Clegg reaches out to Islam
By politics.co.uk staff
Nick Clegg has reached out to Muslims in Britain at the start of the holy month of Ramadan, praising the community’s resilience and social consciousness.
The Lib Dem leader robustly defended the community against what he described as an unfair portrayal in the media.
“We in the Liberal Democrats have always championed religious tolerance, and we are proud of the diverse traditions in our country,” he said in his Ramadan message.
“We recognise the importance of the principle of Zakat to Muslims, especially at this time, and I deeply regret that Islam can be unfairly portrayed in many parts of the media especially when Muslim communities in this country do so much excellent charitable work.”
The month of Ramadan, in which Muslims refrain from food, drink and sexual activity during daylight hours, occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
“As Ramadan comes round once more, I’d like to wish all Muslims observing the month my very best wishes,” Mr Clegg wrote.
“I have learned from working with Muslim communities across the UK – and indeed from the many Lib Dem councillors and candidates who are practising Muslims – that the fasting and Qur’an reading during Ramadan provide spiritual renewal and enlightenment.
“As friends and family are brought together every night, we also reflect on all the millions of people around the world who still go without food and clean water every day,” he added.
“I congratulate Muslims for the volunteering and donations they make during the month of Ramadan and at other times, and, more broadly, to thank British Muslims for the enormous contribution they make to life in this country.
Meanwhile, Muslim MP Khalid Mahmood used the launch of the Ramadan festival in Westminster to call for greater understanding between the Muslim community between different cultures and religions in the UK.
“It will also engage secularists and promote interfaith dialogue as well as delivering an extensive creative cultural educational remit,” he said of the festival.
The Ramadan festival is the largest of its kind in Europe.
