The "Undercover Mosque" programme is to return to TV following its libel victory over West Midlands Police by sending a woman into a mainstream mosque to expose extremism.
By Duncan Gardham, Security Correspondent
Channel 4 and the programme-makers were paid an estimated £100,000 after police falsely claimed the documentary had selectively edited quotes from preachers in mosques around the country to make them appear more extreme.
The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute the preachers and instead referred the programme makers, Hardcash, to the regulator Ofcom regulator which later cleared them of all charges.
Now Hardcash has made a follow-up programme for Channel 4's Dispatches, to be broadcast next month, in which a female reporter attends prayer meetings at an important British mosque which claims to be dedicated to moderation and dialogue with other faiths.
The programme-makers, who are not naming the mosque at this stage, say she secretly filmed shocking sermons given to the women-only congregation in which female preachers recited extremist and intolerant beliefs.
As hundreds of women and some children came to pray, a preacher called for adulterers, homosexuals, women who act like men and Muslim converts to other faiths to be killed, saying: "Kill him, kill him. You have to kill him, you understand. This is Islam."
Channel 4 said: "Worshippers are repeatedly told they must lead separate lives from non-believers and not tolerate other religions. Christian teachings are described as "vile and disgusting, an abomination."
At private, invite-only prayer meetings linked to the mosque, the reporter films the leading preacher from the women's prayer circle issuing strict diktats on women's personal freedoms - decreeing they must not travel far without a male member of the family to escort them, and instructing them not to integrate with British society or work in a non-Islamic environment."
In the same mosque, the reporter visited the bookshop and discovered books and DVDs still on sale, promoting extremist, anti-Semitic, misogynistic and intolerant messages, Channel 4 said.
"Unbelievers are described in one DVD as: 'Evil, wicked, mischievous people - you can see the evil in their face.' Whilst Jews, 'have abominated, filthy, disgusting gross belief - their time will come like every other evil person's time will come.' "
The film also reveals that Government advisers have been preaching radical views as it goes undercover in two mosques and a Saudi funded organisation, sources said.
Dispatches traces the links between the teachings and materials at the mosque and the Saudi Arabian religious establishment, and examines the extent to which Saudi Arabia exports such teachings around the world through the funding of literature, schools, mosques and other organisations.
As part of the investigation, the undercover reporter also films inside a key Saudi-funded Muslim organisation which claims to promote tolerance and integration yet distributes literature which promotes intolerance for non-Muslims, an extreme version of Sharia law and teachings which support discrimination against women.
The programme was commissioned in the middle of the row over the first documentary and David Henshaw, managing director of Hardcash, said: "We have had unflinching support from Channel 4 who have shown great faith in our journalistic standards despite the ambush from the West Midlands Police.
"I believe this programme is as stunning as the first and I hope it will initiate a debate about the clash between theology and politics."
The film also features interviews with a former Foreign Office minister and Islamic academics who condemn these messages of intolerance and segregation and warn of the impact this version of Islam is having on British society.
One imam at a leading university accuses the Saudi religious establishment of the: "distortion of Islam itself, the abuse and misuse of this great faith of mine and not only mine but of my children as well."
Im sorry Osman, but this is like second thread about same topic posted by You .
Lol sorry. This is the info from the channel 4 site. Besides not everybody visits the WA section and the other one was just an article about it from a newspaper site.
"I spent thirty years learning manners, and I spent twenty years learning knowledge."
I think it is very sad that British government and media does not trust the Muslim community and feels it is necessary to spy on us in our masajid, recording religious sermons and broadcasting them to the general public. Something is very wrong with that. British society prides itself on being secular, where all religions are equal and government does not interfere in other peoples religion. Yet, the British government is doing the exact opposite of that, setting up task forces and funding groups to try and change Islamic education. This is not just exclusive to Britain, all over Europe Muslims are being forced to assimilate into western society against their will.
I think it is very sad that British government and media does not trust the Muslim community and feels it is necessary to spy on us in our masajid, recording religious sermons and broadcasting them to the general public. Something is very wrong with that. British society prides itself on being secular, where all religions are equal and government does not interfere in other peoples religion. Yet, the British government is doing the exact opposite of that, setting up task forces and funding groups to try and change Islamic education. This is not just exclusive to Britain, all over Europe Muslims are being forced to assimilate into western society against their will.
Daily Mail – Sunday 31st August . . . .
Dispatches returned to Regent’s Park mosque to find exactly the same extremist books on sale there and female preachers spreading radical ******* Islam. For apostates “what are we going to do? We kill him, kill, kill; for women adulterers – stoning to death.
The man in charge of the mosque, Dr Ahmed Al Dubayan, is the Islamic Affairs attaché to the Saudi Embassy.
Never have been in a mosque here are my questions:
1. Knowing that Dr Ahmed Al Dubayan, is the Islamic Affairs attaché to the Saudy Embassy and the connotations that must bring with it, why does the congregation allow such a man to be ‘in charge?’
2. Why haven’t the 99% of Muslims who are moderate and believe Islam preaches peace and tolerance (a) stopped extremist literature being sold in the mosque (b) confronted and ejected the speakers preaching hatred and violence and (c) reported those matters to the police?
3. Is this forum backed by Saudi money or in any other way influence by Saudi Arabia?
Hmmm in the above post quoting from the Daily Mail I wrote radical w a h h a b i Islam and the system has replaced the 'w' word with asterisks - why is that?
1. Knowing that Dr Ahmed Al Dubayan, is the Islamic Affairs attaché to the Saudy Embassy and the connotations that must bring with it, why does the congregation allow such a man to be ‘in charge?’
What are these connotations?
format_quote Originally Posted by Thinker
2. Why haven’t the 99% of Muslims who are moderate and believe Islam preaches peace and tolerance (a) stopped extremist literature being sold in the mosque (b) confronted and ejected the speakers preaching hatred and violence and (c) reported those matters to the police?
I can't possibly know for sure. If there are speakers who incite racial hatred and/or violence then I agree that they probably should be confonted. I have to admit though, that if I experienced so-called 'extreme' preaching in my local mosque, I would probably ignore it and discuss it with my peers.
I wonder why Dispatches doesn't interview these speakers. After the last programme many speakers claimed that their comments were taken out of context. Surely a proper, unedited interview would ascertain whether there is any basis to them claims or not. There is a need for openness and dialogue. Going inside a mosque undercover isn't sending out a positive message to the 99% of moderate Muslims out there. It shows a lack of trust on their part and the Muslim community can end up feeling more alienated than ever before.
format_quote Originally Posted by Thinker
3. Is this forum backed by Saudi money or in any other way influence by Saudi Arabia?
No.
Regards
Last edited by Uthman; 08-31-2008 at 01:23 PM.
"I spent thirty years learning manners, and I spent twenty years learning knowledge."
Hmmm in the above post quoting from the Daily Mail I wrote radical w a h h a b i Islam and the system has replaced the 'w' word with asterisks - why is that?
It's an offensive word and one that is very much misused (like Jihad). See the wiki article on it.
Regards
"I spent thirty years learning manners, and I spent twenty years learning knowledge."
....
Never have been in a mosque here are my questions:
2. Why haven’t the 99% of Muslims who are moderate and believe Islam preaches peace and tolerance (a) stopped extremist literature being sold in the mosque (b) confronted and ejected the speakers preaching hatred and violence and (c) reported those matters to the police?
A) Erm, I don't think you realise how this information is spread. Also, do you know HOW difficult it is to stop (FREE) literature being spread out?
B) I believe certain imaams have. Most muslims that I know are educated enough to realise these so called scholars who preach intolerance and hatred, are talking out of their butts. However, in the cases to which I believe you are refferring to, the imaams of those mosques hold that view point so it would be difficult to ''topple'' them. Though, I should mention that in all the masjids I have been to (3 in my current residence, 1 in brummy and 1 in pakistan) none of which spoke of intolerance or hatred (though, the one time in pakistan doesn't count for much seeing as I didn't understand a word he was saying....this happened over a decade ago - I know I'm pretty smart, mashallah but even I have limits!)
C) They would if they knew them! The mosques don't work like the bloody fbi - you go to pray and learn about Islam in a mosque - the most hi-tech equipment you'll find in your local masjid is a £25 sub-woofer and mic combo! In other words: we don't neccessarily knows what goes on in the other mosques (which is why we VISIT them)
3. Is this forum backed by Saudi money or in any other way influence by Saudi Arabia?
LOL hahahahaha. No.
I really suggest that you visit a mosque and I actually find it rather baffling that for a man who has travelled around the world (according to your posts that is), you have yet to visit a mosque?! Whatever, just visit a mosque and ask your questions there - you'll get a better answer in person from the dudes that know.
Someone said to the Prophet, "Pray to God against the idolaters and curse them." The Prophet replied, "I have been sent to show mercy and have not been sent to curse." (Muslim)
Most muslims that I know are educated enough to realise these so called scholars who preach intolerance and hatred, are talking out of their butts.
Good point, I was also thinking along the same lines. The Muslim community ain't stupid! The tiny percentage that do commit extremist actions don't do so as a result of some dodgy Friday sermons.
"I spent thirty years learning manners, and I spent twenty years learning knowledge."
Connotations – I think its generally accepted that the Saudi’s pursue a rather more extreme interpretation of the Qur’an and I thinks it generally accepted that they spend huge amounts of money promoting those views; it would consequently follow that if the man in charge of the mosque is being paid by the Saudi’s he’s likely to pursue the policies of his Saudi masters.
I really suggest that you visit a mosque and I actually find it rather baffling that for a man who has travelled around the world (according to your posts that is), you have yet to visit a mosque?!
I've been Mosques as a tourist visiting historically significant Mosques but even then only in the perimeters. I can't just walk into a Mosque on a Friday afternoon and sit there listening can I? Wouldn't I stick out like a sore thumb?
well all the mosques i have been to and never have i heard "kill the kuffar" or anything carzy as that, Its always been about, respecting your parents, following the prophet of God, reading the salat prayers and fasting in the month of Ramadan.
... I can't just walk into a Mosque on a Friday afternoon and sit there listening can I? Wouldn't I stick out like a sore thumb?
Actually, you can. But do ask (common courtesy).
Failing that, please visit either Masjid Umar or Masjid at taqwa in Leicester; the community in both of those mosques are rather awesome and welcoming.
Someone said to the Prophet, "Pray to God against the idolaters and curse them." The Prophet replied, "I have been sent to show mercy and have not been sent to curse." (Muslim)
I've been Mosques as a tourist visiting historically significant Mosques but even then only in the perimeters. I can't just walk into a Mosque on a Friday afternoon and sit there listening can I? Wouldn't I stick out like a sore thumb?
the Masjid would be at it's fullest on Jummu'ah. why not go before Mahgrib [the sunset prayer] or after Asr [the late afternoon prayer], kick your shoes off and ask for some help. you will find, In Sha'a Allah, many brothers who would be willing to spend some time to educate you on Islam. my guess is that you will find that more productive than trying to find stuff out here.
btw, the only things that would make you stick out on Jummu'ah would be jewelry [a no-no for males], hair color [unless red/yellow/orange] and tattoos [cover 'em up!] because EVERY MALE Muslim, who health allows or is travelling, MUST attend, you get the "Blue Jeans Jammah" [those looking like westerners] and the Jummu'ah Muslims [those who only pray on Fridays]; thus, ALOT of Muslims WILL be in their best clothes, but MANY are only there because they have to be! these brother, May Allah[swt] guide them, dress whatever way they want!
also, Jummu'ah CAN be a "fire and brimstone" type session, but the best "kutbahs"[what the Jummu'ah sermons are called] are the ones aimed directly at us Muslims! the Kutbah's are for us to learn and benefit, NOT to condemn others [although some condemnation might be contained therein].
of interest perhaps, Khalid Yasin has been targeted by the "undercover" folks. i know Brother Khalid [though most here know him much better than i do] and he MIGHT seem rather, erm, radical and "anti-West", but that's a skewed picture. YES, he uses strong language to defend Islam, BUT the STRONGEST language i've ever seen him use [and he gets extra mic time whenever he's around] is ALWAYS directed at us Muslims! so much so, that some brothers have to be restrained [in a nice way :X] when he speaks! i know, for i've had to do a little "restraining' myself!
Had the non-believer known of all the Mercy which is in the Hands of Allah, he would not lose hope of entering Paradise, and had the believer known of all the punishment which is present with Allah, he would not consider himself safe from the Hell-Fire http://www.muftimenk.co.za/Downloads.html
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This is the info from the channel 4 site. Besides not everybody visits the WA section and the other one was just an article about it from a newspaper site.
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