Islam under attack says former hostage
A journalist who turned to Islam after being captured by the Taliban warned Reading’s Muslims not to be cowed by pressure from western politicians at the opening of a new bookstore.
Sister Yvonne Ridley, who was held hostage in Afghanistan for 11 days, gave a typically robust speech at As-Sabeel, Reading’s first Islamic bookstore, in Wokingham Road.
Sister Ridley, who was working for the Sunday Express when she was captured in September 2001, switched from Church of England to Islam after reading the Qur’an.
She said: “Those events triggered my interest in Islam and what started out as an academic study turned into a spiritual journey.
“It was very enlightening and I was amazed to discover that the prophets are virtually identical to those in Christianity.”
Speaking at the official opening of As-Sabeel on Sunday, Sister Ridley, 48, added: “Knowledge and education are given great value in Islam.
“At a time when a lot of Muslim bookshops are closing down it is good this has opened so local people have got somewhere to learn about their faith.
“I would also recommend non-Muslims stick their head round the door and learn more about Islam.”
Addressing a group of all ages and being filmed for a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, Sister Ridley, originally from County Durham, spoke about issues affecting her faith.
Accusing some sections of the media of “whipping up Islamophobia”, she said: “More and more Muslims are waking up with the realisation that it’s not terrorism being targeted but Islam itself.”
Sister Ridley urged Muslims “to not kiss the hand that slaps you” and added: “We cannot get down on our knees in front of those that will attack us – it’s the worst thing you can do.
“We are peaceful, we do not look for confrontation, but nor are we pacifists,” she added.
“If someone attacks me, I promise you I will strike back.”
Sister Ridley went on to voice her support for the Islamic Sharia law and attacked Tony Blair for trying to “dilute” Islam.
She said: “Being a Muslim is very, very simple. You either are or you’re not. It’s like being pregnant.
“You either are pregnant or you’re not. I’ve not heard of anyone being moderately pregnant. I cannot give you a definition of an extremist because I do not know any extremists.”
Haris Chechi, who runs As-Sabeel, said: “The event gave people a chance to talk informally with Yvonne on a one-on-one basis and interact with her views. It was thought provoking.
“We are here to act as a forum for Muslims and non-Muslims to learn about Islam and discuss the issues going on.
“We are not hiding, we are here on the high street and we want to show people that Muslims are normal people.
“Sometimes the bigger media want to show us in a bad light and we want the chance to respond. We are trying to break down barriers within the community.”
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1) Islam under attack says former hostage
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