Muslim rally in Trafalgar Square

I went to the gym for a swim and a workout, and on the way back I decided to go and visit Trafalgar Square where a rally had been organised by various Muslim groups following the publication of the cartoons, and last week's protest with extremist banners calling for violence. The rally today had about 10, 000 people (at a rough guess) and I found it to be a peaceful and united condemnation of extremism and provocation - whether of Islamophobic cartoons or hateful placards. I was there for just over an hour. I was talking to people rather than listening to the speeches, though I did overhear George Galloway. He struck something of a jarring note, I thought, carrying on about how we will defend ourselves against tyranny and drawing comparisons between RESPECT and the anti-facist movement of the 1930's and generally carrying on as if he was some kind of saviour of Muslims. He came over as a publicity-mad politician instead.


I had a long and interesting talk with a young Muslim man who was giving away leaflets explaining Islam, and was being set about by a very rude Evangelical Christian man (who, it turned out was pretty theologically illiterate). I got drawn into the discussion which was respectful and knowledgable on the Muslim man's side and aggressive and rambling on the Christian man's side. Eventually the Muslim leaflet man and I moved away and continued our chat away from him as Mr Evangelical was turning into an embarrassing foaming loon. We talked about war, peace, the Old and New Testament and Qu'ran, Darwinism and the Nicene Creed amongst other things. We forgot to ask each other's names for some reason.

It was a relief to see a large, peaceful, sincere demonstration of ordinary Muslims - Trafalgar Square was pretty full - I was blogging earlier this week about how frustrating it is when all you see is images of angry young Muslims waving extremist banners or being charged in court. The cartoons clearly caused great offence: when I talked to people I found a great sincerity when they spoke of their feelings.There no sense of people 'affecting' their anger and sense of insult - it was real, heartfelt. I don't think this is all about the cartoons through - I talked to about 6 other people besides the guy with the leaflets, and there was frequent mention of the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan too and depressed suspicion that another war was brewing with Iran and Syria. There was talk of a war on Islam. There was incredulity at the actions of the suicide bombers and people mentioned their reaction to the offensive banners waved last week ( 'Europe is the Cancer... 7/7 is on its way' etc).
'They are not proper Muslims, this makes it so difficult for us' I was told again and again. I said I knew that. (I didn't mention my personal experiences on 7th July).

I've been given a CD, of sung Islamic prayers, as a parting gift. I read the leaflets on the tube home. They gave a basic guide to the principles of Islam and stressed the peaceful nature of the Prophet Mohammed, (peace be upon him). I'm glad I went along, even though it was freezing. I haven't been to a demo in Trafalgar Square since July 14th, when there was a very moving vigil of London United Against Terrorism. Which many Muslims attended. Being back in Trafalgar Square reminded me so much of that week in July - I was quite moved as I thought of all that had happened since then.

It really cheered me up to see so much common sense and calmness: I was a bit nervous about going at first in case a) it was for Muslims only, or b) the damn extremists had got in and started causing trouble and being inflammatory. But it was fine, it was very inspiring and it encouraged me. I am glad I went.

Peace be upon you all, in the spirit of what I heard repeated many times today.