Islam and Muslims remain under an intense media spotlight, this attention however is not always welcomed by Muslims. Some have taken offence with what they see as provocation rather than genuine artistic creativity and free expression. The Satanic Verses some 20 years ago, the more recent Danish Cartoons and this year’s novel on the wife of the Prophet have attracted much criticism. Yet calls for censorship sit uncomfortably in liberal secular democracies where freedom of speech is seen as bulwark against the state deciding for us what we can and cannot read. The right to offend, whilst not an obligation, is seen as a fundamental civil liberty.
So where should Muslims stand on free speech? Are they too sensitive to criticism? Or are they simply opposing what they see as the desecration of their revered personalities? How do Muslims explain to essentially secular societies their sense of the sacred? How is it possible to reconcile these two principles – the love for free speech and the respect for religion? Should Muslim books deemed offensive to people of other faiths also be banned? Who should decide? Should Muslim groups oppose free speech at a time when some are having their own free speech threatened under anti-terror legislation? Does the recent controversy surrounding comments made by Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross show that ultimately it is public opinion that determines what is acceptable speech?
Join us for a lively debate and discussion between some of the leading personalities within Britain’s Muslim community:
Shaykh Tauqir Ishaq – Hijaaz College
Asim Siddiqui – City Circle
Sajjad Khan – Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain
Inayat Bunglawala – Muslim Council of Britain
Chaired by Matthew Taylor – Former Political Advisor and Chief Executive of the RSA
Date: Friday 5th December 2008
Time: 7.00pm
Venue:
The Toynbee Hall,
28 Commercial Street,
London E1 6LS
Nearest Station: Aldgate East
For further details contact:
Email: dialogue_with_islam@yahoo.co.uk
Admission: £3.00
Seating is limited. Please book in advance via email or phone to avoid disappointment.
Organised by Dialogue with Islam
The New Dark Age 
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