Huff Post: David Cameron saying that “Muslim women must learn English” makes a catchy headline. Something that made everyone stop in their tracks and listen to what he had to say, no matter what side of the argument you are on. But when you go into the depths of what he said, it appears nothing but a headline grabbing tactic.
I am an Ahmadi Muslim, a GP, a wife and a mother. I also happen to be an immigrant to this country but one who considers herself to be British. I came to this country as an adult on a spousal visa. I love this country to bits. This is my home. And this is what my religion Islam has taught me to do, love of my country is part of my faith. And this is the pledge I have made as an Ahmadi Muslim that I will do everything for the betterment of my country and society. And of course you can’t call a place your home unless you can understand what is said around you and you yourself are understood.
Living in a country and learning its language is so important. How else will you communicate? So up to that point I was happy with what Mr Cameron said, but hold on, why has he singled out Muslim women? That is so, so unfair.
Working as a GP I have come across the language barrier perhaps more than any other profession. Out of 15 of my surgery list on average at least 5 do not speak any English, sometimes even more. But the ethnicity, gender and religion of these patients are far more varied than just Muslim women! I do not want to quote examples of the ethnic backgrounds or religions out of respect and I do not trifle with freedom of choice to hurt people’s feelings. This is again something my Holy Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings be on him, has taught me; to always be positive about others.
Yes, governments should invest in immigrants learning English and it’s a welcoming sign that they are interested in this, but singling out one group of immigrants only causes division among society. It feeds hate filled Islamophobic sentiments. And I ask, if a woman who is here on spousal visa fails to pass her English language test, will she be deported and be separated from her children and family? How will that fit in with upholding Human Rights?
Categories: Accepting Islam, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Human Rights, Human values, The Muslim Times, UK