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Jemima Khan was born into boundless wealth, handed exquisite looks, glides in and out of parties in gorgeous dresses, is resented (and yes, envied) by ageing social democrats like me. We have nothing at all in common - except we do, as it turns out.
A connection unexpectedly came to light on Tuesday at the British Museum at the launch of an enlightened new Muslim think-tank - the Quilliam Foundation, set up by Ed Husain, who wrote a best-selling book, The Islamist, about his journey to and back from Islamicist jihadism. Khan spoke from her heart about her respect for Islam and also her worries about hardliners and young Muslims - her sons included.
It was moving and personal. Millions of us live that complexity, traversing between worlds, refusing to be owned by authoritarian " leaders". She also said she had received death threats for expressing her views. Such intimidation is par for the course when you challenge Islamic Stalinists - Muslims may flock to vote, but many have yet to grasp the meaning of intelligent argument.
This is why some of us are launching British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) at the Royal Society of Arts on 1 May. We are starting with a debate on the compatibility of secular democracy and Islam.
Sparks will fly, no doubt. We want younger Muslims to make choices for themselves. For far too long British Muslims have lived in a democracy but have not matured into autonomous democrats. The expectation is that communities take direction from community leaders and deliver block votes to political parties as if they are cash-and-carry sacks of rice. Some Muslim leaders have, for example, ordered their flocks to vote for Ken. Disgraceful, yes, but this is how it is on the Indian subcontinent and in Arab lands.
A Muslim child is taught never to question and to follow instructions from adults, fathers, grandparents, teachers, mullahs and political manipulators. Respect for elders is admirable, but this excessive culture of obedience is stunting the development of Islamic communities.
Khan, Husain and BMSD reveal to Muslims their entitlement to be liberated and enlightened. And suddenly many more seem to be listening. Tuesday felt full of hope. But my fear is that fanatics see that and may yet blow it away.
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This is good to hear. I think different communities have a lot to learn from each other, if we just listen and stop being afraid!
Bert - "these ideas have no place in a religion that has successfully used fear and superstition to control millions of people for centuries" hmmm... sounds vaguely familiar in a Christian sort of a way!
- Victoria, Exeter, Devon
I am not a fan of Alihbai-Brown (I think she loathes white British people). However, I commend her on her willingness to spend time and energy encouraging some Muslims to be less hardline. If something isn't done soon, Muslims will be rejected by society and as they are in a significant minority in this country, it will be their loss. The BNP may also exploit the current fear of Muslims and gain yet further votes. I have a Muslim partner and so I am grateful to Alibhai-Brown and to Ed Husain.
- Cameron, London, W2
Yasmin ali Brown is an insignificant entity with regards to Muslims living in Britain.
- Jordana, London
