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Muslim driver halts bus to kneel in aisle and pray

Tim Stewart
08.02.10

A Muslim bus driver stunned passengers by pulling over to pray while he kept the engine running.

The driver of the No 24 in Gospel Oak stopped without warning, left his cab and rolled out a jacket as an improvised prayer mat in the vehicle's aisle.

Removing his shoes, he knelt to face Mecca and began chanting during a prayer session that held up the bus for more than five minutes.

Passengers were unable to get on or off the vehicle. Mother-of-one Gayle Griffiths complained to Transport for London last week.

Ms Griffiths, 33, an NHS administrator of Camden, said: “I was in a hurry to get home to pick my little girl up from school. We had just let off people at a bus stop and moved off again when the driver stopped the bus very suddenly.

“He got out of his cab, leaving the engine running, and walked towards the middle exit door. He laid out a fluorescent jacket on the floor and I thought that somebody must have been sick and he was covering it up. But then he took off his shoes and began praying.

“I was gobsmacked. He hadn't addressed the passengers or given any kind of explanation. I didn't say anything and nor did anyone else. As the engine was running anyone could also have got in the cab and driven off with a bus full of passengers.

“He was also blocking the exit, so if something had happened we would not have been able to get off. When he had finished, he just got back up and set off again — all without any explanation or apology.”

She added: “We live in a multicultural society but there is a time and a place for prayer and the middle of a journey with a busload of passengers is not it.”

TfL apologised to all those delayed. A spokesman said: “The bus company has had a word with the driver as this is not something that should be happening.”

He said TfL and the bus operators provide suitable prayer or quiet rooms at garages and other key locations.

Reader views (80)

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Shows how intolerant and evil the society has become - 5 min, just 5 minutes he stood to pray. Did any person conceder that he was probably running out of time (Muslim prayers 5 times a day are to be said in time).

The bus could as well have been stuck in traffic for 20 minute and no body would have complained - but this is hatred and intolerance --- The passengers should have been proud for this person.

The only thing he did wrong is that he should have explained to the passengers before prayers, and apologized and thanked them after (probably shyness or problem with understanding culture difference).

- Ali, Britain, 17/02/2010 11:53
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dear all, i understand this incident have caused great inconveninece to the passengers. I also understand that prayers shouldn't be at the expence of others. We pray to thank Allah for every favour we have had, for every comfort we enjoy, But Allah is happy with those, who keep the human being happy and care for thier ease and comfort. Prayers shouldn't creat any hurdle in once life or inconvenience anyone. i hope the driver have learned something from what he did, critisizing him anymore wouldn't resolve the issue, but fuel the fire.

- Ailia John, London, 15/02/2010 17:10
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No one was killed or injured... this time ! So should we wait until it happens ? Sheesh !!

- Tonio, Seattle, USA, 09/02/2010 06:48
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Bravo! Allah will accept your pray. You are very dutyful person kneeling down to pray. May Allah giv us courage to follow your mission and pray in time.

- Chishty, London, 09/02/2010 05:45
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I just had a read through the article. Firtsly some of the comments made on here are far from solving or helping anything.
I will like to make it clear as a Muslim, that the bus driver should not have done what he did. Our prayer should not be at the expense of a burden on the public like this. It is rude for him to stop for a prayer. I hope he has learnt from his mistake. But guys nothing happened, let's leave the man alone. I'm sure he will not make the same mistake again, and if he does then show him the door.

- Hassan, Watford, Hertfordshire, 09/02/2010 01:21
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Loool I don't think its such a big deal. I think people are taking this much too serious. So what, he prayed, let him.

- Emily W, London, 08/02/2010 23:50
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What if he was an emergency ambulance driver on his was to hospital with a critically ill patient????

Sack him he doesnt deserve to have a job, waste of space, give the job to the ones that really strugling to get jobs and want to work.

- Craig, London, 08/02/2010 23:05
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If he wants to practice his bizarre rituals, then so be it.
Such people obviously have no ability to work in the real world, however.
Religion - so daft you couldn't make it up.
Hang on though, somebody DID make it up.
Obviously some poor soul from an era when goats were the cleverest individuals in that part of the desert.

- Alex Mckenna, Woodford, 08/02/2010 23:02
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See the future in the UK though, all buses will have to have a co-pilot seat just in case the bus's captain wants to lay down his prayer rug for a quick one. Just a question what happens in Muslim countries?

- David Wright, Buenos Aires, Argentina., 08/02/2010 22:24
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To one of the contributors: Kareem, London.

If all Muslims were like you, there would be no trouble. Anywhere. Of any kind. Thank you. You are most welcome here. Keep it up.

- Neighbour, London, UK., 08/02/2010 22:16
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Thats terrible ..poor driver.. we must section off parts of buses for prayer rooms immediately..He should contact human rights Im sure they can make a court case out of it and we can pay for it out of our loose change.

- Mando, Londonian, 08/02/2010 22:02
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Forgive me for being ignorant,But does one have to face towards Mecca and be on his or her knees, for that person's prayer's to be heard? As a Christian, i pray every day wether i am driving my car, walking, lying in bed, or in Church. But no one knows exept me, and my creator,that i am praying,and i will certainly not impose my religious beliefs, on anyone.I respect people's beliefs if they have any,but this guy broke the law by what he did, and i think, he should be diciplined by the bus co.

- Reginos Theodotou, London UK, 08/02/2010 20:16
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I worked as a bus driver in London for 3 years and I can tell you that both Muslims and non-Muslims often hold up the service for all kinds of reasons. I drove routemasters and have had conductors who have nipped off the bus for 5-10 mins to place bets, get Kentucky Fried Chicken, and on one occasion have a lady conductor get off the bus, tell me she needed the loo and reappear about half-an-hour later by which time the passengers had had enough and had all got off the bus.

As for ignorant comments about white south-londoners who would have got sacked for holding up buses by having a cup of tea and a cigarette - I have actually seen this happen more than once and the same thing happened to them as happened to the praying bus driver. They were just given a warning.

On one occasion, a white, non-Muslim driver was actually found to be asleep in his bus when he was supposed to be about 5 miles away driving his bus on a duty - this was in the busy morning period as well.

I suppose that stories about 'white south-london' drivers who muck up the service doesn't quite arouse the same amount of interest to most people as stories about how the 'pesky Muslims' are destroying Britain though!!

- Abdullah Ahmed, Jubail, Saudi Arabia, 08/02/2010 20:04
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He should be disciplined for jeopardizing other passenger safety, causing traffic hazard, wreckless driving. He should be fired from his job immediately.

- Kevin Jones, barnet, 08/02/2010 19:59
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This story is symbolic of everything that I despise about London life. To me everyone in this story attracts nothing but antipathy from me. I agree with comments saying that bus drivers have zero consideration for passengers, who are often in a rush, and see absolute no duty to get people to places on time, often driving needlessly slowly and react to issues by stopping the bus and delaying everybody. On the other hand the woman's reactions in the story is such a typical Londoner reaction, do nothing about it at the time then complain about it afterwards. Also, is it really such a big deal that she was five minutes late picking up her child? If everyone realised that transport around London is hard and unreliable and made concessions for people being late then perhaps everyone would relax and start being nicer to each other, rather than all being the stereotypical po faced commuter. I have recently moved to Hampstead in student residence and can notice strongly the difference in people's attitudes on public transport between central London and the suburbs of Orpington where I used to live.

- Raymond, Orpington, UK, 08/02/2010 19:29
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Many of these racist comments are a joke.The fact remains the Bus Driver chose to display acts of his faith whilst working, which is unacceptable. The company has warned him and if he continues to practice his faith in such a way , yes he should be sacked. Comments like " Go back to your country" and "Imaginary friends" are unacceptable. Last time I looked, Briton was a free country, founded on Christian values, "Love thy neigbour like thyself". Maybe if we put God back into our lives and childrens lives we could look forward to a better and brighter Briton minus the prejudice.
Did anyone think for a moment that the guy could of been having suicidal thoughts and felt this is what he needed to do to get back his mental stability and continue his job safely.

- Rosanna, New York, 08/02/2010 18:57
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No, Darren from London, he held up people - no warning, reasoning or option to get off the bus - for five minutes. Those five minutes might seem little to you but for those with kids waiting for them or hoping to catch another form of public transport or appointment, five minutes could mean a hell of lot. If you think I'm overreacting, then I think you're being a little ignorant as to what holding someone else up could mean to them.

Like said, most people wouldn't have a problem with anyone going for prayer if they need to but as long as it didn't interfere with whatever task, work, journey, etc they were doing.

- Ms Can'T Believe It, London, UK, 08/02/2010 18:18
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Once upon a time the UK was a Christian country. However thanks to the government we voted into office in the last three general elections, we have become a Muslim nation. Therfore it's hardly surprising the driver in question saw it fit & proper to pursue such actions when and where he or she did!

- Ed Wilson, London, 08/02/2010 18:13
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So rastafarian bus drivers should be allowed to smoke ganja on the job then ?

- Madmax, London, UK, 08/02/2010 17:52
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Interesting that the only action the Bus Operating Company chose was to "have a word with the driver". Probably afraid to take any action for fear of being accused of racism & prejudice. One wonders what action might be dealt to a Christian bus driver who did the same thing in a Muslim nation??? In response to the opening comment of Mick from New York, I've actually lived in Australia. Bus drivers down there come from many etnicities and religions, the vast majority of whom greet and acknowledge the 90% of their passengers who say hello when boarding the bus, and thanks when disembarking. All I usually get on the buses here when greeting the driver (which I always do) is a miserable look in reply! Seldom does one ever receive a warm & friendly reply in response, unlike in Australia!! Once upon a time we were a proud nation with a strong sense of national identity here in the UK. Unfortunately all our government appears interested in doing is devolving power to the four home nations, and having an open door immigration policy to this island nation which has a limited land mass. Nothing wrong with migrants coming to a nation to better themselves. It works in countries like Canada, Australia, & New Zealand where a proper and controlled point system manages & controls the quota of foreign intake each year. We seem incapable however of introducing such system here in the UK.

- Stu Wilson, London, U.K., 08/02/2010 17:51
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TFL have had a word with him. not sacked him, but had a quite word, who will spare us from this political correctness.

The lunatics are now running the asylum

- Steve M, London, 08/02/2010 17:48
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Of course he should be sacked. Fancy leaving the engine running, causing all that unnecessary pollution - and wasting fuel. Disgraceful.

- C Nichol, London, 08/02/2010 17:39
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so if my religeon, stated that i have to carry a baby hippo under one arm,while eating a log ,,,,and walking backwards yodeling,,,,he,would have to let me on the bus,otherwise he,s being racist,,,,,,i think everyone has gone nuts,good thing he,s not a doctor

- Les, crowborough england, 08/02/2010 17:35
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As a muslim myself I think the driver's action (if true) is particularly extreme. One of the underlying tenets of islam is to consider how your actions can inconvenience others and refrain from doing any inconvenient course of action. There are instance where it is not immediately possible to say ones prayers which can be observed later. The religion even permits you to abridge your prayers if you are in transit, you can even interrupt your prayers to answer your mother's call. I think there is an urgent need for us muslims to speak up to address the fanatics in our midst. Islam enjoins you to live in accordance with the law of the land you live. One of the earlies treaties in the world. Besides, the Prophet (PBOH) was born a pagan and when he became a muslim he entered into treaties to recognise the rights of pagans.
A muslim can even eat pork if that is all there is and he would have been sinful if he dies of hunger by avoiding the only food available. This sane portrayal of islam has to be corrected. But all said, are we sure this is not another sensational story?

- Laitan, Hornchurch, 08/02/2010 17:34
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Only in Britain...!!!!

- Liz, London, 08/02/2010 17:23
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I think everyone is just a bit frustrated with...everyone! Can we not start World War III just because someone made a bad judgement?
Goodness!

- Middleclasschuv, Chiswick, london, 08/02/2010 17:19
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He broke the law leaving the engine running and leaving the cab. He should have lost his license and his job for endangering the lives of the passengers ,and the general public. Questions must be asked of the police and the bus company. Maybe there is one law for muslims and another for the rest of us.

- Ken Winter, bishop auckland England, 08/02/2010 17:01
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Do you think he would try this one in Australia? Me no think soooo

- Mick, New York, 08/02/2010 16:58
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comment

- Comment, comment, 08/02/2010 16:58
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Sack him. Darren the point is he was working driving a bus!!! God help us if we have muslim pilots or air traffic controllers.. some one tell him praying doesnt work anyway...

- David, London, 08/02/2010 16:55
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The hate from some of these comments is shamefull. I don't agree that it was a good idea and I'm sure I would have been a bit taken aback but the man didn't hurt anyone and made a misguided decision.

His bosses have probably said not to do it again and that should be an end to it.

No one died so leave the guy alone.

- Mark, St Albans, 08/02/2010 16:52
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Whats the problem. Afetr all we now live in Londonstan and we have to get used to this sort of thing. Many thanks to Labour for their excellent immigration policy - open door to everyone and welfare to all to go with it.

- Scott, London, UK, 08/02/2010 16:35
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This is not about religion, this is about the TFL culture which seems to put the needs of passengers way down the list of priorities, especially with buses.

I am a regular bus user, and generally greet the driver with the courtesy of a "good morning" that elicits no response on at least 50% of occasions. From time to time, buses that are not full pass stops that have queues, and as for adhering to a timetable; the very idea! The of course there is the time honoured "hunting in packs syndrome" whereby one waits ages and then two or three come along. Bus companies/London Buses appear to make little effort to counter the litter-dropping culture of a significant minority of passengers, deeming it ok for the rest of us to travel in conditions of squalor.

Complaints to London Buses are generally met with the usual script of anodyne corporate newspeak that means nothing.

Hardly surprising then that the driver in this instance presumably saw nothing wrong with his actions.

- John C, Leatherhead, UK, 08/02/2010 16:33
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Best answer is to get autopilots on the buses, so Muslim drivers can pracise their religion in a Christian country. But wait, that might mean we don't need any drivers at all. There you go!!

Good thing he wasn't a pilot on final approach to Mecca!

- Tom, Bedfordshire, 08/02/2010 16:20
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Darren - if he did stop for any of your so called reasons, ie fag or tea whilst driving a bus he would at least be fined or if not more so why is he allowed to get away with this?? He knew the rules its a simple case of knowing he will get away with it and is basically taking the mick out of this country and its people. Where will it end?
If we worked in his country we would be subject to 40 lashes or more.

- Paul, Enfield, 08/02/2010 16:14
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I'm a muslim, but I don't support this driver's actions. Firstly, the window is quite large when it comes to the times for prayer (with the exception of the sunset prayer, but I'm assuming this was earlier on as a Ms Griffiths was on her way to pick up her girl from school). So I don't see why he couldn't pray before or after his route.

Secondly, I can understand how people could feel uncomfortable with a driver suddenly stopping his bus and praying in the aisle. I'm sure the possiblity of something 'extreme' happening was in atleast a few people's minds.

Now that this incident has taken place, if clear guideleines are put in place, we all know where we stand.

- Kareem, London, 08/02/2010 16:12
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Darren,London. Over reacting! He would have been sacked if he had got out of the bus and stood or sat on the pavement to have a cup of tea,or a fag.He received a talking to because of the privileges offered to religious believers,dont forget also he left the engine running!That is a sack able offense on its own,and contravenes the highway code!

- Kev, London uk, 08/02/2010 16:08
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To Mysslo, London, UK.
I am in full time employment. I think you are over-reacting. People stop work all the time to have a cup of tea or a fag, or for a quick breather.
Everyone is over-reacting. He delayed the bus for five mins at a bus stop presumably, which is a safe area to park in.

- Darren, london, 08/02/2010 15:46
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I imagine that their is a dicplinary procedure he'll have to go through.

- Tony, Hove England, 08/02/2010 15:32
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"The bus company has had a word with the driver" ???
Is this for real or a wind up.P45 sounds more appropriate and perhaps the police should be involved if the driver is not in control of his vehicle.What on earth do tourists think when they come here and see this.

- Tony, Essex, 08/02/2010 15:23
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Sack him and his florescent makeshift jacket.
He endangered the lives of his passengers and the general public. If this was a white man from south London that decided to go for a cup of coffee or to get the results of yesterdays match or to buy a lottery ticket (all very respectable and arguably typical white man religious based virtues), he would have been cuffed, arrested, thrown in jail, suspended without pay and had the book thrown at him by his bosses.
However, because this guy carries a compass and watch and claims religious grounds (and more than likely) will not be punished is unacceptable.
TFL needs to make an example of this man and suspend him from duty without pay, the crown court needs to suspend his drivers license and then the police need to make enquiries into his previous behavior to see if he has done this before without it having been reported.
What if he was a train driver or worse still how about an airline pilot ( would he change direction and start praying then...?) or even worse still, what if he was a cruise ship captain...? Is he going to drop anchor and make one of those chants across the PA ship board for everyone to hear...? Where does it end...?
string him up I say and let the public decide.

- Avtar Pardesi, San Diego, California, 08/02/2010 15:18
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This is unacceptable.
No one asked native Britons if they want to live in a multiracial society but government forced them to accept this against their will.
The minimum we can pretend is for people like this bus driver to respect our laws in the same way British going in any Muslim country must obey to their law and customs.

- Giuseppe De Santis, london, 08/02/2010 15:17
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What I do not understand is why this appears only to have just happened.

If the driver is a devout Muslim, why has he not done this before, if the faithful are called to praye 5 times a day? Or has he, in which case why hasn't he been pulled up before? He must have been on shifts that took him through prayer periods before?

Unless, of course, he had an ulterior motive of some kind e.g. to bring a claim for religous discrimination, perhaps? Who knows but you would have to be a first-rate moron to think that in a secular or chrisitan country it is permissable to stop a bus and pray.

As our Muslim correspondent has said, his prayers at that time would be unanswered or in some way defective and knowing how devout most Muslims are, he doubtless knew this before he pulled the stunt.

- Mr Mephistopheles, London, 08/02/2010 15:16
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Dixon Kipretich, I think you hit the nail on the head with that one!

- Nav, Barking, England, 08/02/2010 15:16
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Sack him on the basis of putting passengers lives at risk-there was a clear dereliction of duties.
Pray in your house or a place of worship.

I thought I was reading a comic scene from the 1970's TV show "on the busses".

I once returned late at night 11.300pm at Copenhagen Airport and to my surprise I saw a muslim women on her knees praying on a turkish rug while her husband stood in front of her. It's out of order to do this thing in
public. It should be banned in public places and if you
don't like it return to a country where you can pray all day.

- Frank, Copenhage, Denmark, 08/02/2010 15:04
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Incredible! I've heard of women giving birth on buses, but this is an incredible reason to halt a bus.

- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 08/02/2010 14:57
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I think he believes in "Work is worship and rest is rest", It is the key to success, progress and happiness.

- Angela, London, England, 08/02/2010 14:44
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Sue from Kent, I have it on good authority that muslim pilots flying with Saudia often leave the cockpit to pray mid flight. I'm also told that the pilot & co pilot do take it in turns though..!

- Paul, Feltham, 08/02/2010 14:27
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I think this idiot wanted a bit of pubicity or was so fed up of his job that we wanted to do something like this to get sacked. I am a muslim and I will tell you. you don't have to read your prayers there and then. You are given a 2-2 1/2 hour window (grace period... excuse the pun) after each prayer to read it. It does not have to be performed on the dot. And for someone who is at work doing a job driving a vehicle wih a bus full of passengers, is excused. What next...tube drivers stopping their train in the middle of the tunnel 200 ft below?

- Dubzzy, West london, England, 08/02/2010 14:26
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Common-sense would have said he can pray in a few hours time after his shift.

Buses are always late, surely Allah wont mind if praying is late too.

- Simon, London, 08/02/2010 14:20
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I really hope there isn't anyone like him working in air traffic control.

- Claire, london, 08/02/2010 14:20
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Darren, London - you are a joke or not employed. The man is being paid to do a job in a certain time of his life; he signed a contract to it. If he cannot do the job properly or it interfered in how he wants to conduct himself with his religon, then he would have to give up one of them.
Had you been on the bus waiting to get somewhere important or quickly, I bet your stance would be different.
No-one would have much a problem if he chose to do the same thing in the same place, but it should be in his time.

Thank you for your comment 'devout Muslim' for a breath of commonsense.

- Mysslo, London, UK, 08/02/2010 14:04
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it is re-assuring to see the sensible, respectful side of islam from time to time. Sometimes it feels like the media only reports the extreme examples, so for that I thank "a devout muslim" for adding a little decency into the debate.

- Scotty, London, 08/02/2010 13:51
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There are times & places to prayer, but as usual religion clouds this fellas vision, and because of that he breaks the rules of the road by not being in control of his vehicle.

For all those people who state there is nothing wtong with this: What would happen if the bus jumped in to gear and then caused an accident which led to someones death. Would you still be chomping "nothing wrong"?

- Road Safety, London, 08/02/2010 13:51
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All muslims have a right to pray however they should take a job that allows them to do so without affecting people who do not share their beliefs in the way he did.He will not be dealt with on the matter of leaving the buses engine run as he will probably consider taking a case against the company if they do try to take action.I love the"Human Rights
Act" or perhaps I don't because it doesn't appear that I have any.

- Mike M, Bedford England, 08/02/2010 13:47
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I am practising Muslim & found this man's action shocking! There is a time & place for everything, you just CAN NOT do that. Its as simple as that you do it in your own time & in private, not while on employers' clock & definately not while so many are inconvienced!!! unbelivable that how little these people know their religon! Your prayers are rejected in eyes of God if you act in this manner putting it mildly. In Muslim defending him should learn basics first!

- A Devout Muslim, London, 08/02/2010 13:35
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...Perhaps he was just thanking Allah that his bus wasn't made by Totoya !

- Dixon Kipretich, Ugley, Essex, 08/02/2010 13:33
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Presumbly he's been fired ! No re-instatement on appeal I hope.

- Davidke, ramsey isle of man, 08/02/2010 13:31
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Irrespective of faith considerations, this man put a lot of people at risk by leaving his engine running while being away from the wheel. Tfl should sack him if they have any sense of responsiblity.

- Andrew, Hampton Hill, 08/02/2010 13:28
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Drivers praying on buses, judges complaining how unfair it is we dont let sikhs take kirpan daggers into schools.

Enough.

I value and appreciate living in a multicultural society. I support diversity. But I dont support irrational and dangerous actions by individuals who believe their beliefs and cultural values trump the common good of wider society.

And Darren the human right to freedom of religion does not equate to freedom to pray when-ever and where-ever you like. There is NOT a human right to stop a bus to stay a prayer. You are talking nonsense, and you are undermining human rights.

- Danny, London, 08/02/2010 13:27
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Sorry I missed it ... I used to ride the 24 into work every day.

Everyone is allowed to follow whatever gods they wish. The point is, it is not appropriate to do so during your work hours (ie this is not what you're being paid for); or if this is something you wish to pursue, then you might want to bring it up during the interview!

- Marianne, SW France/London, 08/02/2010 13:26
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Sounds just as bad as bus drivers taking 7 minute unscheduled coffee breaks and sleeping collector booth workers here in Toronto. lol.

- Frankie, Toronto, Canada, Toronto, Canada, 08/02/2010 13:24
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The matter is quite simple - the person broke the rules of conduct in his job by doing what he did, and as this is a secular society he cannot be excusing his actions by referring to faith here. I really think this person should be sacked and the TFL shouldn't let itself be bullied into just ignoring the case only of fear of being accused of some "religious intolerance". If you want to have your freedom, please make sure it does not restrict anyone else's (the odd 40-50 people in that case I presume).

- John, Surrey, 08/02/2010 13:20
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Why o why must religious belief be respected!Its only a belief,& we all have them.Comes to something in this country when religious belief is given special privilege over other beliefs!! What utter nonsense,i have no respect for religious beliefs,believe what you wont but keep it at home or in your churches,mosques or where ever,but dont expect to push it in my face and certainly dont inconvenience others or bring it to your work etc. He should be sacked,just as if he had taken a 5 min break and laid down on the pavement for a snooze.

- Kev, London, 08/02/2010 13:17
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Sack him.

- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire, 08/02/2010 13:15
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Darren - this is still a majority Christian country. If this man wants to follow the religious traditions of his own culture and country then he should return to where these are the norm. I personally think the man's behaviour was entirely inappropriate, arrogant and completely unprofessional - as well as disturbing and annoying for his passengers.

- Fanta, London UK, 08/02/2010 13:10
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I think we had better accept that Sharia Law is on its way and the UK will soon be a muslim country. There is nothing we can do about this, because we have illegally invaded muslim countries and are reaping what we have sown.

- Neil, People'S Republic Of Europe (Formerly England), London UK, 08/02/2010 12:56
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Unbelieveable .... yes he should be sacked, on the spot. What a complete moron. And all the bus company can say is .... "The bus company has had a word with the driver"... what a complete farce. It is disgusting, but everyone is too 'frightened' to do what needs to be done for fear of being accused of being racist or not politically correct. It does not matter what colour or religion you are.... you do NOT stop a bus mid journey to have a prayer ! Get over it...if this is something you need to do then get another job, toilet attendant springs to mind !

- Paul H, London, 08/02/2010 12:49
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Come now darren, there is no need to be facetious.

This gentlemen's freedom of religious association and expression is to be respected, however where these belief's conflict with his mandated employement duties then he has a choice to make. It is not acceptable to expect his work environment to bend to him, and he must consider whether there are other forms of employment that would be more suitable.

- Scotty, London, 08/02/2010 12:47
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Gospel Oak,a bit of irony there.
If he was driving a bendy bus,as per your picture,I do not blame him for praying.It did not catch fire did it?

We will all just have to factor prayer breaks into our commuting itinaries.

"Sorry I was late,prayers on bus....."

- Jimfred, Redhill,Surrey, 08/02/2010 12:45
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Where are the RMT?
Where's Bob Crow?
If TfL sack this driver, Bob needs to bring everyone out on strike.

- Anthony, Esher, Surrey, 08/02/2010 12:44
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Darren: It's amazing to see you find nothing wrong with this. If everyone decided to stop for prayer just give some thought to the ramifications of this for everyone. Let's hope we haven't got any muslim pilots or the passengers will be in for a bit of a shock!

- Sue, Kent, 08/02/2010 12:28
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Leaving the bus with the engine running on a public highway is a traffic offence.

- Mark H, London England, 08/02/2010 12:28
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Quite apart from anything else, it is illegal and also against every regulation in the PCV driver's rulebook to leave the engine running on a vehicle while not being in control of it. And no, Alan of London, religious freedoms do NOT trump all other considerations. Not in the mind of any free thinking intelligent human being, in any case. PERSONAL freedom does, irrespective of belief, religious or otherwise.

- Ruth, Hampton, 08/02/2010 12:27
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His actions were totally unacceptable. It would cause chaos if drivers or pilots etc were to stop doing their transportation duties in order to pray. Conditions of employment should forbid this sort of action in key transportation jobs and in other essential types of Jobs.

- Nigel Howse, Tunbridge Wells, 08/02/2010 12:25
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If people want to talk to their imaginary friends, then fine, but not at the inconvenience of others.

As usual, it's everybody else who has be inconvenienced.

- Richard, London, 08/02/2010 12:22
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I think the most suprising element of this story is that there is a bus driver out there that has some grasp of direction.

- Hansel, London, 08/02/2010 12:17
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No doubt there will comments posted here from those who think this is outrageous behaviour and totally unacceptable; and no doubt they will be some of the same people who have been critical of the Equality Bill, arguing that religious freedoms trump all other considerations.

- Alan, London, 08/02/2010 12:05
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oh dear, now that was wrong of him. Nothing wrong with praying but to cause others an inconvenience and especially without any warning or explanation is totally wrong!

- Nav, Barking, England, 08/02/2010 11:59
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What is wrong with a bus driver kneeling down to pray? I think christians, muslims, sikhs should all be allowed to pray whenever they see fit.
It is a human right. Leave him be. No doubt he will be sacked for practising his faith.

- Darren, london, 08/02/2010 11:58
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