Asian Network

BBC Asian Network

Nihal

Discussion & Talk

Phone-ins

News

Nihal: 14/03/2011

Music: Desi

Entertainment

14/03/2011

BBC Asian Network - Nihal, 14/03/2011

An imam going against religious teachings - freedom of speech, or just plain stupid?

An imam going against religious teachings - freedom of speech, or just plain stupid? And are parents who keep trying for either a boy or a girl selfish?

At 1- If an Imam goes against religious teachings is it freedom of speech or is he just being stupid?

An Imam from east London has received death threats after speaking in a mosque about his belief in evolution. Its an example of the growing practise called "Takfir" where extremists use clerics to declare dissenters "unbelievers" and punishable by death. The Imam in question, Usama Hasan, made a speech in a mosque in Leyton in east London praising evolution. This led to a campaign against him ending with a Saudi cleric issuing a fatwa. Was Dr Hasan stupid to make such a speech in a mosque, or should he have been allowed to say what he believed to be true? Is it time Muslims stood up to the threats of violence and defended the rights of Imams to speak freely? or should they understand if they speak out they run the risk of being targeted?

After 2, The Beckhams have finally confirmed what every tabloid has been saying, Victoria is expecting a girl to go with the three boys they already have. They are obviously very happy but are parents who keep trying for a boy or a girl selfish? We all know asian families who've done it, what do you think?

Original version

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Nihal

14/03/2011

Genres

Brand

Asian Network

About BBC Asian Network