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Alarm over call to prayer

7:56pm Thursday 20th December 2007

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PLANS to broadcast a call to prayer from Oxford's Central Mosque, in Manzil Way, would turn East Oxford into a 'Muslim ghetto', residents have claimed.

Dozens of people packed out a meeting of Oxford City Council's east area parliament on Wednesday to express their concerns over plans for a two-minute long call to prayer to be issued from loudspeakers in the mosque's minaret three times a day.

Dr Mark Huckster, who lives in Stanton Road and works at East Oxford hospice Helen House, said: "The proposal to issue a prayer call is very un-neighbourly, especially in a crowded urban space such as Oxford.

"I have lived in the Middle East and a prayer call has a very different feel to church bells and I personally found the noise extremely unpleasant, rather disturbing and very alien to the western mindset."

He added: "If an evangelical Christian preacher proposed issuing sermons three times a day at full volume there would be an outcry.

"There could be a sense of ghettoisation of East Oxford. Cowley Road would have a Muslim flavour and could become a Muslim ghetto which is contrary to what we want in a multicultural society."

Dr Huckster was among six residents speaking in opposition to the plans, revealed in the Oxford Mail in November - and one of three who was applauded for his comments.

Allan Chapman, who lives in East Oxford, said: "We are concerned with civil liberties and civil peace and the right to be able to live in our own space.

"I do not want preaching at. It is not the tradition of this country or the tradition I subscribe to.

He said: "I find this totally, utterly unacceptable and I plan to do whatever I can to stop it."

Samantha Mandrup, of Margaret Road, said: "I see this as a matter of civil liberty, noise pollution, and infringement of privacy."

David Hutcheson, of East Avenue, said: "I'm very happy for people to practice their own religion but very unhappy about the thought of having a loudspeaker broadcasting any messages into my private space."

After the meeting, Sardar Rana, a spokesman for the Central Mosque, said he would be happy to clarify any issues and invited anyone to come to the mosque so he could satisfy their concerns.

He said: "The call is going on in so many places in the UK, and we must get the same right as everybody else.

"When they ring the bells in church, we respect it but that is also a call to prayer.

"We don't want to do anything that will disturb the people or upset the people."


Your Say YourOxford Mail

A HUMAN, OXFORD,UK says...
10:16pm Thu 20 Dec 07

A loud call to pryaer would be just the right thing for a multicultural area such as Cowley Road.It would be fantastic.

If it affects you then people are affected by the disgusting lyrics in some music across shops. Also the bells that go off...if u except them ...then why not except this.

and it and a SERMON!!

A call to prayer .lol

A HUMAN, OXFORD,UK says...
10:17pm Thu 20 Dec 07

A loud call to pryaer would be just the right thing for a multicultural area such as Cowley Road.It would be fantastic.

If it affects you then people are affected by the disgusting lyrics in some music across shops. Also the bells that go off...if u except them ...then why not except this.

and it and a SERMON!!

A call to prayer .lol

A HUMAN, OXFORD,UK says...
10:19pm Thu 20 Dec 07

(CORRECTION)** And it is NOT A SERMON!!! *** FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

steve, oxford says...
10:47pm Thu 20 Dec 07

what a terrible idea! I have also worked in the middle east. It is infuriatinly iritating especially early in the morning. how about radio alarm clocks tuned into "call to prayer fm" instead?

Mr Ison, England says...
11:03pm Thu 20 Dec 07

People who live in the middle east and further afield probably find it disturbing the BBC has set up it's missions there and at our expense.

I find it disturbing.

Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster says...
11:17pm Thu 20 Dec 07

The most vocal members of the Muslim community are invariably first generation immigrants. If the tenets and trappings of Islam are so dear to them, why have they settled in a predominately Christian country?
I have worked in several Islamic states (thankfully, on short term postings) and loathed every minute of it. Perhaps we should refuse permission for the broadcast of this dreadful dirge until the Saudis and their ilk allow the building of Christian churches within their borders?
As for multiculturism; it exists only in PC fantasy land. Ethnic and non-Christian minorities combined make up less than 10% of the UK population, although given their deliberate over-representation by the BBC and other left wing media one could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
With the PC brigade already embarked on Operation Deny Christmas, I think that this would be a concession too far.
Equal rights? Yes. Special rights (no Christian church would be allowed to ring its bells three times a day, seven days a week)? emphatically no.

Mr Ison, England says...
11:23pm Thu 20 Dec 07

Describing the Uk as a Christian nation is a fantasy all of it own.

Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster says...
11:33pm Thu 20 Dec 07

"Describing the Uk as a Christian nation is a fantasy all of it own."
73% of British people consider themselves to be Christian, 15% of no religion leaving 12% to make up all of the others, including those that refused to answer the census question.
Source: Office for National Statistics.

Mr Ison, England says...
12:03am Fri 21 Dec 07

And moving on from that why is it that Mr Chapman et al feel they should be exempt from embracing displaced persons?

We see their red brick apartments and prefab huts springing up and are reminded of the architecture of Nazi work camps.

Shouldnt Mr Chapman and co also remark upon this feat of political engineering like any other Englishman?

Maybe they should be more truthful and say they dont want outsiders moving into their Ghetto.

Mr Ison, England says...
12:35am Fri 21 Dec 07

And so i suggest if Multiculturalism is part of your repetoire you are nothing more than some old windbag.

Mr Ison, England says...
1:09am Fri 21 Dec 07

So when Interzone appears outside your door you can thank the BBC,the British Government and their ringers.

It's that simple.

Mr. Sanchez, Oxford says...
8:49am Fri 21 Dec 07

The majority of the people don't want this,why create tension in an otherwise happy community,this will cause problems and resentment.

Lilliput, oxon says...
9:23am Fri 21 Dec 07

I knew this was coming and moved, this is a done deal folks...you only have to drive down the cowley road to see who owns the area and who ultimately pulls the strings..come on look around...they dont have Christmas lights along the cowley road but Eid decorations which have been up for months...! The muslim community always get what they want..take a good look at some schools and what is put on the menu..**** even Heinz make hahal baby food...it's a done deal...

Richard, Oxford says...
10:01am Fri 21 Dec 07

To be consistent & fair (a) this should not be allowed (b) church bells should be dismantled. Most people would be happy with both these things happening.
Inicdentally, who is Mr Ison? He turns up on every comments page & drones out his daft agenda whilst completely ignoring the original subject. Can't his paranoid drivel be filtered out somehow? It's very boring!

Rabbi tarquin, oxford says...
10:22am Fri 21 Dec 07

I never thought I'd say this but compared with Sturmbahnfuhrer von Ison, Alan Page is seeming almost endearing. He's just a nutter, whereas Ison is the sort of goosestepper we fought in the Second World War to keep out of this country.

suspicious, oxford says...
10:24am Fri 21 Dec 07

Does Ison object to the Chabad House in Cowley Road? It's run by the Hebraic people he seems to be frightened of.

Then again, maybe he's just a wind-up merchant. There's a lot of those sad folk on the internet.

Teddy, Khartoum, Sudan says...
12:37pm Fri 21 Dec 07

A bad idea because of the potential for noise intrusion over people who don't want their space invaded by a noise that is alien to them. Why can't people buy themselves watches if they need a reminder of when they should pray?

Mr Ison, England says...
1:26pm Fri 21 Dec 07

More than this i suggest those dozens of people have not yet grasped the nettle offered to them by way of the British Government and it's still stinging them.

Like it or lump it is their motto,let us know what that is in Latin.

Sid Hunt, says...
1:45pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Richard wrote:
To be consistent & fair (a) this should not be allowed (b) church bells should be dismantled. Most people would be happy with both these things happening. Inicdentally, who is Mr Ison? He turns up on every comments page & drones out his daft agenda whilst completely ignoring the original subject. Can't his paranoid drivel be filtered out somehow? It's very boring!
Richard,

The wailing message eminating from high volume speakers is not comparable to church bells and, contrary to your assertions, most people would not be happy to dismantle church bells.

There are houses in my street being used as places of worship despite not having the requisite permission, how long before these also demand 'their right' to broadcast their rally to prayers?


Mr Ison, England says...
1:49pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Church Bells = Clangorous.

They try to suggest that a call to prayer is dissonant,as to their choice of words...they chose poorly.

peries, cowley says...
2:53pm Fri 21 Dec 07

When the church bills ring in many muslim countries that i have heard & witness whats wrong with call for a prayer in england when they can put up with your bells you should put up with calls to prayer "I have lived in the Middle East and a prayer call has a very different feel to church bells and I personally found the noise extremely unpleasant, rather disturbing and very alien to the western mindset."

Mr Ison, England says...
3:28pm Fri 21 Dec 07

What would be really good is if one of the Oil kingdoms Sheiks would take a look at the dire edifices his fellow Mohamedians have to endure in England.

Why not spend a pretty penny introducing splendid Islamic Architecture so we can all see the majesty of Allah.

These repurposed buildings that are often used were unnapealing beforehand,maybe less so now.

Get that Bin Laden construction in there.

rev byrd, oxford says...
3:33pm Fri 21 Dec 07

I am distraught. the bells from my church were silenced because they invaded the peace on a sunday morning... what justice is there if this wailing is permitted 3 times a day but my bells which rang twice on a sunday - dating back to the 18th century, are not?

Mr Ison, England says...
3:42pm Fri 21 Dec 07

If such buildings were to come to pass it would be necessary to permit tourists or the locally curious to wander in and take a look,in most cases it would need to be unguided.

That could be a stumbling block.

Mr Ison, England says...
4:01pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Why silence the bells?

Because at the weekend we traditionally lay-in after a hard week of work,we do not want to hear Quasimodo ringing his bells at god knows what hour.

Especially as we have more churches with bell capacity than we have parishoners.

The call to prayer happens when we are at work,we dont hear it at all.

The few Mosques are packed with followers and the wailing doesnt toll on for endless hours.

Mr Ison, England says...
4:46pm Fri 21 Dec 07

What i think would be really great is if Hellfire,Brimstone,a
nd political prisoner preacher Abu Hamza were to be released for a whistlestop tour of British Churches.

He would give his sermon to the electrified parishoners,literall
y their hair would stand on end as he detailed the evils of their infidelious satanic and homosexual ways.

The fear of god would be struck into the suddenly swollen congregation and the other cheek would be turned.

The Parson could teach him a little bell ringing and hands would be shook.

It would be cool but it's sadly not on the home office agenda.

Swift Nick, says...
5:53pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Would a compromise be for the ayatollahs to hire the bagpipe chappy (peace be upon him) from Cornmarket? He could call the faithful to their prayers, earn some shekels and put a stop to complaints about his Scottish refrains in the city. centre.

Mr Ison, England says...
6:03pm Fri 21 Dec 07

You think he could fool the Oxford man haters by wearing a phylactery on his head?

Cunning these Jocks.

Dan, Oxford says...
7:33pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Interesting to see how my last post was censored.

Every Muslim- be they 'fundamentalist' or 'moderate' believes that Allah is the One True God and that the World (of infidels) should be converted to Islam under Sharia law.

Naturally, a call to prayer in Oxford is a great victory for spreading this message.

What I find harder to understand, are the misguided 'Lefties' (usually white, middle- class with little real experience of hardship or the realities of what they drone on about) of East Oxford who welcome this as some sort of wonderful addition to 'culture/ colour/ cosmopolitanism/ diversity' and all those other tediously vague terms.

Islam is NOT a tolerant or 'diverse' set of beliefs and subjugates all individuality to 'God'. How long until the butchers is forced to stop selling pork lest it offends? Or the off licenses? Or students wearing short skirts and tops in the Summer? This is quite apart from the hostility towards homosexuals and 'idolators' such as Buddhists and Hindus.

How would people feel if Scientologists or Evangelical Christians demanded a platform to call their followers to hear about intergalactic warlords and multiviatmins for post- natal depression in the case of the former, or how homosexuals and doctors carrying out abortions will burn in hell for eternity in the case of the latter?

Islamic countries do NOT have a tradition of tolerance towards anyone else (or indeed other factions within Islam) and it is a grave mistake to think of it in any other way.

Swift Nick, says...
7:34pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Would such an amulet protect the lone piper from the Wroth of the burghers of this fair city?

Mr Ison, England says...
7:39pm Fri 21 Dec 07

He could wear two on his Sporran.

The Jews have small black boxes.

The politicians have many black boxes.

The Muslims have the biggest black box.

In America bigger is better,the Muslims win.

James, says...
7:43pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Swift Nick wrote:
Would such an amulet protect the lone piper from the Wroth of the burghers of this fair city?
At times the phylactery holds a complete book, this could cause our musician to loose control of his pipes by pressure on the necks hyoid bone.

Swift Nick, says...
7:46pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Mr Ison wrote:
He could wear two on his Sporran. The Jews have small black boxes. The politicians have many black boxes. The Muslims have the biggest black box. In America bigger is better,the Muslims win.
Jumbo Jets had medium sized black boxes.

Mr Ison, England says...
7:48pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Since Dan has been censored for reason best known to someone i shall answer his points.

Probably,i am not overly concerned.

It calls the faithfull.

They took A level sociology.

What does the Koran say,what's your interpretation.

We wont know until it happens.

I wouldn't be so sure.

That about wraps it up.

r, east oxford says...
8:17pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Why is it always the Muslim's stirring us all up. No liberal, tolerant person surly would want this horrendous noise forced upon them. How many mosques are there here in Oxford? I live quite close to one and the thought of this awful noise invading my home or garden horrifies me.

Mr Ison, England says...
8:33pm Fri 21 Dec 07

It's probably because the Muslims own all of the mass media and they whine all the time about Muslims.

One of those is not true.

Mr Ison, England says...
8:54pm Fri 21 Dec 07

If you really want to know try searching for "media ownership in the UK".

I tried to elaborate on this issue but the posts suffered the censors hand.

The feel good factor is used when pumping ideaology,the fearful factor is it's twin used to supress truth.

The pushing of ideology such as financial health in the Uk is used to create a bubble,a boom and bust scenario.

The fear factor is that of those who know better but will be out of a job if they reveal to the consumer what they know.

Relaxation of media ownership
is a means to supress information and consolidate to a limited few any control it may have over the population.

As such the monopoly of media ownership can and does represent a fifth column.

Calidore, Jericho says...
9:04pm Fri 21 Dec 07

This is a message for Oxford’s Muslims. At this era in history who can honestly say the majority of the human race has any positive associations with the religion of Islam? When the suicide bombers stop then maybe you might be considered eligible to broadcast yourself as the religion of peace, though I hope not because I think the call to prayer sounds triumphalist, militant and intoxicating.

Mr Ison, England says...
9:07pm Fri 21 Dec 07

I think they call it yellow journalism.

I dont admire the cut of their cloth,a yellow streak etc.

second class citizen, Oxford says...
10:05pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Well said Dan ! The only comment on this page that says it ALL !

Juliana, london says...
10:33pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Could Mr Ison contribute more thoughtfully to this debate? I really find all his comments weirdly irrelevant. Surely this is about Mosque noise pollution. I do not think it should be allowed. Three times a day , every day, is way too much and not at all the same as Church bells with their "low melodious din" once a week.

Mr Ison, England says...
10:44pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Hey,it's your Shibboleth.

Jan Sibson, East Oxford says...
11:18pm Fri 21 Dec 07

If the Mosque is allowed this call to prayer the value of any houses within earshot will plummet - costing any home owners in the area (including Muslim ones) Tens of Thousands of Pounds.

If it is passed I suggest an economic counter blow of boycotting any Muslim owned business in the area

Mr Ison, England says...
11:28pm Fri 21 Dec 07

I think the headline should have read Multiculturalism encroaches on Enclave,seige mentality observed.

The people of the book this week launched an internet campaign to garner support to prevent multiculturalism from spreading into their ghetto,the object of their obsession a Mosque,their means of preventing the Mosque is confirmed to be the prevention of noise pollution.

Critics of their scheme suggest racism is the cause of the problem.

A councillor who could not be named suggests they use bells instead of the traditional Imams call to prayer.

I mean c'mon where is the honesty,why all the secrecy and beating about the bush?

Dan, Oxford says...
11:45pm Fri 21 Dec 07

Jan Sibson wrote:
If the Mosque is allowed this call to prayer the value of any houses within earshot will plummet - costing any home owners in the area (including Muslim ones) Tens of Thousands of Pounds. If it is passed I suggest an economic counter blow of boycotting any Muslim owned business in the area
...allowing (Muslim) landlords to snap them up to rent out to the ever increasing number of students and economic migrants residing in East Oxford.

Think they'd thought of that one...

Mr Ison, England says...
11:50pm Fri 21 Dec 07

I think it poor form.

I find Muslims to share a common attribute with us native Brits,the shunning of the dishonest.

Mr Ison, England says...
12:13am Sat 22 Dec 07

The Mosque could regenerate the area and instill a sorely lacking sense of community spirit.

Dont you just love all this hackneyed nonsense?

I cant imagine why anyone would want to come here.

Mr Ison, England says...
12:18am Sat 22 Dec 07

How's about some sloganising.

Starting with:
In modern Multicultural Britain...

My contribution:

You get what's coming to you.

Mr Ison, England says...
12:31am Sat 22 Dec 07

The more the merrier.


Mr Ison, England says...
12:33am Sat 22 Dec 07

Mobile Phones!!!

Mr Ison, England says...
12:37am Sat 22 Dec 07

We are all equally valued.

Mr Ison, England says...
12:38am Sat 22 Dec 07

We strive to be smarmy gits.

Mr Ison, England says...
12:40am Sat 22 Dec 07

You want fries with that?

Mr Ison, England says...
12:43am Sat 22 Dec 07

Onwards Christian soldiers!

Mr Ison, England says...
12:45am Sat 22 Dec 07

Vote early,and often.

alan page, says...
12:48am Sat 22 Dec 07

Dan wrote:
Interesting to see how my last post was censored. Every Muslim- be they 'fundamentalist' or 'moderate' believes that Allah is the One True God and that the World (of infidels) should be converted to Islam under Sharia law. Naturally, a call to prayer in Oxford is a great victory for spreading this message. What I find harder to understand, are the misguided 'Lefties' (usually white, middle- class with little real experience of hardship or the realities of what they drone on about) of East Oxford who welcome this as some sort of wonderful addition to 'culture/ colour/ cosmopolitanism/ diversity' and all those other tediously vague terms. Islam is NOT a tolerant or 'diverse' set of beliefs and subjugates all individuality to 'God'. How long until the butchers is forced to stop selling pork lest it offends? Or the off licenses? Or students wearing short skirts and tops in the Summer? This is quite apart from the hostility towards homosexuals and 'idolators' such as Buddhists and Hindus. How would people feel if Scientologists or Evangelical Christians demanded a platform to call their followers to hear about intergalactic warlords and multiviatmins for post- natal depression in the case of the former, or how homosexuals and doctors carrying out abortions will burn in hell for eternity in the case of the latter? Islamic countries do NOT have a tradition of tolerance towards anyone else (or indeed other factions within Islam) and it is a grave mistake to think of it in any other way.
They seemed pretty tolerant when they were running Spain a few centuries back.

Very highly developed
civilisation. You clearly know bugger all about sufism for a start. It is only the past 20 years or so the religion has been dragged into the dark ages by people with powerful vested interests.

Tarquin, old bean, try and learn the difference between being a lunatic and choosing not to be a bland, vacuous little yes man.

Better still read a few books, you know, sort of like imformative stuff on history et al.

I know that seems rather anathema to you who would, no doubt, prefer to be waving a glowstick around, whilst smacked to the tits on drugs, but they are a useful resource.

If the BNP have discovered how Marxism and Fascism have derived from Hegel (something I have been going on about) then it is not my sanity that is in question but your cultural literacy.

Do something with your brain old bean.

tarquin, oxford says...
12:52am Sat 22 Dec 07

Hi Al! Just got in after a rave. I'm buzzing off a pill I bought at a nightclub for only £2.50 and I'm having to wind down with a megasized doobie full of Afghan premium hash, which luckily I can get hold from a bourgeois friend of mine. I'd love to chat about Hegel some time but my attention span is limited due to the ... er... what was the question again, dude?


alan page, says...
12:58am Sat 22 Dec 07

Jan Sibson wrote:
If the Mosque is allowed this call to prayer the value of any houses within earshot will plummet - costing any home owners in the area (including Muslim ones) Tens of Thousands of Pounds. If it is passed I suggest an economic counter blow of boycotting any Muslim owned business in the area
This is the crux isn't it.

MONEY!!! And potential loss of.

Knew it had to come into the equation somewhere.

Such shallow materialism, I would laugh, but it would intefere with the wonderful Ghazals I'm currently listening to.

Mr Ison, England says...
1:02am Sat 22 Dec 07

You have to laugh when Multiculturalism bites it's advocates in the ****.

Mr Ison, England says...
1:11am Sat 22 Dec 07

What they really struggle against of course if the notion that people will say of them,"It couldn't have happened to a nicer man".

Mr Ison, England says...
1:23am Sat 22 Dec 07

"personally found the noise extremely unpleasant, rather disturbing and very alien to the western mindset".

Now why am i reminded of Dali's The temptation of St Anthony?

Mr Ison, England says...
1:30am Sat 22 Dec 07

It would be novel for Oxford council to hand out a yearly prize for the most absurd contribution to Oxford life.

These should fit the bill nicely,i would even offer to pay for them.

http://www.talariaen
terprises.com/images
2/sd05a.jpg

Mr Ison, England says...
2:38am Sat 22 Dec 07

Or,they dont like the taste of their own medicine.

Even,they dont like it up em,sir!

Mr Ison, England says...
2:42am Sat 22 Dec 07

And so they should join the BNP or shut their mouths.

Nadia, UK says...
4:10am Sat 22 Dec 07

Until equality becomes equality, in the real sense of it, mosque kind of 'call to prayer' should never be allowed in any litigative society where there is a law on environmental noise pollution. In the countries where noise making is the way of life, may be. Until the Arab nations freely allow open Christian practices, the Muslims should practice their religion in moderation, and should not aim to impose their doctrine, directly or indirectly on their neighbours. AND, there is no reason why people should have to flee their homes because of other people's religious practices. No, it will not be a religion of 'peace' if others can not enjoy their peace of mind because of the so called 'call to prayer'. Why does any sincere worshipper need to be reminded by a 'call' anyway? - Nadia, UK

Bob, oxford says...
7:42am Sat 22 Dec 07

Let me see, it must be nearly 40 years since the Asians were kicked out of Uganda, and half of them live in East Oxford, but over all those years they have remembered when it was time for prayer, without someone yelling it over a loudspeaker,Alot of people now work on Sundays, so stopping the bells so Mr Ison can have a sleep in, is meaningless,
if the request is passed, my suggestion would be that whatever time the call to prayer goes out, every car and truck in the area blasts their horns to drown out the whaling, Taxi's excluded,

juliana, says...
7:52am Sat 22 Dec 07

Bravo Nadia; you have put it in a nutshell.First it will be serious noise pollution/an intrusion into the ears and the homes gardens and streets of those around who do not subscribe to Islam and secondly, why do sincere Muslims need to be reminded when to pray? We are not in the desert; they have watches, clocks, mobile phones that can be set to tell them when to pray so why impose a two minute religious prayer/sermon three times a day on all and sundry? and thirdly most Muslim nations don't allow Christian Churches, let alone their Church bells.There is no toleration there, while we have been most welcoming and have plenty of Mosques but this is a step too far.And lastly I think Mr Isman must be asleep!
Hooray!

juliana, says...
7:53am Sat 22 Dec 07

Correction: it's Mr Ison that must be asleep!

G Williams, Leicester says...
11:40am Sat 22 Dec 07

We in Leicester have this imposition from several mosques.Will this decrease the value of your house, absolutely it will. Does the declaration of Allah's sovereignty have an effect on the spiritual welfare of the surrounding community, absolutely it will. Will it cause friction and disharmony in the community, absolutely it will. In Leicester, an area once tollerent and understanding of all people, has my wife and I spat at as we pass to go to church for carrying a Bible and verbaly abused for wishing a lady on the streets a nice day,while opening a door for her! Beware the call of the politically correct - they will have the UK under sharia law and us all in hijab before you can blink.
I have had it stated to me that the aim of the Islamic community in Britain is to have sharia law inside 10 yrs (they claim to be ahead of schedual).

alan page, says...
12:08pm Sat 22 Dec 07

tarquin wrote:
Hi Al! Just got in after a rave. I'm buzzing off a pill I bought at a nightclub for only £2.50 and I'm having to wind down with a megasized doobie full of Afghan premium hash, which luckily I can get hold from a bourgeois friend of mine. I'd love to chat about Hegel some time but my attention span is limited due to the ... er... what was the question again, dude?
Good to see you are living true to type.

If you are going to insist on casting random aspersions or projecting highly imaginative fantasies about other individuals on here, then you have to expect returns.

If you beleive all council estate dwellers to be unemployed parasites on your "valuable" contribution to society, then we have the perfect right to view you as a vacuous drug abusing party drone who parasites off our labour to fund his habits.

Chavs vs Vavs (Vain and Vacuous) get it?

To all the property values watching bigots on here. I hope they use 40 megaton powered speakers to blast you to kingdom come!!!

r, east oxford says...
1:02pm Sat 22 Dec 07

To Alan Page, Have you got your hands on some Jihadi manuals? Or was that just a great pun?

steve, cowley says...
1:24pm Sat 22 Dec 07

When Muslims first used loudspeakers they were modernising,
so today if Muslims wish to modernise they can use email
or texting or simply publish prayer times on the mosque
notice board. All calls to prayer, from bell towers or minarets,
originate from times of illiteracy when people did not own
a watch or mobile phone.

Mr Ison, England says...
1:25pm Sat 22 Dec 07

The Klan and their animosity.

Mr Ison, England says...
1:32pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Allah-Ahkbar...and pass the ammunition.

alan page, says...
2:56pm Sat 22 Dec 07

I'm actually just jealous of Tarquin I cant take drugs as it messes with my bi-polar medicationa and makes me incontinent.
I said in my previous post

To all the property values watching bigots on here.

This actually doesnt make any sense - god I'm so thick!!

I wish I had my own house and didn't still live with my mum..

I've just realised I havent said bourgouis!!!!!

Mr Ison, England says...
3:05pm Sat 22 Dec 07

I think the call to prayer is harmless,not so the Israeli Megaphone activity online.

They are after all an enemy nation.

Mr Ison, England says...
3:11pm Sat 22 Dec 07

And so Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.

Mr Ison, England says...
3:20pm Sat 22 Dec 07

I think this sort of thing is what they most fear.

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=eofu7_Oce
UE

Mr Ison, England says...
3:25pm Sat 22 Dec 07

And this.

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=Ka-K7JORG
VE&feature=related

You dont see that on Multicultural TV.

Mr Ison, England says...
3:34pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Maybe the Mosque should invite some Musicians for the Cornmarket?

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=Q03QSzbpt
RU&feature=related

alan page, says...
3:47pm Sat 22 Dec 07

alan page wrote:
I'm actually just jealous of Tarquin I cant take drugs as it messes with my bi-polar medicationa and makes me incontinent. I said in my previous post To all the property values watching bigots on here. This actually doesnt make any sense - god I'm so thick!! I wish I had my own house and didn't still live with my mum.. I've just realised I havent said bourgouis!!!!!
Someone speak to me I'm lonely.

Mr Ison please stop putting posts on here I want to be the King ITS UPSETTING ME AND DOING NOTHING FOR MY INCONTINENCE...

Mr Ison, England says...
3:48pm Sat 22 Dec 07

And this one is truly eye-opening,banned by the BBC no doubt.

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=S_t8Z-Crv
1o&NR=1

Bernard, says...
3:53pm Sat 22 Dec 07

I moved to East Oxford eight months ago. The first two weeks I shopped in two Asian run grocery shops on the Cowley Road. The Asian shopkeepers where bad mannered and unwelcoming, I now shop at Tesco. Also, I was ripped off by an Asian landlord. I now have as little as possible to do with the Asian community. They do not want to integrate with us, it is they who wish to stay separate. Definitely there should be no amplified call to prayers allowed. Indeed, I fail to understand why the city planners allow these new mosques to be built.

Mr Ison, England says...
3:56pm Sat 22 Dec 07

But where else can one buy Jack Fruit inn England?

Swift Nick, says...
4:38pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Is Jack Fruit Inn anywhere near Jamaica Inn?

James, says...
4:50pm Sat 22 Dec 07

The Vicar of Altarnun preferred to cover the distance in a pony & trap.

Mr Ison, England says...
4:58pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Maybe it is near the Jamaica inn,myself i prefer Rocoto to Scotch Bonnet.

You cant buy them though.

We need a few more Andean people,not just their pan pipers.

Our king edwards are fine though the pink fir apple and jerusalem artichoke are also pleasing.

alan page, says...
5:05pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Why isn't anyone bourgeoise responding to MY THREADS - I'M THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON HERE................

......

SHAVE OFF MR ISON

Swift Nick, says...
5:08pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Methinks Alan has an impostor

Jim, says...
5:10pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Not a very intelligent one at that.

alan page, says...
5:22pm Sat 22 Dec 07

No it's me fans just not taken my medication today

juliana, says...
5:37pm Sat 22 Dec 07

I think Mr Ison (who's obviously woken up again,) should get a life.
It must be sad being on the internet ALL day

Mr Ison, England says...
6:13pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Arise and look out...

William, Oxford says...
6:43pm Sat 22 Dec 07

juliana wrote:
I think Mr Ison (who's obviously woken up again,) should get a life. It must be sad being on the internet ALL day
Juliana.....go bake a cake...

steve, botley says...
7:59pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Nothing particularly inciteful to say, but Mr Ison appears to be deranged. I am still of the opinion that the "call to prayer" transmission would be a poor decision. But who know's common sence may take the lead.

Mr Ison, England says...
8:37pm Sat 22 Dec 07

If you build an estate for this community centre i can only suggest piping in the Call like they do aboard ship.

Mr Ison, England says...
9:08pm Sat 22 Dec 07

For these voicepipes you may want to look at different materials,plastic maybe no good acoustically,ceramic may be better.

You would probably also need repeater stations.

From what i can make out this technology would be found fitting for those that have been described as a primitive peoples so there should really be no opposition.

Martin, Brisbane, Australia says...
9:28pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Islam is a way of life (or religion). Christianity is also a way of life. If you want to gauge their values, look at the fruits they produce. The saying don't listen to what they say but what they do is a real test of honesty and virtue. The problem in the UK today is the Nation has turned its back on the practising Christianity of its fore fathers, although not practiced perfectly, made England and the other wonderful nations of the United Kingdom what they are today. The country is not perfect but still the dream of many, many people to settle here! Why, because the Christian traditions have passed down the concept of loving your neighbour as yourself. Everyone follows a way of life, the choice is keep to the traditional values and improve on them, or be in a vacuum and inevitably be affected by another way of life. Thankfully in the UK today there is still freedom of choice and freedom of religion...the question to ask, is for howmuch longer? Bells and Pray Calls are really the side issues!

Mr Ison, England says...
9:30pm Sat 22 Dec 07

I heard from a Scot they had installed this system in Greece but without the instructions.

second class citizen, Oxford says...
9:41pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Mr Ison wrote:
For these voicepipes you may want to look at different materials,plastic maybe no good acoustically,ceramic may be better. You would probably also need repeater stations. From what i can make out this technology would be found fitting for those that have been described as a primitive peoples so there should really be no opposition.
Well. I asked Florence what she thought about it and she was aghast!

Mr Ison, England says...
9:50pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Your insult invoked the ire of Allah,you are for the chop.

The residents of Manzil way are to be dragged from their homes to stand before my court of Sharia where they shall each lose both hands so as to be on the safe side.

They will thank me for it.

second class citizen, Oxford says...
10:02pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Florence says that if these noisy b-----ds wake her up from her afternoon nap it'll be walking sticks at dawn.

Mr Ison, England says...
10:06pm Sat 22 Dec 07

Good,good.

I just finished my course of elementary Hebrewism by S.Kubrick and am now off into the night to paint Swastikas about the town as a show of solidarity with my Judaist brethren.

Wish me luck.

alan page, says...
12:57am Sun 23 Dec 07

Jim wrote:
Not a very intelligent one at that.
No but rather amusing none the less.

Let them babble away, they say more about themselves than about me.

It's quite flattering they consider me that much of a threat.

Doesn't say much for democracy though if this is where stating honest opinions leads.

Mr Ison, England says...
2:43am Sun 23 Dec 07

Democracy is like flatulence in polite company.

alan page, says...
10:02am Sun 23 Dec 07

alan page wrote:
Jim wrote: Not a very intelligent one at that.
No but rather amusing none the less. Let them babble away, they say more about themselves than about me. It's quite flattering they consider me that much of a threat. Doesn't say much for democracy though if this is where stating honest opinions leads.
God I'm so amusing I've just shat myself!

My mother (who I love and still live with) doesnt consider me a threat neither foes the bagpipe boy who I love dearly.

I am also incredibly crap at punctuation - back to school for me!!

P.S Have you noticed i logged on at 12.57am on a Sunday morning - it's all go in my life!!!

Mr. Barratt, Oxford says...
6:39pm Sun 23 Dec 07

The Muslims should sod off back to their own country and leave us alone to be British.

Mr Ison, England says...
6:50pm Sun 23 Dec 07

I think one should not opportunistically attack Muslims.

I suggest all the foreigners go back home,it didnt work out,too alien to the western mindset.

Actually i still feel the moritorium on Immigration for the duration of the parlioament is the British thing to do.

It is telling that none of the British political parties have this policy.

No man can serve two masters.

Mr. Barrett, Oxford says...
8:00pm Sun 23 Dec 07

When the revolution happens in this country the din will contrast brilliantly with the call to prayer. This will make Oxford very diverse!

My message to the Government: Stop trying to inflict other culturs on us.

alan page, says...
10:08pm Mon 24 Dec 07

alan page wrote:
alan page wrote:
Jim wrote: Not a very intelligent one at that.
No but rather amusing none the less. Let them babble away, they say more about themselves than about me. It's quite flattering they consider me that much of a threat. Doesn't say much for democracy though if this is where stating honest opinions leads.
God I'm so amusing I've just shat myself! My mother (who I love and still live with) doesnt consider me a threat neither foes the bagpipe boy who I love dearly. I am also incredibly crap at punctuation - back to school for me!! P.S Have you noticed i logged on at 12.57am on a Sunday morning - it's all go in my life!!!
"Neither foes the bagpipe boy".

"I am also incredibly crap at punctuation."

Spelling also defeats you doesn't it.

"Back to school for me!!"
Too little too late in your case.

Anyway back to your shaznay, raznay, phatznay,newly hyped R and B stuff.

I'm grooving to Sibelius myself.

Mr Ison, England says...
6:40pm Tue 25 Dec 07

Lol,the Daily Mail ripped the story verbatim but couldn't muster the number of contributions posted at the Oxford Mail.

d rees, carmarthen says...
11:58am Thu 27 Dec 07

Any of us who has worked in the Middle East know exactly how it sounds. A pre-recorded toneless, tinny racket being blasted out from loudspeakers,invadin
g everyones living, working space and private thoughts. If it was the synagogues making this request this is what the Muslim commuity would be protesting about. Anyone who even contemplates allowing it is doing himself or anyone else (exept Mslims0 any favours

Bob, Torbay says...
1:43pm Thu 27 Dec 07

I'm an evangelical Christian studying for a PhD in how evangelicals have understood and preached about the afterlife. Dan's post was very thought provoking and I find myself in agreement with most of it.
However, Dan's take on evangelical christians is misguided - in my case, anyway.

Dave, Exmouth says...
7:08pm Thu 27 Dec 07

What is the goal of Muslims? The Islamisation of the UK, and this is just one more step towards that. The church I go to doesn't have or need bells to call people to prayer. I am a born again Christian, and I pray because I want to not because a loudspeaker tells me to. Belief in God is not about rules or set times of the day determined by a "call", it's about a relationship with God through Jesus His Son.

Mr Ison, England says...
7:33pm Thu 27 Dec 07

Heigh-HO!

s. Maxwell-Wood, Nr. Banbury, OXON says...
4:28pm Wed 2 Jan 08

This idea is deeply worrying in the face of avowed Islamist intent to take over this country: what better way! A clarion call to declare Islamic supremacy 24/7! No let up, no respite.

John, Oxford says...
2:49pm Thu 3 Jan 08

I have chosen not to live in an Islamic state nor do I follow its teachings or traditions. Moreover I do not wish to be subjected to the Islamic call to prayer. If Councilors grant planning permission, it will make a mockery of political correctness whilst creating further cultural unrest amongst local residents.

gecko, cowley says...
4:54am Fri 4 Jan 08

Although I can't provide a new perspective on this debate, I have seen several people mention Sharia Law.

Just food-for-thought (and I offer no editorial on this)the European Court for Human Rights determined that...
"sharia is incompatible with the fundamental principles of democracy"


reference:
http://cmiskp.echr.c

oe.int/tkp197/viewhb

km.asp?sessionId=649

5642&skin=hudoc-en&a

ction=html&table=113

2746FF1FE2A468ACCBCD

1763D4D8149&key=1547

5&highlight=

DaveP, Beverley, UK says...
9:55pm Fri 4 Jan 08

It is interesting that so many assert equivalence between the traditional faith of Britain, and an aggressive imperialist religion, such as Islam - a recent import that crept has crept in as undeclared baggage with immigrants we have given succour to. There can be no such equivalence. Our civilisation is based on Christianity. If there is ringing of bells, then it is as it should be, as churches are part of our culture. Islamic calls for prayer though, are not a part of our culture. Muslims should be happy that they are allowed so much freedom in the West - something no other faith would have in a Muslim country, instead of whingeing all the time.

Local Resident, Temple Road, Cowley says...
8:06am Sat 5 Jan 08

The ringing of a church bell is part of our English cultural heritage. It produces a sound, which I really enjoy. The broadcast of a call to prayer sounds very alien to me!!! Oxford has traditionally been a Christian city, and I can't feel happy that our culture is being threatened by another culture. I don't want to see such an Eurabia!

DaveP, Beverley, UK says...
3:11pm Sat 5 Jan 08

Local Resident: Thoroughly agree with you.

It was in Oxford, at the scene of execution at the stake, of Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, that Latimer spoke the inspiring words -
<b>“Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”</b>

That candle is just about flickering. It is up to us, that it is never put out, for the day it is put out, will be the day that England ceases to exist.

Worried, Oxford says...
9:49pm Tue 8 Jan 08

Anyone who knows Mr Rana will perhaps be a little surprised to discover that he has quite a relaxed view of Islam.

That said he is the acceptable face of the muslim community in Oxford for that very reason and it is the nutcases who believe that Sharia is the answer to all the worlds ills that we should be concerned about.

I know quite a few muslims, gay, drinkers, philanderers, etc. Not one will speak out about this travesty of a situation.

The muslim councillors will roll over for it. They merely seek votes and it will be interesting to see if Andrew Smith has the backbone to support the no campaign as he spends a great deal of time getting things 'sorted' for muslims in East Oxford.

much of the LibDem and Green Councillor groups have NO idea about this cultural newcomer to Britains shores as we saw demonstrated when they put £50K aside so that people could have naked flames and shower conversions on some spurious cultural claims.

It is time to stand up and be counted in Oxford. Vote out those who will simply give the nod to such stupidity. That means do not vote Labour, do not vote Green and do not vote LibDem.

Richard, Oxford says...
2:29am Sun 13 Jan 08

Most people feel somewhat uncomfortable with the idea...Who ever thinks that most people are in favour is simply wrong..Whilst I believe that it is important to tolerate the traditions of all groups, the fact remains that this is England and the call to prayer being broadcast is a step too far....The fears of the Bishop of Rochester cannot simply be overlooked and the concerns of people who express them cannot simply be dismissed as lack of tollerance.

Anon, Cowley Road area says...
12:06pm Mon 14 Jan 08

At the next local elections, if there is either a party opposing the noisy Arab language intruder or a one issue party set up for the purpose, I will vote for it. If somebody is seriously interested in standing as candidate nearer the time then it is time to make these other, complacent parties sweat over losing votes.

Time for the unwashed, stinky, tree hugging Greens to get involved in matters that people are really concerned about instead of posing for Police arrest on the front page of the Oxford Times or looking gormless and bearded for no purpose!

There is no Allah, so why should anyone pollute my peace with their voluble religious rantings?

Mark, Luton says...
9:02am Sun 20 Jan 08

I was ASTONISHED to hear on Radio 4 of this proposal, to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer in Oxford. Cheek! If it had been April 1st.... Just as the mohammedon faith encourages women to be modest, could not the men of the mosque (each of whom I am sure possesses a wristwatch with which to make it to worship on time) adopt a similar reticence and send out the call a cappella? The hours of prayer might thus be marked with 'Islam unplugged' in the knowledge that real muezzin, and not a loudspeaker, call out over the English air - just as do the unamplified bells of the Church. islam unplugged, that's the solution.

dave james, devon says...
2:40pm Thu 31 Jan 08

A network of minarets in islamic countries ensures the faithful are not forgetfull.
Untill enough mosques cover an overlapping network in the cities of britain may i suggest the mosques sent out multiple texts to all the faithful at the apropriate times with apropriate and the same ring tone for all.

clive, windsor says...
1:33pm Sat 2 Feb 08

We have a similar local problem in a place called Dedworth and the objections of local people have been overulled by the authorities. If anyone stands in the way of multiculuralism you are labelled a reactionary and ostracised. Just ask Ray Honneyford. The worst thing to do is appease those who try to mix religion and politics.

John, UK says...
7:01pm Thu 7 Feb 08

Am I missing something?

If religion and prayer was so important to these people, why on earth do they need an alarm call??

David, London says...
11:37am Fri 8 Feb 08

Its a religious right of Muslims for a Call to prayers as we got a BELL in Church as a call. The sound of Bell makes noise pollution and disturbs people though. If we as a liberal society use the Bell then we should do justice in giving rights to other religions. Call to Prayers for Muslims should be accepted.

Tablege Dai, London says...
11:42am Fri 8 Feb 08

As a Muslim we never complained about the noise created by Bell. Open society should respect other believes. As Islam gives rights to other religions and security as well.

Ken, Oxford says...
3:27pm Tue 12 Feb 08

We want to maintain the peacefulness and quiet of East Oxford. Busy as it already with everything going on, we do not want extra noise pollution in this part of the city. Secondly, why should our muslim brothers always want to have preferential treatment whenever they want something. If I was to set up a huge dancing club in the area, surely i would be accepted or refused basing on the same rules and regulations and creteria too as already put in place. I am of the opinion that there should be no middle goriund when it comes to enforcing rules and regulations. What is good and applicable for all of us should also be the same for the rest of the community and that should also apply to our muslim brothers. I am also unconfortable with the suggestion because once you give an inch to those demands, believe me you soon they will go in for a mile. The suggestion that the call to prayer willonly be done once a week will soon be twice a week and before we know it it will be three times daily. I appleal to the powers that be NOT to even consider that application should it be submitted.

maura collins, Ireland. says...
1:04pm Sun 24 Feb 08

How did they manage to show up for services before the proposed broadcast? The sound of bells from churches in Oxford are part of its tradition, the noise from loudspeakers calling the faithful to the Mosque is not. If you have ever been to the Middle East you will know what I'm saying is true, but also when there when were church bells ever allowed, other than in Israel?

Paul Fordyce, Sydney Australia says...
11:37am Wed 21 May 08

The simple and balanced solution to this problem would seem to have a dedicated radio station that could issue the muslim call to prayer, not only for the muslims in oxford but in the whole of the United Kingdom.

tom, oxford says...
2:53pm Mon 16 Jun 08

besikly they r bieain rasit **** old people can't let us live in peace lol

tom, oxford says...
3:05pm Mon 16 Jun 08

oh u lot r just bein stupit can't u lot live in peace in also let us live in peace
i am cristina but still foud muslims pleasent to work with

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