Ibtisam Posted June 26, 2008 A Muslim asylum seeker who was to have been honoured for his volunteer work was striped of his award after indicating that he would not shake hands with the woman who was to present him with the prize. Alinoor Ahmed Sheikh, a Somali asylum seeker based in Co. Kerry, had been selected for the accolade by the judging panel of the Africa Centre’s annual World Refugee Day awards, due to his work with the Kerry Volunteer Centre and as a fundraiser for Amnesty International. He respectfully informed organisers prior to the ceremony that he was a practising Muslim and therefore would be unable to shake hands with the female presenter. According to the Irish newspaper Metro Eireann, the organisers had accepted his request and had promised Sheikh that there would be “no problem”. However, Sheikh – who had been writing notes for his acceptance speech during the ceremony – was left stunned when another person’s name was announced as the winner. He said this treatment had left him aggrieved. Sheikh said he does not shake hands with women on religious grounds, and instead touches his upper chest and says ‘I greet you’. Through his volunteer work, he interacted with people of many nationalities, including Irish, and both genders. The person who won instead was accorded a certificate with the original winner’s name crossed out, and hers written above. She was not present to receive her award. Later, Sheikh inquired as to why this happend and was told it was because he refused to shake hands. Email the African Centre at info@africacentre.ie and respectfully voice your disapproval of their actions. This is an example of public humiliation, especially if you consider that the organisers had previously given assurances that this would not be an issue. Sources: Metro Eireann The Times Gorey Muslim Community MPACUK Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abtigiis Posted June 26, 2008 ^ He will recieve higher accolade from his creator. No need to complain. Good Sheikh, he make me proud! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faarax-Brawn Posted June 26, 2008 Such a vain sheikh!--it is just a silly award from some gaalo whats the big fuss? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacaylbaro Posted June 26, 2008 Muslims in that country should hold a ceremony and award him for his decision with more expensive award. MEESHA KA KACA ,,,, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Castro Posted June 26, 2008 Originally posted by Faarax-Brawn: Such a vain sheikh!--it is just a silly award from some gaalo whats the big fuss? This sheikh reminds of cabbies in Minneapolis. "Stuff and nonsense"® Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dhulQarnayn Posted June 26, 2008 HE should have shut his mouth before hand...walked up to the podium and accepted the award. If she then extended a hand, he should have smiled and "touched his upper chest and say ‘I greet you’". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Som@li Posted June 27, 2008 Can one have a choise? why did they kick out? But he suhold be smart and not single out only ladies, but say I can't handshake anyone. lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faarax-Brawn Posted June 27, 2008 Originally posted by Castro: quote:Originally posted by Faarax-Brawn: Such a vain sheikh!--it is just a silly award from some gaalo whats the big fuss? This sheikh reminds of cabbies in Minneapolis. "Stuff and nonsense"® Mpls is a bad place to be these days,qaxotis are shooting one another. I just heard this dude got murdered. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted June 27, 2008 The Sheikh should have just kept quiet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NGONGE Posted June 27, 2008 Ibtisam is a militant and all her stories are about knee-jerk reactions to perceived slurs on Muslims or trivial slights. When my brother marries her I'm going to give him a karbaash as his wedding gift. Someone needs to beat some sense into her. ps This whole thing takes away from the fact that the Sheikh is a good man that does a lot of good work. Grrrrrrrrr.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abtigiis Posted June 27, 2008 NGONGE- You always sound like the sane mind here. But I think Ibtisam's reaction is a natural reaction to the misdeeds of intolerant anti-muslims. I don't like you too liberal thinking. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NGONGE Posted June 27, 2008 ^^ It's a natural reaction because it depends on instinct and the first thought that comes to one's mind. It is nothing to do with me being liberal (I am a conservative at heart believe it or not); it is more to do with the unhealthy habit of taking umbrage with every perceived slur. If you keep making excuses for it and allow it to spread it starts to become a habit and turns us all into a community of imbeciles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abtigiis Posted June 27, 2008 ^^^ I fully concur. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peacenow Posted June 27, 2008 He should be thrown out of the country. Send him back Somalia. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fabregas Posted June 27, 2008 ^^u going to do his volunteer work? mise yours is all talk? quote:instead touches his upper chest and says ‘I greet you’. lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
