The Ministry of Defence and the Muslim Chaplain to HM Armed Forces in conjunction with the Armed Forces Muslim Association will host an Eid celebration at RAF Northolt to coincide with Remembrance Day on 11th November 2011. The event will help raise awareness of the significant contribution made by British Muslims over the years as well as honouring all those who have served and contributed to the British Armed Forces.
The programme will include a number of presentations and speeches from guests including Sara Khan, Director of Inspire. They will join the military in celebrating the religious and cultural heritage of Muslim service personnel. As well as Muslims currently serving in the Armed Forces and their families, the principle guests include General Sir David Richards Head of the British Armed Forces and Patron of the Armed Forces Muslim Association and Mr Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
In addition to celebrating the festival of Eid tributes will be paid to the hard work of the British Armed Forces who sacrifice so much to allow British citizens to live in a society where we are able to live, worship and speak freely.
Imam Asim Hafiz MA, Muslim Chaplain to HM Armed Forces said:
“Not many people are aware of the enormous contribution Muslims have made to the Armed Forces over the years. Thousands served in the British Armed Forces in India and many continue to serve today; indeed over 600 Muslim men and women are currently serving in the British Armed Forces.
As Muslim Chaplain to the HM Armed Forces, I honour the sacrifices made by all our young men and women. They do not defend a piece of land but the very values by which we live. We all owe them a great deal for defending those values, a sacrifice that sadly we all too often take for granted.”
Sara Khan, Director of Inspire added:
“We should be extremely proud of our British Muslim servicemen and women. Despite facing criticism from extremist elements in our society and from those who question whether they can be truly loyal British citizens, their courage, dignity and loyal service affirms they are indeed a credit to Britain. To them I say: “We are proud to stand up and support you as you serve our country.”
Sunday 11 September 2011, 20:37
Mary Murtagh writing for The National explores how British Muslim women are tackling violent extremism and are reclaiming their faith from fanatics. Mary meets four remarkable women, including Sara Khan, who are spreading the word about their religion and its non-violent message.
Saturday 10 September 2011, 12:41
As the tenth anniversary of the atrocities of September 11th 2001 draws closer, we wish to take this opportunity to come together to reiterate our profound sympathy for the victims of the attacks in the US. We also honour the memory of all victims of terrorism in all nations around the world.
Tuesday 02 August 2011, 19:36
After the horrific attacks in Norway, Souad Mekhennet writing for the New York Times, reports on Inspire’s Jihad Against Violence. In contrast to widely held perceptions, she argues that there are very different voices in the British Muslim community.
Tuesday 02 August 2011, 05:45
Dallas Darling writes about Jane Fonda’s anti-war campaign which called for an end to the U.S. military occupation of Vietnam. He then compares Inspire’s Jihad Against Violence campaign and how successful Inspire’s endeavour could be.
Inspire launched its latest campaign Jihad Against Violence on 5th June 2011 at City Hall, London. Read more about the campaign.
