DOCSLIB.ORG

Preventing Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisation Policy on Campus

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Preventing Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisation Policy on Campus Preventng Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisaton Policy On Campus By Rupert Suton First published in 2015 by The Henry Jackson Society The Henry Jackson Society Millbank Tower 21-24 Millbank London SW1P 4QP Registered charity no. 1140489 Tel: +44 (0)20 7340 4520 www.henryjacksonsociety.org © The Henry Jackson Society 2015 All rights reserved The views expressed in this publicaton are those of the author and are not necessarily indicatve of those of The Henry Jackson Society or its Trustees. Preventng Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisaton Policy On Campus By Rupert Suton ISBN 978-1-909035-21-8 £10 where sold Front Cover Image: Senate House, University of London Preventng Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisaton Policy On Campus By Rupert Suton www.henryjacksonsociety.org www.studentrights.org.uk This paper is writen in the author’s personal capacity and the views expressed are theirs alone. Preventing Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisation Policy On Campus About the Authors Rupert Sutton is the Director of Student Rights, and the author of At What Price? Transparency and Ethics in Higher Education Funding from Overseas and Challenging Extremists: Practical Frameworks for our Universities. He has written for Haaretz, International Business Times, The Huffington Post and New Humanist, and presented Student Rights’ research at the European Parliament. Rupert holds an MA in Terrorism and Security with Distinction from King’s College London, and a BA in War Studies from the University of Kent. About Student Rights Student Rights is a non-partisan project of The Henry Jackson Society dedicated to supporting equality, democracy and freedom from extremism on university campuses. Set up in June 2009, Student Rights monitors extremism on UK university campuses - focusing on a range of different groups including, but not limited to, fascist or racist organisations, Islamist groups, and extreme political parties. About The Henry Jackson Society The Henry Jackson Society is a think tank and policy-shaping force that fights for the principles and alliances which keep societies free - working across borders and party lines to combat extremism, advance democracy and real human rights, and make a stand in an increasingly uncertain world. 4 Preventing Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisation Policy On Campus Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................... 7 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 10 1. Extremism and Higher Education in the UK ...................................................................................... 11 1.1 Violent Extremism and UK Higher Education .............................................................................. 12 1.1.1 Islamism-Inspired Extremism ................................................................................................... 12 1.1.2 Far-Right Extremism ................................................................................................................. 14 1.2 Non-violent Extremism and Higher Education .............................................................................. 15 1.2.1 On Campus ............................................................................................................................... 15 1.2.2 Online ....................................................................................................................................... 16 2. On-Campus Events: 2012-14 ................................................................................................................ 17 2.1 On-Campus Events ......................................................................................................................... 18 2012 ................................................................................................................................................... 18 2013 ................................................................................................................................................... 19 2014 ................................................................................................................................................... 21 2012-14 .............................................................................................................................................. 23 2.2 On-Campus Events by Region 2012-14 .......................................................................................... 24 2.3 On-Campus Events by Institution ................................................................................................... 29 2012 ................................................................................................................................................... 29 2013 ................................................................................................................................................... 29 2014 ................................................................................................................................................... 29 2012-14 .............................................................................................................................................. 30 2.4 Event Speakers ................................................................................................................................ 30 2012 ................................................................................................................................................... 30 2013 ................................................................................................................................................... 31 2014 ................................................................................................................................................... 32 2012-14 .............................................................................................................................................. 32 3. Prevent Delivery in UK Higher Education .......................................................................................... 34 3.1 The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) .............................................................. 34 5 Preventing Prevent? Challenges to Counter-Radicalisation Policy On Campus 3.2 The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) .............................................. 34 3.3 The Home Office and OSCT ........................................................................................................ 35 3.4 The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) ........................................................................ 36 3.5 Universities UK (UUK) .................................................................................................................. 36 3.6 The Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) .............................................................................................. 37 3.7 Delivery of Prevent on Campus ...................................................................................................... 38 3.8 Referrals and Intervention .............................................................................................................. 40 3.9 Oversight of On-Campus Delivery of Prevent ............................................................................... 41 3.10 Engagement in On-Campus Delivery of Prevent ......................................................................... 41 3.10.1 Positives ................................................................................................................................... 41 3.10.2 Resistance ................................................................................................................................ 42 3.10.3 Lack of Engagement ................................................................................................................ 42 3.10.4 Structural Problems ................................................................................................................. 43 4. Student Criticisms of Prevent ............................................................................................................... 44 4.1 Islamophobia and Racial Stereotyping in Delivering Prevent ........................................................ 45 4.2 Misuses of Power and Poor Engagement in Delivering Prevent .................................................... 47 4.3 Definitions of Extremism in the Prevent Strategy .......................................................................... 49 4.4 The Prevent Strategy as a Counterproductive Policy ..................................................................... 50 5. Addressing Student Criticisms of Prevent ............................................................................................ 52 5.1 Islamophobia and Racial Stereotyping in Delivering Prevent ........................................................ 52 5.2 Misuses of Power and Poor Engagement in Delivering Prevent .................................................... 55 5.3 Definitions of Extremism in the Prevent Strategy .......................................................................... 58 5.4 The Prevent Strategy as a Counter-productive Policy ...................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Media Statement
    27 July 2016 MEDIA STATEMENT ANIC AND THE GRAND MUFTI OF AUSTRALIA DENOUNCE ISIS KILLING OF FRENCH PRIEST The Australian National Imams Council and The Grand Mufti of Australia were extremely shocked to hear of the brutal slaying yesterday of French Catholic Priest, Father Jacques Hamel in a church in Normandy. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to Father Hamel’s family and friends. It is alleged that the two men responsible for the killing claimed to represent ISIS. We denounce in the strongest possible terms the violent murder of Father Hamel. The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed said: “ISIS is an evil organisation that has hijacked the religion of Islam for its own brutal and nihilistic goals. The betrayal of the Islamic faith and violation of its core principles are enough to refute ISIS’s false and absurd claims.” The sanctity of all human life, and especially that of people of religion, religious leaders of all faiths and their places of worship, are of paramount importance in Islam. Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, President of ANIC added: “We should not allow the brutality of ISIS to cause us to turn against each other nor create disunity. This is exactly what they aim to achieve, but we must stand firm in support of our united opposition to their violence. Our shared humanity, civility and cohesiveness must be safeguarded.” We call for calm and restraint in the face of this tragic incident. End... Postal Address: P.O.BOX 145 Lakemba NSW 2195 Australia Ph: (61) 1300 765 940 - Fax: (61) 1300 765 964 Web: www.anic.org.au - Email: [email protected] .
    [Show full text]
  • The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims, 2021
    PERSONS • OF THE YEAR • The Muslim500 THE WORLD’S 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS • 2021 • B The Muslim500 THE WORLD’S 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS • 2021 • i The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Chief Editor: Prof S Abdallah Schleifer Muslims, 2021 Editor: Dr Tarek Elgawhary ISBN: print: 978-9957-635-57-2 Managing Editor: Mr Aftab Ahmed e-book: 978-9957-635-56-5 Editorial Board: Dr Minwer Al-Meheid, Mr Moustafa Jordan National Library Elqabbany, and Ms Zeinab Asfour Deposit No: 2020/10/4503 Researchers: Lamya Al-Khraisha, Moustafa Elqabbany, © 2020 The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre Zeinab Asfour, Noora Chahine, and M AbdulJaleal Nasreddin 20 Sa’ed Bino Road, Dabuq PO BOX 950361 Typeset by: Haji M AbdulJaleal Nasreddin Amman 11195, JORDAN www.rissc.jo All rights reserved. No part of this book may be repro- duced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanic, including photocopying or recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Views expressed in The Muslim 500 do not necessarily reflect those of RISSC or its advisory board. Set in Garamond Premiere Pro Printed in The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Calligraphy used throughout the book provided courte- sy of www.FreeIslamicCalligraphy.com Title page Bismilla by Mothana Al-Obaydi MABDA • Contents • INTRODUCTION 1 Persons of the Year - 2021 5 A Selected Surveyof the Muslim World 7 COVID-19 Special Report: Covid-19 Comparing International Policy Effectiveness 25 THE HOUSE OF ISLAM 49 THE
    [Show full text]
  • Offensive Jihad, Slavery and the Islamic State
    The Islamic Far-Right in Britain Their own words Offensive jihad Slavery The Islamic state tifrib.com A literalist, puritanical and supremacist form of Islam is being propagated in the UK. This phenomenon causes dismay amongst Muslims who follow more inclusive and tolerant interpretations of Islam. However the more rigid teachings have gained traction and become increasingly mainstream. Hard-line speakers are regularly provided with platforms at well-attended events; the regular Global Peace and Unity festival in London is one prominent example. These speakers do not promote terrorism and will condemn extreme acts such as the 7/7 attacks and the Lee Rigby murder. In fact it is argued by some that they are better placed to dissuade disaffected young Muslims from turning to terrorism, or joining ISIS; however other Muslims strongly disagree and believe that a climate of Islamic supremacy, sometimes sprinkled with anti-Western and anti- kuffar (non-believer) rhetoric, only helps to make the leap to terrorism. This document is not concerned with this subject and although these speakers speak out against terrorism it should not be allowed to distract from the fact that they express ideas and beliefs that many people in the UK would find extremely disturbing. This document is intended to raise awareness of some of the key issues at stake, and demonstrate why it is in no way bigoted to oppose these preachers. It should also be pointed out that even amongst the speakers featured in this document there are differing opinions on many subjects. While some have made derogatory statements about non- Muslims and warn of keeping away from them, others have made genuine attempts to forge good relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims.
    [Show full text]
  • A General Social Impact Assessment Mosques In
    A General Social Impact Assessment of Mosques in Australian Neighbourhoods Frank Salter Social Technologies Pty Ltd 26 June 2016 (Revised 7 July 2016) Download at: www.socialtechnologies.com.au Dr. Frank Salter, BA (Hons.), M.Phil, Ph.D Social Technologies Pty Ltd, ACN 154 127 518 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.socialtechnologies.com.au Contents Page Contents 2 Tables 3 Executive summary 4 1. Introduction 1.1 Social impact assessment: Australian and international standards 6 1.2 Review of social impact assessments of Australian mosques 8 2. Theoretical basis and hypotheses 2.1 Biosocial theories of ethno-religious diversity 15 2.2 The social impact of Muslims in Western societies 16 2.3 Hypotheses: the social impact of Muslims in Australian neighbourhoods 19 3. The social impact of diversity in Australia 3.1 General analyses 19 3.2 The Scanlon local area surveys 20 3.3 2007 Scanlon area study 22 3.4 2009 Scanlon area study 23 3.5 2012 Scanlon area study 25 3.6 2013 Scanlon area study 27 4. The social impact of Muslims I: Statistical evidence 4.1 Scanlon Social Cohesion Surveys 29 4.2 Australian attitudes to Islam poll, 2013 32 4.3 Progress Institute survey, 2015 32 4.4 Muslims and crime 34 4.5 Muslim unemployment and public dependency 36 4.6 Military volunteering 37 5. The social impact of Muslims II: Qualitative evidence 40 5.1 Terrorism – official assessments 41 5.2 Terrorism – ethnic variation among Muslims 42 5.3 Criminal gangs 44 5.4 Low rates of intermarriage 45 5.5 Anti-social behaviour: views from outside Islam 46 5.6 Anti-social behaviour: views from within Islam 48 6.
    [Show full text]
  • What the Papers Say About Islam & Muslims
    What the Papers say About Islam & Muslims EXPLAINED Published by Islam Surveyed May 2018 2 CONTENTS Page 1.0 Summary 1.1 What the Papers Say 3 1.2 Is this a Fair Picture? 3 1.3 Muslim Response 6 2.0 What the Papers Say - UK 2.1 General 11 2.2 Islam in Schools 30 2.3 Hijabs and Veils 41 2.4 Sharia 45 2.5 Halal 49 3.0 What the Papers Say - Muslim World 53 4.0 What the Papers Say - Western World 4.1 General 77 4.2 Face Covering and Hijabs 98 5.0 Minority Muslim Voices 107 6.0 Surveys 6.1 British Muslims 115 6.2 Other Muslims 118 Edition 1.0 pdf May 2018 3 1.0 Summary 1.1 What the Papers Say This is a survey of press coverage of Islam and Muslims in the UK, other Western countries, and the Muslim world, by British and other English language sources. The survey gives the headlines of over 700 news reports and articles published over the last 18 months of which 265 directly concern the UK, and in most cases gives short extracts further revealing content and meaning. Popular readers' comments are also sometimes given. It concentrates on social, religious, and political topics and mostly ignores terrorism and armed conflicts in the Muslim world. We have here in the UK .... A parallel legal system that treats women unfairly Extremism in schools Imams who know and care nothing of Britain Polygamy Segregation of women Political corruption Painful slaughter of animals Denial of common civilities (showing your face) Rejection of Interfaith relationships (a Muslim woman may not marry a non-Muslim man) Support of violence Increasing restrictions on freedom of speech Self-segregation, etc., etc.
    [Show full text]
  • United Muslims of Australia Anniversary Issue 2007 Free Thethe Messagemessage
    Volume 5, Issue 1 United Muslims of Australia Anniversary Issue 2007 Free TheThe MessageMessage Paradise Kitchens is a proud sponsor of the dig- ging of water wells. Help our fellow Muslims in need by also donating to a water project today! Factory and Showroom 70 Hassall St. Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 Phone: 02 9757 4400 www.paradise-kitchens.com.au Editorial my eyes to so many things in the way I have lived my life over the Editorial past few years, which also teaches us numerous lessons. Firstly, calling someone to Islam (whether it be a Muslim or non-Muslim) Assalamu Alaikum is an individual obligation rather than a collective one. However, more importantly, although gaining knowledge is a critical aspect of Islam, the spreading of this message does not require a high Well, we have made it to our first major milestone! This issue you level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility on each and every are currently holding now marks the fifth anniversary of The Mes- one of us according to our ability. sage Magazine. However, I will promise you from now, my short piece in this editorial will not be a road trip down ‘memory lane’ but rather, the very reason why we established such a magazine So ask yourself brothers and sisters, what can I do to spread this and the fulfilling of an obligation that every one of us is entrusted message our beloved Prophet (S) and his companions shed from with. their blood, sweet, tears, wealth and time to uphold? What are my strengths that I could utilise? How can I give back and what can I do? Jot them all down on paper, then set yourself some goals Allah (Swt) says in the Quran “Let there arise out of you a group and go for it! of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al ma’roof and for- bidding al munkar.
    [Show full text]
  • ICV 2017-2018 Annaul Report.Cdr
    ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 The ICV wishes to express our sincere appreciation to a host of organisations we have worked with and have supported the ICV in various capacities throughout the 2017-18 year. Our special gratitude is particularly extended to many sincere friends who have been incredibly supportive, whose personal and professional advice, mentoring and expertise has made huge differences. OUR VALUED PARTNERS ACU - Australian Catholic University JCCV - Jewish Communities Council of Victoria AFIC - Australian Federation of Islamic Councils JCMA - Jewish Christian Muslim Association AFL - Australian Football League Jesuit Refugee Service Australia AFP - Australian Federal Police Justice Connect Al Wasat Newspaper La Trobe University AMES - Adult Migrant Education Services Leadership Victoria AMF - Australian Multicultural Foundation MAG - Multifaith Advisory Group Anglican Church Maurice Blackburn ANIC - Australian National Imams Council MCCA - Muslim Community Co-operative Australia ANU - Australian National University MPA - Muslim Professionals Association Australia Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program Muslim Aid Australia Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights Muslim Legal Network Australian Religious Response to Climate Change MYAF - Muslim Youth, Adult and Family Benevolence Australia NCEIS - National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies Blended Learning Group NZF - National Zakat Foundation BOIV - Board of Imams Victoria OMAC - Office of Multiculturalism and Citizenship Bubup Wilam Centre for
    [Show full text]
  • Muslim Community Organisations and Leadership in Australia
    Muslim Community Organisations and Leadership in Australia Submitted by Ryan Edwards ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5112-9363 A thesis in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy August 2018 Asia Institute Faculty of Arts University of Melbourne i Abstract Contemporary Islamophobia, strengthened by its intersectionality with overlapping phenomena, such as racism and protectionist attitudes towards migration, has impacted and affected Australian Muslim communities in a variety of ways. Muslim community organisations (MCOs), often serving as the link between Muslim communities and government, media and wider society, are consistently required to navigate the challenges that arise amidst the socio-political context in which they operate. By exploring the socio-political context and developing an enhanced understanding of the overall structure of MCOs in Australia, this thesis identifies and examines the key contemporary challenges facing Australian MCOs. Through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with twenty-four representatives of MCOs from across the five Australian cities with the largest self-identifying Muslim populations (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide), this research provides a new and valuable insight into issues that are both contemporarily important and significant for Australia’s future. After separating MCOs into three categories (peak bodies, collective religious leadership and community groups), this thesis identifies several key themes that emerged from the interviews representing internal challenges to MCOs. These included: the generation gap, employment of imams, diversity of Muslims in Australia, and staff, funding and governance. It then explores Islamophobia as an external challenge, addressing how it affects MCOs and some of the ways in which they have responded.
    [Show full text]
  • 1/23/2010 Pelitabrunei PB 23 Januari 2010 New Size Pelita1
    PETIKAN TITAH MANISNYA IMAN “MEWUJUDKAN masya- “DAN apa yang sahaja rakat bermaklumat ada- lah merupakan agenda yang maksiat yang me- penting, dalam mem- nimpa kamu maka adalah bantu pembangunan disebabkan perbuatan ekonomi serta pening- katan taraf hidup.” - Titah tanganmu sendiri dan Sempena Majlis Pelan- Allah memaafkan seba- caran Persidangan Ke- hagian besar (dari ke- bangsaan Mengenai Ma- salahan-kesalahanmu).” syarakat Bermaklumat, NASIS pada 3 Syaaban - Surah Asy Syu'araa, 1426 / 7 September 2005. ayat 30. TAHUN 55 BILANGAN 7 23 JANUARI 2010 / 1431 7 EDISI SABTU PERCUMA Berkenan mengurniakan Bintang Kebesaran Brunei watan pengenalan selama dua hari Oleh: ke negara ini bertujuan bagi Norliah Md. Zain, mengeratkan hubungan persaha Bolhassan Haji Abu Bakar batan dan mengembangkan ker- Foto : jasama pertahanan kedua-dua buah negara sekali gus angkatan Ramli Tengah, bersenjata masing-masing. Masri Osman Hadir di Majlis Mengadap itu Timbalan Menteri Pertahanan, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singa- Khamis, 21 Januari. - Kebawah manteri Kolonel (B) Dato Seri Pa- Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka duka Haji Awang Mohammad Yas- Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal min bin Haji Umar dan Pemerintah Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ABDB, Mejar Jeneral Haji ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Paduka Haji Awang Abidin. Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darus- Di Majlis Mengadap itu Ketua salam, Menteri Pertahanan dan Turus ABRF diiringi oleh Duta Pemerintah Tertinggi Angkatan Besar Republik Filipina ke Negara Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB) Brunei Darussalam, Tuan Yang KEBAWAH Duli Yang Maha Mulia berkenan mengurniakan Bintang Terutama Alexander B.
    [Show full text]
  • Identifying the Strategic Constraints on Integration of the Australian Muslim Community
    Identifying the strategic constraints on integration of the Australian Muslim community Rose Bruce-Smith November 2016 Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the Australian National Internship Program, for facilitating my placement, and the director Laurence Brown for his academic support. My placement at the General Delegation of Palestine was under the supervision of Ambassador Izzat Abdulhadi, and I would like to also thank the other diplomats and staff who assisted me: Suheir Gideon, Ruba Awwad and Jamal Nablusi. My thanks to all the respondents who willingly gave up their time to assist and respond to my questions, and to the translators who were also involved. Although listed further on, my thanks to Dr Minerva Nasser-Eddine, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammad, Mr Keysar Trad, Ms Diana Abdul- Rahman, Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, and the office of Darulfatwa. Table of contents I Introduction…………………………..…..….… 4 II Methodology……………………………….…. 5 III Historical context of immigration policy…...... 7 IV Defining integration………………...……..… 10 V Analysis of current situation………………..…13 VI Identifying constraints………………...…...…15 VII Development of policy recommendations...…20 VIII Conclusion...………………………...…....…23 IX Bibliography…………………………………..24 I Introduction The purpose of this report is to establish the current position and perception of Muslim communities in Australia towards the various factors – societal, economic, governmental, internal – that have an influential role in determining whether a group can ‘integrate’ or not. Pertinent to this investigation is first to establish what an ‘integrated’ community looks like in Australia. Relevant is the contextual use of the term in light of the history of immigration policy. This is to establish the interpretations of the term ‘integration’ from different stakeholders.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Halal: Meat, Money, and Religion
    Religions 2014, 5, 22–75; doi:10.3390/rel5010022 OPEN ACCESS religions ISSN 2077-1444 www.mdpi.com/journal/religions Article Global Halal: Meat, Money, and Religion S. Romi Mukherjee Maître de conférences, L’Institut d’études politiques de Paris, 27 rue St. Guillaume, Paris 75007, France; E-Mail: [email protected] Received: 28 October 2013; in revised form: 30 December 2013 / Accepted: 6 January 2014 / Published: 29 January 2014 Abstract: The following article deconstructs (and demystifies) Halal with a view to unraveling how the religious, racial, economic, and ethico-political are articulated in and around material technologies of meat production and bodily techniques of religious consumption/the consumption of religion. It, thus, attempts to rethink the nexus of food, politics, and contesting visions of the sacred and the profane, from within the folds of the global and global Islam. Halal emerges as a terrain replete with paradigmatic juridical and political questions about the impasses of social and culinary conviviality and cosmopolitanism. Although there is certainly nothing new about religious taboos on food on the body, Halal is far from being a personal or strictly communal set of strictures and practices. On the contrary, global Halal emerges as a new agonistic field typified by charged debates concerning the place of secularism, recognition, and “food diversity” in the global marketplace. This paper offers a cartography, both phenomenological and social scientific, of this multi-tiered site of meat, power, and belief. Keywords: meat; Islam; the sacred; consumption; taboo 1. Introduction: From Meat to Spiritual Capital Halal, literally meaning lawful or licit in Arabic, functions as a constitutive element of Islamic law.
    [Show full text]
  • Al Mualim (Final Copy2)
    United Muslims of Australia Volume 4, Issue 4 Values Issue 2006 TheThe MessageMessage AL MU’ALLIM THE ENDURING VALUES A PROPHET LEFT FOR HUMANITY i. I will listen to my teacher I will listen to my teacher I will listen to my teacher Editorial Do you remember the name of your year three primary school teacher? gation upon every Muslim even when in disagreement with them. This is Chances are you do! A fundamental rule or ‘the golden rule’ as my par- because scholars are the heirs of Prophets from whom they have inher- ents used to call it, which they continually tried to reinforce during my ited fiqh, jurisprudence and sciences and as such, should be respected. childhood years, was to always listen to your teacher. So what is it about In spite of the many texts that incite honouring and respecting scholars, our teachers that make us keep them in such high esteem? it rarely deters many who do nothing except pick faults in and insult our scholars in mosques, and more recently on television, magazines and Al Mualim- when you come across this word, what’s the first thing that newspapers with the sole purpose of attempting to distort their image, comes to your mind? I used to always have an image of a short, well- claiming to do so to better serve the cause of our Islamic community. dressed person holding a piece of chalk in one hand and a duster in the other. However, it seems that many of us today have forgotten that the Allah (Swt) says in the Quran, " Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Are status of a teacher is not restricted to this narrowly minded image.
    [Show full text]