British Mosque Wins Hearts of Protestors with Tea and Football: ‘The World Could Learn a Lot from What Happened In York on Sunday,’ Said Fr Tim Jones
New Age Islam News Bureau
May 31, 2013
The Islamophobic media of the UK either played it down or ignored it totally.
After the Woolwich incident, the wave of Islamophobia and hate against the Muslims has intensified. Anti Muslim groups, organisations, individuals and even media have contributed to the rise of Islamophobia and more than 150 incidents of attacks on Muslims and mosques were reported across Britain. The right wing group English Defence League (EDL) played a leading role in organising protests on streets and in front of mosques.
But one incident left the organisers of EDL astonished and they were floored by the unexpected reaction of the Muslims present in a mosque. A group of protesters associated with the EDL had gathered in front of a mosque situated in Bill Lane in York. Getting the news of the protest, about 100 Muslims also gathered in the mosque. It was apprehended that a clash might take place between the Muslims and the protestors in a religiously charged atmosphere. But what actually happened has left every one surprised.
Unperturbed by the sloganeering and Islamophobic rants by the protestors, the Muslims present in the mosque invited the protestors over a cup of tea inside the mosque and served them tea and snacks. Later they played a friendly match with them. This reaction of the Muslims impressed the protestors and the common men in town.
Archbishop of York, John Santamo said that this kind of hospitality with tea and football is the characteristic of York culture and it was quite impressive on the part of Muslims. Fr Tim Jones who participated in the protest said, ‘I already knew that they are very wise and kind and this incident showed how courageous they are, both morally and physically.’ Fr Tim Jones further said that the world could learn a lot from what happened in York on Sunday. The local councillor Neil Barns said that is was a moment of pride for York. He said, ‘I can perhaps never forget how the authorities of the York mosque confronted hatred and anger with peace and warmth. I cannot forget how a Muslim serves his opponents tea honestly. The imam of the mosque Abid Salik said that some people had gathered to protest in front of the mosque and the authorities of the mosque had decided to invite the protestors to take tea and play football with them. This act of the mosque has been appreciated by all.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-tolerance/british-mosque-wins-hearts-protestors/d/11817