LONDON: Female Muslims are being warned to hide their hijabs and avoid collecting children from school alone as the so-called ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ approaches, reported the Mirror.
WhatsApp messages circulating amongst the Islamic community in the UK also advise people to lock their doors properly and calmly explain the situation to their kids.
Parents are also being advised to walk in open spaces, even if it’s a longer route, and to move in groups on April 3. Leaflets calling for Muslims to be ‘butchered’ in a day of hate sparked a police probe after they were posted through doors across Britain. The propaganda advertises ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ next week, encouraging torture, acid attacks, arson of mosques and assault. It promises ‘rewards’ for people who carry out racist and violent actions, ranging from verbal abuse, pulling headscarfs from women’s heads, electrocuting Muslims and attacking people. According to the letter, pulling a Muslim woman’s hijab is worth 25 points, an acid attack earns 50 points and burning or bombing a mosque will see the attacker collect 1,000 points.
The Metropolitan Police are among the forces investigating the leaflets, which have been reported in London, the Midlands and West Yorkshire.
One of the WhatsApp messages circulating with advice to Muslims reads: “Sisters please be warned that on 3rd April DO NOT GO OUT they have made a national punish a muslim day!
“This is not a joke its sick plan they have a pointing system where they will b giving points nd reporting ona site with vids etc punishments include taking off hijabs…beating up and even acid throwing.
“May Allah protect us all.”
The message continues by expressing fears that even though police say they are acting on it, people should avoid going out.
It adds: “Leaflets promoting this sickness have been posted thru doors in east london and kids have heard about it in various schools sisters who r teachers were telling me last night.”
This is one of several messages being sent around the Muslim community in the UK. Another message seen by Mirror Online, which is written in Arabic and has been translated, is titled ‘the day of hatred towards British Muslims’. The lengthy message lists precautionary measures that Muslims – particularly female – are being advised to take to avoid the ‘dangers’.
The first point addresses women who take their children to school on foot. It asks women to avoid shaded areas that don’t have good visibility and asks them to walk in groups of three or four. The second point tells women who drop their kids off to school by car to take a neighbour with them in the car. Or, it says, if their husband takes the children to school then it asks if they can take their neighbours with them.
The messages reassures recipients that it is only for a limited period.
Point number three on the list addresses the hijab – the practice of covering of the head that many Muslims adhere to in order to protect their modesty.
“Try as much as you can to hide the hijab with hats,” the message says. It adds that you can even use the hood of a winter coat.
It also says to avoid wearing the traditional ‘abaya’ – a long full length dress or jacket often worn by Muslims. Instead it tells people to choose loose fitting dresses or trousers.
“Avoid stopping if someone asks you a question, in particular if it is out of public view,” the warnings continue.
The next point says: “Lock your doors well after you return home and don’t answer the door to anyone you don’t know very well.”
The WhatsApp message also advises parents to explain the situation to their children, in a calm way that won’t frighten or panic them.
The Metropolitan Police has previously confirmed it is aware of the leaflets being distributed in the capital.
A spokesman said: “The MPS does not tolerate any form of hate crime. If anyone believes they have been a victim of such an offence we would encourage them to report it to police so it can be fully investigated.”
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police also previously said: “Police are investigating a number of reports of potentially malicious communications sent to individuals in the Bradford area.
“Officers are currently investigating the full circumstances.”
