Muslim community and religious leaders speak out over terrorism

Muslim community and religious leaders have penned a joint letter after the attacks in Brussels, which killed 35 people and injured 300, and the bombing of a football match in Iraq and the bombing in Lahore, Pakistan.

It was signed by eight people in Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

‘All these acts of terrorism are appalling and deserving of strong condemnation,’ the letter said.

‘We are deeply shocked and profoundly saddened at these horrifying acts of terror and violence perpetrated against innocent civilians.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are for those killed or injured and their families.

‘The list of countries impacted by terrorism is seemingly becoming endless.

‘There is absolutely no justification for such carnage whatsoever. As Muslims we are indeed immensely hurt by such violence.

‘Any claim of committing acts of violence in the name of any faith is illegitimate.

‘Let it be known that such brutality and cold blooded murder is barbaric, abominable and is definitely contradicting the pristine teachings of religion of Islam.

‘One of the fundamental values of Islam is peace.

‘The Islamic faith is a peaceful religion and the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a mercy for the universe.

‘The perpetrators do not represent Islam or Muslims; their views are perverse and self-serving.

We urge all communities to stand together to oppose this despicable scenario with love and compassion.

‘Let us continue to work towards establishing peace and harmony in the community and defy the terrorists whose only aim is to divide us.

‘Let us all, as people of faiths and none, stand firm with compassion and solidarity.

The signatories were:

n Mufti Liakoth Ali, Imam of Portsmouth Muslim Academy, Portsmouth

n Sheikh Muhammad Muhiuddin, Imam of Jami Mosque, Portsmouth

n Ali Ibrahimi, Chairman, Portsmouth Afghan Community

n Syed Aminul Haque, Chairman, Advisory Board, Jami Mosque, Portsmouth

n Nilofar Waltham, Chairperson, Al-Zahra Islamic Association, Southampton

n Mohammed Shamas Ahmed, Chairman, Central Mosque, Portsmouth

n Mohammad Hussein Amiry, President, Imam Ali Centre, Southampton Afghan Shia Association

n Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, Imam of Al Mahdi Centre, Wessex Jamaat Community.

Those signing the letter said the world had witnessed ‘innumerable tragedies and sources of outrage’ last month.

The letter also made reference to the gun attack on Grand Bassam beach resort, in the Ivory Coast and the multiple attacks in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey.

It was issued by the joint-authors on Wednesday 30.