Sunday, May 08, 2016

British buses to get slogans proclaiming Allah as country's biggest Muslim charity launches campaign to aid Syrian victims

  • Buses will carry adverts by Britain's biggest Muslim cause Islamic Relief 
  • Campaign will feature the line 'Subhan Allah', meaning 'Glory be to God'
  • The adverts will run during Ramada in an attempt to 'break down barriers' 
  • Charity wants Muslims to donate money to victims of the Syrian Civil War
Adverts proclaiming glory to Allah will be branded on hundreds of buses around the country to raise money for victims of the Syrian Civil War and portray Islam in a positive light.

Islamic Relief, Britain's biggest Muslim charity, came up with the advertisements with the line 'Subhan Allah' - meaning 'Glory be to God'.

The government-backed organisation wants to 'break down barriers' and portray Islam in a positive light.

Muslims will be asked to donate to the cause to 'gather the rewards of Ramadan'.

Islamic Relief, Britain's biggest Muslim charity, came up with the advertisements with the line 'Subhan Allah' - meaning 'Glory be to God' (pictured)

Cities with the largest Muslim communities will be targeted. London has 50% of Britain's three million Muslims.

Practising Christians may ask questions about the campaign after cinemas banned an advert featured the Archbishop of Canterbury reciting the Lord's Prayer in the run-up to Christmas. 

The advert was to be shown before screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens but was banned by Odeon, Cineworld and Vue.

They said the Christian film could have 'upset audiences' because it was about religion. 

Labour's Sadiq Khan, the son of a bus driver, was elected as London Mayor on Thursday - the first person to hold the position and be a Muslim. Mr Khan is now responsible for managing London's transport infrastructure.

Transport for London (TfL) can ban adverts on the buses it runs if it is linked to a 'political party or political cause'. However, there are no rules against religious advertising.

TfL can order bus staff to take down adverts if they are 'likely to cause widespread or serious offence' to the public.

England cricketer Moeen Ali is supporting the advertising campaign 
England cricketer Moeen Ali is supporting the advertising campaign 
Back in 2012, then London mayor Boris Johnson intervened after adverts by a Christian charity linked to homophobia wanted to start a campaign on buses.  

Islamic Relief's aim is to encourage young Muslims to think about charitable giving and humanitarian work and not be drawn in by   propaganda created by terrorist groups like ISIS.

Imran Madden, the UK director of Islamic Relief told The Sunday Times: 'There is a lot of negativity around Muslims at the moment involving things such as counterterrorism issues. 

'We want to change for the better the perception of Islam. 

The bus campaign is about breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions.'

England cricketer Moeen Ali is supporting the initiative. He wants the adverts to encourage debate and increase understanding.

The adverts will start running in the capital from May 23.

June 6 is the expected date when Ramadan, the holiest month in the Muslim calendar, will begin.

The month is commonly used by Muslims to fast and think about being generous towards others as it is meant to promote greater spiritual rewards.

Islamic Relief has helped more than 100 million people across the world since it was established in Birmingham in 1984. 

More than £140 million has been sent in aid to Syria - supporting around 6.5 million people. 
The charity works with 33 countries and supports people of all faiths and backgrounds. 

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