Saturday, September 30, 2006

Poem: Poland’s Montgomery – Acrostic homage to Dudek!










D espite the frantic fanfare, time froze
U p popped a balletically poised gloved hand
D udek of the woolly Jerzy variety
E cstasy as realisation dawns, time unfreezes
K op shrieks of frenzy can be heard all through the Istanbul night

© Emdad Rahman – 30.09.06 - www.footballpoets.org

Poem: And Sheva must score…

Shevchenko, living legend, launches the gaping goal seeking missile

Jumping bullfrog Jerzy jumps a mile
In unison the makeshift Kop scream “save”

Unfortunate rebound, surely now as Sheva lines up the second wave

And Sheva must score…Attack, attack, attack!
Collective gasp, it must be a mirage as aghast the world stands aback

“Woe unto me” roars Sheva
What followed will remain in the annals of history forever

© Emdad Rahman – 30.09.06 - www.footballpoets.org

Friday, September 29, 2006

Poem - Marc Vivien Foe – 1975 – 2003

A giant of a man
Braveheart, graceful, striking smile
True ambassador of everything exquisite about the beautiful game
The family of football shattered by this loss
A part of football died in Lyon that day
Lost, but not forgotten

© Emdad Rahman – 29.09.06 - www.footballpoets.org

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse...

Bush Given Authority To Sexually Torture American Children
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/september2006/290906sexuallytorture.htm

Cute but definitely needs some tajweed lessons

Poem: Redemption



Dreams galore in the Cathedral Nou Camp, but who will fulfil?
It’s Enzo Bearzot’s squadra Azzurra against Tele Santana’s Brazil

A Blue victory is a must, their fate finely balanced on a seesaw
Red hot favourites Brazil though would go through with a draw

Living artists ply their wares, Socrates, Eder, Falcao, Cerezo
For Barcelona see Sao Paolo, El Jogo Bonito

But trouble seems to lurk in paradise, a hungry assassin primed for a redeeming hit
Cool, calm and ice cool hitman Rossi clamps his teeth around the bit

Two years in the wilderness, surely he’s nothing but a misfit
No goals as yet the cynics say, will he ever acquit?

Twenty two master craftsmen serve up one of the best matches ever
A stinging hat trick from an avenging Rossi, never say never

Three flashes of brilliance, from criminal to darling of the nation
As a nation erupts we hear, a muffled scream, redemption!

© Emdad Rahman – 29.09.06 - www.footballpoets.org

Thursday, September 28, 2006

World cup semi final 1982 - West Germany v France

Classic semi! Includes Schumacher's attempt to decapitate Battiston...

Poem: Iron man or Psycho?

An attack as such would get you arrested for Grevious Bodily Harm
What went through Thatcher's head, a raging bull before, a horrendous
smash
with the forearm
And where was Dermot G, unsighted, poor and acrid
Such deliberate and violent acts cannot be tolerated
Will Big Ben turn it round to win back his adored acclaim?
Works cut, after the most horrible challenge ever seen in the game
Will he return, bright, sparkly and bristly
Or will secluded reflection make him a menace to society
He's a nice chap and many will wish him well
The ball's in your court Thatch; reform or rebel

(c) Emdad Rahman: 27.09.06 - www.footballpoets.org

Liverpool 3 v 0 Tottenham Hotspurs

Poem

RAMADAN

As I look searchingly into the sky
I look for a sign from Allah the most high
People think I'm crazy sitting in this cold
But I quest for something more precious than gold

For mankind this sign represents something great
but for the rejected one, it fills him with hate
Suddenly out of the darkness the moon does appear
the whole world rejoices 'Ramadan is here'

During Ramadan the shaytan is in chains
and Allah's mercy for a month reigns
The doors of heaven are open wide
begging for mankind to enter and abide

So often in Hadith we are reminded and told
that rewards are multiplied by many a fold
In this month do good deeds and read Quran
spend your time wisely and learn Islam

After all these years I have made up my mind
the right path and salvation I wish to find
To Allah's will I will surrender at last,
enshallah, Allah will forgive my past

Forgive-all those sins too good it sounds
but Allah's mercy knows no bounds
With sins stacked like mountains so high
will be forgiven within a blink of an eye

This Ramadan my heart and soul are alive
ready to change and ready to strive,
No more will the shaytan hold me back
in the worship of my Lord nothing will lack

Together lets make the decision to change
our priorities in this life lets re-arrange
This life on Earth is short and fast
but the life in the hereafter will forever last

Ironically this life for us holds much value
when the next life is the one thats true
To make effort on Dunya we never tire
but will it take us to paradise or hell fire?

This month will give a fresh perspective
on the way we ought to and the way we live
With Zikr and prayer lets increase our Iman
Join me and together lets celebrate Ramadan

With Ramadan here the changes begin,
Firstly walking away from a life of sin
The shackles of sin I have worn so long
Now caste away to the righteous I belong

The seeker finds and mercy does shower
On lail-a-tul Qadr - the night of Power
The Quran came down on this blessed night
A guidance for mankind an illuminating light

From the depth of your Soul please pray
as Duas are accepted and sins wiped away
Ask with a clean heart is all Allah requires
and ask for whatever good the soul desires

Listen to the Quran every night in Tarawih
Ah.. Allah's words what spiritual ecstasy
It cools your heart and calms your soul
So with crystal clear vision perceive your goal

For this goodness to last there is a price
For the Deen of truth you need sacrifice
To toss aside Dunya you hold so dear
Nothing but Allah will you ever fear.

Tossing and turning through every night
the demon called Dunya you need to fight
the demon called nafs you need to tame
because struggling to surrender is your ultimate aim

Etikaf is a another gift that Allah sent
The Last ten days in His path spent
in the Mosque in the presence of your Lord
doing Zikr, Talawat or Salah at your own accord

These days to Allah you must also dedicate
then disbelief and ignorance your will hate
The Quran and Sunnah will be your guide
Only then faith in your heart will reside.

Beginning this Ramadan lets make amends
Study and practice until our life ends
Everything but our deeds we leave behind
this is the truth to which we were blind

Our cars, wealth and house on earth will stay
our actions are the companions on that day
when your breath expires so does hope
so hold on firmly to Allah's rope


There is great wisdom in this rhyme
Its dedicated to me before its my time
for these changes my soul does yearn
this Ramadan Inshallah its my turn


Zahid bin Ghulam

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

BBC football stories




My stories been updated:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/atoz/stories/lawro_gets_a_kicking.shtml
606 has joined with the BBC's Reading and Writing campaign - RaW to bring you Football Stories. They are collecting six hundred and six football stories which will be published in a book. Read the stories sent in so far and if you want to send in a story, use the form at the bottom of the 5 live homepage page (Follow the above link).

Football Story: Lawro gets a kicking!

Writer:Emdad Rahman, London

Groin attack - Author's definition: An attempt to cause injury to the groin area of an opponent, either through biting, kicking or punching. The technique can be harmful, due to the large number of sensitive nerve endings in that area of the body.

The Bible prohibits certain attacks on the groin. Deuteronomy 25:11-12 states: If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity.

Going back to 2002 and we revisit the event billed as the summer's biggest event, just edging the 2002 World cup into second place. Yes, the 150th celebration of the one and only Great Ormond Street Summer in the City Fun Day at Victoria Park, a family fun day out with football fun, giant inflatable's and music, all in aid of the hospital.

Z-list celebreties present on the day included Samantha Janus, Alan Ford, Mark Womack and Tommy 'greenfingers' Walsh. I had received a bunch of golden tickets from the hospital to allow local East End kids to participate in the Golden ticket football event. One of my teams had a player missing so as the opposition had BBC pundits Ray Stubbs, Mark Lawrenson and West Brom 's Nigel Pearson on playing cameo roles for them, we agreed that I could play.The game was a whitewash of the highest order and we were well on the way to an impressive win, knocking six in with no reply. The highlight of the game was reserved for the end of the game. A 50-50 ball, feet up in the air, my back arched, I executed a poetic slide tackle. Visions of Baresi in the Rose bowl were rudely interrupted as a disgraceful miss ended up with me perched in Lawro's lap, a split second after delivering an aluminium tipped toe poke to his dangly bits.

The price of a ticket - ten pounds, practice ball - five pounds and the look on Lawro's face after a sledgehammer blow to the groin, priceless. A collective "oooh" reverberated around the pitch. My adrenalin boosted brain translated this crowd response as an acclaim of the highest order, reserved for global superstars. It was not on the scale of Wayne Rooney's tomato squashing antics against Ricardo Carvalho but John Scales and Paul Konchesky who were offering coaching on the sidelines were splitting their sides with streams of guffaws. In the interests of fair play I joined the ranks of Antonio Rattin by being sent off seconds before the final whistle.To complete my introduction to the hall of shame of shame I spotted Ade 'the hitman' (Akinbadbuy) Akinbiyi giving me a scary look. 'I've made it' I thought as we trudged off triumphantly.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Xabi Alonso's cracker against the Toon!

MOULANA ABDUL FATTAH














RENOWNED GIRLS SCHOOL PRINCIPAL VISITS UK

EMDAD RAHMAN

Moulana Abdul Fattah, the Principal of Haji Haji Taiyob Ali Girls Madrasah (Pictured) is currently visiting the UK. The womens educational insitute is situated in Gongazol, Zakigonj in Sylhet. The Madrasah initially commenced with one Ustadh, a handful of students and an open room with just a tin roof as protection from rain cover.

The institute has had to bear various financial constraints since it's inception. Today, the Madrasah has grown up into a small albeit established institution with approximately 200 flourishing female students. The institute is abuzz with `Ilmi activities (Quran, `Aalima and academic classes)

The majority of the students of the Madrasah are from the disadvantaged areas of Gongazol in Zakigonj.

Moulana Abdul Fattah is visiting relatives, raising funds and attending various functions to fulfill speaking and lecture committments. To talk to the Moulana please call 07852988704.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Poem: Cashley Cole












The yawn saga involving Cashley Cole
Was he egged on by Cheryl Tweedy?
To the devil he sold his worthless soul
The lure of a third Bentley left him very needy

It remains to be seen if Cash jumps ship when Barca wag a finger?
In his quest for silver, will fans contemplate letting him off the hook?
Fat chance they’ll get as he’ll be off too quick with a swipe of his left stinger
Whilst strolling into the sunset with his glorious trophy minger

What folly! Just a self obsessed nonentity
And when Corporal Mourinho smacks his bottom, he’ll leave Chelski in the lurch
‘It’s all their fault’, he’ll whine, ‘I’m just a little nobody from the city’
Leaving once again, a reputation sullied, soiled, besmirched

Acquisitiveness and criticism of his colleagues was oh not so clever
A time will come when this piece of detail will damn him forever.

© Emdad Rahman – 17.09.06
www.footballpoets.org

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Poem: Evertonian ecstacy

Congratulations to Everton for winning the Champions League final
All eleven hungry toffees fought like the Royal Bengal
In earthly terms, what is termed as the two hundred and fourth Merseyside derby
Saw David Moyes elevated to the status of Sir Matt Busby
Johnson’s brace led to a stunning rout
Even though the Reds performed like limp sauerkraut
For us to concede three is not right," Benitez said
With bigger fish to fry, it’s odds on the Reds will still finish ahead

(c)Emdad Rahman - www.footballpoets.org

Goodbye and Good Riddance

The Leader of the New Labour Council (Denise Jones) has had the audacity to invite RESPECT councillors to attend a ‘farewell and good wishes’ event for departing Chief Executive Christine Gilbert.

Cllr Abjol Miah, opposition leader, says: ‘It seems that New Labour and Ms Gilbert are intent on squandering public time and money right to the end. The RESPECT Group will not be accepting the invitation. We consider that Ms Gilbert has failed the people of Tower Hamlets.’

Christine Gilbert has:

Presided over the 'disposal' of millions of pounds worth of public assets - town halls, local housing offices, public libraries and worst of all, thousands of council homes. Only a public outcry stopped the ownership of a brand-new award-winning Idea Store being given away for nothing
Encouraged the wanton use of private consultants, often without proper checks or accountability, at a cost of millions of pounds to local people.
Damaged the working conditions and morale of council staff by the introduction of an authoritarian and unnecessary sickness procedure
Allowed the ruling party to avoid public debate and scrutiny.

Finally - and most damningly - presided over an electoral system that no longer has the confidence of local people.

For these and similar ‘services’ she is rewarded with a staggering £189,000 a year (excluding pensions). There is no justification for any employee of Tower Hamlets being paid this amount, while the average household income in our borough is £15,000 and the Town Hall cleaners are paid £5.05 an hour. We call on the Council to ensure that this deplorable situation is not repeated when the next Chief Executive is appointed.

For more information and press comment , phone Eileen Short on 07984 813 930

Monday, September 11, 2006

FOOTBALL-'GOALS AND DREAMS'

Documentary following three young Asians as they try to break into professional football and the Premier League. Commentary from Keneth Wolstenholme...

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2794571977155251344&q=premiership+goals&hl=en-GB

BBC Radio Five Live Football Stories

They used to call me Jackanory when I was younger. I'm proud to say here's my piece on the Five Live website. It needs editing so I've corrected and sent it in again. Feedback appreciated...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/atoz/stories/lawro_gets_a_kicking.shtml

Thahid is top boy!

This kid is an absolute diamond...


















Thahid overcomes disability to ensure exam success

EMDAD RAHMAN

Nine year old Thahidul Islam, a pupil of Columbia School recently finished top of the school recently.
Thahid came first out of 150 pupils to claim first spot in the end of year examinations at the prestigious Muwatta Weekend Maktab, an enterprising and groundbreaking educational institute based in the East End of London.

Thahid had his leg amputated at birth and has relied on medical support and the use of a prosthetic limb to help with mobility all his life.

Principal of Muwatta Weekend Maktab, M. Ashuk Hussain JP congratulated Thahid on his remarkable achievement. He said:

Mr Hussain also congratulated the parents and thanked staff for their unstinted support in helping Thahid to achieve so brilliantly.

Thahid was very pleased with his success; 'I have been working hard, but to be honest I didn't expect top get first place. I'm really pleased and I hope I can do as well again at the end of next year.'

Rageh Omar Launches Rabina Khan for Fore-Word Press

Fore-Word Press announces the launch of Rabina Khan’s controversial new Book “Ayesha’s Rainbow”
(ISBN: 0954886720)

The event @ Borders, Oxford St, London @ 8pm on Friday 15th September 2006 will be hosted by former BBC Journalist Rageh Omaar.

For information & reviews please visit www.fore-word.com or come along on the night; entrance free & open to all.

Press should arrive at 7pm; Rabina will be reading from her controversial book which is being dubbed as a challenge to Monica Ali’s best seller “Brick Lane” which was largely scorned by the Asian press.

http://www.thebookseller.com/?pid=263&did=7985&eid=166240&nb_catId=918

Saturday, September 09, 2006

POEM - LIVERPOOL WOES











Is it unrealistic?
To pine for the return of the glory days
Or should we be content, with momentary glory
League cup runners up, fourth in the league
A blaze of success every so often
Is this the future, still
We love you, yeah, yeah, yeah

© Emdad Rahman - 09.09.06
www.footballpoets.org

Friday, September 08, 2006

Stepney Football Club signs new sponsorship with global company













Emdad Rahman

Thursday 31st August 2006 6 PM the Mile End Ecology Park hosted the official unveiling of the new Stepney FC 2006/07 kit and a night of celebration of the successful 2005/06 season which included winner of the Inner London Football League (ILFL), Runners up of BFA Summer league and the winner of MPA Safer Neighbourhood Football Tournament.

The new kit was presented by the Director of Corporate Affairs Malcolm Lane of TATA Consultancy Services Limited, who also outlined TATA’s commitment to future collaborations with Stepney FC.

Also present was Cllr Abdal Ullah (Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener) and also Honorary President of Stepney FC, Syed Ahmed (The Apprentice), the Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets Cllr Ann Jackson, Cllr Claire Hawkins, Cllr Rofique Uddin Ahmed and John Biggs London Assembly member.

“This is a fantastic new opportunity for Stepney FC, we’re a local team with local values and ambitions to be the best in East London and beyond. Having the support of Tata, one the worlds leading companies is a honour and we’re excited about the future of the club” said Abdul Boshir, Club Chairman.Amongst those recognised was Syed Ahmed Age 14 who achieved level 9 in his SATS, Humain Rashid Age 14 and Jilu Rashid Age 13 for their voluntary work with the club. In the Senior Team Jahed Khan (Zola) received the goal of the season and top goal scorers award with Forhan Uddin receiving Managers Player of the Year Award and Foyzul Hoque receiving the Players Player of the Year Award. Also an award was given to founding members and long-term supporters of the club for services to Stepney FC; Akik Uddin, Runu Miah, Sunur Uddin and Abdul Boshir.

Additional Info

 Stepney FC was established in 1993
 Majority of players and management are of Bangladeshi background
 The honorary president is Cllr. Abdal Ullah, ward Councillor
 More info about Stepney Football Club on www.stepneyfc.com

Contact: Afazul Hoque
Tele: 07904 123 046
E-Mail: stepneyfc@hotmail.com

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Jay and I meet Danny Williams

World Champion in waiting. A soft spoken gent and a gentle giant. (That's Danny, not Jay by the way...)

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Poem: Il Capitano of the Nerazzuri












Poise, elegance, nobility and a regal air dominated his rule
Recollections of the sixties Inter team brings about a beaming smile
A rare and prolific defender who never lost his cool
Just an amazing epitome of grace and style

Make no mistake this is Giacinto Fachetti
Atalanta bound, reigned in by Herrara for Inter’s full back slot
Monopolised enterprising cutting runs like a sharpened machete
Defended the rearguard with the fervour of a zealot

Seria A, Euro and Intercontinental trophies by the bagful
His death leaves a lamentable vacuum
Inter afficionados will feel the pangs when the heart strings pull
Stadio Meazza memories of the Emperor will become a footballing heirloom

Cabrini, Baresi, Maldini all clones of the boy from Treviglio
The legacy lives on within the art of Catenaccio

© Emdad Rahman – 06.09.06
http://www.footballpoets.org/p.asp?Id=18608

Tower Hamlets Nine (TH9)























Quddus Ali was beaten to a pulp 12 years ago by a racist gang in the East End.

During a peaceful vigil for Quddus, local youth responded with violence after being subjected to police provocation. Nine youth were arrested and received cult status after being named the 'Tower Hamlets Nine (TH9). Asian Dub Foundation even dedicated a song to them called TH9. I have included a link to the lyrics below. (There's my mate, the all respectable Moklis (Chach) fourth from left.

To read my article on Quddus Ali visit: http://www.cybersylhet.com/modules.php?name=Emdad&file=Quddus_Ali

Lyrics to TH9: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/asian+dub+foundation/th9_20009680.html

Monday, September 04, 2006

Say NO to racism and fascism

Wednesday 6th September 2006, 5.30pm onwards

Protest outside the Barking & Dagenham council meeting at
Barking Town Hall
Clockhouse Avenue, IG11 7LU
Nearest train/tube: Barking
called by Barking and Dagenham Alliance Against Rascism and Fascism
Organised by Barking and Dagenham Alliance Against Racism and Fascism - supported by SERTUC

Since the British National Party (BNP) has targeted our borough, there has been a rise in the number of racist attacks, including two stabbings and other violent assaults. Since May's local council elections, the BNP has gained 12 council seats, the highest number of BNP councillors in any single authority in the country.

The BNP is a racist organisation: in Barking, they spread racist lies about African communities in order to win votes.

The BNP is a fascist group: in several documentaries, key BNP members have been filmed praising Hitler and the Nazis. Fascism and the Nazis are responsible for the mass murder of millions of people, who they tried to systematically annihilate.

We call on all those who are concerned at the advances by the BNP in Barking and Dagenham to join us in a protest outside the full council meeting. We will call similar protests regularly to ensure that the anti-BNP message is heard.

To show your support for this statement please email bdaarf@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Poem: Davide Pleate









The problem with David Pleat
Begins when he starts to bleat
Not a pundit I’d particularly like to meet
As his voice reminds me of steel on sleet
The punditry’s got me beat
His sentences are rarely complete
Have you heard his verbal mincemeat?
Lord help us when it’s an England defeat
Tactical talk leaves me deadbeat
After ITV promise a footy treat
A headcheck may reveal concrete
Remember the jigging Kenilworth Road athlete?
Idiosyncratic pronounciation of surnames is so offbeat
Just a dinosaur who is obsolete

© Emdad Rahman
http://www.footballpoets.org/p.asp?Id=18435

Saturday, September 02, 2006

A summer’s night in Istanbul: Poem
















The Ataturk hosts two colossal giants of the game
Liverpool and Milan get set for universal acclaim

Typical Traore foul, arms flailing, a human windmill
Evergreen Maldini fires in from the resulting cross, blast it’s one nil

Deathly silence, the makeshift Kop are silenced
Nonsense! It’s only a temporary form of grievance

Liverpool, Liverpool is the chant
Above all other anthems can be heard this descant

Milan again thrust forward, the hapless Djimi beaten
Semi revenge for Chelsea as Crespo unlocks the dungeon
Ooh! the cups heading to Milan for certain

The groans can be heard from Toxteth to Berlin
The Red stagecoach is fast turning into a pumpkin

Kaka breaks, the killer ball as Crespo applies the coup de grace
Cruel! Istanbul Reds seek cover and pray for solace

“Game over” screams Andy Gray as my Dad, storms out in disgust
Milan are the epitome of magnificence, majestic epitome and august

The HT whistle is welcomed like a long lost brother
Dreams wrecked cruelly, lying neglected in a smother

The Rafalution is over, the Scousers are heartbroke
We need a Rafa moment of genius, a master stroke

This is not one memory the Reds will evoke
As Didi Hamann emerges in the shape of a baroque

Second half, Dudek magically defies a shevchenko free kick
This, the defining moment when proceedings become toxic

Two crosses from Riise, the second precisely onto the head of a pin
Stevie G, marauding, grandiose, masterful leaps to head in

Captain fantastic jerks his arms, "Come on!" is the scream
A banner say’s “Stevie is bigger than the Beatles!”, will they dare to blaspheme?

Didi now feeds a blood hungry Vlad the Impaler
Skimmed shot, edge of the box, demise reports a failure

It’s fever pitch now, strangers are holding each other crying
If I said my arm hairs weren’t standing I’d probably be lying

Our own Milan backheels to give Gerrard the freedom of the town
Oh the Milan agony as General Gattuso hacks him down

Alonso steps up, Dida stretches left, misses
Ecstacy though with the resultant rebound, “get in there” he hisses

It’s cardiac arrest time, football’s greatest comeback… thus far
The fans go into overdrive in this Turkish bazaar

Injury time finishes, extra time begins, Smicer suffers a cramp hit
Carra suffers the same fate, valiant stretching clearance to acquit
The trick is repeated a minute later, what price this spirit?

AC cross, Shevchenko heads, Jerzy saves a la Banks
Straight to feet though, sheva fires home, still balanced on the gangplank

Disbelief as replays show the missile being deflected over
Final whistle, I visualise Red fans tottering on the cliffs of Dover

Penalties and Liverpool have stuck a Pole in the goal
It’s our very own Jerzy, straight from the Mersey

Serginho shoots into orbit, endangering low flying birds
This is not part of the script, it’s all rather absurd

Didi puts one beyond Dida’s wave
As Pirlo’s lame effort is saved

The Lord of Frodsham sends Dida hurtling aimlessly into a canyon
Tomasson at last blasts one home in retaliation

Riise of all people misses as Kaka beats Grobelaar reincarnated
The Impaler sends Dida the wrong way as football’s breath is bated

Jerzy dives right but palms the ball back out in a moment which is sublime
Yes Liverpool are European Champions for the fifth time

I end this pome here as the party hits Sputnik
To dear Istanbul we bid Allaha Ismarladık

© Emdad Rahman
http://www.footballpoets.org/p.asp?Id=18592

Friday, September 01, 2006

Religions Working Together

Briefing on Channel 4 “Getting God” Programmes>

Channel 4 are planning to do a series of 3 programmes on three different religions – Islam, Scientology and Hinduism which are expected to air in early September.

These programmes all take some celebrity and drop them into the religion – in a different country – for a couple of weeks. From the information available these programmes are a variation on the ‘Reality TV’ theme – this time seen through the eyes of a celebrity.

Peaches Geldof, the 17 year old daughter of Bob Geldof, has been chosen as the person to ‘experience’ Islam. She was sent to live with a Moslem family in Morocco for two weeks and the programme shows her experiences here. However, following this filming, Peaches Geldof has been the subject of many media articles that depict her antics in Ibiza where she has been reported to be drinking, partying and throwing her thong to partygoers. One can hardly expect an in-depth study of the religion of Islam to come from this programme – and subsequent behaviour would at best mock any assertions of enlightenment.

The comedian, Hardeep Singh Kohli, was the chosen celebrity to be inserted into Scientology. However, the Church of Scientology made it clear that they did not want to become involved in such a presentation considering it impossible for someone to experience or represent their religion in such a way. They made it clear that they were willing to cooperate in other ways to make a programme that they felt would be representative of their religion but apparently the dictates of the programmers were set and no other format was acceptable. Rather than accommodate their wishes, instead the programmers went to a small group of excommunicated apostates who do not practice Scientology and are presenting them as followers.

The final programme, on Hinduism, we have no information about and so cannot comment on this.

Religions Working Together finds these methods unacceptable and quite contrary to principles of tolerance, cooperation and sound television programming policy. In these days it is vital to understand the religion of another. Two programmes are being made in a manner calculated to be highly insulting and offensive to followers of the religions concerned..

Religions Working Together has, as a part of our mission statement, the edict to stand up as a group and as members of our own faith in solidarity to speak out in defence when a religion is being maligned or religion generally is being maligned.

We therefore ask you to register you concerns by contacting the Andy Duncan, Executive Officer (aduncan@channel4.co.uk), with a copy to Luke Johnson, Chairman (ljohnson@channel4.co.uk) of Channel 4.