Statement in Support of Dr Usama Hasan
Sunday 13 March 2011, 16:29
Dr Usama Hasan a science lecturer and Imam of Al Tawhid Mosque Leyton, retracted statements on 4th March 2011 about his belief in evolution after death threats were made against him. He had previously stated Darwin’s theory of evolution was compatible with Islamic teachings, saying:
“Many believers in God have no problem with an obvious solution: that God created man via evolution.”
He also believes the requirement for women to cover their hair in public is based in culture and that British Muslim women should have the choice whether or not to cover their hair. In January a slanderous leaflet campaign was launched against Dr Hasan and he was subjected to death threats due to his views.
Inspire believes it is a sad day when an Imam, one of only a handful within the UK well rooted in the culture of the land and in both traditional Islamic sciences as well as contemporary sciences, is subject to such a vindictive campaign as has been orchestrated against Dr Usama Hasan. He simply expressed his opinion and challenged strongly held notions that do not bear up against contemporary knowledge. We look forward to the day when forward thinking individuals like Dr Hasan are able to challenge the current stagnant pond of myopic thinking that exists within some sections of Muslim communities.
Inspire urges Muslims to condemn in the strongest possible terms these despicable attempts to curb our freedom of thought and expression. We cannot afford to allow violent fanatics to spread their message of hatred within the UK. Silence from communities would be the real blasphemy here today.
