I went to the launch of Centre for Identities and Social Justice tonight as it is nearby and looked interesting. I am always a bit suspect of these academia driven things, preferring to hear from people who actually get stuck into these issues on the ground. The person most grounded in this respect, Akeela Ahmed I didn't hear much from but there was a very interesting guy in the discussion afterwards who was talking about working in prisons. Everyone on the panel was saying useful stuff about the pitfalls of the prevent agenda. I will keep an eye on what these guys are up to. I am not sure if what I have been up to could be considered "research". I tried to convince Hajj (one of Abu Hamza's posse) to come with me but without any luck again.
Centre for Identities and Social Justice website
..
Showing posts with label hajj. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hajj. Show all posts
October 05, 2011
September 29, 2011
MORE ROBERT
Obviously the guys I was filming from Finsbury are not going to like this guy. I asked Hajj to come with me to an event around his book launch but he didn't want to come, saying he had no interest in government lies and stories. I don't know, and I missed the event in the end due to personal reasons. From this article, I think the guy is more interesting than that.
The former Metropolitan policeman Robert Lambert has been scoffed at as a dangerous buffoon.
In the eyes of British right-wing pundits, his assiduous efforts to develop working relationships between the police and London Islamists demonstrated that he should never have occupied a position of public responsibility.
At a time of fresh arrests in Britain of terrorist suspects, Lambert has delivered a powerful riposte to his critics in the shape of a major study of the theory and practice of combatting terrorism....
There was a load of misunderstanding and power struggles in the Finsbury story that I wasn't a party to so can't comment. I will have to get hold of the book and get back to you after I have run the major points of it past Hajj, who is keeping well by the way. Always nice to visit him.
..
The former Metropolitan policeman Robert Lambert has been scoffed at as a dangerous buffoon.
In the eyes of British right-wing pundits, his assiduous efforts to develop working relationships between the police and London Islamists demonstrated that he should never have occupied a position of public responsibility.
At a time of fresh arrests in Britain of terrorist suspects, Lambert has delivered a powerful riposte to his critics in the shape of a major study of the theory and practice of combatting terrorism....
There was a load of misunderstanding and power struggles in the Finsbury story that I wasn't a party to so can't comment. I will have to get hold of the book and get back to you after I have run the major points of it past Hajj, who is keeping well by the way. Always nice to visit him.
..
October 01, 2010
Down by the Riverside
Ishmahil asked me to do the Q and A with Mousah Brown and himself at Riverside Studios so I thought I'd try my newly fixed bike for a night ride. Right. Crawling down the Kings Rd it completely cut out in the middle of the road. The traffic was moving so slowly I didn't bother anyone so once I got it started again I left it running for a bit with the lights off to charge the battery.
I tried a few roads to find The Riverside and ended up having to wheel the bike down a cycle lane. Anyway this is dangerously turning into a bike blog isn't it. My bike blog thankfully has a home of its own now so I'll shut up.
I watched the film for the third time now with a mixture of nerves about answering questions afterwards and nerves about trying to get my bike home. Stomping to the front with my bike boots I was glad Mousah and Ishmahil were there. After the first few questions I thought I was going to get away without saying anything, but someone who later turned out to work for the Islam channel asked me if the guys at Finsbury thought I was a spy.
I thought Mousah answered some of the audience's worries about radical Islam really well and I also got to hear a lot more about Ishmahil's past which I would like to ask him more about. Afterwards I hung around with the guy from the Islam channel and his wife and a few of the Rice and Peas crew. It was the first time I have spoken to a woman wearing a veil. Quite a strange experience as I had just watched a film which covered the topic.
My motorised pessimism was extinguished as my bike came to life with a roar, but it soon turned into a splutter as I headed down through Putney and got totally lost. It seemed to sort itself when I realised where I was again around Brixton. I thought it was quite a successful night and I got home without having to ring the breakdown service. Anyway I am off armed with DVD to see what Hajj and the guys think of the film- and if he is annoyed about appearing in it!
UPDATE:
Well Hajj, who is going on to Hajj (to Mecca) in a few weeks liked it, the others thought that if Muslims are going to speak on film they should only talk referring to Koran and Sunnah and that they shouldn't give their opinions. I ended up in quite a long debate, the same debate as usual. We all agree about problems with the financial system and those few controlling it, and about the gross injustices in the world but there is no way we are going to unite as a majority and do something about it, which is why I have fairly much given up film making or any sort of optimism.
I'm glad Hajj liked the film anyway. That meant a lot to me. The only thing he critisized was one of the girls in the film coming out with the stuff about evil Jihadi recruiters convincing wayward and ignorant Muslims to become suicide bombers. I must admit I thought that was a bit weird too as none of the 7/7 guys fitted this description. They seemed to know exactly what they were doing.
Hajj himself was indirectly accused of "brainwashing kids" by some MI-5 guys who visited a friend of his at his work place recently. They gave the guy the message to pass on as an aside as they were leaving. He is a bit worried about going on Hajj as he has been warned there are thieves who prey on the visitors but he is confident Allah has already written down what is going to happen to him.
..
I tried a few roads to find The Riverside and ended up having to wheel the bike down a cycle lane. Anyway this is dangerously turning into a bike blog isn't it. My bike blog thankfully has a home of its own now so I'll shut up.
I watched the film for the third time now with a mixture of nerves about answering questions afterwards and nerves about trying to get my bike home. Stomping to the front with my bike boots I was glad Mousah and Ishmahil were there. After the first few questions I thought I was going to get away without saying anything, but someone who later turned out to work for the Islam channel asked me if the guys at Finsbury thought I was a spy.
I thought Mousah answered some of the audience's worries about radical Islam really well and I also got to hear a lot more about Ishmahil's past which I would like to ask him more about. Afterwards I hung around with the guy from the Islam channel and his wife and a few of the Rice and Peas crew. It was the first time I have spoken to a woman wearing a veil. Quite a strange experience as I had just watched a film which covered the topic.
My motorised pessimism was extinguished as my bike came to life with a roar, but it soon turned into a splutter as I headed down through Putney and got totally lost. It seemed to sort itself when I realised where I was again around Brixton. I thought it was quite a successful night and I got home without having to ring the breakdown service. Anyway I am off armed with DVD to see what Hajj and the guys think of the film- and if he is annoyed about appearing in it!
UPDATE:
Well Hajj, who is going on to Hajj (to Mecca) in a few weeks liked it, the others thought that if Muslims are going to speak on film they should only talk referring to Koran and Sunnah and that they shouldn't give their opinions. I ended up in quite a long debate, the same debate as usual. We all agree about problems with the financial system and those few controlling it, and about the gross injustices in the world but there is no way we are going to unite as a majority and do something about it, which is why I have fairly much given up film making or any sort of optimism.
I'm glad Hajj liked the film anyway. That meant a lot to me. The only thing he critisized was one of the girls in the film coming out with the stuff about evil Jihadi recruiters convincing wayward and ignorant Muslims to become suicide bombers. I must admit I thought that was a bit weird too as none of the 7/7 guys fitted this description. They seemed to know exactly what they were doing.
Hajj himself was indirectly accused of "brainwashing kids" by some MI-5 guys who visited a friend of his at his work place recently. They gave the guy the message to pass on as an aside as they were leaving. He is a bit worried about going on Hajj as he has been warned there are thieves who prey on the visitors but he is confident Allah has already written down what is going to happen to him.
..
March 31, 2009
HAMZA NOW
Here you go this is a guy called Abu Abdullah (I think) bringing us up to date on Hamza's arrest and incarceration. I have heard parts of the arrest story previously from Hajj.
March 12, 2009
MALUNG TV NEWS
I didn't blog about it at the time but Atilla and Hamid both appealed their sentences and lost last week. A few of those who were sent down with them are now out, and turned up at the hearing. They aren't allowed to talk to the meida, and in some cases they aren't actually allowed to go home. They are staying in hostels under curfew. I wasn't there, and didn't hear any of this from them.
So Atilla has another year or so to serve, and there is every chance that when he does come out I wont be able to complete a film with him, assuming he even wants to of course. Obviously this is alarming but time passes, shit happens. Lets see.
Mr Choudhary turned up in the news over the last few days again defending some people waving placards at returning British troops. Mr Waleed sent me a link to his new website. It is all "In Islamic" which makes it a bit difficult for me to wade through. I've found a page which lists the different types of Kaffir you can be and I don't think I fit into any of them.
1. Kufrul-'Inaad:
Disbelief out of stubborness. This applies to someone who knows the truth and admits to knowing the truth and admits to knowing it with his tongue, but refuses to accept it and refrains from making a declaration. Allah(swt) says: Throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever [Surah Qaaf (50), Ayah 24]
I'm not one of these, I don't "Know the Truth". Hajj says sometimes that "I know the truth". I don't get it. If I knew the truth I would tell him what it was. I don't.
2. Kufrul-Inkaar:
Disbelief out of denial. This applies to someone who denies with both heart and tongue.
Allah(swt) says: They recognize the favors of Allah, yet they deny them. Most of them are disbelievers. [Surah Nahl(16), Ayah 83]
I don't deny or afirm. How the fuck do I know if there is or isn't an Allah?
3. Kufrul-Kibr:
Disbelief out of arrogance and pride. The disbelief by the devils (Iblis) is an example of this type of Kufr.
That would imply an "I know better" attitude. I don't. I have no idea.
4. Kufrul-Juhood:
Disbebelief out of rejection. This applies to someone who aknowledges the truth in his heart, but rejects it with his tongue. This types of kufr is applicable to those who calls themselves Muslims but who reject any necessary and accepted norms of Islam such as Salaat and Zakat.
Allah (swt) says: They denied them (OUR SIGNS) even though their hearts believed in them , out of spite and arrogance. [Surah Naml(27), Ayah 14]
Not applicable.
5. Kufrul-Nifaaq:
Disbelief out of hypocrisy.This applies to someone who pretends to be a believer but conceals his disbelief. Such a person is called a MUNAFIQ or hypocrite.
Allah( swt) says: Verily the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of Hell. You will find no one to help them. [Surah An Nisaa (4), Ayah 145]
As above. Not applicable.
6. Kufrul-Istihaal:
Disbelief out of trying to make HARAM into HALAL. This applies to someone who accepts as lawful (Halal) that which Allah has made unlawful(Haram) like alcohol or adultery.Only Allah(swt) has the prerogative to make things Halal and Haram and those who seek to interfere with His right are like rivals to Him and therefore fall outside the boundries of faith.
Accept as lawful? I suppose I accept Alcohol as"lawful" in as much as I drink the stuff sometimes. Adultery? That is a whole different can of worms isn't it. If someone is beaten by or neglected by their partner and strays...how is it any of my buisness? I don't really go by what is and isn't lawful. There are lots of "Man made laws" I don't agree with. I'm not into what is and isn't lawful in a way maybe a judge or a copper would be. Not my bag.
7. Kufrul-Kurh:
Disbelief out of detesting any of Allah's(swt) commands. Allah(swt) says: Perdition (destruction) has been consigned to those who disbelieve and He will render their actions void. This is because they are averse to that which Allah has revealed so He has made their actions fruitless. [Surah Muhammed (47), Ayah 8-9]
Detesting commands? I don't agree with stoning people or chopping hands off. I think a barbarous legal system would encourage barbarity in society. I don't agree with violence of any sort except for in self defence. The rest of it I don't really understand. Allah is making my actions fruitless? That would just give me someone to blame. So far if there is one thing in life I have learnt it is that I can fuck things up all on my own.
8. Kufrul-Istihzaha:
Disbelief due to mockery and derision.
Allah (swt) says: Say: Was it at Allah, His signs and His apostles that you were mocking? Make no excuses. You have disbelieved after you have believed. [Surah Taubah (9), ayah 65-66]
I have been polite to Mr Hamza. I have been polite to Atilla. I didn't offend anyone in Finsbury in two years or so. I can still talk to some of them, those that aren't in jail anyway. They still seem pleased to hear from me. If I have mocked them in any way it has been meant with no offence.
It is easy to mock, vilify and objectify someone you don't know isn't it. I have been thinking that over the last few days looking at the reaction to the Luton placard wavers. I don't know who they are or if they mean me any harm. I would assume if they were dangerous the Police would arrest them. I totally fail to get excited about thse people. I am fascinated by them and that they exist in 21st centrury Britain. I want to film them for some reason. Ask them what they are about.
9. Kufrul-I'raadh:
Disbelief due to avoidance. This applies to those who turn away and avoid the truth.
Allah(swt) says: And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of his Lord's signs but then turns away from them. Then he forgets what he has sent forward (for the Day of Judgement) [Surah Kahf(18), Ayah 57]
Turn away? I look all this full in the face and question. Is this truth? There are thousands upon thousands of religions in the world. I question them too. Are any of them true? You have to know "The truth" if there is such a thing for yourself don't you.
Lastly:
10. Kufrul-Istibdaal:
Disbelief because of trying to substitute Allah's Laws. This could take the form of: (a) Rejection of Allah's law(Shariah) without denying it (b) Denial of Allah's law and therefore rejecting it, or (c) Substituting Allah's laws with man-made laws.
Allah (swt) says: Or have they partners with Allah who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Surah Shuraa(42), Ayah 8]
Allah(swt) says: Say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely (that) is lawful and this is forbidden so as to invent a lie against Allah. Verily, those who invent a lie against Allah will never prosper. [Surah Nahl (16), Ayah 116]
Rejection of Allah's law(Shariah) without denying it- Ah. I suppose you got me.
Except that I don't think these two verses are necessarily saying this. The first is saying someone has partnered with someone else for a new religion-(not me). The second is simply about telling a lie. Anyway I hope to talk further about all this with Mr Choudhary and Mr Waleed.
..
So Atilla has another year or so to serve, and there is every chance that when he does come out I wont be able to complete a film with him, assuming he even wants to of course. Obviously this is alarming but time passes, shit happens. Lets see.
Mr Choudhary turned up in the news over the last few days again defending some people waving placards at returning British troops. Mr Waleed sent me a link to his new website. It is all "In Islamic" which makes it a bit difficult for me to wade through. I've found a page which lists the different types of Kaffir you can be and I don't think I fit into any of them.
1. Kufrul-'Inaad:
Disbelief out of stubborness. This applies to someone who knows the truth and admits to knowing the truth and admits to knowing it with his tongue, but refuses to accept it and refrains from making a declaration. Allah(swt) says: Throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever [Surah Qaaf (50), Ayah 24]
I'm not one of these, I don't "Know the Truth". Hajj says sometimes that "I know the truth". I don't get it. If I knew the truth I would tell him what it was. I don't.
2. Kufrul-Inkaar:
Disbelief out of denial. This applies to someone who denies with both heart and tongue.
Allah(swt) says: They recognize the favors of Allah, yet they deny them. Most of them are disbelievers. [Surah Nahl(16), Ayah 83]
I don't deny or afirm. How the fuck do I know if there is or isn't an Allah?
3. Kufrul-Kibr:
Disbelief out of arrogance and pride. The disbelief by the devils (Iblis) is an example of this type of Kufr.
That would imply an "I know better" attitude. I don't. I have no idea.
4. Kufrul-Juhood:
Disbebelief out of rejection. This applies to someone who aknowledges the truth in his heart, but rejects it with his tongue. This types of kufr is applicable to those who calls themselves Muslims but who reject any necessary and accepted norms of Islam such as Salaat and Zakat.
Allah (swt) says: They denied them (OUR SIGNS) even though their hearts believed in them , out of spite and arrogance. [Surah Naml(27), Ayah 14]
Not applicable.
5. Kufrul-Nifaaq:
Disbelief out of hypocrisy.This applies to someone who pretends to be a believer but conceals his disbelief. Such a person is called a MUNAFIQ or hypocrite.
Allah( swt) says: Verily the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of Hell. You will find no one to help them. [Surah An Nisaa (4), Ayah 145]
As above. Not applicable.
6. Kufrul-Istihaal:
Disbelief out of trying to make HARAM into HALAL. This applies to someone who accepts as lawful (Halal) that which Allah has made unlawful(Haram) like alcohol or adultery.Only Allah(swt) has the prerogative to make things Halal and Haram and those who seek to interfere with His right are like rivals to Him and therefore fall outside the boundries of faith.
Accept as lawful? I suppose I accept Alcohol as"lawful" in as much as I drink the stuff sometimes. Adultery? That is a whole different can of worms isn't it. If someone is beaten by or neglected by their partner and strays...how is it any of my buisness? I don't really go by what is and isn't lawful. There are lots of "Man made laws" I don't agree with. I'm not into what is and isn't lawful in a way maybe a judge or a copper would be. Not my bag.
7. Kufrul-Kurh:
Disbelief out of detesting any of Allah's(swt) commands. Allah(swt) says: Perdition (destruction) has been consigned to those who disbelieve and He will render their actions void. This is because they are averse to that which Allah has revealed so He has made their actions fruitless. [Surah Muhammed (47), Ayah 8-9]
Detesting commands? I don't agree with stoning people or chopping hands off. I think a barbarous legal system would encourage barbarity in society. I don't agree with violence of any sort except for in self defence. The rest of it I don't really understand. Allah is making my actions fruitless? That would just give me someone to blame. So far if there is one thing in life I have learnt it is that I can fuck things up all on my own.
8. Kufrul-Istihzaha:
Disbelief due to mockery and derision.
Allah (swt) says: Say: Was it at Allah, His signs and His apostles that you were mocking? Make no excuses. You have disbelieved after you have believed. [Surah Taubah (9), ayah 65-66]
I have been polite to Mr Hamza. I have been polite to Atilla. I didn't offend anyone in Finsbury in two years or so. I can still talk to some of them, those that aren't in jail anyway. They still seem pleased to hear from me. If I have mocked them in any way it has been meant with no offence.
It is easy to mock, vilify and objectify someone you don't know isn't it. I have been thinking that over the last few days looking at the reaction to the Luton placard wavers. I don't know who they are or if they mean me any harm. I would assume if they were dangerous the Police would arrest them. I totally fail to get excited about thse people. I am fascinated by them and that they exist in 21st centrury Britain. I want to film them for some reason. Ask them what they are about.
9. Kufrul-I'raadh:
Disbelief due to avoidance. This applies to those who turn away and avoid the truth.
Allah(swt) says: And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of his Lord's signs but then turns away from them. Then he forgets what he has sent forward (for the Day of Judgement) [Surah Kahf(18), Ayah 57]
Turn away? I look all this full in the face and question. Is this truth? There are thousands upon thousands of religions in the world. I question them too. Are any of them true? You have to know "The truth" if there is such a thing for yourself don't you.
Lastly:
10. Kufrul-Istibdaal:
Disbelief because of trying to substitute Allah's Laws. This could take the form of: (a) Rejection of Allah's law(Shariah) without denying it (b) Denial of Allah's law and therefore rejecting it, or (c) Substituting Allah's laws with man-made laws.
Allah (swt) says: Or have they partners with Allah who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Surah Shuraa(42), Ayah 8]
Allah(swt) says: Say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely (that) is lawful and this is forbidden so as to invent a lie against Allah. Verily, those who invent a lie against Allah will never prosper. [Surah Nahl (16), Ayah 116]
Rejection of Allah's law(Shariah) without denying it- Ah. I suppose you got me.
Except that I don't think these two verses are necessarily saying this. The first is saying someone has partnered with someone else for a new religion-(not me). The second is simply about telling a lie. Anyway I hope to talk further about all this with Mr Choudhary and Mr Waleed.
..
December 12, 2008
Whats the Use?
Don't ever try and film Muslims. Honestly. Meeting Abu Waleed and Mr Choudhary recently reminded me of the frustrating circular quandry I was in with Atilla for so many years. They believe TV is controlled by those with evil intentions. So what if I try and make something my way which involves TV? What if I try and make something which I think might be useful to the British public at large? Or do some straightforward journalism?
No really- they believe the stations are controlled by.. you get the idea.
Its not that they don't have previous experienece to go on. Seeing Mr Choudhary's group I am at a bit of a loss as to what I could concievably do with them. He makes himself available to TV, fairly predictable shows with predictable results. The nugget I need to make any headway into creating something different is the fundemental key to any documentary project- Access. Anyway, I'll keep trying. See what happens. I am quite into other stuff at the moment so I am in no hurry.
I went round to see Hajj a while back to enquire as to the welfare of Mr Hamza's sons now in custody. The news I had read online was news to him.
"If they have done this, they should pay the penalty." he said firmly.
In fairly vague terms he said he wasn't keen about what he heard from East London.
"Shouting about taking over England isn't any way to speak to the kaffirs. How will anyone learn about Islam if I first make them my enemy?" I think he said. Something along those lines anyway.
He always talks in quite glowing terms about the UK.
"The reason Islam is good in the UK is because we live amongst the best of the kaffirs." he told the young guys who were also round keeping him awake into the night. When a couple of them look at him questioningly, he lays down the law, repeating himself with finality and certainty. And thats it. And this guy stood on the other side of Hamza to Atilla. For the whole time I was in Finsbury. He is just TV gold.
I know by now that the main reason for these guys to speak to a kaffir is to try and bring him to Islam. One of the guys had another fairly good attempt with me.
"He understands it all. He knows all this is true." says Hajj.
I don't get this at all. We ended up talking about anal sex in more detail than I am used to. Why should I care if people have anal sex? Personally I would only do it to afemale if she asked me nicely. All these concepts around how people hold belief. Would that make a good film? God knows. If he or she exists they do anyway. Anyway I don't care. I just like people who I like for whatever reasons suits me and everyone else can fuck off.
Apart from that I've done a few disastrous gigs which have musically been OK. I didn't puke anyway. I have been learning how to put down slate floors which is ace. I love it. We taught ourselves plastering from a Youtube video with results we are happy with, saving oursleves hundreds of pounds. I was asked for some footage by someone in the National Front. This is my movie about them. I had to decline as I don't support the National Front though I don't doubt that any of the guys who I spoke to would make fascinating TV.
However you say things through the amplification of media would be distorted. I was talking to Mike the other day about how all the Muslims we have met want to be "Clones of the prophet". I can say that here, but if it gets any further this could sound like I was being seriously offensive to Muslims. What to do?
I was asked the other day to remove some comments from my youtube page which a Muslim in Canada found offensive. I quite like the way youtube comments are a serious lowest common denominator comment wise. I am pro freedom of speech and against censorship. I try to pretend I am above intelectual snobbery regarding those who comment in an err.. more expresive way than I do with less opportunities to get a grip on spelling than I had.
No. Really, its like running a fucking playground.
Here is a bit of sporadic conversation I had recently through my Youtube inbox
Youtuber: yo do u belive in all this shit and hatred people chat agenst the west ???????
Bones: Do I believe what?
Youtuber: all the shit them musilms about how they hate the west so much and all this crap of haterid and no pice
Bones: Do I believe "all the shit them musilms about how they hate the west so much and all this crap of haterid and no pice"? I don't believe or disbelieve anything. Does this answer your question?
I received no answer.
When I look at my webstats I often wonder what the fuck I am writing about myself. The most common searches which end up here are Antichrist cookbook, Squirtwoman, varitions on "Fucking paki", "Sand Nigger" etc. and a whole load of shit about lap dancing.
I've watched loads on the iPlayer. I am still addicted to Top Gear. I am really anti petrol head but I can't help it. I am addicted. I don't want to say how many times I watched these idiots jaunting across the States in muscle cars.
I am wondering if Charlie Brooker is going to save TV. His piece about advertising was excellent, as was his piece about TV writers about their craft. I just noticed his next target is documentaries.
Anything else? Oh yeah. I re read Stranger in a Strange land. A friend has a copy which boasted of being Heinlein's original manuscript discovered by his wife after his death, with a whole load of extra stuff which he had been asked to cut. This was before science fiction became the genre it is now. The publisher felt he should only take a chance on less words. Shaking the dust off their memories, everyone re read it and agreed it was better, so out it came.
What struck me straight away was in how much detail I remember this book as the last time I read it I was 14. As for the new words, they must have been "ifs" "ands" and "buts" because I couldn't find them. The next thing to occur to me was how much older I am reading it now. Last time I read this there was no internet, moblie phones, digital media etc which now date Heinleins referal to type writers, tape recording, libraries etc. He is still ahead with flying cars, one world government and 3D TV.
I am amazed by how much of the beliefs about life I have now were shaped by reading this book.
No really- they believe the stations are controlled by.. you get the idea.
Its not that they don't have previous experienece to go on. Seeing Mr Choudhary's group I am at a bit of a loss as to what I could concievably do with them. He makes himself available to TV, fairly predictable shows with predictable results. The nugget I need to make any headway into creating something different is the fundemental key to any documentary project- Access. Anyway, I'll keep trying. See what happens. I am quite into other stuff at the moment so I am in no hurry.
I went round to see Hajj a while back to enquire as to the welfare of Mr Hamza's sons now in custody. The news I had read online was news to him.
"If they have done this, they should pay the penalty." he said firmly.
In fairly vague terms he said he wasn't keen about what he heard from East London.
"Shouting about taking over England isn't any way to speak to the kaffirs. How will anyone learn about Islam if I first make them my enemy?" I think he said. Something along those lines anyway.
He always talks in quite glowing terms about the UK.
"The reason Islam is good in the UK is because we live amongst the best of the kaffirs." he told the young guys who were also round keeping him awake into the night. When a couple of them look at him questioningly, he lays down the law, repeating himself with finality and certainty. And thats it. And this guy stood on the other side of Hamza to Atilla. For the whole time I was in Finsbury. He is just TV gold.
I know by now that the main reason for these guys to speak to a kaffir is to try and bring him to Islam. One of the guys had another fairly good attempt with me.
"He understands it all. He knows all this is true." says Hajj.
I don't get this at all. We ended up talking about anal sex in more detail than I am used to. Why should I care if people have anal sex? Personally I would only do it to afemale if she asked me nicely. All these concepts around how people hold belief. Would that make a good film? God knows. If he or she exists they do anyway. Anyway I don't care. I just like people who I like for whatever reasons suits me and everyone else can fuck off.
Apart from that I've done a few disastrous gigs which have musically been OK. I didn't puke anyway. I have been learning how to put down slate floors which is ace. I love it. We taught ourselves plastering from a Youtube video with results we are happy with, saving oursleves hundreds of pounds. I was asked for some footage by someone in the National Front. This is my movie about them. I had to decline as I don't support the National Front though I don't doubt that any of the guys who I spoke to would make fascinating TV.
However you say things through the amplification of media would be distorted. I was talking to Mike the other day about how all the Muslims we have met want to be "Clones of the prophet". I can say that here, but if it gets any further this could sound like I was being seriously offensive to Muslims. What to do?
I was asked the other day to remove some comments from my youtube page which a Muslim in Canada found offensive. I quite like the way youtube comments are a serious lowest common denominator comment wise. I am pro freedom of speech and against censorship. I try to pretend I am above intelectual snobbery regarding those who comment in an err.. more expresive way than I do with less opportunities to get a grip on spelling than I had.
No. Really, its like running a fucking playground.
Here is a bit of sporadic conversation I had recently through my Youtube inbox
Youtuber: yo do u belive in all this shit and hatred people chat agenst the west ???????
Bones: Do I believe what?
Youtuber: all the shit them musilms about how they hate the west so much and all this crap of haterid and no pice
Bones: Do I believe "all the shit them musilms about how they hate the west so much and all this crap of haterid and no pice"? I don't believe or disbelieve anything. Does this answer your question?
I received no answer.
When I look at my webstats I often wonder what the fuck I am writing about myself. The most common searches which end up here are Antichrist cookbook, Squirtwoman, varitions on "Fucking paki", "Sand Nigger" etc. and a whole load of shit about lap dancing.
I've watched loads on the iPlayer. I am still addicted to Top Gear. I am really anti petrol head but I can't help it. I am addicted. I don't want to say how many times I watched these idiots jaunting across the States in muscle cars.
I am wondering if Charlie Brooker is going to save TV. His piece about advertising was excellent, as was his piece about TV writers about their craft. I just noticed his next target is documentaries.
Anything else? Oh yeah. I re read Stranger in a Strange land. A friend has a copy which boasted of being Heinlein's original manuscript discovered by his wife after his death, with a whole load of extra stuff which he had been asked to cut. This was before science fiction became the genre it is now. The publisher felt he should only take a chance on less words. Shaking the dust off their memories, everyone re read it and agreed it was better, so out it came.
What struck me straight away was in how much detail I remember this book as the last time I read it I was 14. As for the new words, they must have been "ifs" "ands" and "buts" because I couldn't find them. The next thing to occur to me was how much older I am reading it now. Last time I read this there was no internet, moblie phones, digital media etc which now date Heinleins referal to type writers, tape recording, libraries etc. He is still ahead with flying cars, one world government and 3D TV.
I am amazed by how much of the beliefs about life I have now were shaped by reading this book.
June 02, 2008
TALK. WHY NOT?
Norman Kember:
"I always think we are in danger of demonising Islam and I think we have to have a more open discussion about these things. The government obviously doesn't."
Mr Kember also wanted people to try to speak with Qatada more to "understand what his position is and why he takes it".
With all this in mind I popped round to Hajj's place at the weekend. I was a bit nervous because I knew there would be a gathering of his Muslim brothers there. I was also curious if I would recognise anyone from Finsbury park or if anyone would recognise me. My friends advised me to wear some smarter clothes but I always thought it better to be accepted for who I am which has never been a problem with Hajj. Things get too bloody complicated otherwise eh. Arriving at Hajj's front gate there were maybe 15 guys of various ages and races. Hajj was in the middle and spotting me saying
"No. Sorry. We don't allow any fundamentalists in here thank you!"
Kemal and another Jamaican brother called Ismael pounced on me with the Muslim hard sell..
"You can have a go" said Hajj "But I'm telling you now you'll be wasting your breath. Two years he heard Abu Hamza preach. Are we any better than him?"
Ismael meeting a fresh non-Muslim guest was undeterred.
"Seriously, help yourself." I said. "Say whatever you like. I understand that you want me to be a Muslim and I will answer as honestly as I can."
We proceeded to have the usual conversation I go through with Hajj's guests about why they believe there is a God, and why I am not sure if there is one or not. They all think that the world around us is proof that there is a God. It might be. How do I know? How do I know which one? Another friendly Cypriot guy joined in. He turned out to be a life coach. He had a great story about a house visit from MI-5. The usual. Someone who didn't like him had called them saying he was Al-Quaida. He ended up with the MI-5 guys number.
"Call me if there is any problems.."
I suppose turning up on my own to these sort of things where everyone is fervently discussing their "deen" must look like I want to become a Muslim. I explained my reasons for my first approaches to Finsbury park mosque and why I have carried on visiting Hajj.
I discussed Quilliam with them. Not surprisingly they were dead against the idea, accusing them of trying to invent a new Islam. I agreed that it looked to me that the Quilliam guys had got needlessly embroiled in arguments about theology but invited them to ponder whether the reasons the guys had started it up were pure ie- peace between "them" and "us". I said that I was worried that so many would look at them and condemn them without a conversation which might make their lives more difficult in future. I said I hoped that if they were unhappy with Quilliam they should still look for alternative channels to forge links with non-Muslims for all of our saftey and greater trust. I wanted to film with this in mind.
I think everyone believed I was genuine. I don't remember feeling uncomfortable once, let alone any hostility or suspicion. None of this surprises me, Hajj is the sort of person who if he accepts you his friends do too. Whenever they got together in the front yard to pray I nipped outside the gate for a cigarette. Kemal was all "Why didn't you bring your camera round?" which is a very good sign for future film work. We discussed Hamza. Again I found that those who knew him best were the nicest, and the most filmable of people. i explained that this made me want to pull my hair out, and my lack of success in convincing the family to film with me.
As people came and went we moved on to subjects we could relate about and I am very hopeful. Turns out Ismael used to play in a band in Jamaica. Hajj's garden is a very comfortable place to be on a summer night. I told a few of the guys about my website. Hajj said he had been on the phone to Atilla in Belmarsh and said he was OK.
"I always think we are in danger of demonising Islam and I think we have to have a more open discussion about these things. The government obviously doesn't."
Mr Kember also wanted people to try to speak with Qatada more to "understand what his position is and why he takes it".
With all this in mind I popped round to Hajj's place at the weekend. I was a bit nervous because I knew there would be a gathering of his Muslim brothers there. I was also curious if I would recognise anyone from Finsbury park or if anyone would recognise me. My friends advised me to wear some smarter clothes but I always thought it better to be accepted for who I am which has never been a problem with Hajj. Things get too bloody complicated otherwise eh. Arriving at Hajj's front gate there were maybe 15 guys of various ages and races. Hajj was in the middle and spotting me saying
"No. Sorry. We don't allow any fundamentalists in here thank you!"
Kemal and another Jamaican brother called Ismael pounced on me with the Muslim hard sell..
"You can have a go" said Hajj "But I'm telling you now you'll be wasting your breath. Two years he heard Abu Hamza preach. Are we any better than him?"
Ismael meeting a fresh non-Muslim guest was undeterred.
"Seriously, help yourself." I said. "Say whatever you like. I understand that you want me to be a Muslim and I will answer as honestly as I can."
We proceeded to have the usual conversation I go through with Hajj's guests about why they believe there is a God, and why I am not sure if there is one or not. They all think that the world around us is proof that there is a God. It might be. How do I know? How do I know which one? Another friendly Cypriot guy joined in. He turned out to be a life coach. He had a great story about a house visit from MI-5. The usual. Someone who didn't like him had called them saying he was Al-Quaida. He ended up with the MI-5 guys number.
"Call me if there is any problems.."
I suppose turning up on my own to these sort of things where everyone is fervently discussing their "deen" must look like I want to become a Muslim. I explained my reasons for my first approaches to Finsbury park mosque and why I have carried on visiting Hajj.
I discussed Quilliam with them. Not surprisingly they were dead against the idea, accusing them of trying to invent a new Islam. I agreed that it looked to me that the Quilliam guys had got needlessly embroiled in arguments about theology but invited them to ponder whether the reasons the guys had started it up were pure ie- peace between "them" and "us". I said that I was worried that so many would look at them and condemn them without a conversation which might make their lives more difficult in future. I said I hoped that if they were unhappy with Quilliam they should still look for alternative channels to forge links with non-Muslims for all of our saftey and greater trust. I wanted to film with this in mind.
I think everyone believed I was genuine. I don't remember feeling uncomfortable once, let alone any hostility or suspicion. None of this surprises me, Hajj is the sort of person who if he accepts you his friends do too. Whenever they got together in the front yard to pray I nipped outside the gate for a cigarette. Kemal was all "Why didn't you bring your camera round?" which is a very good sign for future film work. We discussed Hamza. Again I found that those who knew him best were the nicest, and the most filmable of people. i explained that this made me want to pull my hair out, and my lack of success in convincing the family to film with me.
As people came and went we moved on to subjects we could relate about and I am very hopeful. Turns out Ismael used to play in a band in Jamaica. Hajj's garden is a very comfortable place to be on a summer night. I told a few of the guys about my website. Hajj said he had been on the phone to Atilla in Belmarsh and said he was OK.
March 31, 2008
MONKEY TERR-R
OK. Bumped into Monkeyboy, occasional Malung Cameraman with me in Finsbury park who appears as "G" in this Socialistwanker piece and also in a blog I wrote from the Hamza trial entitled ENTERTAINMENT. He filmed most of the action in my first Finsbury park edit, A Year on the Street and also features in a blog called HIT HIM WITH A PIECE OF WOOD
Turns out he had a bit of an adventure on a one way ticket from Holland back into Stanstead. He's, how shall we say a bit Indian looking, his family hailing from the Punjab and had a Palestinian looking scarf on, which added up to two burly looking representatives of the law singling him out of the incoming passengers for a talking to for an hour and a half.
"I told 'em man" he said indignantly, "I said why do I smell of alcohol? Why have I got a ring in my nose and one in my ear? Look at my name- S___ its a Sikh name isn't it. What is a Sikh?"
"Well you know, the guys who did Mike's place in Israel apparently left empty bottles of alcohol in the guest houses they stayed in to cover their tracks. If you come in doused in alcohol with glazed eyes how are they to know you are pissed? They might well think you are about to blow up.." I countered. "I'm a bit distressed that they actually let you back in so easily. I feel less safe to be honest..Did they ask you why you were smiling at Abu Hamza in the court room?"
"He smiled at me first!"
He fell asleep so I popped round to Hajj's place. Intending to watch a dvd of Al-Faisal on Jamaican Hardtalk I ended up having a long discussion about God, Islam and the state of the world. I left video unseen invited to a premiere of our new music video but I missed that too. Tomorow is another day.
October 30, 2007
ATILLA STRIKES OIL
ITN
Dawoods tapes are much better. Very posh voice. Quite camp.
Lots of stuff about Muslims not making the effort, Muslims saying that Abu Katadah, Hamza et al were bad Muslims, Muslims who aren't up for sleeping in ditches cos they missed their wives- oh and Atilla says that whilst on holiday he found oil on his land in Cyprus.
In the many short breaks today I started reading Will Self's Great Apes. I think I'm going to give up though. What is it about scag heads and long complicated words? I don't get it.
Dawoods tapes are much better. Very posh voice. Quite camp.
"I thought he was a pooftah" said Hajj when he came up in conversation recently.
Lots of stuff about Muslims not making the effort, Muslims saying that Abu Katadah, Hamza et al were bad Muslims, Muslims who aren't up for sleeping in ditches cos they missed their wives- oh and Atilla says that whilst on holiday he found oil on his land in Cyprus.
In the many short breaks today I started reading Will Self's Great Apes. I think I'm going to give up though. What is it about scag heads and long complicated words? I don't get it.
July 09, 2007
THE ZIONIST MEDIA
An "Extremist plot" unfolds...
You may remember I was asked if I had any pictures of these guys outside Finsbury park mosque a while back. I wasn't really keen on combing through footage to sell to TV news. Having started in 2003 with high hopes of making a TV documentary which would be useful, informative and above all, a step in the direction of some kind of peace process, for me, in 2007 to be looking through tapes for stills of people who have tried to blow up feels like a personal failure.
Nevertheless, its been an interesting experience as one of the first to contact me was Daniel Sandford from the BBC. I remembered Daniel from the first time I was in Finsbury park. It was very easy to see him through the eyes of the locals- one of the smart suited "Zionist media" enemy lined up against humble local Muslims. 
Such a long time later I was interested to see what I would make of him away from the mosque, and after a couple of emails he very graciously invited me in to the BBC and gave me the full tour includng a look in the newsroom and the edit suites around it as news was being made. I resisted temptation to sit in the chair and ask for the autocue to roll.
In his own "mission control" I laughed when I saw a signed picture of the then home secretary John Reid, thinking what the Islamists I had filmed would make of that. Up on the wall was also a picture of Goya's collosus.
"There was a reason for that but I can't remember it now.."
Looking along the wall, past pictures of the "Crevice" guys, the 7/7 bombers and the 21/7 plotters I eventually came to Abu Abdullah and Hamid. They didn't have any pictures of the others convicted with them. I must have pictures of them but I still don't know which ones they are.
Daniel said that focusing on Abdullah I had chosen the "most fun character" to do, and I can see why. He also thought Abdullah to be the least likely to have terror in his heart. Though the others in the newsroom were obviously busy they were all welcoming and I recognised one of them from the Hamza trial.
We had quite a frank discussion about perceptions of Finsbury park mosque. I put to him the Supporters of Sharreah's complaints, namely that Hamza on the street was preaching very strongly against terrorism and he wouldn't report it. He said that he thought Hamza spoke with a forked tongue. He'd say something which wasn't threatening and straight away add something which was.
"You've seen my examples?" I asked.
He seemed quite familiar with my stuff, including all the old stuff on Socialistwanker but didn't agree with my point of view.
"For me, the Hamza I saw on the street wasn't a preacher of hate. His defence in court was context, but he was judged in a post 7/7 context. " I think I said. Something along those lines anyway.
He didn't agree with that either and knew the guys who wrote The Suicide Factory personally, one of whom has since died. Yet as a fellow enthusiast for "the story" I felt he was still very much encouraging me to follow my own path in all this and sat without hurrying me for 2 or 3 hours giving me advice, which as I had all but given up, was very timely.
In conversation he told me that the Hamza story was no longer under subjudacy which hit me pretty hard as if I had known I would have tried to contact the Hamza family ages ago.
"If Mrs Hamza wants to talk she had better step on it as the extradition hearing could resume at any time.."
I'm on the case but I'm not hopeful.
We spoke a bit about the disturbingly catchy "Dirty Kuffar" song and Daniel said he often came away from the trials singing it. Daniel Sandford singing "Dirty Kuffar" as a "piece to camera" would be just the sort of thing I'd like to include in a film.
On the way out he took me throught the BBC canteen, past a load of media students on a tour. I was really embarrassed as the look of recognition came across people like a wave..
"Ah..Thats Daniel Sandford" and then they would look across and their face would say "WHO THE FUCK IS THAT???"
The next day I went round to Hajj's place.
"No one is going to speak out now." he said, as did another guy who was round who I never met before, but said he knew Abdullah.
"Hajj, he's facing 100 years. If there are people who can vouch for him, its now or never. I got the impression Daniel Sandford said the things he said about Hamza because that is what he believes, yet he still seemed to be saying to me -if you think you can get the other side, then go for it."
Hajj said he would contact the Hamza family.
"Still his children cry themselves to sleep since the day he was arrested. Why did they have to break into his house in the night with guns? He was a public character, they come like a thief in the night."
"Well Hajj, if you guys think so, then say so. Talk to the family, we'll see what we can do."
An idea occurred to me.
"Listen Hajj, if I asked Daniel to give you the same tour of the BBC he gave me, and you guys sat and had an informal chat, putting your views of all this to each other off the record, would you do it?"
His eyes bulged a bit at the idea of going into the "Zionist media epicentre" but he didn't say no.
"Look Hajj, I've always thought you could be central to some kind of solution with all of this which is why I've stayed in contact with you.."
"I just don't want you to go to hellfire, which is where you are headed.." he retorted.
"Look Hajj, I respect that coming from you as I know you care about me, so I'll try and explain to you my beliefs about God and why I hold them.."
I started explaining but he soon lost interest and started dozing.
I hadn't found any images of the 21/7 guys for Daniel, but over the next week or so I started to find quite a few lost bits on the end of tapes, so when someone from Channel 4 emailed I thought I might as well take the tapes in for them to look through for themselves. Compared to the BBC "news hub" Channel 4 is more ramshackle with the staff still living out of boxes after some sort of unfinished reorganisation. As a lot of my tapes were recorded long play we spent most of the time looking for a firewire lead.
I ended up in the newsroom at a desk behind Jon Snow. I've always wanted to meet him, but as he looked round curiously at 6:45, with the news starting at 7 it didn't seem to be the best time to try and introduce myself.
Shame.
Oh and I haven't got any pictures of the 21/7 guys.
July 01, 2007
May 26, 2007
You're STILL FIRED
I was really looking forward to the Temporary Autonomous Art show last week. We arrived to find it canceled by Police who had cordoned off each end of the road, keeping everyone inside under siege.
The danger of this event continuing was considered enough to divert a sizeable portion of the already understaffed central metropolitan police away from the Saturday night chaos of central London.
We went off to the Urban Voodoo Machine party at the Gypsy hotel in Dalston. I used to squat in Dalston 10 years ago and it was nice to be back in Turkish 24 hour land.
I had to laugh the other day reading about David Cameron taking his own party on about grammar schools. Now when there is talk of fast tracking plans for new Nuclear Power stations and out of town Supermarkets I read somewhere that he was telling government off for being in the hands of big business. What is the Tory party?
John Bird, founder of the Big Issue wants to challenge Red Ken for London Mayor. I have no opinion as to either of them being any good but I would enjoy seeing some sort of spat between their rival publications.
In other non news, why are the papers not full of the search for the South london Arsonist? The Cutty Sark might have been the most famous of recent fires but it's actually the third or the fourth of recent weeks. We had to close all our windows for two days only a couple of weeks ago as a huge amount of tyres went up locally. Seriously, there is someone going around setting alight to everything. Why aren't the papers on the case?
The danger of this event continuing was considered enough to divert a sizeable portion of the already understaffed central metropolitan police away from the Saturday night chaos of central London.
We went off to the Urban Voodoo Machine party at the Gypsy hotel in Dalston. I used to squat in Dalston 10 years ago and it was nice to be back in Turkish 24 hour land.
I had to laugh the other day reading about David Cameron taking his own party on about grammar schools. Now when there is talk of fast tracking plans for new Nuclear Power stations and out of town Supermarkets I read somewhere that he was telling government off for being in the hands of big business. What is the Tory party?
John Bird, founder of the Big Issue wants to challenge Red Ken for London Mayor. I have no opinion as to either of them being any good but I would enjoy seeing some sort of spat between their rival publications.
In other non news, why are the papers not full of the search for the South london Arsonist? The Cutty Sark might have been the most famous of recent fires but it's actually the third or the fourth of recent weeks. We had to close all our windows for two days only a couple of weeks ago as a huge amount of tyres went up locally. Seriously, there is someone going around setting alight to everything. Why aren't the papers on the case?
September 21, 2006
DIALOGUE
I floated the idea of some sort of online discussion involving my repub buddies and Hajj here, inviting people to come up with some preliminary questions for him. I have a lot of faith in Hajj and have frequently told him that I wished he had taken a more prominent role in events connected to Finsbury park mosque.We both agreed that we missed Jamal (ALLAH AND JAHILIAH, Jamals writing here (pdf)) and couldn't believe how he had gone down for 10 years for some sort of robbery...he had a well paid job as a printer. Hopefully I will be able to follow this up.
I found Hajj none too enthusiastic, but I was able to explain how I felt I was in the middle of some great people who perhaps believe the wrong thing about each other. What else can i do?
Once I started asking questions, the Islamic debater in him came out and he was happy to sit with me in his garden writing things down. He didn't want any recording to be made until after the coming trial of his friends.
And while you are at it, if you are a peaceful Muslim...WHY DON'T YOU PROTEST THE HI JACKING OF YOUR RELIGION BY MANIACS??
Rightwingsparkle | 09.18.06 - 4:12 pm | #
he sort of said
When he looks at history he sees a different maniac and a lot more needless deaths from bigger weapons. He believes your side did 9/11. Hiroshima. Nagasaki. Maniacs. He has no idea who Bin laden is or how they come across these tapes? Is Bin laden CIA? He doesn't know.
That's one of the problems. There is no authority in Islam. Only factions.
Rightwingsparkle | 09.18.06 - 4:13 pm | #
No. He disagreed strongly. I didn't really get this properly but he sort of reckons you can deal with Islam one time using the Koran and television. He says it is all in the book. Muslims believe that.
“The can call me what they like!” he shouted “Terrorist, Poofta whatever. We talk to each other. Normal people. Christians, jews, Muslims we should all come together and make his world a paradise. Television could be a beautiful tool if it was used properly.”
Well, that would be fine dave (to allow Islam to unite as a nation) if they would leave the rest of us alone!
But they DON'T.
Geeze.
Bin Laden offered peace. Hajj doesn't remember the terms but he watches all sides on the satellite TV.in the cafe...
They have the freedom to respond with whatever they want. What comes out of it may not necessarily be positive,
Yeah, that's the part that bothers me.
Rightwingsparkle | 09.18.06 - 6:03 pm | #
He said worry about Street Muggers before worrying about him. (He wasn't overly into the idea of me doing this either and was happier showing me all the plant he's spent years growing in his garden.)
And as far as the message is concerned. The message I was referring to is: Abortion is murder. This is a widely held belief among Christians.
Hajj agrees with this very strongly though he agreed with me that it wasn't his place to judge a woman to her face. He thinks we are all responsible to God for our actions.
JD | 09.19.06 - 5:59 pm | #
1) What will it take for mainstream moderate Muslims to take back their religion from the radicals Muslims?
He thinks its the other way round. He thinks real Muslims have to take their religion back from moderate Muslims. He was angry about the home secretaries words today. Translated it as
“Fast, Pray and shut up! Don't tell your kids about Chechenya Kashmir Iraq etc.”
2) What will it take to truly allow Israel to live in peace ?
Peace with the palestinians and after a treaty is signed no more killing or “targeted assassinations.”
3) Why are women held in such low esteem in their culture ?
He lives in the UK. Ask a Muslim girl on the street in the UK if she was forced. Ask all the British girls who are becoming Muslims if they are forced into anything. Phone Yvonee Ridley (who does nightly call in shows) on the islamic channel. See what she says.
4) Does he think that stoning homosexuals, or rape victims, is appropriate punishment ?
It is written in your book and the book of the Jews. Did God destroy Sodom and Gomorah? He did. He destroyed them.
5) If the West gave into every one of Osama's demands, would he then simply leave us and Israel alone ?
Hes a bit old and he cant remember what Osama's demands are...
* If the terrorists claim to be fighting the Great Satan, why do they keep blowing up fellow Muslims instead ?
He's not in Iraq. “I suppose they see them as collaborators with the US?”
* Do they think that sending out videos of their beheadings is an effective PR tool ?
“I don't know how to answer that. Personally I am against beheading.”
* If America walked away from Iraq today, would Muslims quite killing other Muslims ?
He rekons there will always be trouble until there is an Islamic state. He doesn't have faith in the Arabic people at the moment. He thinks a lot of them are too long a Muslim. He thinks Africans and Caribbeans are going to be the new force in the real Islam.
* How pissed off will the jihadi's be when they go to visit Allah, and find that the 72 virgins are not really virgins, and look like Rosie O'Donnell when she is feeling bloated ?
Didn't ask him that one.
* Since the terrorists positions are the minority position amongst Muslims, why do they no accept that theirs is a perverted view of a rich religion ?
JD | 09.19.06 - 6:35 pm | #
A minority of Muslims are aware of the truth at the moment and the majority just think they are Muslims.
Jandrewmorrison | 09.19.06 - 7:42 pm | #
Why Hajj likely does not advocate Shia law, is there any punishment for those that commit acts of terrorism under sharriah law as he understands it?
he thinks targeting of innocents is against Sharriah law. I can't remember what the punishment was..
What can the non-muslim community do to better encourage muslims to assist in identifying those that hold extremist views who may pose a threat of engaging in acts of terrorism?
He doesn't even see it as terrorism over here. He disputes 7/7, asks why no more CCTV pictures are available showing these kids journeys to where they detonated their bombs. Even if they did it he doesn't see it as terrorism. He sees it as four angry boys. Many Muslims are angry and they don't blow up. He thinks most of the Muslims he knows behave OK at the moment and really hopes to see the young guys arrested with Abdullah released soon. He seems to realise that Abdullah migh have said the wrong things on TV but doesn't consider any of the guys to be a threat to the UK.
In his opinion, which angers young Muslim men more, the percieved mistreatment of Muslims on a global scale, or the percieved mistreatment of Muslims in Britain?
jandrewmorrison | 09.19.06 - 7:48 pm | #
Both.
Sorry didn't ask anymore but he says hes up for meeting up but without cameras. Hajj recomended a nice Chinese restaurant, but maybe not this one...
September 16, 2006
SHAITAN
OK. Just met Hajj again in the cafe.
"Do I know these guys?" I asked.
"All of them."
"All of them?"
"All. Jamaican brothers."
"And you think they are innocent?"
"Yes. They train together, but what is training? If I was young I would be training now. People are being set against one another, we haven't seen anything yet. We have to be able to defend our families. They've taken his roof apart, his brothers roof. Nothing, and this school, they don't even lock the doors. You can wake up in the night and walk anywhere... "
"But the Police have been following them... Nine months.. They have someone on the inside? Can you think who?"
I spoke about the TV people advising me to follow the story as much as possible whilst there is a news blackout during the trial.
"Look, as long as people don't want to drop themselves in it, make it known I am willing to film Hajj. If they want to drop themselves in it, tell them to call Dan Rivers. If they want someone to fairly represent them tell them I am up for it."
"It won't make any diference. They will do what they like and say what they like..."
"But the people I spoke to at Channel 4 were interested. They spoke of a situation in Canada where someone was payed a quater of a million to say that some group said they wanted to kill the Prime minister..."
Hajj still wasn't convinced and was talking about "they"
"But what about us? We can do something. Its not all inevitable." I suggested a link up between ourselves and Sparkle and co online. An ongoing discussion which was available to whoever wanted to take part.
"But I can't write, talking is fine..."
"So I can write, or record you...Maybe we can change things. Maybe people would take an interest themselves, regardless of media..."
I also mentioned the media interest in the jihadi rap scene. Hajj told me that he would be making a tour of the mosques during ramadam and would make inquiries.
I tried to inquire further about Abu Abdullahs "reversion" to Islam but Hajj was reluctant to say anything.
"Look. There is a story on the internet which says Abdullah converted because his father offered to cancel a debt if he would live a more Islamic life..."
"Rubbish. I talked to him. It took not even one week. He left his street life completely and followed Islam. One week."
One of Hajj's friends inquired of Hajj as to my religion.
"Shaitan." Hajj answered.
They all looked at me a bit more warily. I just laughed. As we conversed one of them prepared a dinner of haloumi cheese, egg, bread and salad.
"Come on Shaitan." said the guys, sharing their dinner with me.
January 31, 2006
Trial by Televison
This one is from last friday:
With a view to an attempt to tie the more constructive elements of the Supporters of Shareeah into a useful film for wider public consumption I met Samir Shah from Juniper TV yesterday who gave me a much needed insight into TV. I was relieved to find that he thinks the theory of a “Zionist media conspiracy” is a load of baloney, in his experience of the media in this country. He told me he felt that a “Real Abu Hamza” story with the involvement of his family, lawyer and friends would be a goer.The "Man behind the headlines”.
He didn't think my favourite idea, which would bring Sparkle and three of her Republican christian friends over to be put into a “reality situation in bizzare places over a couple of weeks” with Abdullah Hajj and co (with dumplings cooking dumplings) a “Pow wow between those we are told are religious and political enemies” was much cop as he thought “reality” to be the domain of the shallower end of Television.
I don't really think I sold it to him properly or explained how good TV I thought Abdullah, Hajj and Dumplings would make. I was very emotionally drained as I had just walked out of Perry's summing up of the case against Mr Hamza. This whole thing has given me a lot of spiritual pain which has physical symptoms or maybe its focused pain which was already there. I need a holiday. I am actually missing squatting. All the involvement in lots of peoples lives, communal eating, living like animals in chaos. It was nice to find my ex-squatting buddies in a rare oasis of comradeship through their last move into fantastic five floor office accomodation.
I think the last year I would rather have seen an organised liason between the rev. Stephen Coles, Rabbi Goldstein and Mr. Hamza with a view to solving the situation we find ourselves in than to see him locked away in Belmarsh. He was never a danger on the street in Finsbury park. I think he said some things which were well over the top, in a heated situation as the temperature rose between Islam and the West. When his passport was taken away he preached that no one should bomb in this country. A position he has stuck to and tried to explain in court.
Perry called the arrival of Rev Coles and Rabbi Goldstein in court a “stunt”.
With a view to an attempt to tie the more constructive elements of the Supporters of Shareeah into a useful film for wider public consumption I met Samir Shah from Juniper TV yesterday who gave me a much needed insight into TV. I was relieved to find that he thinks the theory of a “Zionist media conspiracy” is a load of baloney, in his experience of the media in this country. He told me he felt that a “Real Abu Hamza” story with the involvement of his family, lawyer and friends would be a goer.The "Man behind the headlines”.
He didn't think my favourite idea, which would bring Sparkle and three of her Republican christian friends over to be put into a “reality situation in bizzare places over a couple of weeks” with Abdullah Hajj and co (with dumplings cooking dumplings) a “Pow wow between those we are told are religious and political enemies” was much cop as he thought “reality” to be the domain of the shallower end of Television.
I don't really think I sold it to him properly or explained how good TV I thought Abdullah, Hajj and Dumplings would make. I was very emotionally drained as I had just walked out of Perry's summing up of the case against Mr Hamza. This whole thing has given me a lot of spiritual pain which has physical symptoms or maybe its focused pain which was already there. I need a holiday. I am actually missing squatting. All the involvement in lots of peoples lives, communal eating, living like animals in chaos. It was nice to find my ex-squatting buddies in a rare oasis of comradeship through their last move into fantastic five floor office accomodation.
I think the last year I would rather have seen an organised liason between the rev. Stephen Coles, Rabbi Goldstein and Mr. Hamza with a view to solving the situation we find ourselves in than to see him locked away in Belmarsh. He was never a danger on the street in Finsbury park. I think he said some things which were well over the top, in a heated situation as the temperature rose between Islam and the West. When his passport was taken away he preached that no one should bomb in this country. A position he has stuck to and tried to explain in court.
Perry called the arrival of Rev Coles and Rabbi Goldstein in court a “stunt”.
January 21, 2006
Hajj to the rescue
OK I'm going to loose the chronology and relax a bit on all this...this is from tuesday 17th or possibly friday 13th. I am refering to my favourite Muslim, Hajj who I first wrote about here
The tapes were horrible to sit through. In the time I spent filming in Finsbury park, hating Jews as a race and encouraging people to bomb innocents in this country were always my cut off points at which I determined I would walk away from this project. Hamza never did either.
Week in, week out he told everyone who would listen that it was wrong to bomb innocents in Europe. I thought the media negligent not to be widely publicising this for our saftey regardless what they thought of him. Watching these tapes I thought that Hamza had come across as if he hated Jews and wanted blood spread everywhere. He was advocating slavery saying "They'll get used to it." I was dejected.
I called Hajj and asked if I could pop round. I like going round to Hajj's. We sit and watch TV together. He is great company. He says his is a "dawa" house and it feels "dawa" inside.
"They won't let the Muslims unite on this earth. They drew the maps themselves to keep people fighting."
I told Hajj some of the things Hamza had said. Each time he said "That is totally wrong!"
"No one is disputing the words Hajj..." I said.
I spoke of Hamza telling people to kill wine sellers.
"That is wrong! Hang on... was he saying about in a Muslim land or here?"
"Don't know Hajj. The jury have to decide..."
"What about in a Muslim land?"
"You can't do that, brother." he said with his hands out. "This is wrong in Islam."
I talked about Hamza comparing Jews to pigs and apes.
"That is in the Koran. God tested some Jews by sending a lot of fish on the Sabbath. They gave in to temptation and trapped the fish so he turned them into pigs and apes. "
He went on to tell me there was no Judaism in the old testament and that the Israelites were the Muslims brothers throughout history.
I told him that given what he had said in the tapes I thought British people were owed an explanation in the circumstances. He seemed to think that if Hamza had not made himself clear enough he would apologise, that was the type of guy he was.
I couldn't have ever imagined him apologizing. "He pleaded not guilty Hajj."
"But you have to, don't you? He isn't guilty, he is misunderstood." he said.
My mind phased a bit. Could a misunderstood preacher in a trial at the Old Bailey for incitement to racial hatred and incitement to murder carrying a maximum sentence of life just apologise???
I said although I believed they weren't racist they blurred the edges a bit too much so making trouble for themselves. I asked why he liked preachers who shouted, for instance..
"I like a preacher to shout! I don't want some honey mouth. I want someone to wake me up and make me aware of my sins! Abu Katada! Sheik Faisal! Abu Hamza!"
I burst out laughing and doubled up on his sofa.
I asked Hajj about the comment about "The tree's will say "Theres a Jew behind me! Kill him!"
why did Hamza say that?"
"They are the sayings of the prophet. Jesus is coming back to destroy the anti-christ. They are talking about a final battle between Zionists and Muslims. the Koran says Jews and Muslims will be fighting till judgement day. This is what we see. This is prophesy coming true."
He went on a bit about British society. "They say they want us to integrate. Integrate into what? The pub? Striptease? What is English? They don't like people being attracted into a pious life. How do they want to stop binge drinking? By opening the pubs 24 hours!"
Hajj asked if Mr. Hamza had lost weight.
"A bit. His hair is white. He's giving evidence on Thursday. You should come. He would be pleased to see you no?"
He seemed a bit confused, even by what he had seen Hamza reported as saying on TV.
"In my house. On that chair, a young Muslim says he feels frustrated about this country. The Sheik says "So go!"
He thought Hamza had quoted a lot from the Koran without specifying that was what he was doing as his audience knew the Koran. This is why they say "The Koran is on trial."
We talked about the diference between us in society, why Islam didn't attract me.
"Look Hajj, I like nightclubs where women don't wear very much and no one makes each other feel guilty about it. I don't see Islam as a better way to be going about things of this nature."
"The prophet says- Don't wear clothes as if they are a second skin." he answered.
He had watched a TV program in the seventies called QED with lots of naked men of all shapes and sizes. All the women were asked what was important. They all said a little butt first, second “What was round the front”. If women and men were kept innocent they wouldn't know the diference between people. Still, Mohammed is apparently quite realistic and accepts divorce. There is even a "Saying of the prophet" where he grants a divorce to a woman who told him her husband had a tiny dick.
I'm learning new things about Islam every day.
The tapes were horrible to sit through. In the time I spent filming in Finsbury park, hating Jews as a race and encouraging people to bomb innocents in this country were always my cut off points at which I determined I would walk away from this project. Hamza never did either.
Week in, week out he told everyone who would listen that it was wrong to bomb innocents in Europe. I thought the media negligent not to be widely publicising this for our saftey regardless what they thought of him. Watching these tapes I thought that Hamza had come across as if he hated Jews and wanted blood spread everywhere. He was advocating slavery saying "They'll get used to it." I was dejected.
I called Hajj and asked if I could pop round. I like going round to Hajj's. We sit and watch TV together. He is great company. He says his is a "dawa" house and it feels "dawa" inside.
"They won't let the Muslims unite on this earth. They drew the maps themselves to keep people fighting."
I told Hajj some of the things Hamza had said. Each time he said "That is totally wrong!"
"No one is disputing the words Hajj..." I said.
I spoke of Hamza telling people to kill wine sellers.
"That is wrong! Hang on... was he saying about in a Muslim land or here?"
"Don't know Hajj. The jury have to decide..."
"What about in a Muslim land?"
"You can't do that, brother." he said with his hands out. "This is wrong in Islam."
I talked about Hamza comparing Jews to pigs and apes.
"That is in the Koran. God tested some Jews by sending a lot of fish on the Sabbath. They gave in to temptation and trapped the fish so he turned them into pigs and apes. "
He went on to tell me there was no Judaism in the old testament and that the Israelites were the Muslims brothers throughout history.
I told him that given what he had said in the tapes I thought British people were owed an explanation in the circumstances. He seemed to think that if Hamza had not made himself clear enough he would apologise, that was the type of guy he was.
I couldn't have ever imagined him apologizing. "He pleaded not guilty Hajj."
"But you have to, don't you? He isn't guilty, he is misunderstood." he said.
My mind phased a bit. Could a misunderstood preacher in a trial at the Old Bailey for incitement to racial hatred and incitement to murder carrying a maximum sentence of life just apologise???
I said although I believed they weren't racist they blurred the edges a bit too much so making trouble for themselves. I asked why he liked preachers who shouted, for instance..
"I like a preacher to shout! I don't want some honey mouth. I want someone to wake me up and make me aware of my sins! Abu Katada! Sheik Faisal! Abu Hamza!"
I burst out laughing and doubled up on his sofa.
I asked Hajj about the comment about "The tree's will say "Theres a Jew behind me! Kill him!"
why did Hamza say that?"
"They are the sayings of the prophet. Jesus is coming back to destroy the anti-christ. They are talking about a final battle between Zionists and Muslims. the Koran says Jews and Muslims will be fighting till judgement day. This is what we see. This is prophesy coming true."
He went on a bit about British society. "They say they want us to integrate. Integrate into what? The pub? Striptease? What is English? They don't like people being attracted into a pious life. How do they want to stop binge drinking? By opening the pubs 24 hours!"
Hajj asked if Mr. Hamza had lost weight.
"A bit. His hair is white. He's giving evidence on Thursday. You should come. He would be pleased to see you no?"
He seemed a bit confused, even by what he had seen Hamza reported as saying on TV.
"In my house. On that chair, a young Muslim says he feels frustrated about this country. The Sheik says "So go!"
He thought Hamza had quoted a lot from the Koran without specifying that was what he was doing as his audience knew the Koran. This is why they say "The Koran is on trial."
We talked about the diference between us in society, why Islam didn't attract me.
"Look Hajj, I like nightclubs where women don't wear very much and no one makes each other feel guilty about it. I don't see Islam as a better way to be going about things of this nature."
"The prophet says- Don't wear clothes as if they are a second skin." he answered.
He had watched a TV program in the seventies called QED with lots of naked men of all shapes and sizes. All the women were asked what was important. They all said a little butt first, second “What was round the front”. If women and men were kept innocent they wouldn't know the diference between people. Still, Mohammed is apparently quite realistic and accepts divorce. There is even a "Saying of the prophet" where he grants a divorce to a woman who told him her husband had a tiny dick.
I'm learning new things about Islam every day.
December 22, 2005
MAINTAIN FOCUS
If you were living to your full potential what would you be doing? A guy called Dave made this film when he was diagnosed with cancer and only had a couple of months to live. DONT WATCH IF YOU ARE SQUEAMISH.
I am no longer wrapped up in "achievement" or "success" in middle class terminology. I think Hamza's story is a huge thing, but if no major broadcasters agree I don't mind. I've had fun getting turned down, I haven't looked for funding anywhere. I'd still like to finnish a film but I'm not sure where the story is going next. Glen Jenvey said he'd be happy to film in January when the trial restarts.
Everything I have so far is filmed with a one chip tourist camera which I still technically own but haven't seen for a while. I got a good reaction using this compared to people with big cameras which the Islamists tended to "posture up" to or try to destroy. The downside is its all shaky and the sound is all over the place.
I've come to realise that there are various artistic things you can do with film which don't involve traditional film making techniques, and videologging is an art in itself anyway. Sitting with my next door neighbours yesterday a girl casualy pulled one of th
ese out and said she'd be happy to film with me. I've always wondered what Hamza's crew would make of a female camera person. There is a general view that women are treated badly in Islam. I've never spoken to any of the "sisters" of the Supporters of Shareeah. It seems women and men lead seperate lives. Certianly on their demonstrations the women seem as angry and enthusiastic as the menfolk.
"Do you agree with hitting women?" a journalist once asked one of the brothers in Finsbury park once.
"No. Do you?" was the answer.
They always tell me proudly that loads of women are converting to Islam in this country. My bet is that it won't make any difference. If anything judging from what Hajj told me, they would probably be quite relieved to see that I am not gay. Meeting a woman similarly pierced about the face (which she is) they'd probably wonder whether there was a tribe of us somewhere.
I know they are not allowed to touch women's hands, but I reckon they believe "Dawa" is to present a warm reflection of Islam rather than to be overly judgmental.
I am no longer wrapped up in "achievement" or "success" in middle class terminology. I think Hamza's story is a huge thing, but if no major broadcasters agree I don't mind. I've had fun getting turned down, I haven't looked for funding anywhere. I'd still like to finnish a film but I'm not sure where the story is going next. Glen Jenvey said he'd be happy to film in January when the trial restarts.
Everything I have so far is filmed with a one chip tourist camera which I still technically own but haven't seen for a while. I got a good reaction using this compared to people with big cameras which the Islamists tended to "posture up" to or try to destroy. The downside is its all shaky and the sound is all over the place.
I've come to realise that there are various artistic things you can do with film which don't involve traditional film making techniques, and videologging is an art in itself anyway. Sitting with my next door neighbours yesterday a girl casualy pulled one of th
ese out and said she'd be happy to film with me. I've always wondered what Hamza's crew would make of a female camera person. There is a general view that women are treated badly in Islam. I've never spoken to any of the "sisters" of the Supporters of Shareeah. It seems women and men lead seperate lives. Certianly on their demonstrations the women seem as angry and enthusiastic as the menfolk."Do you agree with hitting women?" a journalist once asked one of the brothers in Finsbury park once.
"No. Do you?" was the answer.
They always tell me proudly that loads of women are converting to Islam in this country. My bet is that it won't make any difference. If anything judging from what Hajj told me, they would probably be quite relieved to see that I am not gay. Meeting a woman similarly pierced about the face (which she is) they'd probably wonder whether there was a tribe of us somewhere.
I know they are not allowed to touch women's hands, but I reckon they believe "Dawa" is to present a warm reflection of Islam rather than to be overly judgmental.
December 10, 2005
A NEW TWIST...
Strangely enough Glen Jenvey got in contact with me the other day. I've always been aware of his workand the fact that it is his evidence which the prosecution are relying on in the Hamza case but I never thought of directly contacting him. My films are the opposite to his. Watch them. They were a big inspiration to me to look for the other side.
Last night, speaking to Hajj I told him
"Whilst you are not saying "Kill all Jews" and you clearly state that innocents should not be bombed in this country, I am always interested in carrying on following your story as none of you have threatened me and the Police don't seem to want to arrest any of you..."
I told him Glen had been in contact.
"Over the years I have developed a genuine concern, although I have no idea who Mr. Hamza is myself, in the fact that you believe he is innocent. You must also appreciate that in terms of a story, for me to get the other side of this accurately, and be able to contrast the two in film would be a serious development of the huge amount of hard work I have put into this project. In the interests of objectivity, a thing which British film makers champion."
Hajj told me that I should be paid thousands for what I have been doing, which was very touching.
The best thing I could hope for in terms of pure documentary exploration would be a filmed meeting between Glen Jenvey and the friends of Abu Hamza who I have met. I have read he claims to have recieved threats from Mr. Hamza's associates, so I am not sure how easy this would be to engineer, but I suggested it to Glen by email and got this reply:
Meet the man who put abu hamza behind bar's? interview? may-be not a wise thing i don't think they would want to meet me and i might not be allowed to do such a interview. but i my-self would say yes i'm interested in the idea if i get the going ahead. they may want to meet up and explain why they are so racist against other faith's and people living in the west i would be interested in hearing this from they own lip's.
It is interesting that Glen shares some of the same regular mistakes in written English that I manage to express myself with in this blog. I was also surprised that he shared the same mission:
my self i'm always looking for way's to bring peace not war i think al-qaeda and there supporters are a bunch of thugs may-be they can show to me they are human..
I'm really glad Glen has got in touch. He told me about a book he has been involved in and a film called Obsession. He promised to watch my films. He also tipped me off about a demo by Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain which I went down to today.
(is) there ... no will by the police to stop this group of islamic terrorist's? he asks.
He asked what I felt about the Iraq war. I answered that I was aware of good and bad on both sides, but I felt that Hamza was wasted in Prison. Whilst I have been making a huge effort to get Mr. Hamza's friends side of this story, it would be good to have the opportunity to place myself more squarely and responsibly in the middle. If I can record everyones views without upsetting anyone I reckon that would be an achievement.
Although no one has realised it yet, this is a hugely exciting human drama. I honestly feel for everyone involved in it.
Last night, speaking to Hajj I told him
"Whilst you are not saying "Kill all Jews" and you clearly state that innocents should not be bombed in this country, I am always interested in carrying on following your story as none of you have threatened me and the Police don't seem to want to arrest any of you..."
I told him Glen had been in contact.
"Over the years I have developed a genuine concern, although I have no idea who Mr. Hamza is myself, in the fact that you believe he is innocent. You must also appreciate that in terms of a story, for me to get the other side of this accurately, and be able to contrast the two in film would be a serious development of the huge amount of hard work I have put into this project. In the interests of objectivity, a thing which British film makers champion."
Hajj told me that I should be paid thousands for what I have been doing, which was very touching.
The best thing I could hope for in terms of pure documentary exploration would be a filmed meeting between Glen Jenvey and the friends of Abu Hamza who I have met. I have read he claims to have recieved threats from Mr. Hamza's associates, so I am not sure how easy this would be to engineer, but I suggested it to Glen by email and got this reply:
Meet the man who put abu hamza behind bar's? interview? may-be not a wise thing i don't think they would want to meet me and i might not be allowed to do such a interview. but i my-self would say yes i'm interested in the idea if i get the going ahead. they may want to meet up and explain why they are so racist against other faith's and people living in the west i would be interested in hearing this from they own lip's.
It is interesting that Glen shares some of the same regular mistakes in written English that I manage to express myself with in this blog. I was also surprised that he shared the same mission:
my self i'm always looking for way's to bring peace not war i think al-qaeda and there supporters are a bunch of thugs may-be they can show to me they are human..
I'm really glad Glen has got in touch. He told me about a book he has been involved in and a film called Obsession. He promised to watch my films. He also tipped me off about a demo by Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain which I went down to today.
(is) there ... no will by the police to stop this group of islamic terrorist's? he asks.
He asked what I felt about the Iraq war. I answered that I was aware of good and bad on both sides, but I felt that Hamza was wasted in Prison. Whilst I have been making a huge effort to get Mr. Hamza's friends side of this story, it would be good to have the opportunity to place myself more squarely and responsibly in the middle. If I can record everyones views without upsetting anyone I reckon that would be an achievement.
Although no one has realised it yet, this is a hugely exciting human drama. I honestly feel for everyone involved in it.
HAJJ'S PLACE
OK. I just got back from Hajj's place where I got to see Channel 4's dispatches programme on Extraordinary rendition. Very good stuff anchored by Andrew Gilligan. I also heard from Hajj that two ex-attendee's of Finsbury park mosque have been arrested. A couple of Algerians they want to deport but I'm still trying to work out which ones. He went into more detail about the centrality of his house to "fundamental" Islam.
"al-Faisal used to call this his second home."
Hamza had been round, all the neighbours know Hajj well.
"Meetings with these people and up to sixty people happened here all the time for years. This is a dawa house."
The Police have never, ever questioned Hajj once about anything.
"Someone drew the curtain once. I said brother why do you draw the curtain? My house is open, the door is open. Nothing in here is secret. If anyone has secrets, take them somewhere else."
After the film I watched Yvonne Ridley on the Islamic channel for a bit. I told Hajj I had met her once but she didn't seem to like me very much. He said that all of them had thought something bad about me when they had first seen me.
"What- you thought I was MI-5?"
"Worse."
"A Satan worshipper?"
"Worse. I don't want to say and insult you..."
"Ahhh... You thought I was gay because of the bones in my ears..."
"Yes. That was the discussion we had. Its not because of what you look like in itself..."
"And being gay is worse than worshipping Satan?"
"Do you think homosexuals are naturally born that way?"
"Yes. I think so." I said. "Although I am not gay myself, I agree with the rights of gays and lesbians who live here in peace. The world is over populated anyway..."
"So how would God make something that isn't perfect?"
It is hard talking to someone with a God concept when I don't have one. Its strange talking in such a peacable manner about such emotive things. Hajj has taken a step back from all things "fundamental" including, I fear further participation in my filming. If I could I'd have a camera on him 24/7 and it wouldn't be for security reasons. I want to film him on his step-machine.
"al-Faisal used to call this his second home."
Hamza had been round, all the neighbours know Hajj well.
"Meetings with these people and up to sixty people happened here all the time for years. This is a dawa house."
The Police have never, ever questioned Hajj once about anything.
"Someone drew the curtain once. I said brother why do you draw the curtain? My house is open, the door is open. Nothing in here is secret. If anyone has secrets, take them somewhere else."
After the film I watched Yvonne Ridley on the Islamic channel for a bit. I told Hajj I had met her once but she didn't seem to like me very much. He said that all of them had thought something bad about me when they had first seen me.
"What- you thought I was MI-5?"
"Worse."
"A Satan worshipper?"
"Worse. I don't want to say and insult you..."
"Ahhh... You thought I was gay because of the bones in my ears..."
"Yes. That was the discussion we had. Its not because of what you look like in itself..."
"And being gay is worse than worshipping Satan?"
"Do you think homosexuals are naturally born that way?"
"Yes. I think so." I said. "Although I am not gay myself, I agree with the rights of gays and lesbians who live here in peace. The world is over populated anyway..."
"So how would God make something that isn't perfect?"
It is hard talking to someone with a God concept when I don't have one. Its strange talking in such a peacable manner about such emotive things. Hajj has taken a step back from all things "fundamental" including, I fear further participation in my filming. If I could I'd have a camera on him 24/7 and it wouldn't be for security reasons. I want to film him on his step-machine.
November 24, 2005
HAJJ IS BACK
A friend of a friend is Guy Smallman, one of the more successful professional photographers who is also on the protest "scene". In passing he looked at my Malung Movies and took a liking to Hajj (I used to smoke dope etc from Preachers of Hate) and asked if he could maybe take a photograph of him.
Although his views are as controversial as the rest of them, its hard not to like Hajj. Anyway this gave me a good excuse to ring him and catch up, as the last I heard he was on his way to Cyprus with no intention of coming back.
I eventually got through to find that he was not only back in the country, but he had also patched up his differences with Abu Abdullah. I knew that Hajj was the first to speak to Abdullah on his road to Islam and how much their falling out had hurt both of them. I passed on Guy's request. He said he would check with Abdullah and Jamal first.
Although it should make no difference to me if they get on or not, I am pleased that they are friends again. They stood either side of Hamza throughout the protest and I always thought of them as the "Asterix and Obelix" of British Fundamental Islam when this story still had a funny side, before 7/7.
Cycling through the rain this morning I actually bumped into Hajj in the street.
Apparently he had lasted 3 weeks in Cyprus. Although he loved it he thought that the property boom had turned his country into "holiday homes" and some of the younger members of his family weren't too impressed with Cyprus in general.
"I walk down the street and no one hassles me. I could die there." he said.
We spoke a little about last nights Channel4 documentary about the "extraordinary rendition" process. I missed it, Hajj said I could come round his place and watch it.
I asked after the state of Mr. Hamza.
"They put sugar in his food. He is diabetic. We wont see him out. This Tony Blair will have his way."
I told him that I was having a "last ditch attempt" at getting this story to British TV. I called Juniper, who Christine Phillip's from BBC London had recommended I try yesterday. (She made this about us a couple of years back when I was still living in squatsville)
Hajj didn't think much of my chances. We'll see.
I tried to be a bit upbeat about Mr. Hamza's chances. I have no idea what he has or hasn't done but to hear Hajj talk about him...
"You never know. Sometimes it seems to me that judges are the only effective opposition to government in this country..."
"Abdullah Faisal got 9 years. They said he was saying "Kill all the Jews." but he was talking about the Zionist enemy. He's not a bad man. Someone punched him once and he just looked at him. He's never been in a fight in his life."
Hajj told me before that Mr. Faisal used to teach at his house. He's a whole movie on his own. How did a Cypriot hippie end up in the company of the most extreme Islamic teachers in my country?
"That's still a sentence. 9 years and he's out." I was beginning to sound a bit lame.
Before I cycled off he told me that Faisal was applying for parole next year. I don't think he ever expects to see Mr. Hamza as a free man again. I can't really imagine it myself either.
Although his views are as controversial as the rest of them, its hard not to like Hajj. Anyway this gave me a good excuse to ring him and catch up, as the last I heard he was on his way to Cyprus with no intention of coming back.
I eventually got through to find that he was not only back in the country, but he had also patched up his differences with Abu Abdullah. I knew that Hajj was the first to speak to Abdullah on his road to Islam and how much their falling out had hurt both of them. I passed on Guy's request. He said he would check with Abdullah and Jamal first.
Although it should make no difference to me if they get on or not, I am pleased that they are friends again. They stood either side of Hamza throughout the protest and I always thought of them as the "Asterix and Obelix" of British Fundamental Islam when this story still had a funny side, before 7/7.
Cycling through the rain this morning I actually bumped into Hajj in the street.
Apparently he had lasted 3 weeks in Cyprus. Although he loved it he thought that the property boom had turned his country into "holiday homes" and some of the younger members of his family weren't too impressed with Cyprus in general.
"I walk down the street and no one hassles me. I could die there." he said.
We spoke a little about last nights Channel4 documentary about the "extraordinary rendition" process. I missed it, Hajj said I could come round his place and watch it.
I asked after the state of Mr. Hamza.
"They put sugar in his food. He is diabetic. We wont see him out. This Tony Blair will have his way."
I told him that I was having a "last ditch attempt" at getting this story to British TV. I called Juniper, who Christine Phillip's from BBC London had recommended I try yesterday. (She made this about us a couple of years back when I was still living in squatsville)
Hajj didn't think much of my chances. We'll see.
I tried to be a bit upbeat about Mr. Hamza's chances. I have no idea what he has or hasn't done but to hear Hajj talk about him...
"You never know. Sometimes it seems to me that judges are the only effective opposition to government in this country..."
"Abdullah Faisal got 9 years. They said he was saying "Kill all the Jews." but he was talking about the Zionist enemy. He's not a bad man. Someone punched him once and he just looked at him. He's never been in a fight in his life."
Hajj told me before that Mr. Faisal used to teach at his house. He's a whole movie on his own. How did a Cypriot hippie end up in the company of the most extreme Islamic teachers in my country?
"That's still a sentence. 9 years and he's out." I was beginning to sound a bit lame.
Before I cycled off he told me that Faisal was applying for parole next year. I don't think he ever expects to see Mr. Hamza as a free man again. I can't really imagine it myself either.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)