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I am not a muslim but I have read the koran and I find that it is very similar to the Bible. It teaches that noone should drink alcohol and that a woman and a man should 'lower their gaze'i.e. not look upon each other. Imagine someone was looking at your wife's backside in the street...not very comprehendable.
I agree with the Islamic values and appreciate the fact that they are promoting peace and not violence.

Thanks,

Kathy

- Kathy Smith, london, uk

It would seem to me and to others I have discussed this subject with that the indigenous Christian people of this country are becoming second class citizens. The whole aspect of religion should be kept "as was": This is a Christian country and any other religious factions that settle here should respect that fact and not expect special treatment. Most conflicts start off be over religious intolerance.

- Roger, Sturmer, England

It's quite shocking to see how the focus has shifted to Islam as the cause of all of the world's problem. It's like being in Europe in the 1930s and blaming all of Europe's woes of the time on the Jews.

Let's not blame Islam for terrorism. I think the fact that the European nations, primairly Britain invaded and occupied Islamic lands brutally since the 1800s. When then left them, they installed complient dictatorial regimes which still exists and have good relations with London. We then wonder why Muslims resort to extreme or radical approaches when all avenues of political debate have been silienced in their countires with the tacit approval from western capitals!

- Max Khan, London

This debate is a sad reflection on the society in Britain where freedom is only a word. The British culture(s) feel threatened and will do and say anything to protect themselves. Perhaps this discussion should promote a time of reflection for Britons: what defines British, nowadays? It seems to me that Britain is becoming more like the Rainbow Nation (South Africa) and the general population has been asleep for the past fifty years.

- Ingrid Zimmermann, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Not now, not in the past and not ever.

I personally do not have a problem with most Muslims but I do have a problem when we have people making unwarranted religous privileges and demands that affect everyone, which inlcudes non-muslims.

A Muslim organization compares us to Nazi Germany right before rememberance day, how's that for community relations, big slap in the face to everyone that fought and died in WW2.

Although, I have to say, the Muslims that I've met whilst living in the US and South East Asia are not like the Muslims here, a lot of them actually do integrate within society and are generally a lot more laid back.

- Patrick, London

Twenty years ago we had a handful of moslems in the London and we had few problems. Today we have thousands and the problems are causing me to consider leaving the country.

- Sandy, LONDON

To Pierluigi,
thanks for your comment, it's reassuring to know that some people have openminded and balanced views about the situation unlike Peter from Reigate who doesn't realise that his own government is in other countries taking over and forcing their values on others.

- Ab, London, UK

About as good for the Capital as the Luftwaffe was.

- Squiz, Islington

To Peter from Reigate,
When in Rome do as the Romans do. I quite agree, it's not right to invade countries and force your values on people through the barrel of a gun.
Muslims have always been part of London and they didn't arrive suddenly in a huge influx as you claim.
The problem is recent...the problem is this phoney war on terror which is totally blown out of proportion.
Compare the number of innocents being killed here by the war of terror to that in Iraq or Afghanistan.

- Pierluigi Vernetto, London

I am half Japanese and grew up there with Buddhism and Shintoism and attended a Catholic school. Although I don't practise any, I believe that all religions and it's teachings are positive and we can learn from them all so it's very sad that some people so misunderstand and let these misunderstandings divide us and be the cause of so much unnecessary misery.

With regard to Islam being good for London, it is now a fact that this city is a huge melting pot of cultures, so no one should be demanding anything and be grateful to be living here with the privileges available to us in this country, mix and all be proud to be British!

- Cathy, London

No I don't think it has been particularly good for London. As I understand it the object of Islam is to take over and, quite frankly, London does not want, does not need and should not be taken over. When in Rome do as the Romans do - this is our city and our country and other cultures should abide by our laws as we have to abide by theirs when in their countries. If you don't like the way that our country behaves don't be big headed enough to think you must change it to what YOU want. London is a melting pot for all cultures. Muslims must integrate and not set themselves apart.

- Peter, Reigate, UK

As a proud British born Muslim I was astonished that this debate in essence had one individual speaking for the motion and four against it. Having been a Muslim for five years I can tell you that Islam is undoubtedly a positive force on this beautiful city and I can say that in some peculiarly divine way, all this anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic rhetoric that we are continuously bombarded with, is actually drawing people into this noble faith, whose basic, simplistic and holistic message, is the peace and salvation of Mankind through submission to the Almighty. I would recommend my fellow Londoners to go to the source and read the Qur'an with open hearts, just as I did 6 years ago. Today I find myself spiritually content, innately euphoric and God willing, ready to meet my Creator whenever the call is made! May the Peace and Blessing of God be upon you all.

- Musa Evans, London

How come we have never had to debate whether Judaism, Buddhism, Hinuism or any other religious belief has had a positive effect on London. Is it because these groups quietly assimilate into our society without trying to change us?

- Suzanne, Kensington

This is more about the feeling of loss of identity for British people and the perseved threats to the British culture from new cultures. Britain has been extremely accommodating of other cultures to the demise of its own. I believe that there is now an uprising in middle Britain trying to reclaim an equal footing.

Why should we be afraid to support our own culture and yet go so out on a limb for other cultures.

Also everyone can now see England's infrastructures (Education, Health, Transport) struggling to cope with the increasing demands and the increasing tax burden.

Where will it all end.

- Andrew, Harrow

When I heard about this event I thought it was going to be an interesting debate that will produce some constructive outcome for both Muslims and non-Muslims. However, I have to say that this was not achieved in any way. As a Muslim, I felt misrepresented as there were hardly any Muslims in the audience, how can there be a debate about Islam when most of those partaking do not follow that creed. Further, panels lacked knowledge of basic Islam and almost every point that they had made was derived from mainstream media - no surprise there really. Having said, I think the debate was a great idea and we should have more of these.
The point that I want to make is that we should take a note of what Mariam Scharf said as I believe that is a quite profound conclusion of the behaviour and actions of some Muslims. Foreign policy has led down the Muslim community in London and other parts of the world. I truly believe that until the injustices shown towards countries like Palestine and Iraq are resolved, we have no way of moving forward. We can't just kill millions of innocent Muslims in their own land based on a lie and expect no reaction. I read somewhere that "the Muslims are like one body if one part of it hurts, the rest of the body is overcome with pain" and I strongly agree with this statement.

- Habiba Ali, London, UK

In response to Tony Deal (Islam must move out of middle ages) I would like to point out that it is Islam that is way ahead of the West in many ways especially women's righs. 1,400 yrs ago Islam gave women the right to divorce, vote, earn own money, inheritence, buy own property, choose their own husband. Some of these laws have only been passed in Britain over the last 100 years. And someone raised the point of a complete ban on alcohol. In the Quran Allah teaches us that the harm outweighs the benefit. On a social scale we see in this country the level of crime committed due to alcohol and drugs, the accidents, families being torn apart through alcholism and addiction, suicide, depression, violence. I would agree just by looking at our statistics that the harm definitely outweighs any benefit that can be derived from drinking alcohol. Yes the world would be a much better place without it. Many may ask, why did God put it there in the first place? Because there are benefits: sterilisation, medical care etc. And this life is a test, those who abstain with the intention of pleasing God, will be rewarded in the afterlife, drinking from the wines of paradise. And as for the hijab being all about politics. Has the teacher who made that comment asked her school girls if this is their intention for wearing it? And why is it that if Islam is so oppressive to women, thousands of Western women are dontating their miniskirts to charity in order to replace it with the Hijab? Me being one!

- Lynne Ali, Dagenham, UK

If the kind of Islamic beliefs were the true ones, then it would be good for London and for the entire world. However, the perversion of the message of the Prophet by fundamentalist groups has placed the whole world in danger. We must drive out the fundamentalists, not just of the Islamic kind, but also of all other faiths, and return to the tolerance and moderation for which the United Kingdom, and London in particular, have always been known. Let us all join hands, Muslim, Christian, all faiths and none, to make our land a place Fit for Heroes, and fit for all people of goodwill.

- Christopher Fowler, London, UK

We need urgently to reach out to the moderate members of all faiths, whether Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Atheist or whatever, so that the common problem affecting them all is confronted. That problem is fundamentalism and it has nothing to do with any of the belief systems it infests like a parasitic growth. Fundamentalists of any kind think that anyone with different views from theirs should be shunned, punished or even murdered. Moderate Muslims are far more oppressed by fundamentalist Islamists than are non-Muslims: the moderates often live in fear, rejected and misunderstood by everyone, especially the rest of us in the West, who should be helping them. For a start, we need to reach out to the moderates and make common ground together as human beings. The future of the world depends on how we manage this in the West.

- Clarina, Sydney, Australia

My mother, a devout Roman Catholic, always covered her head not only in Church but outside in the streets right up to the last time she appeared in public in 2002. Her dress was always modest as was her demeanour. She taught her sons and daughters as a model. This was a normal aspect of Catholic modesty in public since the beginning of The Church in time. What a shame men and women have abandoned old rules about modesty, and appropriate behaviour and dress in public too. Globally, more men and women resemble beach bums in tatty T-shirts, used jeans, short tight skirts and scanty tops. I hope the Muslim influence can be a positive one in restoring some sense of correct propriety in the way we dress and behave in public as many have forgotten. It is a necessary mark of mutual respect between each member of society, no matter what religion we belong to.

There are many Christians, Jews and non-believers I know who share similar perspectives. The Muslims have reminded us of this essential societal value.

- Lmack, Brunei

Bob, you hit the nail on the head there.

- James Sargeant, Melbourne, Australia

I can't speak for what's going on across the pond, but I can say that things over here in the U.S. seem to be going quite a bit differently...at least in my town. The Muslims over here have done a pretty good job of both integrating into the society, AND also maintaining their identity in Islam as well. I have yet to come across any Muslims in my town who try to segregate themselves and not be a part of the society and culture that is here. Yes, they don't go out drinking or galavanting around on Friday or Saturday nights like most folks, but they largely fit in here seamlessly. I see Muslim families out shopping, walking through town, playing at parks, all the sort of normal things you'd expect, and they've made a great contribution to our region. Between the doctors, professors, teachers, and engineers, they've been actively involved in community affairs too. My hope is that our localised example of Muslims fitting in with society here, yet still being devout in Islam, can serve as an example to Muslims and non-Muslims that this can in fact be accomplished.

- John, Virginia, U.S.

Let's take the word Islam out of your debate and ask: Is Judaism good for London? Christianity? Doesn't sound so sensible now, does it? Or why not ask what fat cockneys like me bring to our lovely capital? Am I contributing anything or taking away more than I bring? Is my presence on the Tube every morning acceptable or am I just another one bringing my own thoughts, beliefs and feelings into a city where they are not necessarily welcome. I've probably got some opinions and beliefs that would make your hair curl but I'm not an obvious figure to be agonised over and discussed.
This is deeply depressing. All religions that have come to London have been seen as unwelcome by its residents at first. Muslims are part of London like everybody else. Don't wonder what they bring to the city. Instead, ask yourself if what YOU bring is of any value.

- Ian, East London

The intolerance of gays, lack of equality for women make it in my opinion a religion that intrudes upon the human rights of others and is not good for London.

- Kathleen, Connecticut, USA

Alan Craig's question goes to the heart of the debate. The rolling out of halal meat as standard in many state schools, including those without a Muslim majority, is a legitimate cause for concern. So is the plan to build the biggest mosque in Europe in East London with funding from Saudi Arabia - a country in which it is forbidden to practice Christianity.

- Jon Baker, London, UK

NO!

- Mr Singh, Southall, UK

I like the bit about hanging in public (or whatever is equivalent to stoning in modern context) that could work but not the ban on alcohol bit. Have a glass of wine enjoy yourself. Could we just adopt say a third of Islamic law?

- Jane, USA

Ramem (in these comments) suggests we bring in hanging or stoning for rape, and ban all alchohol. This is typical of the attitude of Islam in this country. 'If only you did things our way life would be so much better'.
In medieval times people were burned at the stake for their religious views. Fortunately we have moved on from then; I just wish Islam would move out of the middle ages too.

- Tony Deal, Kennington, London

Most of the world is progressive and always changing and evolving. The Muslim world does not evolve and its traditions have no place in modern society. Women being marginalized, and treating non-muslims as infidels is not condusive to an integrated society. Suicide bombers in the name of faith strikes me as a tad strange...

- Mario, London, UK

We have done without it for thousands of years. Show me one country where Islam predominates that you would like to live in?

- Bob, London

Just a couple values if adopted from Islam will bring tremendous goodness to London or any city in the world: If alcohol is banned in the city, it will decimate the crime rate of the associated crimes which are a great deal. If you increase the maximum punishment of rape to be hanging in public (or whatever is equivalent to stoning in modern context), it will solve this problem most effectively for ever.

- Ramem, London

Islam is good for Countries which are already Islamic but their religion/ideology and Sharia law will never ever be compatible with western society since their teachings refute and challenge just about everything we stand for.

- Alan Eaves, Buckhurst Hill, Essex

You have to wonder at the hypocrisy of it. Islamic groups in the UK constantly complain about being marginalised, ostracised and under suspicion. Yet, I cannot imagine a more inward looking society which has no notion of integrating itself, or us- and condemms all who are not of the same faith as infidels. If they won't take part, they cannot complain.

- Roderick Mackintosh, Berlin, Germany.

There are many in this country who derive the entire meaning of their lives and their identity from Islam. Their sole interest is in its propagation, and in seeing this country become an Islamist state. The immigration, and birth-rate statistics show that they will largely succeed in around 50 years time. As stated above, these are people who will not debate. As far as they are concerned there is no doubt whatsoever about what is right, and any who disagree are the enemy.
The West must assert its values vigourously, and demonstrate its intolerance of the intolerant, or, like Rome, be blown away by the sands of time.

- Martin, London, UK

What on earth does Shelina Janmohamed mean by 'Men should be modestly dressed too'? Is that Muslim men or all men? Does it mean we should perhaps all wear hats? Forgo shorts? One sees loads of Muslim men in polo shorts and trainers herding half a dozen ladies around M&S...how is he allowed to dress like that? Isn't he enticing ladies or some such nonsense with his sexy western apparel? Give us a break.

- Squiz, Islington

I do not believe there is a place for any religion in today's Western society.

- Mike, London

I have no problem with Islam at all. But I do however have a major problem with people handing out flyers in Whitechapel urging Muslims to choose between being British or Muslim. Saying the British way of Life is "Superficial pursuits such as money, sex and fame, with complete indulgence of self desire and perversion causing alchohol related crimes, drugs and sexual deviancy rife" compared to the Muslim "Divine way of life - Al Islam is the only divine way of life. And whosoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the hereafter he will be one of the losers".
If they have such a problem with Britain, leave! Examples such as Muslims claiming display of crosses in airport prayer rooms and having them removed, compared to the blatant display of their religion shows how much government is worried about offending people, when these people don't really care about offending Christians at all. I know some lovely Muslims but unfortunately the extremists and ones with a penchant for blowing up innocent people tend to tar the rest with the same brush.

- Angus Ulyate, London, UK

Islam is not good for London at all. What happened to 'Great' Britain and our great values. They have been pushed aside for this blinkered way of life.

- Bill, London

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