Sadiq Khan, another history in the UK

Sir: The electoral victory of Sadiq Khan, the son of an immigrant, and as the first Muslim Mayor in London is a new beginning for national cohesion. His overwhelming victory is also instructive for two groups of people:

1. Those who use Islam as a tool for human destruction.

2.Those who scorn the religion of Islam.

UK is becoming an all-inclusive country with love in amity and unity. Majority of people from different backgrounds and nationalities are coming to term to acknowledge that Islamic tenets have nothing to do with acts of terrorism and those who wanton in bigotry. It is a new dawn in London.

The election of the son of a cab driver is a good omen for the United Kingdom. A replica of Obama’s (also the son of immigrant to U.S.) historic victory in the U.S. in 2008 has repeated itself in far away London.

In spite of the vicious campaign against Sadiq Khan by his opponents, using his religion of Islam as his encumberance, his unprecedented victory at the poll is in itself a counter-terrorism for the most misunderstood religion in the world. Islam means peace but the peace in Islam has almost been shattered by the terrorist cartels around the world.

Those Islamic neophytes will not feel alienated as the inclusiveness of all Britons and the immigrants is being accommodated. This as we see, has translated into his victory for all. This is a welcome development not only in the UK, but a goodwill message to the troubled world in search of peace.

If one has a misguided stereotype about Islam, do not blame them as we Muslims carry most of the blames. We allow terrorists with no understanding of Islam to sway and define Islam. We sit askance whenever they commit their heinous crimes with no swift condemnation. The likes of Sadiq Khan around the world should be more prominent to speak out to save the soul of Islam from the terrorists, and from those who claim to fight for the cause of Islam.

Khan has a lot of more work to do to fulfill his electoral promises. His success at the end of his term will further serve as a unifier to every religious group in the UK.

Yahaya Balogun,
Arizona, USA.