Why the Zakir Naik ban is wrong
Posted on Friday 18 June, 2010
Filed Under Civil Liberties
ZAKIR Naik has today joined gangsta rapper Snoop Dogg, television presenter Martha Stewart, gay-hating hot gospel merchant Fred Waldron Phelps Jr, minor league shock jock Michael Savage, Russian skinhead Pavel Skachevsky and Jewish ultranationalist Mike Guzovsky on the list of people banned from entering the UK.
That just about covers the full spectrum of odious opinion, crap music and bland taste in home furnishings. Yet it is not immediately clear that all of the above have any intention of coming here anyway. At least some seem to have been chosen at random by civil servants charged with drawing up a list of ne’er-do-wells that covers all bases.
That way the Home Office gets to demonstrate an impressive determination that no Briton whatsoever be unnecessarily offended, irrespective of race or creed. If none of the above do it for you, simply write in and I am sure they will add a representative bête noire of your choice.
But leading Indian Islamist Naik does want to pay the Britain a visit, specifically to promulgate some of the nastily illiberal stances you can read about here. While his comments are cautiously worded and laden with get-out clauses, it is apparent on any reasonable interpretation that he does not much care for Jews, and that his opposition to Osama bin Laden is less than implacable. Even so, I think on balance that Theresa May should allow him in.
In the internet age, isn’t it simply ridiculous to suppose it possible to shield citizens from exposure to invidious sentiment? For those attracted to the rantings of white supremacists or deranged jihadists, ample online content is only a click away.
There are fringe groupings of Britons who share precisely the beliefs propagated by those successive governments have excluded, and actively proselytise in such causes. The logic of the argument that such outlooks can have no public expression, lest they wound the sensitivities of those against whom they are directed, is that such organisations should be outlawed.
Finally, the very notion of freedom of speech has to include precisely the right to express abhorrent viewpoints, or otherwise it becomes more or less incoherent.
At the purely practical level, there must inevitably be some limitations on this principle, if only to prevent people shouting ‘fire!’ in crowded theatres. But to allow the state to set the boundaries of what is and what is not acceptable in political and religious debate will cause more problems than it solves.
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39 Responses to “Why the Zakir Naik ban is wrong”
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“While that just about covers the full spectrum of odious opinion”
How can you say that? No Labour Party supporters have been banned!
Zakir Naik is as well known in the Muslim world (Western Muslims included) as The pope is known in the West. From a Muslim perspective this ban is almost as equivalent as it would be if the pope was banned. The difference their is no clergy class in Sunni Islam.
If your mind is open to more than out-of-context-qoutes, then view him on Sky channel 820 (Peace TV) or any of his popular videos/books from probably most Islamic bookshops. See his own website http://www.irf.net. Before we judge we should take in some knowledge. Let’s have the debate based on knowledge and wisdom and not ignorance. All the best. Peace out.
Kabs. ‘Every muslim should be a terrorist’. We already have enough of them in this country. One less is a step in the right direction. Boot the rest of them out. Withdraw from the ECHR. It has become a charter for terrorists to hide behind.
The Muslim Movement for the Elimination of Prejudiced Mullahs (MMEPM) welcomes the UK government’s ban on notorious sectarian and jihadi mullah Zakir Naik’s entry to the UK. The MMPEM also demands from the Indian Government to arrest Zakir Naik for spreading hate speech against Barelvi and Shia Muslims, Hindus, Christians and for also eulogizing acts of terrorism.
http://criticalppp.org/lubp/archives/13261
Interesting that Dave refers his readers to a Daily Telegraph article as a source of information on a Muslim leader and his opinions. No doubt we can look forward to future posts in which Dave uncritically links to Telegraph articles featuring denunciations of trade unionists. Or to Daily Express articles featuring attacks on asylum seekers.
Zakir Naik’s own response to the right-wing campaign against him can be consulted (pdf) here. But then, why should a self-proclaimed socialist blogger bother to link to that when perfectly reliable information is available from the Tory press?
Kabs. Pope has a capital P. The present Pope may have had an onerous past but he was a gullible child. To attempt to use his name in a debate about the refusal to allow Naik into the UK is also rather onerous. But keep it up.
Bob. That is strange a right wing campaign against a right wing Islamic fundamentalist fascist. Looks like the right wing are at odds! Its getting complicated.
Mr. Dogg is apparently persona grata again.
http://www.rapbasement.com/snoop-dogg/030410-snoop-dogg-wins-a-legal-battle-that-will-allow-him-into-the-uk-details-here.html
This is the kind of open borders policy I can get behind.
A press release from the Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai, issued in response to the ban on Dr Naik, can be consulted here. But again, why should Dave concern himself with obscure material like this when the Daily Telegraph is a readily available source of reliable information on Muslims?
Bob. ‘Dr Zakir Naik the illustrious and eminent speaker from Mumbai’. Bombay used to sound better. The word Bomb fits in well with such eminant illustrious people. Who the fuck is he, never heard of him. Thanks Dave for this. The long line of religious nutters to look up seems never ending.
To honest, I would be more interested in supporting this guy if if he was a revolutionary socialist, but a hate-filled, religious incendiary doesn’t do it for me. Some times I think that the context-free application of abstract principles is not the way to go. Maybe I am not being truely Marxist there.
People like this are hatemongers. Ideally, I would like to see the Muslim community protesting his invitation and lecturer tour.
SueR. You have no chance of seeing that. Do you want to actually see muslims protesting against their own beliefs. Time to get a grip of the drawers SueR and engage the brain.
Its true that,naik is a muslim,but he is working for the whole humanity…he is trying to make brotherhood among all the muslims & hindu’s & cristians.he is also trying to solve misconceptions of all the religions,also islam..he is looking for similarities among all religions…& i really appreciate him..i think,this man is needed for the next generation…& we should not only believe the news that we hear..we should judge that..that’s what jesus tought us.
steven flemming. How many pints have you had. Good sense of humour.
Unusual spelling of ‘Fleming’ there, Steve.
I beg to differ when Mr Osler states that the ban on Dr Naik is wrong.
Any intelligent person who is following the events in west and south Asia and who does not subscribe to the brand of militant Islam that Dr Naik preaches would welcome the decision wholeheartedly for the following reasons
Dr Naik is a person who
1. preaches against anyone who does not follow his narrow definition of wahhabi islam, like shias , ahmedis, bahais etc eg. the recent killings of Ahmedis in Pakistan is a case in point as to effects of such preachings
2. brainwashes his followers against other religions and adherents of other faiths like jews, hindus and christians i.e with the aim of world domination by islam through conversions by coersion or violence
3. condones violence in the name of religion i.e his public support to bin laden and company, and to the militants in india can be accessed easily on you tube.
4. exhorts his followers to actions which could lead to taking up violence, stating real and imaginary grouse regarding actions against the islam world by ‘america and the west’
just because Dr Naik’s preachings are available freely on the internet should he be encouraged. You could access the most depraved acts like padeophilia and rape if you browse the internet. That does not mean that these acts should be legalised or encouraged.
I consider the acts of a leader exhorting his followers towards hate and violence against any other community or group a bigger crime than the reaction by the follower. eg. Hitler may not have killed a sinle jew or pole,but that is not reason for innocence. the same yardstick would apply to could Mssrs Stalin, Pol pot, or the mullahs of wahhabi islam (the hate preachers of al qaeda , taliban etc) or even Mr Bush,Cheney, Rumsfeld/Blair etc
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to preach hate and violence.
I strongly suport the government’s stance and wish that such preachers of hate should be censored irrespective of their denomination.
Peace be upon You All UK Ban Zakir naik because 1. Dr. Zakir Naik says that no Muslim should kill any innocent human beings 2. Dr. Zakir Naik says that death penalty should be given to rapists 3. Dr. Zakir Naik says that he does not know Usama bin Laden and he has never met him 4. Dr. Zakir Naik told the world that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. To me Political correctness gone mad, shame on the UK Government.
So much for the so called Western “Freedom of speech”. Interestingly Zakir Naik’s behavior is unacceptable for this clown. They initially tried to defeat him in debate. Now that all of them lost their debate, they apparently not have any other option. Many non Muslims revert to Islam after each and every speech by Zakir Naik.
This incident once again throws light on Western double standards. Zakir Naik is being demonized for his peaceful activities and at the same time people making dirty remarks about Islam and its Prophets are defended and protected. Surely this is an indication of Western hubris. Indication of the Western Civilization in its nadir. Western World have openly become enemies of Islam and Muslims.
What is wrong with the “freedom of expression” here? Is he not free to say whatever he wants to say to the champions of democracy and free world, as depicted in every lousy hollywood flop?
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This Shows the frustration of Britain. How to stop fastest growing religion in the World Specially in Europe and Western countries. UK Ministry is quoting that speech which was done in 2006. what they were doing for almost 4 years analyzing the words which Dr. Z.Naik said.
There is no democracy in any western country nor in Europe. The more they banned the more he will speak truth and people will listen to him. He never Encouraged anyone to take arms and weapons. Like Father sons (US-UK-France & Israel) does. Beware UK more Zakir naik will prevail in UK in future.
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The height of Hypocrisy and double standards of UK government, in fact all the Europe, when in Denmark they published caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) they term it as “Freedom of Expression” whereas they are putting ban on Dr. Zakir Naik for his remarks he gave in a speech way back in 2006. Shame on UK decision.
See bellow statement of Theresa May said about Dr. Zakir Naik and she banned him from Entry to UK:
“Theresa May said that visiting the UK was “a privilege, not a right”. The home secretary can stop people entering the UK if she believes there is a threat to national security, public order or the safety of citizens. That includes banning people if she believes their views glorify terrorism, promote violence or encourage other serious crime. However, somebody cannot be banned just for having opinions that other people would find offensive. Ms May said: “Numerous comments made by Dr Naik are evidence to me of his unacceptable behaviour. “Coming to the UK is a privilege, not a right and I am not willing to allow those who might not be conducive to the public good to enter the UK. “Exclusion powers are very serious and no decision is taken lightly or as a method of stopping open debate on issues.”
Now Here is how it sounds when you tend to take it out of context and change words:
“Theresa May said that visiting the UK was “a right”. The home secretary is a threat to national security, public order or the safety of citizens. That includes terrorism, promote violence or encourage other serious crime. However, somebody can be banned just for having opinions. Ms May said: “comments made by Dr Naik are acceptable behaviour. “Coming to the UK a right and I am not willing to allow those who might be conducive to the public good to enter the UK. “Exclusion powers are taken lightly or as a method of stopping open debate on issues.”
See how it sounds when you cut words and take things out of context? Even the Home secretary of UK, Ms Theresa May sounds like a fanatic, who supports terrorism and dictatorship herself and that she is a national threat to UK herself!
Hope you now understand how important it is to take opinions of a person in full and in proper context!
If you see the USA and UK Killed more then 90000 Civilians in Iraq and killed more then 80000 Civilian and still killing Civilian in Afghanistan just by Name of Democracy and freedom of speech but when it comes democracy and freedom of speech in USA and UK they banned people from just a speech. what a double standards.
See the double standards of UK, when Rushdi insult and said hate words in his book about other religions , no one banned him but awarded with rewards every year.
jimmy glesga not every muslim is a terrorist just because our religion is true and different doesnt mean were terrorist u can say anything to us u hav no rite and anyway most of the criminal cases hav nothing to do with muslims most of them are british people and anyway us muslims have a right to all of us are humans and u cant call us muslims terrorists because were not we dont go round killing people because killing a person is like killing the whole of humanity and by the way we save peoples life and thats like saving the whole of humanity and i gurantee u that if u need help if u go to a man with a beard i gurantee u 100 percent hell help u because hes a muslim and reads five times a day and has a pure and clean heart.
The comments here are from a soceity which is decayed long time ago , adultery , incest , womanising , alcoholic , gays & lesbians , getting laid in streets ( suppossed to be freedom )drugs , immodest , ignorant and ignorant soceity( twice ) , brainwashed by the evil media ,,,what can you expect from this kind of soceity which is so ignorant ,they even forget their parents name at the age of 15 ( suppossed to be COOL to them ) What can you expect from this decayed soceity ?????
Sit , learn , study , and then comment ,,ahhh but when ur not on drugs , not with a whore , not when drunk ,,i bet that time is not around from ages for you guys …
Thanks god , bcos of ignorant people whom i found in my religion and community ,i started to study ISLAM and the QURAN ,,,i did it right and im always ahppy when i see comments done upon just IGNORANCE ,, ignorance of the TRUTH .
I don’t know what is happened to this world there is hatered every where no one speaks the truth.If any one speaks about peace he is banned by taking his incomplete and out of context statements.If you want to know what he has actually said then you have to watch complete video or atleast full statement.If u want to know visit his site irf.Net you can also visit islamtomorrow.Com or watchislam.Com ,tubeislam.Com please check these sites and know the truth
non muslium cannot answers to the question laid by zakir bahi nor they they will ask questions to their preachers beacuse there is no answer to the duplicy so to only curb zakir is to ban and to label him as terrorist which is simple and easier otherwise u have to close ur shops .keep it up my dear fellow religions
i dont really get why people say muslim’s are terrorist. Is it because muslims are being killed in iraq ,iran…. daily were there is no limit. or because of WTC thing which was almost 10 years before. if u think Zakir naik’s ban is correctly imposed then allow him to speak on BBC (without editing the talk)just for 1 hour…. i swear many people will be speechless & the truth will come out.
Brilliant original post!
This may amuse …
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8846478.stm
It was delightful to see the range of opinions offered today!
Oh, yes!
The warm weather certainly brings them out, dunnit?
“I say, if we Westerners are such awful lecherous and depraved horrid binge-drinking degenerates, who do so may of your – ahem – True Believers want to come and live under Kuffar rule?”
Puzzling innit?
Nick Griffin [offstage] answers the question …
“It is ‘cos all or almost all of them countries what are under the appalling rule of True Believers that so many people from them countries want to move to the USA, Canada, France, Holland Australia, Ireland, Norway …”
’nuff said!
Do Danny and Simra know where Charlene Downes is?
Just wondering!
On Charlene Downes …
http://www.helpfindmychild.net/charlene-downes
Julie Bindel is certain she was murdered by X and Y but there ain’t no real proof.
Am I alone in suspecting that the playful Sewer Rat is contributing to this thread under various Turdie Worldie names, playful soul that the Sewer Rat is?
If you can be bothered to read …
http://www.helpfindmychild.net/charlene-downes
… you will reach the don’t-cause-offence PC-influenced expression “…men from migrant communities …” which is more-or-less the expression Julie Bindel used when writing awkwardly about Charlene’s disappearance and presumed murder.
Does Zuhail have anything he can tell us?
Or Mashkoor?
i saw frustration & frustration in my brothers of other faith. as no one have dare to debate with zakir sir. the uk have got a seigh of relief with the ban of zakir sir. as there preachers is neither willing with debate nor able to use question answers. that get them in a tizzy as they will not stand for a single question. sorry dude that is true i know this will give sleepless nights to them but they canot evade. zakir sir is still in peace tv dude . good luck
See? The Sewer Rat is writing a letter in nonsense sub-English as Zaid Musab!
You don’t fool us, Sewer Rat!Mind you, the sane thing to do would be to put Zakir Naik and telly for an hour with Borat and Mad Mel as questioners.
Now THAT would be good telly!
Put Zakir Naik on telly with Ali G. / Borat and Mad Mel!
See frustration in bill cor .using offensive lunguage. donot worry abuse as much as u can.but dude see open challenges by zakir in ever peace tv pgme. sorry dear i cannot help for yr frustration. only ban will help u
Does the name Zaid Musab sound familiar? Wasn’t he the c-author, with Moazzam Begg, of ‘Benefit Fraud for Beginners’ [Urdu edition] ?
On reflection, I am beginning to suspect that ‘Zaid Musab’ is actually a primitive automated computer programme – still very much in the experimental stage – being developed by the fiendish Sewer Rat in her labyrinth deep below the surface.
The reference to ‘Peace TV’ is amusing; I advise you all to watch that ludicrous channel at least once.
A recurrent feature is the appearance of various Western lost souls – some complete with scraggly castaway beards – telling us how they found spiritual peace in a belief system appropriate for primitive herders.
They’re almost invariably the sort of people who might just as readily have become adherents of the Children of God ['The Family'] or Scientologists* or starry-eyed followers of some psychopathic nutcase like Jim Jones or Charles Manson.
*Such is my ignorance that until recently I was unaware that there are breakaway sects of “True” Scientologists – rather like Primitive Methodists or Old Catholics.
You are mental and heartly sick and you should follow the advise of sir Zakir naik and what he teaches you than you become a realtic and understandable person and also a good human being
i follow zakir naik. i think uk ban is wrong.