“In response to the above:

There isn't a growing misunderstanding, so much as a growing UNDERSTANDING of Islam and Muslims. Call me over-sensitive, but the 'raft of issues' might be something to with: An openly totalitarian agenda- predictions that Britain could become a Muslim state within thirty years ;subjugation of women's rights; the routine use of violence and oppression to assert their superiority ; polygamy (and other dubious arrangements); intolerance of non-muslims ('unbelievers' are regarded as inferior in the Koran); barbaric punishments (stoning, amputation, flogging, beheading) for small crimes under Sharia Law; terrorism; - to mention but a few.

People are becomingly increasingly aware of the very real threat posed by Islam; not only to our security, but also to the very foundations of democracy and freedom of speech. You only have to look at what is happening in Sweden to realise the sinister implications of allowing Islam to infiltrate our democratic societies, and yet people barely dare breathe a word of distain, for fear of being regarded as 'racist' or 'Islamophobic'. We have become victims of our own political correctness- which has effectively paralysed us from deploying common sense and speaking from the heart.”

“I agree well done to the swiss, we must act here to save our future from what some people are vtrying to trust upon us.

We can beat this attack upon are way of life and values, England belongs to English not the Muslims.”

“May I congratulate the Swiss on their referendum banning minarets in Switzerland.
They lead and others will follow.
Already there is movement in the same direction by Holland, Italy and finally us.
It makes sense to ban these symbols of oppression. Let's tear them down and push back this unwelcome tide.
The Swiss are heroes. Buy Swiss products tomorrow in support.”

“Some excellent comments here on this post:

Jennifer: I agree the rise of the EDL could be the start of a new era especially if our legitimate right to vote for a far right political party is taken away when the BNP is forced to allow membership to people who may then destroy it. This peaceful country put down arms as a means to win political arguments when the vote and democracy became the way to decide issues. If you remove that democratic choice for 1 million voters (in the EU elections) then it could certainly change the rules of the game.
Sentimental Codger: Islam is not necessarily here to stay, take a look at history and you'll see that from the dawn of history anything is possible. Islam appeared from now where and it can go back there, but we must be positive, be persistant and keep focussed in our efforts against this unacceptable religion that violates the rights of all other religions, women and homosexuals.

Last White Bristolian: Well said. I never understand why all those do gooders who embrace the diversity and ethnic vibrancy and energy of the third world immigrants and fraudulent asylum seekers choose to live in the Cotswolds, Bath and Clifton and don't relocate to Easton, St Pauls and Stapleton road to enjoy it for themselves.

John in Franchay: Of course not, take a look at the dead heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan and you'll see that our multi ethnic society does not extend to making self sacrifice for the country - a massive majority of those heroes are real British.”

“The fact that Farooq even has a column makes me want to vomit.”

“Siddique - you sound a bit peeved mate.
This is the UK where we are allowed to comment against your prejudices.
If it came to the crunch you'd see this this country anihillated if it benefited your faith.
Thats why you have no credibility as a 'Brit' and frankly you and your type are not welcome here.”

“It is to celebrate when Abraham sacrifcied his son. Muslims sacrifice mainly sheep in recognition of this.”

“What is Eid? Nothing to do with integrating into the society you've chosen to live in I suppose?”

“i wouldn't let it get to me.. chin up :)

its not just the Muslim faith under fire , its all religions based on a god and the many forms in which he/she/it/gas has entered peoples lives..

just face a simple truth .. the people are no longer under a spell of fantasy and myth , education has opened minds and have led to fundamental questions being asked such as 'is god real ?' or 'what religion do i belong to ?' or even 'do i belong to a religion at all?'

all people of faith need to understand that those who don't believe are not just idiots and that most educated people will tend not to believe in fantasy over science..
there will always be those who dislike everybody else but that's the way it goes....
personally i dont believe in any type of religion its just a tool to enslave minds and generate power..”

“Farooq - I for one find it interesting to hear about another faiths religious holidays. Lets hope that this time all questions and comments are treated with respect and that no conclusions are jumped to by ANY party.”