We are terribly shocked and dismayed to learn of the barbarous attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine offices in Paris on 7th January, 2015 leaving 12 people murdered and a number critically wounded.
The signatories to the statement are:
• Mufti Liakoth Ali , Imam of Portsmouth Muslim Academy, Portsmouth
• Sheikh Muhammad Muhiuddin, Imam of Jamia Mosque, Portsmouth
• Abdul Jalil, Chairman, Jamia Mosque, Portsmouth
• Mohammed Shamas Ahmed, Chairman, Central Mosque, Portsmouth
• Ali Ibrahimi, Chairman, Portsmouth Afghan Community
• Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, Imam of Al Mahdi Centre, Wessex Jamaat Community.
We are indeed immensely hurt by such inhumane and senseless murders. 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 and the Islamic faith is a peaceful religion.
It is terribly shocking to learn that the criminals claim to be 'avenging the Prophet'. If it turns out that those who committed these atrocities were acting because they were avenging insults against the Prophet, we want to say these are individuals who have nothing to do with Islam as guided by teachings of the Noble Qur'an and the beloved Prophet. These people are criminals, they are not representative of our faith. Nothing would offend the Prophet and millions of Muslims worldwide more than the taking of innocent lives in the name of Islam. This senseless killing totally contradicts the message of the Noble Prophet who is a mercy to the universe.
Our thoughts, prayers and solidarity go to the families of the victims and the people of France.
We are a community of Muslims who are constantly seeking to build bridges with those of other faiths and those of no faith. We understand why people will feel angry about these murders, and urge them to use that passion to work together to better understand those of all faiths, and those of no faith. To do otherwise would be to let the terrorists win.
We must all stand together to oppose this despicable scenario with love and unity to establish peace and harmony. Let us continue to work towards unity, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence in the community and defy the terrorists whose only aim is to divide us.
8th January, 2015
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