Following the video we put out about the EDL in Bradford we wanted to put out some more footage of one of the most interesting aspects of the EDL, their one Muslim supporter (or mascot), Abdul. On the day he was surrounded by video cameras before the demonstration and the media were very encouraged to interview him whilst we were inside the EDL’s cordon.
This footage is a collection of Abdul’s comments before the demonstration started, we have decided no to edit it too extensively, in order to try and give you a better idea of Abdul on the day, the fact that it includes some repetition, perhaps, shows the limitations of Abdul’s arguments. It is about 12 minutes long but certainly worth the patience.
Included is footage of Abdul talking with known fascists who had turned up for the EDL demonstration however Abdul’s definition of racism (anyone who shakes his hand cannot be racist) prevents him from acknowledging racists, even if they have a swastika tattooed on their chest.
The reaction of other Muslims to Abdul’s presence was far from welcoming (as you would imagine) as local people point out to him- “their using you!” but Abdul’s quest carries on and the EDL continue to point to him as proof that they are not racist.
EDL’s official stance is that they are a non-racist, but are vehemently anti-Jihad and Islamic extremism. Abdul proclaims he too is against Islamic extremism. On this basis Abdul’s involvement with the EDL is justified, it almost makes sense.
But, and this is a rather imposing ‘but’, this ‘but’ may send Abdul reeling. The EDL’s official ideology masks the view that is harboured by too many of its followers; that Islam is the enemy. Not extremism, not the violent minority, but Islam the religion (sorry… cult) as a whole. The statement from the burly gentleman at the beginning of this clip; that moderate Muslims do not exist, almost worried poor Abdul-a self proclaimed moderate Muslim. Confusion and anxiety twitched across is face, and I prepared for a moment of comprehension, an epic moment caught on camera where he realizes ‘Oh Shit’. However, he seemed to gloss over it-perhaps hoping that he had misheard-and continued to rebuff (to himself as much as everyone else) the fact that he is the only Muslim member of a movement fundamentally opposed to Islam.
Don’t get me wrong, I am fond of Abdul, he comes across as a friendly, passionate man. For this reason I feel bad…and I am sorry Abdul, but the way to contend Islamic extremism is not to associate yourself with an organisation that is criticized as a racist, anti-Islamic movement with a horrendously incoherent and hypocritical ideology. The way to do this is to unite together as ‘moderate Muslims’ to oppose and denounce your religion’s extremist actions. Defending England from the Muslim community sends out the wrong message; it further confuses the EDL’s ideological standpoint, it creates enemies amongst your fellow Muslims and threatens to dilute your entire message!
wot a nonse shame on u