The Muslim News - Muslim Organisations’ response to London bombings

Issue 195, Friday 29 July 2005 - 13 Jumad al-Akhbar 1426

Muslim Organisations’ response to London bombings

Muslims condemned the terrorist attacks on London on July 7, within an hour of their occurrence.

The Muslim News, Editor, Ahmed J Versi
“We unequivocally condemn these terrorist attacks. We express our deep condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims.”

Muslim Council of Britain, General Secretary, Sir Iqbal Sacranie
“These evil deeds make victims of us all. We must and will be united in common determination that terror cannot succeed. It is now the duty of all us Britons to be vigilant and actively support efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”

Union of Muslim Organisations of UK & EIRE, Dr Sayed Aziz Pasha
“We condemn yesterday’s terrorist attack in London which have resulted in the loss of life and injuries to many innocent civilians and caused distress to Londoners due to disruption of the transport system in several parts of the metropolis. We convey our condolences to the families of the victims of this atrocity and pray to Allah to grant them courage and patience to overcome this traumatic incident. In a free and democratic country like ours, it is inexcusable for a tiny minority to try to achieve its aims, however laudable, through indiscriminate acts of violence. We offer our support to the Authorities to eradicate terrorism from British soil. We call upon the Muslim community to remain calm and carry on their normal activities and follow the instruction of our holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), to be good to our neighbours and maintain cordial relations with members of other faith communities and racial groups.”

Joint Statement Muslim Council of Britain & Churches Together in Britain & Ireland
“The scriptures and the traditions of both the Muslim and Christian communities repudiate the use of such violence. Religious precepts cannot be used to justify such crimes, which are completely contrary to our teaching and practice. We continue to resist all attempts to associate our communities with the hateful acts of any minority who claim falsely to represent us. These attacks strengthen our determination to live together in peace, and to grow together in mutual understanding.”

Joint statement on the London bombings by National Assembly Against Racism and Muslim Council of Britain
“The appalling attacks indiscriminately targeted all of London’s communities and visitors to London from other countries. We echo the words of London Mayor Ken Livingstone, that the attack was aimed at ordinary, working-class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindu and Jew, young and old. The MCB and NAAR condemn these attacks on black and ethnic minority communities and their places of worship and any attempts to divide our society by scapegoating the Muslim community as a whole. We urge all other sections of society to join us in condemning these attacks.”

The Muslim Association of Britain, Spokesperson, Anas Altikriti
“What happened in London completely and utterly repulses us. The finger of suspicion has been pointed on Muslims as being responsible for the atrocity. It goes without saying that if this is the case, these people are acting outside the framework of Islamic teachings. Nothing justifies the killing of innocents.”

Member of Parliament for Tooting, Sadiq Khan MP
“Londoners are undoubtedly deeply shocked and hurt by what has happened, but have come together to keep the city moving. It is a pragmatic response, but also a brave one. London’s diversity and uniqueness has shone through since the horrific events of last Thursday.”

The Islamic Society of Britain, President, Dr Munir Ahmed
“This is a time for us all to pull together and heal each other’s wounds. It’s a time to draw close in tenderness but also in outrage. We hope the perpetrators are brought to justice for the utter horror of their attacks at such a critical stage. Terrorism will not defeat us!”

Lancashire Council of Mosques,
Chairman, Ibrahim Master
“We believe that there is now an urgent need to demonstrate positively and publicly the strength and solidarity of the two communities. Our work with other communities is building bridges is well known and of course we will now need to further engage with the wider population and strive to maintain a positive and constructive interaction between the different communities. I am confident that all Muslims will not be tarnished with the same brush. Every community has scum within their midst and so too the Muslim community.”

Council of Indian Muslims UK,
Munaf Zeena
“It was a shock and horror to know that British born Pakistanis are confirmed to have been directly involved in the London bombings. It is inconceivable that young British born and raised nationals can perform such a horrible and senseless act unless they have been misguided by ruthless forces who are allowed terrorist training camps reasonably freely by authorities.”

Anjuman-e-Ja’fariyya Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim Community of Watford, President, Saghir Shah and Imam Maulana Azmat Abbas Qumi
“We disassociate ourselves from any individual, group or organisations, Muslim or otherwise, who carry out these terrorist acts which are completely contrary to the teachings of Islam.”

Harrow Islamic Centres & Mosques
“As fully participating and active members of the community, we are at one with our fellow citizens in their grief and sorrow. Members of the Muslim community are also among the victims of these atrocities and indeed some are among those still unaccounted for. The killing and injuring of innocent people, whatever their belief or culture, is incongruous with Islamic values and beliefs and we condemn the perpetrators most vehemently.”

Muslim Charity Interpal, Vice Chairman, Dr Essam Mustafa
“It is the obligation of every decent caring person – regardless of culture, faith or political persuasion to resist and to challenge all attempts at dividing our communities. The attacks on innocent people last week were attacks on all of mankind and must be condemned by us all.”

Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales councillors &Muslim community leaders, Councillor Mohammed Islam
“As Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales’s councillors we condemn the cowardly attacks in London. We want to send our condolences to the victims and their families.”

Stop Political Terror Coalition
“We are shocked at the news that there has been a series of explosions across London, with reports of loss of life. We utterly condemn these actions. Half of Britains Muslims live in London and we have all been the target of terror attacks before, ranging from IRA attacks, through to individuals, such as the Soho nail bomber, who specifically targeted Muslims and other minorities like Blacks and Homosexuals. The latest bombings also took place in areas where there are large Muslim communities, like Whitechapel and Edgware Road. We applaud the courage of Londoners and others who have shown calm and have refused to be terrorised by these incidents.”

Bristol Muslim Cultural Society,
Aslam Sarwar
“BMCS condemns the attacks and expresses its horror with how these perpetrators appear to value human life. God says in the Qur’an, “if you kill one innocent, it is as though you have killed all mankind.” Islam values human life in the highest possible regard and shedding the blood of an innocent person is seen as a crime against humanity. BMCS expresses its deepest sympathy to the families of all the victims of today’s tragic events. Our sympathies and our prayers are with the victims, their families and friends.”

Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain,
Dr Imran Waheed
“While making it clear that Islam does not allow the harming of innocent civilians, the Muslim community needs to “come together with one voice”, be ambassadors of Islam and speak the truth, even in difficult situations.”

The Muslim Jewish Forum of North London, Rabbi Hershel Gluck & Ishmail Amman
“As people of faith, as Muslims and Jews, we stand united and see all life as sacred. These attacks are therefore deplored and condemned. We hope that sanity and humanity can be found from the current chaos and confusion, and that our Muslim friends and neighbours do not suffer due to hasty conclusions being drawn or through the irrational demonisation of the entire Muslim community.”

UK Islamic Mission, Shabir Hussain
“No words can describe the utter repulsion felt by the Muslim community at the loss and injury of human life. The UKIM would like to assure the people, police and emergency services that regardless of who perpetrated this terrible crime, the Muslim community will do its utmost to help in whatever way possible.”

Welfare Trust International, Human Rights leader and Chairman, Ansar Burney
“By perpetrating this gruesome and barbaric act the terrorists had not only killed innocent people but also compounded the woes of the peaceful travellers who would now have to face the consequences of a heightened terror alert throughout the world.”

Liberal Democrat Muslims Forum, Cllr Nasser Butt
“I would like to urge the British Muslims to go further and use the Friday Sermons today to ask Muslims everywhere to be vigilant to support the Scotland Yard by tipping off any suspect extremist cells hiding amongst their localities. Extremism, fanaticism and violence are not the way of Islam. Anyone using Islam to lead our youngsters astray are not doing us any favours. Any community grievances or differences can best be solved through diplomatic debates using the available political processes. Violence is never the answer as it only breeds more violence.”

Muslim Welfare House
“We reiterate our position as wholly and utterly opposed to all acts of terrorism and hold that the perpetrators of this barbaric crime should be sought and brought to justice. The harrowing images of innocent commuters caught up in this tragedy serves to reinforce our will to continue to work against the destructive and dogged determination of terrorist elements.”

Da’watul Islam UK & Eire
“Our prayers and condolences go out to all the victims and their relatives at this moment of tragedy. As residents and co-workers of this great city, we share the same concerns and fears of our fellow Londoners. An attack on London is an attack on us all regardless of race or religion.”

Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), President, Wakkas Khan
“We are shocked and distressed by these incidents which has hit our country’s capital and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who suffered injuries and the families of those who have lost their lives. We continue to condemn in no uncertain terms all such cowardly acts of violence. We would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of Muslim students to offer our support and assistance to the emergency services who have reacted swiftly and efficiently.”

AhlulBayt Islamic Mission UK
“We join the masses in condemning these barbaric acts of terrorism and shares the grief and sorrow of the nation. At this moment of confusion, uncertainty and naturally highly charged emotions, we earnestly appeal to the media not to rush to judgment. We call on the British Muslims and non-Muslims to stand united in opposition to terrorism and to help in safeguarding our society from people who are acting outside of religious values and the law.”

Islamic Foundation, Director General, Dr Manazir Ahsan
“We deplore these barbaric acts and hope that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice quickly. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the victims and their families.” This is an attack on all of us, and all communities of faith, and of none, need to stand together in calm and resolute purpose against terrorism, hatred and extremism.”

The National Association of British Arabs, Chairman, Ismail Jalili
“The total disregard for innocent life shown by the bombers is to be deplored and strikes against the heart of all religious beliefs. It should be noted that the bombing at Edgware Road was in the heart of London’s Arab community, as the bombing in Aldgate East was in the heart of a Muslim community which includes North African and Somali Arabs, underlining that British Arabs were among the intended victims of this attack. It is vital that all of London’s communities remain united at this critical time, and resist any voices inciting racial or religious hatred.”

Kashmiri and Pakistani Professionals Association
“The loss of life and the injuries caused by these heinous acts is an outrage for which we reserve our strongest condemnation.”

Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom, Afif Safieh
“One of the aims of yesterday’s terrorist operations was to deteriorate inter -community relations and to try to pre-empt the gradual integration of the Muslim community. That aim should not be allowed to be achieved.”

International Forum for Islamic Dialogue, Dr Najah Kadhim
“I share with brothers and sisters and my fellow citizens my utter disgust to the mindless, indiscriminate killings of very innocent, ordinary and working people. What happened in London is a murder pure and simple and those perpetrators are killers nothing more nothing less.”

East London Mosque and the Islamic Forum Europe (IFE), Shaykh Abdul Qayyum
“Islam came to bring security in people’s lives. It is a basic human right for every human being to able to live in security. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an, ‘And We will surely give them in exchange safe security after their insecurity’.”

Oldham Mosques Council
“Yesterday we were together in our celebration, today we must remain together in our time of crisis; we must and will be united in common determination that terror cannot succeed. It is now the duty of all us in Great Britain to be vigilant and actively support efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”

Friends of Al-Aqsa, Chairman,
Ismail Patel
“Friends of Al-Aqsa strongly condemns the attacks that have taken place in London today. A day after the city and country celebrated its Olympic bid victory, this was a cruel and callous act.”

World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities, President, Dr Ahmed Hassam
“Our immediate concern is for all those who have been hurt, and for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. We ask all communities to be united at this tragic time. We need to support each other and stand together against terrorism.”

Khyber Pukhtoon Welfare Association UK, President, D M Khan
“A Muslim shall not kill any innocent person, if he does, he is not a Muslim. These terrorists do not belong to the Muslim community and we disown them and consider them our enemy and enemies of humanity.”

Muslim Hands Charity, Spokesperson, Shahid Bashir
“The indiscriminate attacks were an assault on people of every race and faith. There is no justification for such actions and we wholeheartedly oppose the killing of innocent people in this way.”

Tunisian Nahda Party, Chairman, Rached Ghannouchi
“We call on the Muslim youth all over the world to stay vigilant and to restrain from being involved in such acts that are contradictory to Islam since it is clearly emphasised in the Holy Qur’an that killing a single soul is equal to killing the whole of humanity (Qur’an: 32) due to God’s ennoblement of each and every human being.”

Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International (MQI) UK and associate organisation, Minhaj Welfare Foundation (MWF)
“This attack has a message to convey which is disunity and disorder; however, all communities within the UK have to stay calm and united in such a difficult and testing time.”

Worthing Islamic Society, Chair, Ali Abdul Rahman
On behalf of the executive committee of Worthing Mosque and the Muslim community of Worthing and the surrounding areas, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those who have lost lives and those who have been injured, in the attack on London.
We are shocked and horrified. The people in our community are deeply saddened. We really do not know how to express our anger and disgust. This indiscriminate attack on innocent people is a serious criminal act of unspeakable proportions. It is not only cowardly and wicked; it is also totally un-Islamic. We strongly condemn such evil acts. We do not want to be associated in any way with such hateful acts of a very small minority. We hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice as soon as possible.

Muslim Students Association in Washington D.C, President, Mohamed Sheibani
“We Muslim students stand shoulder to shoulder with all people of faith and conscience around the world to oppose terrorism in all its forms.”

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, Council Chairman, Abdul Malik Mujahid
“These attacks are an affront to Islam and to Muslims all over the world including Muslim in America. They are in no way a reflection of Islamic teachings, which order Muslims to preserve and protect life.”

Lebanese Spiritual Leader, Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah
“These attacks represent a new episode in the death series planted by agencies or parties that do not respect man, haunt the innocent in their workplaces, and target transport vehicles, are condemned by all human and ethical, standards, regardless of who is behind them.”

Council on American-Islamic Relations
“American Muslims offer their sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured in today’s attacks and call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators.”
Muslim American Society
“We reiterate our consistent and principled position towards acts of terror, regarding them as cowardly acts of violence irrespective of the identity of the perpetrators or their motives.”

Muslim Scholar, Yusuf al-Qaradawi
“We were dumbfounded by the grave news of the London bombings which killed tens and wounded hundreds of innocent people who committed no crime, these ‘black actions’ run counter to the teachings of Islam which forbids the killing of civilians. Even at the time of war when state armies battle face to face, it is not permissible to kill women, children, elders, priests, farmers and merchants; people we nowadays call civilians.”

Islamic Ahlul Bayt Assembly of Canada, Director, Ghulam Abbas Sajan
“To the families of those who lost their dear ones, we share in their grief and ask them to be strong and strengthen their belief in God. For the injured, we pray that they have speedy recovery. For the perpetrators of this heinous crime, we pray that God metes punishment both in this world and the hereafter. No believing person, irrespective of his/her religion, dare hurt any innocent person. All the victims of the bombing were innocent civilians.”

Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation, Executive Director, Mahdi Bray
“It is in times like this that words often seem so inadequate, however, I’d like to offer solace and two passages of sacred scripture. In the Bible, the Psalms say that weeping endures but a night, but joy cometh in the morning. In the Qur’an, it says that verily with every difficulty there is relief. It is my sincere hope that this would be a source of comfort to you and the courageous people of the United Kingdom during these difficult and trying times. Your countrymen’s resiliency in the face of terror serves as a source of inspiration worldwide.”