An inspirational piece…perhaps at last ordinary Muslims are standing up against the ‘unite behind Salafism’ banality which afflicts so many in the community. Regents Park Mosque is the largest mosque in London and is of course Saudi funded and controlled – so this must have taken real courage (although I have heard that Sheikh Williams was there to add another sane voice) I really look forward to hearing more from Dr Rahbour…

Article by Dr. Goher Rahbour reblogged from Facebook

I attended a talk today given by the Director of Regent Park Mosque on Wahhabism. It really was one sided and biased, as could be expected from a Saudi diplomat, and essentially portrayed Abdul Wahhab (the originator of Wahhabism) in esteemed light and following the ‘correct way of Islam,’ and one who we should all follow. I think not.

Hearing this, I challenged him on why he did not reveal to the audience the beliefs held by Abdul Wahhab, i.e. the ideology of Ibn Taymiyyah who came more than 600 years following the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), and which go against the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).

The director asked for examples, so I gave the following:

An issue such as female genital mutilation (FGM), defined by the cutting of the clitoris (a current media hot topic). I told him that the Prophet (Pbuh) was against this. All schools of thought (the major four) were against this practice. Consensus reached and no controversy. Yet Ibn Taymiyyah okayed it, so did Abdul Wahhab, and the ideology is held by the present day Saudi Scholars.

I gave the examples of Ibn Taymiyyah having beliefs such as that Allah has a body, Allah has a hand, Allah can swing from a rope in the Universe, and can ride on goats….I had to repeat the last point twice…yes it’s that shocking!

I asked why he would want to promote such an ideology?

Why was the book shop at Regents Park mosque significantly selling books based on this ideology and from the followers of such?

Why was the mosque making it difficult for those new to Islam or those Muslims trying to find their way in the chaos, by spreading this ideology?

I provided details of those who have spoken out against this, such as Tim Winters (Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad), Sheikh Atabek Nasafi, Professor Jeffrey Lang.

I also gave the example of Gai Eaton, who had worked at the Regents Park Mosque for over 20 years and had spoken out against the sterile creed of Wahhabism.

The director tried to brush these issues aside, and I didn’t get much of a response……other then I should read more…..to which I did quote several references.

The Director also did not answer questions from others relating to the Saudi Regimes maltreatment of overseas workers, abuses of women, hoarding of wealth by the monarchy, and suppression of free dialogue – all going against Islamic principles.

I spoke the truth as best as I could. Inshallah there were people who took notice and will question and now think twice.