Come on WAKE UP, the world is YOUR Oyster. I say YES

Submitted by Haroon (United Kingdom), May 5, 2007 at 14:25

This is a GREAT COUNTRY and it is my HOME, It is where my heart is. The people of UK are nice. My Grandparents emigrated here after world war two. (Upon invitation, from Kenya) We are now four generations in, this is our HOME. Yeah, sure we have and continue to experience racism in the streets as well as at work. I have personally experienced Religious hatred, Institutional racism. The very sad thing is you acquire thick skin over time. The racism and religious hatred is not justified and is not O.K. I really feel for people who have problems with peoples cast, colour & creed. There is a bigger and better world out there, and there is much more to life.

Racism and religious hatred or indeed any kinds of prejudices are bad. I am not saying that I am perfect, far from it in fact. I guess we all have our prejudices. I believe these are bad for ones soul and health. One should just live and let live. See the full picture as life really is too short.

I am all for this mosque, I feel it is about time the Muslim community had the opportunity to come to the forefront of developments in our home country (The UK), and I believe it will really put us on the map. Also, it is a great opportunity to show how we have always been at the forefront of great science and design. It might just inspire other architects and developers to think more greener.

I would like this mosque to have its doors open to all members of our society. I believe that this mosque as well as all mosques worldwide should serve as a community hub for ALL. This mosque should provide a platform for dialogue to promote a better and true meaning of Islam for all members of our society. Not one that has been distorted by our irresponsible media. ‘Good news does not sell as half as bad news does' so they say; reckless!

GREAT BRITAIN, there is a reason why Britain has Great in its title! I don't understand what all the fuss is about?

The UK's first purpose built mosque is The Shah Jehan Mosque in Woking, Surrey. This was opened in 1889 and is still operational as a mosque today. Please read the history of this mosque, it is truly inspirational.

I am saddened when I read comments like ‘The Muslims will want to change the area name from WESTHAM to something else. Implying that the name would be a problem since it contains the word Ham in it'. (Which one assumes come from the PIG?) To be honest its silly and wholly irresponsible comments like this that prove some members of our community are ignorant. I ask' does this gentleman know that in Islam Suicide is har'aam (forbidden, in Arabic). A Muslim is obliged to preserve life and if on earth there is nothing to eat or drink then to preserve life a Muslim is obliged to eat the PIG if it were the only sustenance available. Everything has been created by Almighty Allah. This includes the PIG. Personally I don't care even if you change the name from WESTHAM to PORK'HAM!

I think it is natural for people although not justified to be afraid of things that they don't understand. I think that we all have a moral obligation to know and understand the society that we live in. most of a problems in the world would just not exist if there was no ignorance and lack of wanting to educate oneself. Who ever said ‘Ignorance is Bliss' I believe it is sheer stupidity.

In my humble opinion building this mosque is a step in the right direction not just for the Muslim community but for everyone. Islam = peace the real Islam is peace and lets give peace a chance.

I feel that the government of the UK have a social, moral and humanitarian obligation for the welfare of all that live on our shores and the wider community.

Lets build a better tomorrow for the next generation. Let's get together and feel alright! May Allah guide everybody on the right path, ameen.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".