As mentioned in my previous blog that the standards in Speakers Corner to be ‘charitable’ have declined over the last three or four years. Dialogues and discussions have taken a back seat to mocking and insults. With the greatest of respect to those that attend the park, they do not command the English to an apt level or have a greater understanding of the subject matter which they look to defend. This goes for both Muslims and Christians. There are exceptions to the above; brother Hashim, brother Mansur, brother Adnan Rashid, brother Mohammed Hijab, Samsun, Colin and the Christian Sister (with the brown hair) have demonstrated the ability to have polemical discussion without trading insults.

Moving on, we (the Muslim’s) unequivocally condemn the attack of any women, be it in the park or outside. I don’t think I stand alone in this position, nevertheless, it is very important that we condemn that attack on Hatun (Hatun Tash). I note the regular esteemed speakers in the park like Mansur, Sheikh Mohammed and Hashim have already condemned this action.

Before we continue, the behaviour of Hatun, is not in any way, shape or form, a reflection of many millions of Christian’s across the world. Rather, my interaction, with Christian have always been positive. Whilst we disagree vehemently on matters pertaining to the Trinity and Oneness of god; we draw many similarities then differences in humanity. Many Christians are genuine, sincere, god fearing, compassionate and loving people. Nothing which resembles the Christian missionaries in the park unfortunately.

It is very important to understand that the attack on Hatun last week was allegedly committed by a Christian. This should be no surprise, whilst Muslims have been victim of her vile rants and offensive behaviour, it is the ultimate Christian community which have taken the most offence. Like Muslim’s have been held ransom by ISIS, the Christians have been held ransom by DCCI. Many Christian radio stations in the UK refuse to have members of DCCI on their stations. It was only a couple of weeks ago an Eritrean Christian sister called out Hatun and other missionaries for their attacks on Muslims in the parks. If you look at the comments sections on YouTube, many Christian’s have also distanced themselves from Hatun and DCCI.

Hatun Tash- Preaching Christianity or attacking Islam?

Hatun (Christian Missionary) has been a regular at the park for the last five years. She is part of DCCI, a group led by their leader Jay Smith (a known Islamaphobe), whose life mission has been to attack Islam. Jay Smith has been dismantled by several Muslim polemics including Shabir Ali.  Like Jay Smith there is nothing genuine about Hatun’s opposition to Islam, rather her position is to mock Islam through a lack of understanding of Islam text through isolated verses of Quran, Hadith and Tafsir. Even when corrected, she will shout from the top of her voice, repeatedly, until you are forced to leave the ‘discussion’. This may be considered a victory, but those with intellectual insight, will free themselves from this conversation.

Freedom of Speech or Freedom of Expression in the Park? Which has the absolute right?

As we all know, Speakers Corner is the epitome of Free of Speech. Hatun has the right to say whatever she likes, irrespective of who she offends, this is an absolute right which is persevered in the park. I have my own view to the contrary but nevertheless let’s not digress. Her actions with respect to the pictures (depicting Allah and his messenger) and the holes in the Quran, are no long covered under free speech, rather her actions manifest under the freedom of expression? We see a double standard here, a couple of years ago, the police banned the Muslim’s from praying in the park, an interpretation of the law was applied and enforced. Yet, when Hatun mocks the Quran for the past couple of weeks, the law enforcement have not applied their interpretation of the law to prevent Hatun from acting on her Freedom of Expression to provoke Muslims.

Can Hatun be relied upon?

Spare the rhetorical nature of the question- the answer is no. I will not bore you with too much information here. The veracity of her attacks on Islam (as vile as they are), hold no weight. She neither can read or speak Arabic; I do not believe she can read the Arabic alphabet (no insult intended). The reality is, the Quranic language is different to what is translated in to English. For this reason, Non-Arab Muslims are strongly recommended to learn the Arabic language. There are other arguments, for example the context and the corpus-linguistics of the Arabic language of that time, which make it impossible for a layman to critique the Quran and it’s supported text unless they have a command of the Arabic language.

Other than being grammatically poor- The reality is, Hatun’s arguments have been dismantled over the years by Muslim da’ees in the park. She has been reduced to insults and provocative behaviour to trigger a reaction. As elementary as this maybe, when your left with no academical argument, the next best thing to do is provoke, to re-enforce a negative stereotype.

Hatun is a vile human being who has nothing but hate for Allah (swt) and his Messenger (pbuh). There is nothing academical in her rants, the fact that she is a Christian and refuses to preach her own faith whilst obsessing about Muslims, just about tells you everything in respect to her own-belief system.

The Solution!!!

If you are not thick skinned or intellectually apt to refute Hatun’s spiel, desist from all conversation or interaction from Christian Missionaries in the park. Our elders in the park (Mansur, Hashim and Adnan) have done the same, we should also follow them in this. Naturally, when they are not receiving a response, they will be forced to stop!!! Please do not harm or attack DCCI as this what they want you to do!!!

This week it is rumoured that Tommy Robinson (a known Islamaphobe) will be looking to attend the park this Sunday to support Hatun. This should not the Muslims as we are aware Jay Smith is bosom buddy’s with Tommy Robinson, Whilst this is considered a victory for Hatun, unfortunately, being linked to a known Islamaphobe only re-enforces the stereotype that Hatun and DCCI are linked with extremist!!

Finally- for the younger generation of Muslims who have a zeal for their religion and want to protect their faith, please do not come with this mob mentality, follow Hatun or attack her. This is not a place to become YouTube famous. Rather spend your time either learning the religion, being more versed in the English language or learning from elders (Hashim, Mansur and Adnan Rashid) in the park by listening quietly in their discussions. 

May Allah (swt) guide Hatun!!!