23rd May, 2013
For Immediate release
MUSLIM COMMUNITY STATEMENT re WOOLWICH MURDER
On behalf of the Muslim Community, Local Muslim leaders have joined forces to strongly condemn the horrific murder that took place on Wednesday 22nd May 2013 in Woolwich, London.
One of the fundamental values of Islam is peace and the Islamic faith is a peaceful religion. The attackers who claim to have carried out this evil deed in the name of Islam have insulted Islam.
The signatories to the joint statement are:
- Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, Imam of the Al Mahdi Wessex Jamaat Community;
- Mohammed Abdul Jalil, Chairman Jami Mosque;
- Mufti Liakoth Ali, Imam of Portsmouth Muslim Academy and
- Nozrul Islam, Chairman of Portsmouth Central Mosque.
They said, "This is atrocious. Such acts whether committed by individuals or groups can never be condoned to represent the sublime teachings of Islam or the views of the Muslim Community. In upholding the sanctity of life, the Noble Qur'an (5:32) states that whoever kills one person, it is as though he has killed all of mankind."
"This was an act of mindless evil and must be strongly condemned by every muslim. Our faith, Islam, instinctively and rationally nurtures us to love, respect and to share all dignified values of humanity. This is a truly barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and we condemn this unreservedly."
"There is no place for hate, criminality and extreme behaviour in our society. We call on all our communities, Muslims and non-Muslim, to come together in solidarity to ensure the forces of hatred do not prevail.
"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the victim, his family and friends."
"Once again we share the profound shock and sadness of this horrific and callous crime."
Dated : 23rd May, 2013
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