One page view

About me

In the interests of transparency, I have provided readers with a detailed account about myself.

Personal profile

Some organisations I am involved with

Islamic finance credentials

A short personal history

Radio interview with Mike Shaft, BBC Radio Manchester

Video interview with WNY Muslims website - my view of life in 12 minutes

Why friends call me Amin

Inclusion in published listings

Organisations I support without getting personally involved

The About me page also contains some other links:

• My father's obituary
• A personal memoir written after I performed Hajj
• A profile piece about my work with the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
• My fellowship thesis for the Chartered Institute of Taxation.
• An article from the PwC newsletter "Reflections" about why I built my website.
• An article from "Tax Adviser" about my building a personal website

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About this site

The legal aspects page contains details of the site ownership, terms of use and legal disclaimers. The disclaimers are also at the foot of each page.

The design philosophy page explains the site's goals and the thinking behind its visual appearance.

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Contact me

There are various ways of contacting me:

• Send me an email
• Use the feedback form
• Become my friend on Facebook using the profile link
• Connect with me on LinkedIn using the profile link

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Politics

Plato said: "Good men who refuse to take part in politics are condemned to be governed by those less worthy than themselves."

Is there now a consensus that immigration is a problem?

In Britain, immigration has traditionally been used as a code word for racial bigotry. Is that still the case today? I took part in a TV programme discussing whether everyone now agrees that immigration is a problem, and what kinds of people we want to allow into our country.

A Government register of hate preachers

Some public statements, for example incitement to murder, are illegal. However much that is legal is still unacceptable. An example is Holocaust denial, legal in the UK but totally deplorable. Owners of property can stop people speaking there but how do they know who to ban from their premises? Due to the risk of libel actions, only the Government could maintain a list of such people.

Does the British Royal Family get too much media attention?

The pregnancy of the Duchess of Cambridge led to a media frenzy. In this TV discussion I explain that there are simple reasons why some British newspapers have so much royal coverage. The panel also discussed some more wide-ranging questions about the royal family and the British public.

In praise of ethnic monitoring

Almost everyone believes that employers should not discriminate against ethnic and religious minorities. However many complain about the tools needed to ensure that wrongful discrimination is not happening. I explain how ethnic monitoring works, and why it is beneficial based upon my own experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Are the UK Government's employment figures misleading?

Britain's jobs performance has been good despite a weak economy. However are the employment figures distorted? I appear on a 24 minute TV programme in which the panel discussed this question and also ranged more widely over the UK economy.

Should Britain worry about immigration from Romania and Bulgaria?

Later in 2013, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will be free to travel to all EU countries. Many commentators and politicians are concerned that large numbers will come to Britain, as happened with Poles after they were given the right to work here. In this TV discussion I point out the benefits from the free movement of labour within the European Union.

The British Conservative Party's Appeal to Religious and Ethnic Minorities

The Conservative Party attracts less support from ethnic minority voters than it does from white voters. In this 23 minute programme on the Islam Channel a professor of politics, a left wing columnist and I discuss why that might be. During the discussion I explain why I consider that immigration has ceased to be a racial issue.

How much should we pay Members of Parliament?

MPs' pay has been politically controversial for many years. MPs used to set their salary themselves. Responsibility for setting MPs pay now rests with an external body, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. IPSA is consulting on the appropriate pay level. I have proposed £200,000 per year. My reason is that to perform their role effectively, MPs need to be as talented as the senior people they have to deal with. Talented individuals should not be deterred from becoming MPs by financial considerations.

Response to criticism from Hasan Afzal

In June 2012, Mr Afzal criticised me alongside Lord Sheikh and the Conservative Muslim Forum. While I normally ignore criticism, I have decided to clarify some statements Mr Afzal made to avoid any implication that I accept the interpretation Mr Afzal's piece puts on the facts.

Why Muslims should join the Conservative Party

I spoke for two minutes at the Conservative Muslim Forum Eid reception. I explained how the Conservative Party's values align with my values as a Muslim, and why I regard the two main objections Muslims raise against joining the Party as invalid.

The corporate duty to avoid tax

Directors of a publicly held company have a duty to protect the company's assets. That responsibility includes ensuring the company does not pay more tax than the law requires. Accordingly, except where it might otherwise damage the business, the directors of the company have a duty to ensure that it avoids tax where it can.

How much tax is enough?

All citizens with resources should pay tax to the state. The general view is that your tax liability should increase without limit as your income rises. I am not convinced this is fair. A cap on people's income tax liability would encourage wealthy people to remain in the UK, and wealthy foreigners to come here. That should boost total tax revenues and boost the economy.

Making the UK a land fit for billionaires

People not domiciled in the UK receive some favourable tax treatments not given to UK domiciled persons. This has caused many foreign domiciled billionaires to move to the UK. Their being here benefits our economy. I propose extending the same tax treatment to UK domiciled people, to discourage UK origin billionaires from emigrating. This should increase total tax revenues.

Paying tax is not a moral issue

Many media stories about tax avoidance contend that is immoral. In my view the complaints about tax avoidance are tendentious. Governments make tax law and citizens are obliged to pay tax in accordance with the law. That is the end of the matter.

The Conservative Party's need to exorcise Enoch Powell's ghost

The Conservative Party needs more support from ethnic minorities. In focus groups, many people still mention the former Conservative MP Enoch Powell as a reason for not voting Conservative. The Party's leader David Cameron needs to speak out to condemn Enoch Powell in the strongest possible terms to emphasise how the Conservative Party has changed.

Voting unites the country

Politics often creates strong emotions and is seen as disuniting people. However voting is a great national communal act and we need to remember that all politicians are loyal to their country.

The UK Government's consultation on equal civil marriage

The Government is consulting on replacing civil partnerships for same-sex couples with civil marriage. Many religious groups have objected to the change and so have I. The consultation closes on 14 June 2012.

The arithmetic of giving to charity

The proposal in the March 2012 UK Budget to limit tax relief for charitable giving has caused great controversy. Much of the debate has misrepresented the issues which I explain with some simple numbers.

TV discussion on Britain and Christian values

In a speech on the King James Bible, Prime Minister David Cameron explained his view of Britain as a Christian country and the importance of Christian values. The Islam Channel had a programme where I discussed this with Dr Jonathan Chaplin - Director of the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics.

The Conservative Party, racial equality and national identity

My essay in the Demos publication "Are we there yet? A collection on race and Conservatism" edited by Max Wind-Cowie. I discuss the nature of race and the meaning of national identity, and how the Conservative Party has changed under David Cameron.

Why the state should exit the marriage business

Using the same word, "marriage" to describe a legal relationship and a relationship that is primarily religious causes confusion. The state should recognise only civil partnerships, leaving marriage to individuals depending on their beliefs.

Winning Muslim votes for the Conservative Party

A one-page article I wrote for "Reformer", the house magazine of the Tory Reform Group, on how the Party can win more Muslim votes.

The difference between "multiculturalism" and "state multiculturalism"

David Cameron has criticises "state multiculturalism" on at least two occasions. Unfortunately many misunderstand that as criticism of multiculturalism. I have tried to explain the difference.

Review of "Minority Verdict - The Conservative Party, the voters and the 2010 election" by Michael A. Ashcroft

Lord Ashcroft was at the heart of Conservative campaign strategy from 2005 - 2010. He gives a fascinating, short and very readable insight into how the Conservative Party needed to change, and why it just failed to win an overall majority.

The proper boundary of "Political Islam"

Political Islam causes concerns in many countries. When is it legitimate for a politician to be inspired by religion and when is it not?

Why I will vote YES in the Alternative Vote referendum

First past the post (FPTP) does not work properly once you have more than two credible candidates. The referendum is possibly the most important decision our country will make in a generation.

The benefits and costs of joining a political party

Every time I think about it I am surprised by how few British citizens are members of a political party. In this piece, I explain how much influence joining a party gives you, even if you don't have time to get actively involved.

BNP video: "British Conservatives Support Hard-Line Islam"

This video appears to have been posted on YouTube on 23 February 2010, but I only became aware of recently when a friend brought it to my attention. I was quite pleased to find the BNP attacking me by name, and regard it as a badge of honour.

Is there a Muslim bloc vote and how do Muslims vote?

With the General Election only eight days away, I wrote a couple of comments on the Guardian's comment is free website. This page contains those comments, along with links to the main articles I was responding to.

A review of the BNP's 2010 Election manifesto

I decided to read the BNP's 2010 Election Manifesto, and to write a short review from a Muslim perspective.

Powerful or powerless?

I was asked to contribute a piece to the newly launched MCB Youth Committee blog. I chose to write about the critical importance of political participation, which I regard as essential to the future of the Muslim community in the UK.

Why Muslims need to join the Conservative Muslim Forum

I am a member of the Conservative Muslim Forum. In the summer of 2009, I helped to write the leaflet "Why Muslims need to join the Conservative Muslim Forum," the text of which was signed off by the Conservative Party's internal team as with all other Party materials.

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Islamic finance

I am a regular writer and presenter on Islamic finance. Some of my works are listed below.

A late 2012 snapshot of the UK Islamic finance industry

My contribution to the Islamic Finance News global "2013 Guide". In my view UK Islamic finance has struggled since the global financial crisis. The UK Islamic banks were unprofitable in 2011. Figures for 2012 were awaited when I wrote. One key challenge is that the UK retail Islamic finance market is small. If conditions improve, 2013 may see new entrants to the industry.

Report on the cross-border taxation of Islamic finance in the MENA region

I am the principal author of this report published by the Qatar Financial Centre Authority and the International Tax and Investment Center. It looks at the taxation of four common Islamic finance structures: commodity murabaha, sukuk, salaam and istisna in eight MENA region countries: Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and also in the Qatar Financial Centre. The report recommends how these countries should adapt their tax systems to facilitate Islamic finance.

How can Islamic finance enter western markets?

My response to this generic question is that each country market is distinct, and thinking about western markets as a whole will lead to bad strategic decisions. Each Islamic financial institution needs to decide what markets it can enter profitably and focus on its core strengths.

Some questions about the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM)

The IILM was set up by several central banks from Muslim majority countries. Its aim is to issue high quality Shariah compliant instruments suitable for Islamic banks to hold for their treasury operations. To date, it has not yet issued any such instruments. I pose some questions that must be answered before such instruments are issued.

The evolution of sukuk from asset-backed to asset-based structures

People use terms such as "asset backed" and "asset based" with sukuk without being clear what they mean. After defining the terms, I point out that investors in asset based sukuk have much less protection in the event of default by the sponsor. The credit ratings agencies have been saying the same thing for many years, but few people paid attention until the financial crisis hit some of the Gulf states.

Islamic Financial Institutions and the Implications of Accounting under IFRS

Islamic finance practitioners often question whether IFRS or AAOIFI accounting standards should be used. In practice, local law rarely allows a choice. While IFRS accounting often deviates from the transaction's legal form, so does AAOIFI accounting at times. IFRS accounting can make it harder to assess whether the company's transactions are Shariah compliant.

The impact on Islamic banking of Indonesia's new rules on bank ownership

Many countries have restrictions on foreigners owning banks. These are normally a bad idea. Indonesia's new rules are quite flexible, and therefore should not do any serious harm.

A tale of two banks: a comparison of the published accounts of Islamic Bank of Britain and of Bank of London and the Middle East

I gave a lecture based upon comparing the accounts of this Islamic retail bank and this Islamic investment bank. The accounts show the differing commercial pressures these banks face.

What businesses should Islamic banks finance?

The magazine Islamic Finance News asked: "Should the Islamic finance industry be responsible for funding the global Halal sector? And if so, how should this be facilitated?" This question appears to assume that Islamic banks exist to fulfil a social purpose. In my view, they do not; their sole purpose is to make a profit for their shareholders.

Does Islamic finance need you?

Many young UK Muslims obtain Islamic finance qualifications and want a career in Islamic finance. However the supply of UK Islamic finance jobs is very limited. Moreover, the Islamic finance industry needs specialist skills, which in most cases can only be acquired within conventional finance.

Non-Malaysian companies issuing ringgit sukuk

Like many developing countries, Malaysia has exchange controls. Whether foreign companies should be allowed to issue ringgit denominated sukuk in Malaysia is purely a foreign exchange management question, not an Islamic finance question.

Islamic banks' treasury management challenges

Islamic banks face far more challenges than conventional banks. In particular, the main contracts used by Islamic banks for treasury liquidity management are sometimes frowned upon by Shariah scholars. Also there is a shortage of liquidity management instruments apart from the Shariah compliant inter-bank market.

How industry standardisation in Islamic finance could help promote cross-border transactions

Islamic finance is far less standardised than conventional finance, with little standard documentation. This increases transaction costs. The industry also needs more Shariah standards and would benefit from greater willingness to publish fatwas.

Islamic financial institutions and the shortage of investible products

A short explanation of why Islamic financial institutions are often more liquid than their conventional counterparts, and how they should address this.

Written interview on the UK retail Islamic banking scene

In response to questions from the magazine Islamic Finance News, I explain why the industry has grown so little and the competitive pressures it faces.

When do cross-border Islamic finance payments suffer withholding tax?

As tax law varies from country to country, there is no general answer to this question. However this article, first published in Islamic Finance News, explains how to think about the issues.

The Royal Bank of Scotland disaster: its lessons for Islamic finance

The Financial Services Authority has published a 452 page report "The failure of the Royal Bank of Scotland." Islamic banks are exposed to many of the risks that brought down RBS.

The choice of applicable law for Islamic finance

Students of Islamic finance often wonder why so much of it takes place under English law. An interview with Global Islamic Finance Magazine allowed me to give a brief explanation.

Accounting and tax implications of sale and leaseback

This article first published in Islamic Finance News looks at the accounting under IFRS and AAOIFI accounting standards. It also briefly considers the tax issues that can arise.

Presentation on "Taxation of Islamic finance transactions" at ITIC MENA Tax Forum, Istanbul

The slides and additional text explain why Islamic finance transactions often suffer a higher tax burden than equivalent conventional transactions. The coverage is not specific to any one country.

Accounting for sukuk under IFRS and AAOIFI accounting standards

My chapter from a new book which uses a hypothetical example to show how the two sets of accounting standards can give very different accounting results for the same transaction.

Video presentation on "Would Islamic finance have prevented the global financial crisis?"

In 2009, I spoke three times on this subject. The talk became a magazine article, but I have discovered that the video recording of the presentation given in Australia can be downloaded free from iTunes.

Liquidity management at UK Islamic banks

Islamic banks face greater liquidity management challenges than conventional banks. I cover the reasons and also review the liquidity management practices of the five UK Islamic banks.

A simple introduction to Islamic mortgages

There is much misunderstanding about Islamic mortgages. Accordingly, I have explained how they work in simple terms with diagrams and illustrative numbers.

Leaked US ambassador's report on UK Islamic finance scene.

The diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks is a fair status summary with occasional errors, and quotes many people including myself.

What is AAOIFI’s Proper Accounting Standards Role?

A review of GCC Islamic banks shows that AAOIFI's accounting standards are only followed in Bahrain and Qatar. I conclude that AAOIFI should cease issuing its own accounting standards and instead collaborate with the IASB.

The tax treatment of Islamic finance in Western countries and Muslim majority countries

This is my chapter of the book "Euromoney Encyclopedia of Islamic Finance" edited by Aly Korshid and published by Euromoney Books. My goal in writing it was to explain the different approaches to the taxation of Islamic finance taken by the UK and some Muslim majority countries.

The role of the UK as an international centre for Islamic banking and finance

This is my chapter of the book "Islamic Investment Banking: Emerging Trends, Developments and Opportunities" edited by Sohail Jaffer and published by Euromoney Books. My goal was to explain the factors that have made the UK the leading centre for international Islamic finance outside Muslim majority countries.

Islamic financial products and their challenge to taxation systems

This is my chapter of the book "The Chancellor Guide to the Legal and Shari'a Aspects of Islamic Finance" edited by Humayon Dar. It explains why the UK would tax Islamic finance transactions more heavily than conventional finance, and discusses how UK law has been revised with the goal of parity of tax treatment.

The UK Islamic banking scene

This short article looks at the figures on the five UK Islamic banks as at 31 December 2009. Only one of them is a retail bank, and I explain why retail Islamic banking has not taken off in the UK.

Islamic finance in Australia

Australia is an important regional financial centre, and I believe it has significant competitive advantages if it chooses to compete regionally in international Islamic finance.

 

Why has retail Islamic banking not taken off in the UK?

I read a newspaper article which posed this question, and decided to set out my own thoughts.

How conventional insurance and takaful differ numerically

Many people who are new to Islamic finance often ask about the difference between takaful and conventional insurance. I have tried to explain this with the simplest possible example; two people who each have a house that is at risk from fire.

British Government Policy on Islamic Finance

I was asked to contribute an article on Islamic finance for the brochure being prepared by the Muslim Council of Britain's delegation to the World Islamic Economic Forum. As the audience at the WIEF would mostly come from Muslim majority countries, I decided to explain how the UK has been able to promote Islamic finance while maintaining a policy of religious neutrality.

The United Kingdom’s approach to the regulation of Islamic finance

The UK is globally recognised as the leading Western country for Islamic finance.  However from time to time proponents of Islamic finance ask me why the UK does not allow Islamic banks to offer "true" profit and loss sharing investment accounts. This item is a long answer to that short question.

Would Islamic finance have prevented the global financial crisis?

I gave a presentation on this subject to the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance in July 2009, and then wrote an article based on the presentation.

Are Islamic banks Islamic enough?

In one form or another, this question often crops up at conferences on Islamic finance. In my view, the answer depends upon the personal religious views of each Muslim, and I have therefore not sought to address it in any of my published writings on Islamic finance. However, the receipt by the Muslim Council of Britain of an open letter required me to address it when composing the response.

Should Financial Reporting for Islamic Finance be different?-video

This short video of 2 minutes and 17 seconds addresses the question of whether we need accounting standards for Islamic finance which are distinct from the accounting standards applicable to conventional finance. The short answer is no. The video is not very "bubbly"; apart from the subject being accounting, the other reason is that I was speaking without any notes or advance preparation, so I was literally making it up as I went along! It can be watched on the website of the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance.

Taxation of Islamic finance - video

The CFA Institute is a body engaged in financial training. I recorded for them a 25 minute video comprising a slide presentation with me talking on "Taxation of Islamic finance."

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Book reviews

Books are a cornerstone of our civilisation. They allow one person to speak to many, and they allow the dead to speak to the living. I review books that have made some kind of impression on me. The books are listed below in strict alphabetical order of their titles, with a clickable link to the actual review.

"7/7:Muslim Perspectives" by Murtaza Shibli (editor)

25 Muslims write about what they were doing on 7 July 2005, how they were affected by this terrible crime, and how they feel about it five years later. I contributed so much to this book that I cannot review it. However, you can read the full text of my chapter, the book introduction and profiles of all the other contributors.

"A Minority within a Minority: a report on converts to Islam in the United Kingdom" by M.A. Kevin Brice

At the end of 2010, Faith Matters published a 40 page report "A Minority within a Minority: a report on converts to Islam in the United Kingdom". I consider it well worth reading.

"Among the Truthers: A Journey Through America's Growing Conspiracist Underground" by Jonathan Kay

Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? The author spent three years researching the American "9/11 Truth" movement and provides some insightful answers.

"Celsius 7/7" by Michael Gove

A short and very readable book setting out Mr Gove's views regarding the threat posed by "Islamist terrorism." Opinions about the book are very polarised. I think the author is right to emphasise the importance of the terrorist ideology.

"Countering Al-Qaeda in London: Police and Muslims in Partnership" by Robert Lambert

The author spent over 25 years in the Metropolital Police and founded the Muslim Contact Unit. He explains in detail how Islamists helped reclaim the Finsbury Park Mosque from Abu Hamza, and how salafis countered Al Qaeda recruitment on the streets of Brixton.

"Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings" by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri

The full English translation of Dr Qadri's meticulous fatwa. It systematically demolishes every Islamic argument the terrorists can put forward to justify their actions.

"Free Capital: How 12 Private Investors Made Millions in the Stock Market" by Guy Thomas

This book is based upon detailed interviews with 12 private investors. Two are identified, while the others use pseudonyms. The anonymity allows them to speak frankly about how they became full time investors. Everyone will learn something from this book, regardless of the extent of their previous involvement with investing.

"Holy Terror" by Frank Miller

Frank Miller is the author of such famous graphic novels as "300", "Sin City" and "Batman: Dark Knight Returns", all of which have been filmed. However this 120 page graphic novel has cardboard characters, is filled with anti-Muslim propaganda and is best ignored.

"How not to die: Surprising Lessons on Living Longer, Safer and Healthier" by Dr Jan Garavaglia

Medical examiners see the many foolish ways people manage to get themselves killed. The book is entertaining while being full of sound advice for reducing the risk of an early death.

"How to get things done without trying too hard" by Richard Templar

This book is very easy to read, and quite short. It contains about 100 efficiency improving recommendations, and almost everyone will find something that they are not already doing.

"In Ishmael’s House – A History of Jews in Muslim Lands" by Martin Gilbert

Sir Martin Gilbert is an eminent historian and Winston Churchill's official biographer. He covers the period from the beginning of Islam to the end of the 20'th century. Under Muslim rulers, special rules applied to Jews (and Christians). Overall, Jews were better treated than Jews in Christian Europe, but periods of tolerance were interspersed with periods of persecution. In the 20'th century, the rise of Zionism led to increasing persecution of Jews by Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa, culminating in the expulsion of their Jewish populations.

"In the Shadow of the Sword: The Battle for Global Empire and the End of the Ancient World" by Tom Holland

This book sets out to give a historical account of the rise of Islam. This requires evidence in the form of manuscripts, coins, buildings, inscriptions and other tangible remains which the author emphasises are sparse. The earliest written Muslim histories date from a later period. The author first covers the prior history of the Eastern Roman and Persian Empires so that he can put Islam into the historical context of the Middle East. He then addresses the available historical evidence. In his view the Quran originated when Muslims believe, and Muhammad (pbuh) was in Medina. However he considers that Islam did not originate in Mecca but instead between Medina and Palestine.

"Islamic Banking and Finance: What It Is and What It Could Be" Editor Tarek El Diwany

1st Ethical put in significant effort to enable this book, which has 11 authors as well as the editor, to be published. It is aimed at professionals new to Islamic banking and finance, and at students at undergraduate level and above. I found it interesting to read, but conclude that it fails the objectives it set itself. As well as the review, there is a response from the Editor Tarek El Diwany.

"Islamic Commercial Law: An Analysis of Futures and Options" by Mohammad Hashim Kamali

This is my favourite book on Islamic finance and provides the reader with a sound grounding in the Quranic and Hadith sources before going on to analyse futures and options. It is the book I always recommend to people who are new to Islamic finance.

"Islamic Law - Theory and Interpretation" by Michael Mumisa

A short and very readable introduction to the way Islamic Law is derived from its sources. The author The author believes that we need to interpret the Quran afresh for the modern world, rather than feeling bound by traditional interpretations.

"Jacob's Legacy: A Genetic View of Jewish History" by David B. Goldstein

The author is professor of molecular genetics and director of the Institute for Genome Science and Policy's Center for Population Genomics and Pharmacogenetics, Duke University, USA. He has written a short and gripping book which is accessible to everyone regardless of scientific or religious background.

"Jesus, Prophet of Islam" by Muhammad Ata'ur-Rahim and Ahmad Thomson

The early history of Christianity is not well known by most Muslims, or indeed by most Christians. This book explains who doctrines such as the Trinity and salvation by the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus on the cross entered the early Christian church. Most Christians are also unaware of how much coverage Jesus gets in the Quran.

"Minority Verdict - The Conservative Party, the voters and the 2010 election" by Michael A. Ashcroft

Lord Ashcroft was at the heart of Conservative campaign strategy from 2005 - 2010. He gives a fascinating, short and very readable insight into how the Conservative Party needed to change, and why it just failed to win an overall majority.

"Monkey with a Pin – Why you may be missing 6% a year from your investment returns" by Pete Comley

Pete Comley wrote this free book to share what he learned about why investors underperform the stock market index. In it he explains in very simple language why investors go wrong and recommends how they should change their behaviour.

"Muslim Civilisation: The Causes of Decline and the Need for Reform" by M. Umer Chapra

The author is a leading economist and Islamic finance specialist. He attributes the decline to causes internal to the Muslim world, and places greatest emphasis on political illegitimacy.

"Muslims on the Map: A National Survey of Social Trends in Britain" by Serena Hussain

This book by an academic geographer contains some fascinating insights into Britain's Muslim population.

"Old New Land (Altneuland)" by Theodor Herzl

A novel by the founder of modern Zionism, setting out his utopian vision for the future of Palestine.

"Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence" by Mohammad Hashim Kamali

This book is probably the leading work on the subject in English. In 500 very readable pages, the author explains how Islamic law is developed from the original sources of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). It helps one to understand the diversity and depth of Islamic thought.

"Qur’anic Concepts of the Ethics of Warfare: Challenging the Claims of Islamic Aggressiveness" by Joel Hayward

In this short paper, Dr Hayward reviews what the Quran says about when Muslims are permitted to fight and the rules which apply. He shows that these rules are almost identical to the Christian "Just War" concept.

"Quranic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation" by John Wansbrough

This book is the source of the radical view that the Quran was not composed when generally believed, but around 200 years later, and in Mesopotamia rather than in Western Arabia. It is written in obscure academic language and very hard to read. I found it unconvincing and severely flawed.

"Radical: My journey from Islamist Extremism to a Democratic Awakening" by Maajid Nawaz

Maajid Nawaz is the Chairman and co-founder of Quilliam. He spent four years inside Egyptian prisons for his political beliefs. This autobiography vividly takes us into his life, from childhood to today. It is a compelling read, as well as giving insights into the mind of a radical.

"The Cambridge companion to the Quran" edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe

This book comprises 14 independent chapters written by academic experts on the Quran, both Muslim and non-Muslim. It is an excellent short introduction to the study of the Quran, and is very easy to read.

"The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order" by Samuel P. Huntington

The title of this book has probably influenced far more people than have ever read it. It is often cited as evidence of unavoidable conflict between Islam and the West. On its own terms, the message of the book is much more mixed, foreseeing conflict between many civilisations. However the book's dystopian future shows no signs of being realised. It should be seen as part of a genre of "declinist" books which have been around for almost a century.

"The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek

This book has inspired an entire generation of people who believe in personal freedom and its relationship with free market capitalism.

"The Israel lobby and US foreign policy" by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt

In the USA this book was very controversial. I believe it provides a blueprint for British Muslims.

"The Jewish State" by Theodor Herzl

This short book was the founding text of modern Zionism. The seeds of the Middle East conflict can be found inside it.

"The Monster Hunter's Handbook" by Ibrahim S. Amin

This is my eldest son's first published book. It is both funny and informative.

"The Mystery of Capital" by Hernando de Soto

Why does capitalism work in the West, but fail in so many other countries? In the 1990s Hernando de Soto and his colleagues went fact-finding. They went into the streets of developing and former communist nations to learn what real people are achieving inside and outside the formal economy. They found that even poor people in such countries have assets and savings which could be used for successful capitalism, but nevertheless these countries are underdeveloped. In this book they summarise their findings and explain the key changes underdeveloped countries need to make to transform their economies.

"The Myth of Digital Democracy" by Matthew Hindman

The internet gives ordinary citizens the power to publish material that can be read by everyone in the world who has computer access. Many commentators have argued that this is democratising public discourse, since the old media such as newspapers and TV concentrated power in the hands of only a few publishers. The author demonstrates with detailed research that this view is incorrect because although it is easy to speak in cyberspace, it is very difficult to be heard.

"The other Schindlers: Why some people chose to save Jews in the Holocaust" by Agnes Grunwald-Spier

Hiding a Jew risked death for you and your family. Most people looked the other way, but some risked everything to help complete strangers. How do people make these choices? It is a fascinating short book, and very readable.

"The Right Kind of History – Teaching the Past in Twentieth Century England" by David Cannadine, Jenny Keating and Nicola Sheldon

The authors have written the first history of how History has been taught in English schools from 1900 to 2010. The book is very easy to read and helps one to think clearly about this vital issue. Afer all, we are our history.

"The Road to Mecca" by Muhammad Asad

Muhammad Asad was born as Leopold Weiss in Poland, but became one of the most famous Muslims of the twentieth century. This autobiography covers his first 32 years. It paints a vivid picture of his early life, recreates the Middle East of the 1920's, explains what brought him to Islam, and reflects upon the radical message of the Prophet (pbuh).

"The Theory of Investment Value" by John Burr Williams

This is one of the seminal works on investment valuation. Written in 1938, it is still worth reading today.

"Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History" by David Aaronovitch

Why are some people so ready to believe in conspiracy theories? The book covers a number of modern conspiracy theories in depth and then comes up with a theory about the types of people drawn to them.

"Wandering Lonely in a Crowd" by SM Atif Imtiaz

This is a collection of the author's essays and speeches ranging over the nine years since 11 September 2001. In them the author gives a personal view what he calls "the Muslim condition in the West."

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What you can do

Be personally successful

I meet many young people whose main goal is to work for a charity or an NGO. They underestimate how personal success enables you to do more good for others.

Choose words that unite people

Every day, we influence others when we speak with them. The words we choose to use can divide us from other people, or bring us together. I give some specific examples.

Join a political party

This will cost less than £40 per year, but will dramatically increase your political impact. The amount of time you spend is up to you, but even if you spend almost no time on party activities, you can still make a difference as I explain on the linked page.

Write to the media and politicians

In Britain, we have the right to free speech, and should make our voice heard. I have explained why we should write letters and website comments, and set out how to maximise your effectiveness.

An illustrative political complaint letter

I have written to the Superintendent of West Point objecting to a proposed speaker. The email is reproduced with an explanation of my thought process.

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Community issues - Religion in British society and related matters

Over the last 50 years, Britain has changed significantly and is a much richer and more diverse country. Muslims living in Britain have more freedom to practice their religion than almost anywhere else in the world.

Choose words that unite people

Every day, we influence others when we speak with them. The words we choose to use can divide us from other people, or bring us together. I give some specific examples.

Time to retire Islamism?

For some time, I have believed that the word "Islamism" has ceased to mean anything useful. Worse still, most Muslims see and hear only the first five letters, and see an attack on "Islamism" as an attack on Islam. More recently the US advocacy organisation CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) challenged its inclusion in the AP (Associated Press) 2012 Style Guide. AP has now amended the definition in it style guide to make it more specific.

Lessons from seven years of Muslim Jewish dialogue in Manchester

David Berkley and I have spoken together about Muslim Jewish issues on many occasions. We were asked to give an interfaith lecture in Leeds and shared what we had learned from seven years of dialogue in Manchester, and the personal journeys that each of us have been on.

Religious understanding is a mutual obligation

Muslims are now about 5% of the British population, and 23% of the world's population. If non-Muslims are going to work and trade with Muslims, they need to understand them, which requires understanding their religion. However this point applies even more strongly, in reverse, to British Muslims. 95% of Britons, and 77% of humanity, are non-Muslim, and British Muslims need to understand the religious views of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists etc. as well as those who have no religion. Learning properly about other religions does not weaken your own faith.

The theory of evolution and religious texts

Many religious people reject the theory of evolution. However it has almost universal acceptance amongst scientists. Like all scientific theories, it ignores the possibility of divine intervention. If the Bible and Quran are read literally, they contradict evolution. However as well as giving us these religious texts, God has also given us the evidence from life today and from the fossil record. Accordingly each individual needs to decide for themself how to read religious texts in a manner that does not conflict with the evidence we see from the world that God has created.

Edip Yuksel and Farouk Peru debate Islamic reform and the 19 theory on video

Edip Yuksel is a prominent Quranist, believer in Islamic reform, and the leading proponent of the 19 theory. He recently debated in London with another Quranist, Farouk Peru. Their main area of disagreement was the 19 theory. I found myself chairing the event, which was recorded. I have recently learned that the videos are on YouTube. My website page gives some background to the event and also embeds the videos.

Living by principles and rules makes you happier

Unhappiness is sometimes due to personal tragedy, ill health or extreme poverty. However many people who should be happy are not. Often this comes from inability to decide what they really want. Strong personal principles and rules for living stop you making bad decisions and lead to you being happier. It does not matter whether these principles come from a religion or from elsewhere.

Blasphemy should never be a crime

Blasphemy features prominently in the news from time to time. Many believe that blasphemy should be a criminal offence everywhere, as it already is in some countries. In the UK the blasphemy law only ever applied to Christianity, and has been abolished. I believe it should remain abolished. In my view Islam does not prescribe any penalty in this world for blasphemy.

God's infinite love

Humans are used to things being limited. That makes infinity hard to think about. However God has unlimited love, and can give an unlimited amount of love and attention to each of us. I share a numerical analogy which has helped me to think about this.

Eid is for sharing

Some religious festivals are solemn and serious. Others are fun occasions. Solemn festivals will only appeal to believers of that faith. Fun festivals, like Eid ul Fitr, can be shared by everyone.

Why science ignores God

Science is not a body of knowledge; it is a set of procedural rules for seeking to understand the real world. These procedural rules have no place for revealed knowledge. Also, knowing that God is the ultimate cause of everthing which happens does not help us to understand real world phenomena better. Conversely science cannot disprove religious belief. The apparent conflict between science and religion arises from protagonists failing to understand that science and religion are different ways of seeking to understand the world.

Islamophobia – a trap for unwary Muslims

Many Muslims use the word "Islamophobia" as if it meant "hatred of Muslims." However it does not; the word Islamophobia has a distinct established meaning. Accordingly, when Muslims complain about Islamophobia when they intend to complain about anti-Muslim hatred, they are making a mistake. Complaining about Islamophobia makes it easy for people who really do hate Muslims to claim the moral high ground of defending freedom of speech. Instead, Muslims need to be focused and complain about what matters, which is anti-Muslim violence and anti-Muslim hatred.

Humans are all one family

This "Thought for the week" broadcast was based upon a discussion that took place when I was speaking at the annual conference of the International Council of Christians and Jews on "Muslim Jewish relations in an increasingly secular Europe". As well as the text of my radio broadcast, the page includes the abstract for the conference workshop and the slides used for the presentation which focused on how Muslims and Jews can co-operate on issues that affect both communities.

Voting unites the country

Politics often creates strong emotions and is seen as disuniting people. However voting is a great national communal act and we need to remember that all politicians are loyal to their country.

To save one life is like saving all mankind

This quotation appears in the Quran and in the Talmud.Two years ago meet a kindertransport child made this quotation vividly real for me. Accordingly I based my second "Thought for the week" radio broadcast around it.

A perspective on shechita and halal slaughter

Animal welfare campaigners regularly allege that shechita and halal slaughter are cruel. I briefly review scientific evidence which contradicts the cruelty claim, and discuss the religious freedom issues.

A Curriculum for Cohesion

Muslim children perform worse in school than any other religious group. Many young non-Muslim Britons grow up hostile towards Islam. I am supporting an appeal for a project which can address both issues.

Shariah is more than a set of legal rules

Many people use the term "Shariah" as if it were interchangeable with "Islamic law." However Shariah which means "the path to salvation" is much more than that. It encapsulates all of the doctrines of Islam.

Reflections on the death of Svetlana Alliluyeva

Svetlana always bore the burden of being Stalin's daughter. While we are commonly judgemental about the children of "bad" parents, God never judges us except by our own actions and inactions.

Reflections on 9/11

It is hard to believe that 10 years have gone by. As well as reminiscing, I assess Al Qaeda's goals and conclude that it has failed and that its time has passed.

Reflections on the killings in Norway

Anders Breivik's mass murder defies understanding. However I have found reading his manifesto helpful.

BBC Radio Manchester interview about the London Bombings

I was interviewed for seven minutes alongside Dr Joel Hayward, Dean of the Royal Air Force Academy.

Preventing people becoming terrorists

Preventing people becoming terrorists is as important as arresting terrorists. While Muslim organisations have been queing up to criticise the revised Prevent strategy announced by the Government on 7 June 2011, I believe they are wrong to do so.

Why are Muslim majority countries more corrupt?

When you itemise OIC members states on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions index, they cluster towards the bottom. I have been thinking about the reasons.

BBC Radio Manchester discussion about the death of Osama Bin Laden

I took part in a half hour discussion along with a rabbi and two Christian reverends. The BBC have given me the sound files and permitted me to post them on the internet.

The difference between "multiculturalism" and "state multiculturalism"

David Cameron has criticises "state multiculturalism" on at least two occasions. Unfortunately many misunderstand that as criticism of multiculturalism. I have tried to explain the difference.

We all need to prevent violent extremism – nobody can stand idly by

The Prime Minister's speech in Munich on 5 February 2011 and Baroness Neville-Jones's speech in Washington DC on 1 April 2011 outline the Government's new approach to preventing violent extremism. This page summarises the speeches and outlines what individual British Muslims can do to help.

Reflections on visiting Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is the most important centre documenting and commemorating the Jews who died during the Holocaust. I visited it at the beginning of 2010, and found it very moving.

Statement regarding death threats made against Dr Usama Hasan

Usama Hasan has been threatened with death for sharing his views about evolution and whether hair covering is mandatory for Muslim women. Such threats seek to close down freedom of thought and discussion, and must be resisted by all right-thinking Muslims.

Why I wear a Union Jack lapel pin

It changes the way strangers see me, by silently asserting my patriotism.

A brief introduction to Islam for non-Muslims

For many years non-Muslims have asked my wife and me for a simple and short introduction to Islam. Unable to find anything quite suitable for them, I eventually decided to write it myself.

The Muslim Council of Britain’s Need for Constitutional Reform

The MCB has announced that it is reviewing its constitution. I have made a written submission to the review committee which I am sharing on this website.

Review of a report on Muslim converts in the UK

At the end of 2010, Faith Matters published a 40 page report "A Minority within a Minority: a report on converts to Islam in the United Kingdom". I consider it well worth reading.

Is the correct usage Koran, Qur’an or Quran?

I explain why "Qur'an" is the most correct form, even though I choose to use "Quran". I have also noticed that obsolete usage such as "Koran" and "Moslem" is often associated with anti-Muslim views.

Conference address on the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester

I spoke about why and how the Forum was set up and what it has achieved.

Is Israel criticised unfairly?

Israelis often complain that their country is criticised while other countries which behave much worse are not, and that this is unfair.

The European Union threat to halal and kosher food

Muslims, Jews and their friends need to act now to get rid of proposed EU legislation which will make halal and kosher food more expensive, and which could eventually lead to it being banned.

Playing Russian roulette with my baby's health

Marrying your first cousin increases the risk of your children having a serious genetic disorder. As well as discussing the risks, I link a number of scientific papers, so that readers are not left in any doubt regarding the facts.

Reading the Quran

If you want to understand the Quran and don't speak Arabic, you need a translation, but where do you start? There are three translations that I generally recommend.

A response to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach regarding suicide bombers and hell

Muslims believe that only God decides who goes to heaven or to hell. However, this can easily be misinterpreted as moral ambivalence, which Rabbi Boteach has done.

Triangulating the Abrahamic faiths

How do you measure the relative closeness of Judaism, Christianity and Islam?

 Anti-Semitism amongst Muslims – a personal view

I feel strongly about anti-Semitism, but it grieves me most when find it amongst fellow Muslims because I believe that we should be "the best of people."

Suicide by samosa? Stopping the Asian diet from killing us

I feel very angry about the ill health that plagues Britons of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin.

 

Letter to Israeli ambassador about the Gaza flotilla and blockade

There were been demonstrations in London about Israel's attack on 31 May 2010 on the flotilla carrying supplies to Gaza. I have never been on a demonstration, and prefer to work by other means. In that regard, I wrote an open letter to the Israeli ambassador in London

'I'd invite Melanie Phillips to dinner'

The journalist Chaminda Jayanetti who interviewed me for the Samosa website was clearly taken by my approach as he used it for the title of his wide ranging interview.

Why we need to stop using the word "Islamism"

I originally wrote about this on my Telegraph blog as listed below. I decided to write about it again on the Pickled Politics website, as a point often has to be made repeatedly before it gets accepted.

Tortured by algebra? Who can you blame?

Not many people are aware that it was Muslims who are to blame for inventing algebra. While for some this just brings back painful memories of school, algebra is of course indispensible in the modern world.

The university and modern civilisation

I can think of no institution that is more central to modern civilisation than a unversity. Most people, Muslims and non-Muslims, don't know that universities were invented by Muslims. Accordingly, I have written a short history tracing back to the oldest university in the world.

Powerful or powerless?

I was asked to contribute a piece to the newly launched MCB Youth Committee blog. I chose to write about the critical importance of political participation, which I regard as essential to the future of the Muslim community in the UK.

Another charge of reds (sorry, Islamists) under the bed!

Andrew Gilligan’s Channel 4 Dispatches programme "Britain’s Islamic Republic" on 1 March 2010 caused significant concerns amongst the Muslim community. It reminded me very much of the anti-communist witch hunts led by Senator Joe McCarthy.

A poor article comprising mainly innuendo

I was annoyed by a Sunday Telegraph article "Sir Ian Blair’s deal with Islamic radical" which implied that Sir Ian Blair had cooked up some kind of secret deal with Azad Ali, when the reality was a formal cooperation agreement between the Metropolitan Police and the Muslim Safety Forum. Repeating my approach of "taking the fight to the enemy" I began a blog on the My Telegraph website.

Dammed if you do and dammed if you don't!

After regularly complaining about the MCB's absence from the Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, after the 2010 event the Jewish Chronicle complained that the MCB representative was not important enough. My annoyance is evident from the title.

Board [of Deputies of British Jews]: Muslim Council of Britain must be boycotted until reform

Like most Muslims, I was very annoyed by the submission that the Board of Deputies made recommending this. I decided to "take the fight to the enemy" by creating a blog on the website of the Jewish Chronicle.

Are Islamic banks Islamic enough?

In one form or another, this question often crops up at conferences on Islamic finance. In my view, the answer depends upon the personal religious views of each Muslim, and I have therefore not sought to address it in any of my published writings on Islamic finance. However, the receipt by the MCB of an open letter required me to address it when composing the response.

No Muslim should deny Holocaust

Holocaust denial amongst Muslims makes me very angry. Accordingly, when the editor of the Jewish Chronicle asked if he could convert my City Circle blog about visiting Auschwitz into a newspaper article and change the title, I agreed readily. It was my first piece in the Jewish Chronicle.

Reflections on visiting Auschwitz

I regard the Holocaust as the ultimate in human depravity. In 2009 with some other Muslims and Jews I visited Auschwitz, and wrote this afterwards to share how I felt about it.

"The Israel lobby and US foreign policy" - a blueprint for British Muslims

British Muslims often complain about the influence of the Israel lobby in the USA and the UK. However, for me the key message is that instead of complaining, we need to learn from their commitment to political engagement.

Gaza and the need for peace now

This was written the day after Israel started bombing Gaza at the end of 2008, before the ground invasion in January 2009. I was outraged, but decided to focus on the future and the urgent need for a permanent peace.

Why engage in interfaith dialogue?

I was asked to set down my thoughts on interfaith dialogue and how it should be conducted, if at all. Having done so, I thought it might be worth sharing with a wider audience and published them on the City Circle website.

Seek extremism and you will find it

The Centre for Social Cohesion published a report alleging high levels of extremism within student Islamic societies. After reading the report closely, I concluded that its methodology was fundamentall flawed.

Muslims misguided enough to abandon Islam are free to do so

Apostasy is a controversial subject, and this item generated more comments than any other blog I have written on the City Circle website.

Terrorist + Muslim = "Muslim terrorist"?

This piece tackled another controversial subject. What should we call people who themselves proclaim that their terrorist activities are inspired by Islam?

Better words mean better thinking

This was sparked by a speech David Cameron made. I suddenly realised how using better words results in clearer thinking. As an example, once "forced marriage" entered common usage, I no longer needed to explain that having an "arranged marriage" involved free choice.

Rowan Williams and people's unwillingness to read

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams managed to create a firestorm of protest about the supposed introduction of Shariah law into Britain. In reality, people were simply not reading his speech properly. However, they had some excuse from the complexity of his writing, which I analysed.

Look back and learn

Muslims regularly look back to the "golden age" when the Islamic civilisation created by the Arabs was the leading civilisation in the world. However, I believe that many fail to understand what made that civilisation successful.

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Film reviews

Film was the most important new art form of the 20th century, possibly the most important since the invention of the book. Films can be mere entertainment to pass the time but they can also educate and inspire us. Many of the films that we have seen become an integral part of our lives.

Like books, films take us out of the greyness of our mundane everyday existence into a world of magical possibility. For example, I was aged in single figures when I watched the immensity of ancient Egypt and was inspired by "The Ten Commandments" and have never forgotten it.

Field of Dreams - 1989

This film has a magical quality and I would describe it as almost perfect.

My name is Khan - 2010

This film made me laugh and cry. It is great entertainment with some powerful messages.

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The Middle East Dispute

The dispute over Palestine has had a central role in global politics since the 1940's.

A personal view of the Middle East conflict

This conflict has endured for over 60 years. It matters because of the status of Jerusalem and because many see the conflict as a religious one. Achieving peace requires difficult concessions from both parties but a two state agreement is the only realistically acceptable solution. It is essential for Israel to avoid policies that would make a two state solution impossible.

Review of "In Ishmael’s House – A History of Jews in Muslim Lands" by Martin Gilbert

Sir Martin Gilbert is an eminent historian and Winston Churchill's official biographer. He covers the period from the beginning of Islam to the end of the 20'th century. Under Muslim rulers, special rules applied to Jews (and Christians). Overall, Jews were better treated than Jews in Christian Europe, but periods of tolerance were interspersed with periods of persecution. In the 20'th century, the rise of Zionism led to increasing persecution of Jews by Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa, culminating in the expulsion of their Jewish populations.

Advocating Israel to Muslims

"How should supporters of Israel get its message across to Muslims?" I had to think about that question when speaking at an Israel advocacy event.

An Israel for all Israelis

Does Israel exist for all of its citizens, or only for the 80% who are Jewish? The Israeli national anthem is problematical for its non-Jewish citizens as is the new requirement that the Palestinians recognise Israel as a Jewish state in any peace agreement.

Interview given to Children of Peace

I have been a friend of this charity for over a year. I recently gave them an interview which summarises my thoughts on the Middle East dispute.

Review of "The Road to Mecca" by Muhammad Asad

Muhammad Asad was born as Leopold Weiss in Poland, but became one of the most famous Muslims of the twentieth century. This autobiography covers his first 32 years. It paints a vivid picture of his early life, recreates the Middle East of the 1920's, explains what brought him to Islam, and reflects upon the radical message of the Prophet (pbuh).

"Old New Land (Altneuland)" by Theodor Herzl

A novel by the founder of modern Zionism, setting out his utopian vision for the future of Palestine.

Reflections on visiting Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is the most important centre documenting and commemorating the Jews who died during the Holocaust. I visited it at the beginning of 2010, and found it very moving.

Is Israel criticised unfairly?

Israelis often complain that their country is criticised while other countries which behave much worse are not, and that this is unfair.

 Anti-Semitism amongst Muslims – a personal view

I feel strongly about anti-Semitism, but it grieves me most when find it amongst fellow Muslims because I believe that we should be "the best of people."

Letter to Israeli ambassador about the Gaza flotilla and blockade

There were been demonstrations in London about Israel's attack on 31 May 2010 on the flotilla carrying supplies to Gaza. I have never been on a demonstration, and prefer to work by other means. In that regard, I wrote an open letter to the Israeli ambassador in London

Reflections on visiting Auschwitz

I regard the Holocaust as the ultimate in human depravity. In 2009 with some other Muslims and Jews I visited Auschwitz, and wrote this afterwards to share how I felt about it.

"The Israel lobby and US foreign policy" - a blueprint for British Muslims

British Muslims often complain about the influence of the Israel lobby in the USA and the UK. However, for me the key message is that instead of complaining, we need to learn from their commitment to political engagement.

Gaza and the need for peace now

This was written the day after Israel started bombing Gaza at the end of 2008, before the ground invasion in January 2009. I was outraged, but decided to focus on the future and the urgent need for a permanent peace.

"The Jewish State" by Theodor Herzl

This short book was the founding text of modern Zionism. The seeds of the Middle East conflict can be found inside it.

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Success tips

A long career teaches you things that eventually become obvious to you. However they are not always obvious to other people. The tips are listed newest first.

Learn to say "No"

People like to hear the word "Yes." It means that turning down requests is often difficult. Success in life requires learning how to say "No" politely but clearly, instead of saying "Yes" and making yourself unhappy.

Read "The New York Review of Books"

Well rounded individuals who are knowledgeable about many things are more successful. Reading this magazine is an excellent way to broaden one's mind. The content is wide-ranging, informative and absorbing to read.

Living by principles and rules makes you happier

Unhappiness is sometimes due to personal tragedy, ill health or extreme poverty. However many people who should be happy are not. Often this comes from inability to decide what they really want. Strong personal principles and rules for living stop you making bad decisions and lead to you being happier. It does not matter whether these principles come from a religion or from elsewhere.

Use an email signature

Almost every email program allows you to create a standard "signature". A well designed signature contains useful information making it easier for the email's recipient to contact you in future. It also shows that you are professional and well organised. Getting it right will contribute year after year (in a small way) towards your success.

Attend work-related social events

Success at work requires strong collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients. Much of the relationship building happens outside the office. Those who refuse to attend work-related social events are damaging their career.

Think about your CV

Most people see only their own CV. I have seen many, most of them written in ways that would get them rejected by a recruiter. I have illustrated the failings with a real life "before" and "after" example.

Read "The Economist"

To rise to a senior position, it is not enough to be good at your technical specialism. You also need to understand current political and commercial affairs.

Use business cards effectively

There are some good habits which become second nature when you develop them. However I am always surprised by the number of people who fail to make the best use of their own and other people's business cards.

Speak proper English

You are more likely to succeed in life if your spoken English is outstandingly good. I give some simple advice on how you can improve it.

Use a good quality photograph

Many people have profiles on networking sites without a photograph. It looks unprofessional and is counter-productive.

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Muslim Council of Britain Elections

On 20 June 2010 the MCB was required to elect a new Secretary General as well as electing the other office bearers. Accordingly, on 25 March 2010, I announced that I was offering myself for that role, by writing a piece on the Guardian "Comment is free" website.

The election took place on 20 June 2010. Due to block voting, I was not elected onto the Central Working Committee, which precluded my standing for Secretary General later that afternoon.

Announcement of candidacy on Guardian "Comment is Free" website

Apart from my reasons for running, this is worth reading for the range of reader comments, some of which I felt needed a response.

My full 14 page election manifesto

I set out my vision for the MCB, some of the steps I thought it should take, along with a detailed personal background for the benefit of voters who did not know me already.

Endorsement from Ali Akbar Mohammed

Ali Akbar Mohammed (no relation!) has known me for 30 years.

Endorsement from Nasar Mahmood

Nasar Mahmood has known me for 40 years.

Endorsement from Bernardo Vizcaino

Bernardo Vizcaino knows me through both of us being involved with Islamic Finance.

Endorsement from Yassar Iqbal

Yassar Iqbal is someone I got to know a few years ago when he approached me out of the blue for guidance.

Interview on "The Samosa" website

On 1 June 2010 the Samosa news website published a wide ranging interview about my vision for the MCB and how I would handle some difficult questions.

Madeleine Bunting article in "The Guardian"

Madeleine Bunting wrote an article in the Guardian on 18 June 2010 "The MCB's Wonderland Election" correctly predicting the election results. It attracted 141 comments including some from me if you scroll a long way down the readers' comment. You will spot mine because they have my photo against them.

Inayat Bunglawala's blog "Mohammed Amin resigns from the MCB"

Inayat's blog attracted a number of readers comments, including one reader who was using three different pseudonyms!

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Finance

My writings on finance, excluding Islamic finance.

The Euro – Conception, Complications & Prognosis

An explanation of my view that the euro was created to increase the cross-border integration of european business and an analysis of what has gone wrong and what needs to be done. I forecast that all current members, even Greece, will remain within the eurozone.

Review of "Monkey with a Pin – Why you may be missing 6% a year from your investment returns" by Pete Comley

Pete Comley wrote this free book to share what he learned about why investors underperform the stock market index. In it he explains in very simple language why investors go wrong and recommends how they should change their behaviour.

The impact of management charges on your investment outcome

Unless you manage your investments yourself, you cannot avoid management charges. However the impact of management charges is much bigger than most people think.

Review of "Free Capital: How 12 Private Investors Made Millions in the Stock Market" by Guy Thomas

This book is based upon detailed interviews with 12 private investors. Two are identified, while the others use pseudonyms. The anonymity allows them to speak frankly about how they became full time investors. Everyone will learn something from this book, regardless of the extent of their previous involvement with investing.

Review of "The Theory of Investment Value" by John Burr Williams

This is one of the seminal works on investment valuation. Written in 1938, it is still worth reading today.

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