Accessibility links

Breaking News

New British Ads Promote Muslim Professionals in UK


Television presenter Kristiane Becker poses for photographers in a London taxi bearing a message aimed at raising the public understanding of the Islam faith, during a photocall in London, 07 Jun 2010
Television presenter Kristiane Becker poses for photographers in a London taxi bearing a message aimed at raising the public understanding of the Islam faith, during a photocall in London, 07 Jun 2010

British commuters on Monday are seeing advertisements posted in trains, bus stops and taxis promoting a positive image of Muslims.

The new "inspired by Muhammad" ad campaign in London is sponsored by the Exploring Islam Foundation. It is being launched one month after an online survey of more than 2,000 adults in the United Kingdom found that more than 58 percent of them associate Islam with extremism.

The poll also found that nearly 70 percent of those surveyed thought Islam encourages the repression of women.

The foundation's director, Remona Aly, says many Muslims are very concerned about the way their faith is perceived by the British public. Aly says organizers hope the campaign will highlight ways that British Muslims contribute to society.

The initiative also aims to show the Prophet Muhammad's teachings to Muslims on the importance of the environment, gender equality and social justice.

One poster carries the slogan, "I believe in social justice. So did Muhammad."

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

XS
SM
MD
LG