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Terror jibe cleric's peace talks at Sheffield Arena
AN ISLAMIC preacher who once called on all Muslims to become terrorists is coming to Sheffield - to address a peace conference.
Zakir Naik has also referred to Americans as 'pigs', claimed 9/11 was ordered by the US President George Bush and claimed women make themselves 'susceptible to rape' by wearing revealing clothing.
He is the third most popular spiritual guru in his native India.
He has been allowed into Britain to speak at the Al-Khair Peace Convention, taking place at Sheffield Arena, on Friday June 25, and Wembley Arena, London, the following day.
Promoters of the Peace Conference, the London-based Al-Khair Foundation, a registered charity, were unavailable to comment on Naik's background.
An advert for the convention says it aims to 'create a better awareness and understanding of Islam and its message of peace for the entire humanity, in an objective way'.
They added the event was intended to 'remove misconceptions, false fear and hate of Islam and Muslims globally and help people realise that Islam is a just, righteous and peaceful way of life, with due care for human rights and moral values'.
Former medical doctor Naik, who preaches in India via a satellite TV channel called 'Peace TV', has said in one speech: "Beware of Muslims saying Osama Bin Laden is right or wrong. I reject them ... we don't know.
"But if you ask my view, if given the truth, if he is fighting the enemies of Islam, I am for him.
"I don't know what he's doing. I'm not in touch with him. I don't know him personally. If he is terrorising the terrorists, if he is terrorising America the terrorist ... I am with him. Every Muslim should be a terrorist."
Naik has also said: "Western society has actually degraded (women] to the status of concubines, mistresses and social butterflies, who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketeers."
And he has called for the death penalty for people who change their religion.
Naik will appear at Sheffield Arena along with his 14-year-old son Fariq, who memorised the entire text of Islamic holy book the Koran at the age of 13, and another preacher, Imam Qasim Ahmed Rashid.
Naik has been granted permission to enter Britain by Home Secretary Theresa May.
His appearance in Sheffield has the support of Mohammad Ali, chairman of the Pakistan Muslim Centre, in Attercliffe: "He talks a lot about how people can live together in peace and harmony and I welcome that.."
Sheffield Council leader Coun Paul Scriven said: "There are things he has said which I wouldn't support. However, as long as he doesn't break any laws or incite hatred, he has a right to be able to speak."
Coun Jan Wilson, Sheffield Council's opposition Labour leader, said: "This is the price of living in a free society. There is the
freedom for people to give their views."
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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