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{{Short description|British political commentator}}
{{About||the Pakistani diplomat|Mohammad Shafiq|the Pakistani handball administrator|Muhammad Shafiq}}
{{advert|date=August 2015}} {{advert|date=August 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}} {{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Mohammed Shafiq | name = Mohammed Shafiq
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1979|1|25}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1979|1|25}}
| birth_place = ], Greater Manchester, England | birth_place = ], Greater Manchester, England
| occupation = Muslim public figure, political commentator | occupation = Muslim public figure, political commentator
| children = 4 daughters | children = 4
| parents = Khalifah Haji Muhammad Ramzan RA and Hajan Nasim Akhtar
| religion = ]
| website = {{URL|http://www.mohammedshafiq.net}} | website = {{URL|http://www.mohammedshafiq.net}}
| awards =
}} }}
'''Mohammed Shafiq''' (born 25 January 1979)<ref> Muslim campaigner says grooming scandal has exposed problem, Manchester Evening News, May 9, 2012.</ref> is a media commentator on ] issues.


Shafiq has spoken out against extremism and terrorism since 2001, condemning the ].<ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPGroxZW8k4|title=YouTube|publisher=|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> In October 2013, he was warned by anti-terrorist police about death threats being made by the ] terrorist group.<ref name=ManchesterDeath>{{cite news | author= Lisa Gray | title= Extremism opponent targeted on terrorist hit list | url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/extremism-opponent-mohammed-shafiq-targeted-6207149| work=] | date=19 October 2013 | accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=aljazeera/> In January 2014, he led a campaign in reaction to ] tweeting an image from the ] cartoon.<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/25/liberal-democrats-t-shirt-jesus-muhammad-religion?commentpage=1|title=The Liberal Democrats face a true test of liberty|author=Nick Cohen|work=the Guardian|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He was criticised by many in the media and social media as whipping up hatred against Nawaz.<ref> Nick Cohen, ''The Guardian'' 25 January 2014; accessed 15 February 2014</ref> '''Mohammed Shafiq''' (born 25 January 1979)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/muslim-campaigner-says-grooming-scandal-687970|title=Muslim campaigner says grooming scandal has exposed problem|work=Manchester Evening News|date=9 May 2012}}</ref> is a British media personality known for his commentary on ].
Shafiq has spoken out against extremism and terrorism since 2001, condemning the ].<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPGroxZW8k4|title=YouTube|accessdate=21 February 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> In October 2013, he was warned by anti-terrorist police about death threats being made by the ] terrorist group.<ref name=ManchesterDeath>{{cite news | author= Lisa Gray | title= Extremism opponent targeted on terrorist hit list | url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/extremism-opponent-mohammed-shafiq-targeted-6207149| work=] | date=19 October 2013 | accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=aljazeera/> In January 2014, he led a campaign in reaction to ] tweeting an image from the ] cartoon.<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/25/liberal-democrats-t-shirt-jesus-muhammad-religion?commentpage=1|title=The Liberal Democrats face a true test of liberty|last=Cohen|first=Nick|work=The Guardian|date=25 January 2014|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He was criticised by many in the media and social media as whipping up hatred against Nawaz.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/25/liberal-democrats-t-shirt-jesus-muhammad-religion|title=The Liberal Democrats face a true test of liberty {{!}} Nick Cohen|last=Cohen|first=Nick|date=25 January 2014|work=The Guardian|accessdate=15 February 2014|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


==Career== ==Career==
===Ramadhan Foundation=== ===Ramadhan Foundation===
In August 2005, he appointed himself as the press spokesman of the Ramadhan Foundation, a group aimed at helping young ] and fostering ].<ref>. By David Sapsted. ''The National''. Published 25 February 2009.</ref> Whilst representing the Foundation, he has become a regular face in British media, commenting on British-Muslim issues and perspectives.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-545289/Muslim-leader-accuses-police-cautious-stopping-Asian-gangs-pimping-white-girls.html|title=Muslim leader accuses police of being 'over cautious' in stopping Asian gangs pimping white girls|work=Mail Online|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref></ref> <ref></ref> In August 2005, he became press spokesman of the Ramadhan Foundation, a group aimed at helping young ] and fostering ].<ref>. By David Sapsted. ''The National''. Published 25 February 2009.</ref> Whilst representing the Foundation, he has become a regular face in British media, commenting on British-Muslim issues and perspectives.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ramadhanfoundation.com/forcedmarriages.htm|title=forced marriages}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ramadhanfoundation.com/honourkillings.htm|title=honour killings}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theasiannews.co.uk/news/s/505/505833_drug_barons_using_schoolboy_couriers.html |title=drug dealers |access-date=4 August 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912132318/http://www.theasiannews.co.uk/news/s/505/505833_drug_barons_using_schoolboy_couriers.html |archive-date=12 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-attack-mohammed-shafiq-ramadhan-foundation-anti-extremist-charity-spat-at-killed-children-a7753861.html|title=Head of Muslim anti-extremism charity spat on and told 'you killed children' after Manchester attack|date=24 May 2017|website=The Independent}}</ref>

Despite hood winking the mass media, there appears to be no actual Ramadan Foundation that exists in any form whatsoever. All that can be traced is one man with a twitter account who covets the media for his own self serving purposes.


===Muslim Unity Convention=== ===Muslim Unity Convention===
Shafiq was the project manager for the first ], held in the aftermath of the ] in 2005 at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamicboard.com/islamic-events/2877-muslim-unity-convention.html|title=Muslim Unity Convention|work=IslamicBoard - Discover Islam - Connect with Muslims|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He was a member of the organising committee of the second International Muslim Unity Convention held in October 2009 in ], ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Mohammed-Shafiq |url=http://www.yanabi.com/index.php?/topic/341581-2nd-international-muslim-unity-convention-2009/ |title=2nd International Muslim Unity Convention 2009 - Spirit Of Islam |publisher=Yanabi.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Ramadhan Foundation |url=http://www.muslimunityconvention.blogspot.co.uk/ |title=2nd International Muslim Unity Convention |publisher=Muslimunityconvention.blogspot.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref> Shafiq was the project manager for the first ], held in the aftermath of the ] in 2005 at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamicboard.com/islamic-events/2877-muslim-unity-convention.html|title=Muslim Unity Convention|work=IslamicBoard – Discover Islam – Connect with Muslims|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He was a member of the organising committee of the second International Muslim Unity Convention held in October 2009 in ], ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Mohammed-Shafiq |url=http://www.yanabi.com/index.php?/topic/341581-2nd-international-muslim-unity-convention-2009/ |title=2nd International Muslim Unity Convention 2009 – Spirit Of Islam |publisher=Yanabi.com |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Ramadhan Foundation |url=http://www.muslimunityconvention.blogspot.co.uk/ |title=2nd International Muslim Unity Convention |publisher=Muslimunityconvention.blogspot.co.uk |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref>


==Media== ==Media==
Shafiq has appeared regularly on television and radio since 2005, when the newly elected Pope, ] made a controversial speech in Germany, and Shafiq appeared on ] and BBC News 24 to discuss the issue.<ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q09taxVlczc|title=YouTube|publisher=|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3OXMnRI-Y8|title=YouTube|publisher=|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> Shafiq is a senior presenter and head of News and Politics on ] and presents various shows including the Debate Night show and is also the main English-speaking presenter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbCz1kGfsWE |title=David Miliband speaks to Ummah Channel |publisher=YouTube |date=2010-04-27 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref> Shafiq also regularly reviews the newspapers on ]'s weekend late night show on Fridays at midnight on ] along with former Conservative MP ]. Shafiq has appeared regularly on television and radio since 2005, when the newly elected Pope, ] made a controversial speech in Germany, and Shafiq appeared on ] and BBC News 24 to discuss the issue.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q09taxVlczc|title=YouTube|accessdate=21 February 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3OXMnRI-Y8|title=YouTube|accessdate=21 February 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> Shafiq was a senior presenter and head of News and Politics on ] and presents various shows including the Debate Night show and is also the main English-speaking presenter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbCz1kGfsWE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/WbCz1kGfsWE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=David Miliband speaks to Ummah Channel |via=YouTube |date=2010-04-27 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Shafiq also regularly reviews the newspapers on ]'s weekend late night show on Fridays at midnight on ] along with former Conservative MP ].


He has been accused by MEP ] of being a "rent a quote" beloved of journalists for his controversial views,<ref>{{cite news | author= Daniel Hannan | title= Who appointed this man a "Muslim leader"? | url= http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/8078568/Who_appointed_this_man_a_Muslim_leader/| work=] | date=11 January 2009 | accessdate=2013-10-08 | location=London}}</ref> He has been accused by MEP ] of being a "rent a quote" beloved of journalists for his controversial views,<ref>{{cite news | author= Daniel Hannan | title= Who appointed this man a "Muslim leader"? | url= http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/8078568/Who_appointed_this_man_a_Muslim_leader/| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090724180606/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/8078568/Who_appointed_this_man_a_Muslim_leader/| url-status= dead| archive-date= 24 July 2009| work=]|location=London | date=11 January 2009 | accessdate=2013-10-08}}</ref>


===Rochdale sex trafficking case=== ===Rochdale sex trafficking case===
In interviews and in published articles regarding the ], Shafiq has made controversial statements regarding members of the Pakistani community who had been involved in grooming girls, blaming them for harbouring a racist attitude towards white girls.<ref name=bbcmanchester>{{cite news|last=Muhammed|first=Shafiq|title=Rochdale grooming trial: Split views on race issue|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-17996245|accessdate=8 May 2012|publisher=BBC News|date=18 May 2012}}</ref> He observed there was an over representation of Pakistani men convicted of child sexual exploitation and on-street gang grooming in which the majority of victims are white.<ref name=bbcmanchester/> The groomers would exploit white girls for sex and abuse as "they should not have extra-marital sex with Pakistani girls inside their own tightly-knit communities".<ref>{{cite news|last=Shafiq|first=Mohammed| title=An obsession with racism that left vulnerable girls at the mercy of sex predators|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2142131/Rochdale-child-sex-trial-An-obsession-racism-left-vulnerable-girls-mercy-sex-predators.html|accessdate=9 May 2012|newspaper=Daily Mail|date=18 May 2012|location=London}}</ref> In interviews and in published articles regarding the ], Shafiq has made controversial statements regarding members of the Pakistani community who had been involved in grooming girls, blaming them for harbouring a racist attitude towards white girls.<ref name=bbcmanchester>{{cite news|last=Muhammed|first=Shafiq|title=Rochdale grooming trial: Split views on race issue|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-17996245|accessdate=8 May 2012|publisher=BBC News|date=18 May 2012}}</ref> He observed there was an over representation of Pakistani men convicted of child sexual exploitation and on-street gang grooming in which the majority of victims are white.<ref name=bbcmanchester/>


===Al-Shabaab threats=== ===Al-Shabaab threats===
In October 2013 Shafiq was alerted by anti-terrorist police that he and a number of other prominent Muslim figures in the UK had been targeted by a propaganda video created by ], the terrorist group responsible for the attack on the ] in Kenya. The video branded Shafiq and other Muslims for "selling out"<ref name=ManchesterDeath/> and had urged jihadists in the UK to take action, citing the ] as an example to follow.<ref name=aljazeera/><ref name=bbcmanchesterthreat/> Shafiq was later offered special police protection by the police.<ref name=aljazeera>{{cite web|author=Simon Hooper |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/british-muslims-defiant-over-al-shabab-threat-2013102591313719196.html |title=British Muslims defiant over al-Shabab threat |publisher=] |date=26 October 2013 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref><ref name=bbcmanchesterthreat>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01kgyk4 |title=BBC Radio Manchester - Indus, British Muslims threatened by Al-Shabab |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref> In October 2013, Shafiq was alerted by anti-terrorist police that he, as well as a number of other prominent Muslim figures in the UK, had been specifically mentioned in a propaganda video created by ], the terrorist group responsible for the attack on the ] in Kenya. The video attacked Shafiq and others for "selling out"<ref name=ManchesterDeath/> and had urged jihadists in the UK to take action, citing the ] as an example to follow.<ref name=aljazeera/><ref name=bbcmanchesterthreat/> Shafiq was later offered special protection by the police.<ref name=aljazeera>{{cite web|author=Simon Hooper |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/british-muslims-defiant-over-al-shabab-threat-2013102591313719196.html |title=British Muslims defiant over al-Shabab threat |publisher=] |date=26 October 2013 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref><ref name=bbcmanchesterthreat>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01kgyk4 |title=BBC Radio Manchester – Indus, British Muslims threatened by Al-Shabab |date=28 October 2013 |publisher=BBC |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref>


==Political affiliation== ==Political affiliation==
Shafiq was a member of the ] for two months in 1997 but resigned when the government introduced tuition fees against the promises before the election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/may/11/tonyblair.labour9|title=Nicholas Watt tracks down the people who watched Blair enter Downing St in 1997|author=Nicholas Watt|work=the Guardian|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He joined the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ethnic-minority.libdems.org/en/contact/mohammed-shafiq |title=Mohammed Shafiq (Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats) |publisher=Liberal Democrats |date= |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref> In February 2008, he was asked to resign as vice-chairman of Rochdale Liberal Democrats, following comments he posted online under the name "Deeplish Lad", accusing a colleague of racism and using "tricks from the BNP handbook" - a move said by Lib Dem sources to be "the final straw".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/community/276/man-exposed-for-deceit-chosen-as-lib-dem-candidate-for-bamford|title=Rochdale News - News Headlines - Man exposed for deceit chosen as Lib Dem candidate for Bamford! - Rochdale Online|publisher=|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He returned to Labour in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/96401/mohammed-shafiq-joins-the-labour-party|title=Rochdale News - News Headlines - Mohammed Shafiq joins the Labour Party - Rochdale Online|publisher=|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> Shafiq was a member of the ] for two months in 1997 but resigned when the government introduced tuition fees against the promises before the election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/may/11/tonyblair.labour9|title=Nicholas Watt tracks down the people who watched Blair enter Downing St in 1997|author=Nicholas Watt|work=The Guardian|date=11 May 2007|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He joined the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ethnic-minority.libdems.org/en/contact/mohammed-shafiq |title=Mohammed Shafiq (Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats) |publisher=Liberal Democrats |accessdate=2013-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101063221/http://ethnic-minority.libdems.org/en/contact/mohammed-shafiq |archive-date=1 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In February 2008, he was asked to resign as vice-chairman of Rochdale Liberal Democrats, following comments he posted online under the name "Deeplish Lad", accusing a colleague of racism and using "tricks from the BNP handbook" – a move said by Lib Dem sources to be "the final straw".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/community/276/man-exposed-for-deceit-chosen-as-lib-dem-candidate-for-bamford|title=Rochdale News – News Headlines – Man exposed for deceit chosen as Lib Dem candidate for Bamford! – Rochdale Online|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> He returned to the Labour Party in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/96401/mohammed-shafiq-joins-the-labour-party|title=Rochdale News – News Headlines – Mohammed Shafiq joins the Labour Party – Rochdale Online|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref>

⚫ ===Maajid Nawaz Controversy===
⚫ In January 2014 Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate ], a secular Muslim, posted a "]" image on his ] account.<ref name="Perry">Keith Perry ''Daily Telegraph'' 21 January 2014</ref> The image depicts Jesus saying "Hey" and Mohammed saying "How ya doin'".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MaajidNawaz/status/422342223460855809|title=maajid nawaz|work=Twitter|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=CT> ''Christian Today'' 22 January 2014</ref> Shafiq then posted on Twitter "We will notify all muslim organisations in the UK of his despicable behaviour and also notify Islamic countries."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mshafiquk/status/424575029599543296|title=Mohammed Shafiq|work=Twitter|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=bbccartooncont> See video from 3:18</ref> Shafiq further Tweeted "Ghustaki Rasool Quilliam," so linking Nawaz's ] with an Urdu term which means "defamer of the prophet",<ref name="Cohen25"/> which under Islamic law is a crime that carries a death penalty.<ref>http://islamqa.info/en/22809</ref> Maajid Nawaz has since received a number of death threats.<ref name="Perry"/><ref name=bbccartooncont/><ref> ''The Guardian'' 28 January 2014; accessed 15 February 2014</ref> Shafiq also reportedly organized an on-line petition to ] to have Nawaz removed as a Liberal Democrat candidate,<ref name="Cohen25">Nick Cohen , ''The Observer'', 25 January 2014</ref> though when the organizers of the petition, named as SA et al., were contacted by the press they distanced themselves from Shafiq.<ref name="Brown">Jonathan Brown and Ian Johnston , ''The Independent'', 26 January 2014</ref> The online petition asking Clegg to suspend Nawaz eventually had 22, 927 supporters,<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-attacks-death-threats-against-maajid-nawaz--lib-dem-candidate-who-tweeted-a-cartoon-of-the-prophet-mohammed-and-jesus-greeting-each-other-9086469.html | location=London | work=The Independent | first1=Jonathan | last1=Brown | first2=Ian | last2=Johnston | title=Nick Clegg attacks death threats against Maajid Nawaz - Lib Dem candidate who tweeted a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed and Jesus greeting each other | date=26 January 2014}}</ref> a counter petition calling for Clegg to discipline Shafiq received 8,375 supporters.<ref name="theguardian.com"/><ref name=CT/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.change.org/petitions/nick-clegg-give-full-support-to-libdem-ppc-maajid-nawaz-and-take-disciplinary-action-against-party-member-mohammed-shafiq|title=Petition · Give full support to LibDem PPC Maajid Nawaz and take disciplinary action against party member Mohammed Shafiq · Change.org|work=Change.org|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Shafiq attended ] in Rochdale and ] and is married with three daughters.<ref name="Nigel Bunyan">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9252003/Rochdale-grooming-trial-Mohammed-Shafiq-the-campaigner-who-stood-up-to-the-abusers.html|title=Rochdale grooming trial: Mohammed Shafiq, the campaigner who stood up to the abusers|author=Nigel Bunyan|date=8 May 2012|work=]|accessdate=2013-10-08|location=London}}</ref> He was born to parents from Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mohammed Shafiq - About Me |url=https://www.mohammedshafiq.net/aboutme.php }}</ref> Shafiq attended ] in Rochdale and ]. He is married, having four daughters.<ref name="Nigel Bunyan">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9252003/Rochdale-grooming-trial-Mohammed-Shafiq-the-campaigner-who-stood-up-to-the-abusers.html|title=Rochdale grooming trial: Mohammed Shafiq, the campaigner who stood up to the abusers|author=Nigel Bunyan|date=8 May 2012|work=]|accessdate=2013-10-08|location=London}}</ref>

== Controversies ==

⚫ ===Maajid Nawaz Controversy===
⚫ In January 2014 Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate ], a secular Muslim, posted a "]" image on his ] account.<ref name="Perry">Keith Perry ''Daily Telegraph'' 21 January 2014</ref> The image depicts Jesus saying "Hey" and Mohammed saying "How ya doin".<ref>{{cite web |title=maajid nawaz |url=https://twitter.com/MaajidNawaz/status/422342223460855809 |via=Twitter |accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="CT"> ''Christian Today'' 22 January 2014</ref> Shafiq then posted on Twitter "We will notify all Muslim organisations in the UK of his despicable behavior and also notify Islamic countries."<ref>{{cite web |title=Mohammed Shafiq |url=https://twitter.com/mshafiquk/status/424575029599543296 |via=Twitter |accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="bbccartooncont"> See video from 3:18</ref> Shafiq further Tweeted "Ghustaki Rasool Quilliam," linking Nawaz's ] with an Urdu term which means "defamer of the prophet".<ref name="Cohen25">Nick Cohen , ''The Observer'', 25 January 2014</ref> Maajid Nawaz has since received a number of death threats.<ref name="Perry" /><ref name="bbccartooncont" /><ref> ''The Guardian'' 28 January 2014; accessed 15 February 2014</ref> Shafiq also reportedly organized an on-line petition to ] to have Nawaz removed as a Liberal Democrat candidate,<ref name="Cohen25" /> though when the organizers of the petition, named as SA et al., were contacted by the press they distanced themselves from Shafiq.<ref name="Brown">Jonathan Brown and Ian Johnston , ''The Independent'', 26 January 2014</ref> The ] asking Clegg to suspend Nawaz eventually had 22,927 supporters,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Jonathan |last2=Johnston |first2=Ian |date=26 January 2014 |title=Nick Clegg attacks death threats against Maajid Nawaz – Lib Dem candidate who tweeted a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed and Jesus greeting each other |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-attacks-death-threats-against-maajid-nawaz--lib-dem-candidate-who-tweeted-a-cartoon-of-the-prophet-mohammed-and-jesus-greeting-each-other-9086469.html}}</ref> a counter petition calling for Clegg to discipline Shafiq received 8,375 supporters.<ref name="theguardian.com" /><ref name="CT" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Petition · Give full support to LibDem PPC Maajid Nawaz and take disciplinary action against party member Mohammed Shafiq · Change.org |url=http://www.change.org/petitions/nick-clegg-give-full-support-to-libdem-ppc-maajid-nawaz-and-take-disciplinary-action-against-party-member-mohammed-shafiq |work=Change.org |accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
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Latest revision as of 06:17, 10 October 2024

British political commentator For the Pakistani diplomat, see Mohammad Shafiq. For the Pakistani handball administrator, see Muhammad Shafiq.
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Mohammed Shafiq
Born (1979-01-25) 25 January 1979 (age 45)
Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England
Occupation(s)Muslim public figure, political commentator
Children4
Websitewww.mohammedshafiq.net

Mohammed Shafiq (born 25 January 1979) is a British media personality known for his commentary on Islam in the United Kingdom.

Shafiq has spoken out against extremism and terrorism since 2001, condemning the 2007 Glasgow Airport attack. In October 2013, he was warned by anti-terrorist police about death threats being made by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. In January 2014, he led a campaign in reaction to Maajid Nawaz tweeting an image from the Jesus and Mo cartoon. He was criticised by many in the media and social media as whipping up hatred against Nawaz.

Career

Ramadhan Foundation

In August 2005, he became press spokesman of the Ramadhan Foundation, a group aimed at helping young Muslims in the United Kingdom and fostering interfaith dialogue. Whilst representing the Foundation, he has become a regular face in British media, commenting on British-Muslim issues and perspectives.

Muslim Unity Convention

Shafiq was the project manager for the first Muslim Unity Convention, held in the aftermath of the 7/7 attacks in 2005 at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. He was a member of the organising committee of the second International Muslim Unity Convention held in October 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Media

Shafiq has appeared regularly on television and radio since 2005, when the newly elected Pope, Benedict XVI made a controversial speech in Germany, and Shafiq appeared on Sky News and BBC News 24 to discuss the issue. Shafiq was a senior presenter and head of News and Politics on Ummah Channel and presents various shows including the Debate Night show and is also the main English-speaking presenter. Shafiq also regularly reviews the newspapers on Stephen Nolan's weekend late night show on Fridays at midnight on BBC Radio 5 Live along with former Conservative MP Jerry Hayes.

He has been accused by MEP Daniel Hannan of being a "rent a quote" beloved of journalists for his controversial views,

Rochdale sex trafficking case

In interviews and in published articles regarding the Rochdale sex trafficking gang, Shafiq has made controversial statements regarding members of the Pakistani community who had been involved in grooming girls, blaming them for harbouring a racist attitude towards white girls. He observed there was an over representation of Pakistani men convicted of child sexual exploitation and on-street gang grooming in which the majority of victims are white.

Al-Shabaab threats

In October 2013, Shafiq was alerted by anti-terrorist police that he, as well as a number of other prominent Muslim figures in the UK, had been specifically mentioned in a propaganda video created by Al-Shabaab, the terrorist group responsible for the attack on the Westgate shopping mall in Kenya. The video attacked Shafiq and others for "selling out" and had urged jihadists in the UK to take action, citing the murder of Lee Rigby as an example to follow. Shafiq was later offered special protection by the police.

Political affiliation

Shafiq was a member of the Labour Party for two months in 1997 but resigned when the government introduced tuition fees against the promises before the election. He joined the Liberal Democrats. In February 2008, he was asked to resign as vice-chairman of Rochdale Liberal Democrats, following comments he posted online under the name "Deeplish Lad", accusing a colleague of racism and using "tricks from the BNP handbook" – a move said by Lib Dem sources to be "the final straw". He returned to the Labour Party in 2015.

Personal life

He was born to parents from Pakistan. Shafiq attended Springhill High School in Rochdale and Bury College. He is married, having four daughters.

Controversies

Maajid Nawaz Controversy

In January 2014 Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Maajid Nawaz, a secular Muslim, posted a "Jesus and Mo" image on his Twitter account. The image depicts Jesus saying "Hey" and Mohammed saying "How ya doin". Shafiq then posted on Twitter "We will notify all Muslim organisations in the UK of his despicable behavior and also notify Islamic countries." Shafiq further Tweeted "Ghustaki Rasool Quilliam," linking Nawaz's anti-extremist think tank with an Urdu term which means "defamer of the prophet". Maajid Nawaz has since received a number of death threats. Shafiq also reportedly organized an on-line petition to Nick Clegg to have Nawaz removed as a Liberal Democrat candidate, though when the organizers of the petition, named as SA et al., were contacted by the press they distanced themselves from Shafiq. The online petition asking Clegg to suspend Nawaz eventually had 22,927 supporters, a counter petition calling for Clegg to discipline Shafiq received 8,375 supporters.

References

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  31. ^ BBC News: "Cartoon row: Deselection call for Lib Dem Maajid Nawaz" See video from 3:18
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  33. Rowena Mason "Maajid Nawaz defends decision to tweet controversial cartoon" The Guardian 28 January 2014; accessed 15 February 2014
  34. Jonathan Brown and Ian Johnston "Nick Clegg attacks death threats against Maajid Nawaz – Lib Dem candidate who tweeted a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed and Jesus greeting each other", The Independent, 26 January 2014
  35. Brown, Jonathan; Johnston, Ian (26 January 2014). "Nick Clegg attacks death threats against Maajid Nawaz – Lib Dem candidate who tweeted a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed and Jesus greeting each other". The Independent. London.
  36. "Petition · Give full support to LibDem PPC Maajid Nawaz and take disciplinary action against party member Mohammed Shafiq · Change.org". Change.org. Retrieved 21 February 2016.

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