swallowed whole by the corruption around them. Isolating ourselves is not the Answer Many people from our community arrived in this country to work in factories. They lived close to their work places. The local population moved out in a phenomenon called ‘white flight’. The result was isolated Muslim communities in a country which has a bad history of racism. Whilst the reasons for such isolationism were complicated, the result has been problematic. We have become an easy target for enemies who can easily demonise people who are unknown to many. Furthermore, there has been a failure to fulfil obligation of dawah. Adopting Western values that contradict Islam is not the way forward Many see the alternative to isolation and segregation as integrating with the Western values. This is the governments’ current aim. It means an adoption of all aspects of this society’s values – including the negative aspects, such as antisocial behaviour, disrespect and promiscuity. One part of this is adopting the political system. This is a system that involves many unIslamic actions. In particular legislation in Islam is for Allah alone. In a democracy it is for people and parliament. Hence, it is forbidden for Muslims to vote and participate in the parliamentary process. It is also forbidden from Islam to take up or support an executive officer who undertakes executive or ruling actions that contradict Islam. Furthermore, the support for secular political parties is haram, for this would be to support a group which holds principles directly contradicting Islam. Furthermore were we to adopt this, our community would simply become divided on party lines, weakening us further. Assimilating Muslims into secular party politics simply subverts our community’s priorities to those of the particular party. 9

Moreover, the political system in the west is corrupt, and corrupts those who are involved. Money can buy votes, and peerages, and politicians are forever plagued with allegations of sleaze. The latest MP’s scandal in Westminster has truly demonstrated how endemic corruption is within the capitalist political system. At a local level we have even seen the shame of Muslim counsellors found guilty of corruption for the sake of their party. Sadly, this is an example of true integration into the capitalist political system. Knowing what is forbidden from the Shariah, and what is politically dangerous, we must look at other ways to engage politically in this society. Our way forward: We believe our model offers an alternative to these failed strategies of isolation and (varying degrees of) assimilation. Moreover, we offer an alternative to the frustration felt by some people, tasting injustice here, and seeing it in the Muslim world. Some have felt so frustrated by the hostile atmosphere in society and the injustices facing the Ummah globally they have turned emotionally to methods which are violent. This is a way that we believe is both haram from a Shariah perspective and is political capital for the enemies of Islam and Muslims, giving them justification to enact their policies of global terrorism against Muslims.

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Principles upon which to move forward In this short booklet we aim to briefly outline some of our policies on what the positive agenda for Muslims in Britain needs to be. All of these can be elaborated in much greater detail. Some already are in other documents. Other details will be published in due course. Many activities are already underway. But in our humble opinion there are several core principles, which if applied to the numerous matters affecting our community, would achieve progress in moving forward. They are:

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The preservation of our sublime Islamic values in our domestic and community life – in the face of huge pressure from the society around us that undermine and conflict with these values.

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The preservation of our Islamic identity despite government’s pressures to assimilate. This means for our community to remain bonded by these Islamic values, and to never allow ourselves to be detached from the global Ummah. Our community should not fall prey to a narrow regional identity that forgets that Muslims have a duty to support the millions who live under occupation and oppression and to support the call to end tyranny and to live by Islam in the Muslim world.

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To build our community institutions i.e. our mosques, madrasahs and schools upon an Islamic basis and such that they are controlled by our community, not the State. These institutions should serve needs and aims as defined by the Muslim community and not by the government for its divisive purposes.

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To actively support the work to establish the Khilafah State in the Muslim world. This means joining our voices with our brothers and sisters in the Muslim world to end the rule of corruption in our countries and replace it with a just Islamic government.

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To promote the correct relationship with non-Muslims in Britain, upon an Islamic basis. This means engaging with people upon our distinct Islamic values. These values should be manifest in our character and behaviour, showing others what it really means to live by Islam. We should take every opportunity to explain the Islamic message, also correcting the misconceptions and refute the false propaganda that is all too prevalent in the media.

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Our Values “The best of you is the best among you in conduct.” [Bukhari and Muslim] Islamic behaviour and values are a real contrast to much of modern western life Though western societies are economically prosperous compared to the rest of the world, many people have identified a progressive decline. Even Melanie Phillips, the anti-Islamic commentator, wrote in March 2008: “With rampant drunkenness, drug abuse and crime, decadence is the defining motif of our age. Libertinism, hedonism and selfishness are the order of the day.” Given this tragic (though some would say inevitable) state of affairs Muslims living by Islam could offer something uniquely different to society - a beacon of light for others. People in the west may aspire to have a just and good society, and some claim to respect many of the values that are central in Islam. Yet their system does nothing to promote or protect these noble values. Indeed, it is many facets of the secular liberal way of life that actively causes these numerous harms. Materialism and individualism have led to high crime rates, antisocial behaviour, racism, and the breakdown of family life. These all show that liberal societies are far away from the just, tolerant, decent and good society that people might aspire to. People no longer feel safe in town centres. Insult and ridicule of other people (even parents and teachers) and religious beliefs are widespread. Politicians lie and drip with allegations of sleaze. The media makes money from selling lies and stories about the most scandalous of matters. So, values of truthfulness and morality are undermined from the very top. People no longer know their neighbours; community life has diminished and the elderly are isolated, with thousands dying every year in the cold. If Muslims simply adopted western values we would offer little to this society except more of the same declined behaviour that affects other communities. Islam’s moral and ethical behaviour is part of the ahkam Shariah This means that Islam’s principles are fixed and absolute on these matters. We cannot abandon these due to social pressures, the latest trends or fashions, the prevalent culture or customs in the west, nor for the sake of profits. In contrast to secular liberal values, Islam promotes as an absolute duty in respect of: • •

Honouring of parents and respect for teachers - NOT disrespect and antisocial behaviour. Responsibility and care for neighbours and relatives - NOT leaving them to suffer alone. 12

• • • •

Welcoming immigrants - NOT treating them as foreigners and outsiders. Telling the truth, being honest and fulfilling your promises - NOT thinking ends justify the means. Being sincere in all of your intentions for Allah - NOT wondering ‘what’s in it for me?’ Treating all people fairly and justly regardless of race or nationality - NOT thinking my country first at the expense of others.

Our communities are not immune to the effects of the wider society Sadly, given the fact that many of the western values are subconsciously absorbed in school or from the media generally, Muslims have become increasingly affected by them. Drug abuse, youth crime and teenage pregnancies are increasingly problems for our communities. The reason for this is that Islam is presented often in a traditional manner without any thought and connection to the reality of our younger generation. If we don’t proactively build the Islamic values in our next generation, no doubt the un-Islamic kufr values will find root amongst our youth. Our way forward: Our community must understand, adopt and then promote the Islamic values – in our homes, schools, circles, activities, mosques, and madrassahs. Our community must understand what western values really are; how they contradict Islam; and how they lead to harmful results in people and society The Islamic ideas about the Oneness of Allah, taqwa, life, death, akhira, accountability, reward and punishment must be taught in a way that inspires our youth and makes them yearn to please Allah (SWT). We must understand that the Islamic Aqeedah is a way to liberate oneself from the narrowness and lowliness of enslaving oneself to one’s pleasures and desires. The akhlaaq and adab of Islam must be upheld and demonstrated how they bring goodness within people: to respecting ones parents, be kind to neighbours, speak the truth, lower the gaze, avoid intoxication, respect women, value marriage and have humility are all values exemplified in the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW that the community needs to demonstrate in word and deed. Our community should live as an example of this behaviour, not simply adopt the damaging values of others that so many people today, even amongst non-Muslims, recognise as the cause of deep problems. It is only by us living by Islamic values that we would be worthy of being an example for others, that we can show an alternative.

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Hizb ut-Tahrir’s work with the Youth On a practical level Hizb ut-Tahrir has been working amongst the younger generations for many years. Through our youth projects, circles and talks many young people have been led away from lives of drugs and lewdness to the beauty of Islam.

The slaves of the Most Beneficent are those who walk upon the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the ignorant address them, they reply back with mild words of gentleness. And who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing. And who say: Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily! Its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment. Evil indeed it is as an abode and as a place to dwell. And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between (those extremes). And those who invoke not any other god along with Allah, nor kill such life which Allah hath forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit adultery - and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; except those who repent and believe, and do righteous deeds; as for such, Allah will change their sins into good deeds; and Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. And whosoever repents and does good, he verily repents toward Allah with true repentance. And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass some evil play or evil talk, pass by with dignity. [Translated meaning Surah al-Furqaan 5:63-75]

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Our Community

َ‫ ُده‬0ُC‫ ْ َ رًا َو‬3ُ ِ ْ‫ ْ َوَأه‬3ُ َ Dُ َ‫ا أ‬0ُC ‫ا‬0ُ("َ E

َ FِG ‫َ ا‬5F9 ‫َ َأ‬F ‫ َ َر ُة‬I ِ ْ ‫س وَا‬ ُ ( ‫ا‬ O you who believe! Guard yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones [Surah al-Tahrim 66:6]

In order to preserve our Islamic values we need strong, self-reliant institutions built upon an Islamic basis at the heart of our community. Former disgraced Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has said that they want no area in our community that is not governed by the State. Currently, the government aims (under the guise of various community cohesion and antiterrorism projects) to secure their hold on mosques, madrassahs, faith schools and other community organisations. These have all been confirmed in the 2009 strategy document called ‘Contest 2’. These policies are a false, shallow and dangerous belief that the more Islamic a community is, the more dangerous it is, and the more secular, the safer it is. Therefore they have clear policies that aim to control our institutions and secularise them. Their plans – under the government guise of ‘Preventing Violent Extremism’ (PVE) is to offer funding to our institutions and community groups. Once a culture of financial dependency upon the government or council has been established they will start to stipulate conditions by which these institutions must be run. A failure to comply these stipulations would mean the loss of funding. They wish to create artificial leaderships amongst Muslims – and have particularly targeted women, youth and Home Office endorsed Imams. They hope to run government dictated curriculums and training/registration programmes – through local and national Muslim bodies and will use the Charities commission and the local council (sometimes via community cohesion projects) to enforce their agenda. Achievements to date Despite the odds, our community has achieved much since the arrival of the first generation of Muslims in significant numbers in the 1960’s. That first generation put down firm roots 15

without relying on the state. Thousands of mosques have emerged; tens of thousands of children have learned to read Quran, and many of them are huffaaz. In many areas high streets have been enriched by halal food outlets. Increasing numbers of people attend the mosques and strive to adhere to the ahkam Shariah in all areas of their lives. Despite more than four decades of living in Britain and contributing to their communities, they have lost none of their care and concern for the oppressed of the Ummah around the world, as illustrated by the numbers who voice their objection to western aggression in Muslim lands, and the many millions of pounds sent as sadaqah to help people in hardship. Our community has done all of this without Government assistance but we have so much more yet to do.

Our way forward: 1. We need to stand up for Islamic values and duties as the biggest priority for our community, not reducing our aims to simply begging for a larger portion of resources like minority communities do. It is essential we do not allow the twisted view that Islamic ideas cause terrorism to go unchallenged. This false idea will be used to pressurise us away from which ever Islamic ideas are deemed dangerous by the government. We must maintain an authentic and true understanding of Islam as a complete way of life. Ideas such as ‘Ummah’, ‘Shariah’, ‘Khilafah’, ‘Iman and Kufr’ cannot be erased from our texts or ‘reinterpreted’ for someone’s mistaken agenda. 2. We should aim for our institutions to be self reliant. State funding comes with strings attached and creates a dependency that gives the government control. This colonial agenda has been used countless times elsewhere. There is a great need to have more independent schools, madrassahs and mosques for our community. 3. We should remain united, not divided on party, racial or geographic lines and beware of attempts to divide our community – whether on lines of madhab, or party political lines, or according to state definitions of moderate or extremist. A unified community is one that follows the Islamic obligation of unity and brotherhood. Divided we not only deviate from Islam but are weaker and easier to manipulate. 4. We should invest time in our families trying to promote the noble Islamic values. We should be actively involved in our children’s schools at PTA or Governor Levels to promote good values within our community. We need to mobilise our community and raise awareness when necessary 5. We must avoid being exploited. Many times in the past government has used Muslim representatives to pass messages to the community (not vice versa); or has used them for their own political stunts. More recently, local police and councils have tried hard to get Muslims to sign up to projects that are against the interests of Muslims, and part of the so-called ‘Prevent’ agenda. We should be clear that the money is not aimed at preventing violence; it is to prevent Islamic values and bolster western liberal values

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What has Hizb ut-Tahrir been doing in Britain? • Over the past few years, members of Hizb ut-Tahrir have offered their advice to community Instutions, schools and mosques – often at times of immense pressure on the community. • We have brought communities together when they have been attacked in the media. We have helped with letter writing and media advice when mosques have been attacked in the media. • We have pointed out how some projects from police and local authorities have been attempts to gain a grip on our communities. • Members of Hizb ut-Tahrir have also started raising awareness around the country on government plans to promote compulsory Sex and Relationship Education to children aged 5 years old and above, and encouraged parents to question the implementation of this policy in their children’s schools.

The Muslims are like one man, if his eyes complain then the whole of him complains; and if his head complains then the whole of him complains [Sahih Muslim]

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Our Identity

ŮŽ Ů? Ů?Ů’ Ů? Ů’ ‍ ا‏ ŮŽ "Ů? >Ů?( ‍ل Ů?ؼ‏ ŮŽ ŮŽC‍ً ŮŽŮˆâ€ŹI Ů? ŮŽK ? ŮŽ Ů? 4 ŮŽ ‍ ا Ů? ŮŽŮˆâ€ŹLŮŽ ‍َ Ů?ؼ‏4‍" َد‏# Ů‹ Ů’0CŮŽ

Ů? ŮŽ Ů’ â€ŤŮŽŮˆ ŮŽ" Ů’ َأ‏ And who could be better of speech than he who calls [his fellow-men] unto God, and does what is just and right, and says, “Verily, I am of those who have surrendered themselves to Godâ€?? [Surah Fussilat 41:33] There is a government agenda to establish a British identity through an aggressive process of assimilation. The causes are complex, but include general issues for all of society, not just for Muslims. With regards to Muslims, the agenda to reform Islam includes attempts to diminish the importance of ‘Ummah’, to make the ties with the Ummah very much secondary national loyalties, even to sever them. It is also to diminish the political ideas of Islam so that Muslims adopt only the political ideas of secularism. Our Islamic Identity is based on our belief - our Aqeedah The Islamic identity is based on Islamic principles and ideas that bind Muslim together in brotherhood according to their beliefs in a way that supersedes race, gender, and colour and country. Allah SWT said:

‍ن‏ Ů? 0Ů? 2 ŮŽ@ Ů’ 3Ů? 9 ‍ ŮŽ Ů‹ŘŠ ŮŽŮˆŮŽŘŁ ŮŽ َع‏ Ů? ‍ ŮˆŮŽا‏%Ů‹ " ‍ Ů’ Ů?أ‏3Ů? .Ů? " ‍ Ů?أ‏MŮ? GŮ? ‍ن َه‏ â€ŤŮŽŮˆŮ?ؼ‏ And, verily, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord: so have taqwa of Me! [Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:52] This means we have to maintain our care and responsibility for the affairs of this Ummah around the world, not to simply abandon them because of geography or local interests we may have. The response of the Muslims globally to the atrocities in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir have shown how the Islamic Aqeedah binds the Muslims naturally. It exemplifies the hadith of the Prophet SAW that the Muslims are ‘one body.’ The bond of Ummah needs to be preserved within our communities and any attempt to create a British identity that separates us from the wider Ummah must be resisted. Our strength is in our unity and weakness in our division. Moreover Islam fundamentally came to liberate humankind from the bonds based upon tribes and countries that have led to so much racism, division and bloodshed. Based on this secure Islamic identity, a Muslim would treat everyone with justice and would oppress no one; and would provide a duty of care to other people. 18

Allah SWT said:

Ů’ ‍ ŮŽ Ů’(ŮŽ Ů?آ‏, ŮŽ ‍ ŮŽŮˆâ€ŹLŮŽN Ů?‍ ŮŽŘ° ŮŽآ Ů? ŮŽŮˆŘŁâ€Ź#" Ů?‍!ŮŽ Ů’(ŮŽ آ‏ ŮŽ ‍س Ů?ؼ‏ Ů? ( ‍َ ا‏5F9 ‍َ َأ‏F ‍ن‏ ‍ْ ŮŽ Ů?آ Ů’ Ů?ؼ‏2‍Ů?( ŮŽ ا Ů? َأ‏4 Ů’ 3Ů? "ŮŽ ŮŽ ْ‍ن ŮŽأآ‏ ‍ا Ů?ؼ‏0Ů?@‍ ŮŽ َع‏.ŮŽ Ů? ? ŮŽ PŮ? ŮŽ CŮŽ ‍ Ů‹ ŮŽŮˆâ€Ź0Ů? Q Ů? ŮŒ Ů? ! ŮŽ ŮŒ Ů? 4 ŮŽ ŮŽ ‍ا‏ O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you and Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). [Surah Al Hujurat 49:13]

Our way forward: Muslims should not allow themselves to be bullied into a narrow nationalistic identity that contradicts Islam, but hold to the beautiful Islamic identity which crosses boundaries of race, colour, geography and gender like no other contradicts Islam, but hold to the beautiful Islamic identity which crosses boundaries of race, colour, geography and gender like no other

Hizb ut-Tahrir’s work in the communities •

In communities all around the UK Hizb ut-Tahrir has reminded Muslims of the affairs of the Ummah, and informed Muslims about events happening around the world, reminding them that they are part of ‘one body’.

•

We encourage Muslims to retain their distinct Islamic values whilst interacting with neighbours and colleagues around us.

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Our Ummah

ٌ‫ة‬0َ ْ!‫ن ِإ‬ َ 0ُ("ِ ْ1 ُ ْ ‫ِإ َ ا‬ Verily! The Believers are but a single Brotherhood [Surah al-Hujurat 49:10] We live far away from the Muslim world. Yet there is no doubt our community feels the problems that our brothers and sisters face. The suffering of the Palestinian people, the occupation of Kashmir, the destruction of Iraq and now the brutal occupation of Afghanistan and Pakistan are painful reminders of the ongoing problems of the Muslim Ummah. Our Duty To be a voice for voiceless in the Ummah who live under occupation and oppression wherever they are. The Khilafah – the Vital Issue This oppression and occupation has gotten worse and worse ever since the destruction of the leadership and state that represented the Muslim Ummah, the Khilafah. This occurred over a long period but finally culminated in the abolition of the Khilafah on the 3rd March 1924 – a policy instigated by the British. Until this time the Muslim world had a leader; its shield and some dignity. Even at its weakest period, the Ummah was stronger and more formidable than after the abolition of the Khilafah. After the destruction of the Khilafah the Muslim Ummah came to be led by corrupt kings and dictators and so called democrats. They plunged the people into oppression and injustice and did everything to facilitate the West’s colonial agenda in the Muslim world. The Political Future of the Muslim world The current war on terror is about the prevention of the restoration of the Khilafah and the enforcement of a western secular system on the Islamic world. George W Bush, Tony Blair and others have made this explicitly clear in numerous speeches. However, one of the most frank admissions was by former British Home Secretary Charles Clarke when he addressed a right wing US think tank, the Heritage Foundation, saying: “...there can be no negotiation about the re-creation of the Caliphate; there can be no negotiation about the imposition of Sharia law;... These values are fundamental to our civilization and are simply not up for negotiation.” There are plans and policies constantly debated, discussed and hatched in London and Washington to this end. Colonialism seeks to perpetuate division, and the subservience of the Muslim world to the colonial interests of other states. This is forbidden because Allah SWT said:

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S Ů‹ Ů? ) ŮŽ

ŮŽ Ů?("Ů? Ů’1 Ů? Ů’ ‍ ا‏LŮŽ 4 ŮŽ

ŮŽ FŮ? @Ů? ŮŽ3Ů’ Ů? Ů? Ů‘ ‍? ا‏ ŮŽ ŮŽ Ů’ FŮŽ ŮŽ â€ŤŮŽŮˆâ€Ź And never will Allah allow the unbelievers a way (to triumph) over the believers. [Surah Nisa 4:141] The sad state of affairs for decades has been that colonial nations have had ‘a way’ over the Ummah by means of economic and political domination; proxy-rulers who govern in the interests of colonial powers; and direct occupation. Every Muslim desires that this Ummah is unified. The Khilafah is the manifestation and means to this unity. Allah instructs that this Ummah should be the best Ummah, an Ummatun Wasat to witness over humanity; that Muslims should stand for justice against injustice. These things cannot be achieved or be achieved effectively unless Muslims have political unity under the Khilafah so that the Khaleefah can execute these duties in an effective manner on behalf of the Muslims.

Hizb ut-Tahrir’s work supporting the establishment of the Khilafah

Our way forward: Hizb ut-Tahrir has been at the forefront to change the situation of the Muslim Ummah by working for the reestablishment of the Islamic system of government so that the justice of the Shariah is established in the Muslim lands. Several ahadith of the Prophet SAW warn us of the importance of having an imam or Khalifah for the Muslim Ummah:

To support the work for the re-establishment of the Khilafah in the Muslim World it is vital that whilst we live in the West we continue to support and strengthen the movement for Khilafah in the Muslim world. We can do this in several ways: -

“Whosoever dies while there was no Bay’ah on his neck, his death would be that of the days of Jahiliyyah (ignorance)�. [Muslim] And in another narration:

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Exchanging ideas with our families and friends in the Muslim countries; by interacting with them via phone, text messaging, email and the internet, and discussing these vital issues will allow us to strengthen the global movement for the Khilafah.

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Joining our voices with our brothers and sisters in the Muslim world – speaking out against the atrocities committed in our lands and calling for the Khilafah with them.

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Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain has been at the forefront of organising countless demonstrations, pickets and other media activities to highlight the plight of the Muslim world - to oppose and to help create a wider opposition to the colonial policies that support dictators, maintain occupation and keep the Muslim world subservient.

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Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain has interacted and continues to interact with many non-Muslim intellectuals, politicians and media personalities to explain the work for Khilafah and how Islam can address many of the global problems facing humanity today.

“And whoever dies while there was no Imam of Jama’a ruling over him, his death would be that of the days of Jahilliyah.� [Al-Hakim] The message of Khilafah has now spread to over 40 countries. Muslims of different colours, languages and tribes have responded tremendously to the call of Khilafah and are working to build a strong political movement to replace the corrupt regimes that rule over us.

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Our Relationship with non-Muslims

%ِ (َ َI َ ْ ‫ ا‬%ِ A َ4 ِ ْ0 َ ْ ‫ وَا‬%ِ َ ْ3I ِ ْ ِ T َ # ‫) ِ ?ِ َر‬ َ Lِ ‫ع ِإ‬ ُ ْ‫اد‬

ُ َ ْ ‫> َأ‬ َ ‫ِ> ِه‬. ِ ُ5ْ ‫َ ِد‬,‫َو‬ Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. [Surah an-Nahl - 16:125] Our duty to people in the wider society is based on what Islam asks us to do. Islam commands that we make dawah to people. However, if we look at the current climate we find ourselves in, we see that there is an urgent need to present a rebuttal to the lies spread about Islam in the media. We have Islamic duties generally to neighbours. But beyond that duty to neighbours we have to explain things that are misunderstood, refute lies and invite people to Islam. This should start with those who we personally interact with – such as neighbours, colleagues or even family members who are not Muslim. Secondly, Islamic behaviour, as we have already said, is a real contrast to modern western life. It offers a real difference and can be a beacon of light for others. Hence, all aspects of the community and personal lives of Muslims can be a da’wah for Islam. What does the Shariah say about living in a non-Muslim country? Living in a non-Muslim country we are living here in under what is know in Islamic jurisprudence as Amaan (security). Here are some of the Ahkam Shariah that Islam gives in such a situation, related to how we deal with non-Muslims: •

• • •

The sanctity of their property. So it is haram to steal, seize, embezzle and deceive others. This includes to the extent of the prohibition of travelling on trains without paying for a ticket. Sanctity of their blood. It is Haram to kill them or cause them any harm. This includes the prohibition of causing them to be fearful. Sanctity of their honour. It is Haram to harm their women directly or indirectly. It is forbidden to harm them there by words or deed. Sanctity of their religion. It is Haram to abuse their religion, violate their sanctities or cause damage to their churches and places of prayer.

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•

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To have good relations with them and treat them well. To congratulate them on their joys and to share in their sadness as long as it does not involve transgression from the Shariah and sin. It is Haram to lie to them and deceive them or to trick them for a certain benefit.

Ů‹ ŮŽ Ů’ ‍ Ů?ؼ‏ Ů? Ů’F ŮŽ Ů?‍َا‏0Ů’ Ů? ‍ً ŮŽŮˆâ€ŹVŮ’ Q ŮŽ Ů? Ů? ْ‍ا‏0Ů?‍ْ Ů? آ‏W2Ů? < ŮŽ ‍ْ Ů? Ů?ŮˆاŮ’ ا Ů‘ ŮŽ ŮŽŮˆâ€Ź4â€ŤŮˆŮŽا‏ LŮŽ Ů’ Ů? Ů’ ‍ ŮˆŮŽا Ů’ ŮŽ Ů?Řą Ř°Ů?ŮŠ ا‏ Ů? Ů?‍ ŮˆŮŽا Ů’ ŮŽ ŮŽ آ‏LŮŽ" ŮŽ. ŮŽ Ů’ ‍ ŮˆŮŽا‏LŮŽ Ů’ Ů? Ů’ ‍Ů?ŮŠ ا‏G Ů? â€ŤŮŽŮˆâ€Ź ŮŽ"‍? ŮŽŮˆâ€Ź Ů? Ů? ‍ ا‏ Ů? Ů’ ‍ ŮˆŮŽا‏Y Ů? (ŮŽ Ů? Y Ů? Ů? Z ‍ ŮˆŮŽا‏Y Ů? (Ů? Ů? Ů’ â€ŤŮˆŮŽا Ů’ ŮŽ Ů?Řą ا‏ ‍عًا‏0Ů?[@ŮŽ < Ů‹ ŮŽ.Ů’["Ů? ‍ن‏ ŮŽ َ‍ "ŮŽ آ‏Y 9 I Ů? FŮ? < ŮŽ ŮŽ Ů‘ ‍ن ا‏ ‍ Ů’ Ů?ؼ‏3Ů? Ů? ŮŽ Ů’F‍ Ů’ َأ‏3ŮŽ ŮŽ"ŮŽ Serve Allah and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (ye meet) and what your right hands possess: for Allah loves not the arrogant the vainglorious [Surah an-Nisaa – 4:36]

Hizb ut-Tahrir’s work with Non-Muslims

Our way forward: We need to work actively to refute the propaganda attacks against Islam and show the beauty of Islam as a Message for humankind through: • Interaction with neighbours • Community exhibitions • Mosque Open days These are just some of the ways to carry the Dawah to Islam to the non-Muslims in this society

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Over the last few years Hizb ut-Tahrir has been proactive in communicating the Message of Islam and what the Muslim world aspires for, to non-Muslim journalists, politicians, academics and commentators.

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At a grass roots level we have, where possible, been involved in debates and dialogue with non-Muslims - like many other organisations and masjids.

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Recently the party has launched a website for non-Muslims and a resource pack designed to address many of the issues that may be on the minds of nonMuslims. Our pack contains literature on subjects such as the existence of Allah, the miracle of the Qur’an, the Messengership of Rasool Allah to wider topics such as how Islam liberated the woman, how Islam ended racism 1400 years ago and how the sublime values of the Shariah can ensure a just and morally upright society.

Your Party

Ů?4 ŮŽ ‍ن‏ ŮŽ Ů’05ŮŽ Ů’(FŮŽ â€ŤŮ ŮŽŮˆâ€Ź Ů? ‍ن Ů? Ů’ ŮŽ Ů’ Ů?Ůˆâ€Ź ŮŽ ‍ْ Ů?" Ů?Ůˆâ€Ź7FŮŽ ‍[ Ů’ Ů? ŮŽŮˆâ€Ź ŮŽ Ů’ ‍ ا‏LŮŽ ‍ن Ů?ؼ‏ ŮŽ 0Ů?4Ů’ FŮŽ ŮŒ%" ‍ Ů’ Ů?أ‏3Ů? (#" Ů?3.ŮŽ Ů’ â€ŤŮŽŮˆâ€Ź ‍ن‏ ŮŽ 0Ů?I Ů?Ů’D Ů? Ů’ ‍ Ů?ه Ů? ا‏T ŮŽ VŮ? ‍ Ů? ŮŽŮˆŮ?ŘŁŮˆŮ’ َـ‏3ŮŽ (Ů? Ů’ ‍ا‏ Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain success. [Surah Al Imran 3:104] Hizb ut-Tahrir is a global Islamic political party working to re-establish the Khilafah in the Muslim world. It does this by a political and intellectual method, following the example of the Prophet SAW. In the west, Hizb ut-Tahrir does not work to re-establish the Khilafah here, but supports the work for Khilafah in the Muslim world. It also works to preserve and protect the values of Muslims in the west, and carry a correct understanding of Islam to non Muslim society. Hizb ut-Tahrir is not affiliated to any government or institution in the world. It struggles against the corrupt ideas, systems and rulers in the Muslim world through intellectual and political means. Over the last 50 years the party has been unrelenting in this struggle despite the oppression and torture on its members by the dictators in the Muslim world. Despite all the oppression the Party has continued its work according to the non violent method that Rasool Allah followed in Makkah to establish the first Islamic State in Madinah. All activities of Hizb ut-Tahrir are funded by its own members and supporters throughout the world. We invite our brothers and sisters to be part of this work, and to join us in working to fulfil the efforts we have so briefly outlined in this booklet.

Ů’ 3Ů? "ŮŽ ‍ْ ŮŽا‏C‍ Ů’ َأ‏# NŮŽ FŮ? ‍ Ů’ Ů?آ Ů’ ŮŽŮˆâ€ŹZ Ů? (ŮŽF ŮŽ ‍ Ů?Ůˆا ا‏Z Ů? (ŮŽ2 ‍ا ŘĽŮ?ن‏0Ů?("ŮŽ E

ŮŽ FŮ?G ‍َ ا‏5F9‍َ َأ‏F O you who believe, If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm [Surah Muhammad 38:7]

ŮŽ Ů? ŮŽ ŮŽ Ů’ ‍ب ا‏ # ‍ Ů’ Ů? Ů? Ů‘ Ů? َع‏I ŮŽ Ů’ ‍ن ا‏ Ů? ‍اْ َأ‏0ŮŽ Ů’4‍! Ů? َد‏ Ů? EŮŽâ€ŤŮˆâ€Ź Our final prayer is that all praise is for Allah Rabbil ‘Alamin

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A positive agenda for Muslims in Britain

Defend against attacks on the Shariah Promote Islamic Values Support our worldwide Ummah Strengthen our Community

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