The Association of British Muslims affirms the equal worth of all human beings, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, creed, s*xual orientation or ability. We believe that critical thinking is essential to spiritual development. We repudiate militarism and violence, whether on an individual, organisational or national level. We embrace religious pluralism and the diversity of inspira
tions that motivate people to embrace social justice. OUR AIMS:
The Association of British Muslims is a social or cultural, and not a political body; and Membership or Support is a cultural not an ethnic expression. We maintain that the “British Way-of-Life” and “British culture” can be compatible with Islam, and that all Muslims living in Britain should seek to realise this in their daily lives. The aims of the Association of British Muslims are:
a) to define a “British Islam” as an authentic vernacular cultural expression of Islam as a “system of life transactions” taking place in the United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies;
b) to spread awareness of real Islam among the British peoples, teach the Shari’ah, and improve the stock of knowledge of all;
c) to bring British Muslim muhtadiyin* (those guided to Islam) and their families into the ummat ul momineen (community of believers) and provide suhbah (instructive companionship) for them;
d) to represent the particular interests, aspirations, and welfare of British muhtadiyin* and to speak and act for them at any level, and in any forum;
e) to help the Muslim communities in Britain, Europe, and elsewhere in any way in which British Muslims may be especially fitted. f) to contribute positively on matters relating to faith and civic engagement.
* muhtadiyin (those guided to Islam): as Islam requires its continual practise, in our present environment and circumstances doing this requires a conscious choice, and the committment to this is a product of guidance just as though the person were converting. Thus, the Association of British Muslims holds that all such ‘committed Muslims’ are muhtadiyin. OUR PRINCIPLES:
The Association of British Muslims is guided by the following ten principles:
1. Identity: We accept as Muslim anyone who identifies as such. The veracity and integrity of that claim is between the individual and God, not a matter for the state, nor an issue which other individuals can or should judge.
2. Equality: We affirm the equal worth of all human beings, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, creed, s*xual orientation or ability. We are committed to work toward societies that ensure social, political, educational, and economic opportunities for everyone.
3. Independence of Religious and Civil Authorities: We believe that freedom of conscience is not only essential to all human societies but integral to the Qur’anic view of humanity (see Holy Qur’an 2:256). We believe that the independence of government from religious interference and conversely the protection of religious institutions from being politicised, is the only way to achieve the Islamic ideal of freedom from compulsion in matters of faith. Essentially, we believe in the rule of law, implemented in a just, benevolent, equitable and fair manner.
4. Freedom of Speech: We support freedom of expression and freedom of dissent, whether political, artistic, social or religious, even when that expression may be offensive and that dissent may be considered blasphemous. No one should be legally prosecuted, imprisoned or detained for declaring or promoting unpopular opinions except incitement to hate.
5. Universal Human Rights: We are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. We fully endorse and uphold the human and civil rights of all human beings, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, s*x, s*xuality, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
6. Women’s Rights: We support women’s equality, agency, self-determination in every aspect of their lives. We believe in the empowerment of women to be able to participate fully in every aspect of society at every level.
7. Right to Privacy: We affirm our commitment to the protection of any person’s private and family life, home and correspondence from arbitrary interference by the state, corporations or other persons. What happens in private should be of no concern to others.
8. Critical Analysis and Interpretation: We call for critical engagement with Islamic scripture, traditional jurisprudence, and current Muslim discourses. We promote interpretations that reflect basic Qur’anic principles of tolerance, inclusiveness, mercy, compassion and fairness.
9. Compassion: We affirm that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. We repudiate militarism and violence, whether on an individual, organisational or national level.
10. Diversity: We embrace religious pluralism and the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace social justice. We believe that one’s religion is not the exclusive source of truth. As such, we will engage with a diversity of philosophical and spiritual traditions in pursuit of a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. For further information:
Please visit our website or contact us via email:
[email protected]
