Salafi lectures: Scholars to speak out

Just weeks after the attacks, events are starting to be held throughout the UK by a wide range of Muslim groups.

The organisations represent a wide range of opinion - from pro-West reformers to those who say Islam and democracy are incompatible.

The events have prompted more scholars to more directly address communities.

Living Islam

The largest event is expected to see thousands of families attend the Living Islam festival in Lincolnshire.

The annual event is organised by the Islamic Society of Britain, an organisation which says it wants to strengthen the contribution of British Muslims to society.

Organiser Jeffrey Beere said this year's event had taken on a crucial additional meaning.

"It is time for everyone to know what we really stand for," he said.

"Islam is the faith of 1.6 million Britons. Its teachings fly in the face of the messages of hate that were behind the attacks on our capital. This is an opportunity in a million, a chance to live the universal values of compassion and care and to provide our youth with a positive, wholesome self-image.

"It's just what the Muslim community needs right now."

Speakers include some of the most influential voices advocating a progressive application of Islam in the Western world.

Radical party

In London, a conference by a radical Islamist organisation banned in some Asian and Middle Eastern countries is expected to denounce US and British foreign policy.

Soul searching at Muslim festival

Hizb ut Tahrir (HT) predicts more than 1,000 Muslims will attend its event. A previous conference attracted a similar-sized audience.

HT is considered to be on the fringe of Islam in Britain and its members believe that western society is incompatible with Islam.

The political organisation's primary aim is to establish a single Islamic regime across the Middle East. Jewish groups accuse it of anti-Semitism, although the organisation itself insists it does not advocate violence.

Dr Imran Waheed, a UK representative of the organisation, said: "Over the last few weeks we have seen intense discussion about Western foreign policy and the Muslim world. In an attempt to blur the debate, some politicians and media have equated Muslim anger against Western foreign policy as terrorism.

"In fact, the reality in the Muslim world today, from Tashkent to Tripoli, is that the vast majority of work against western imperialism comes through non-violent political struggle."

Salafi lectures

In yet another sign that full debate is taking place, followers of the Salafi sect of Islam, a conservative or "pure" reading of the faith, are organising lectures to speak against the attacks. Some western analysts have associated Salafist thinking with Al Qaeda because some militant groups in the Middle East describe themselves by the same name.

But British followers of the sect say the association is completely wrong because they themselves have been targeted by militants for speaking out.

Scholars linked to Birmingham-based Salafi Publications will explain why they say Islam condemns suicide bombers as "perpetrators of evil".

Organisers are inviting non-Muslims to also attend the lectures, starting with Friday evening's debate in Bradford. Further debates will be held at mosques in Birmingham and London throughout August.