The Muslim Opposition to Terror.

[Blu]

I must admit to having been exasperated by the lack of coverage gifven in the media to the major and unequivocal statements made by the Muslim leadership and community against terrorism and the events of last week. many news reprts mentioned the fear of a backlash, but did not give centrestage to the powerful muslim voices in support of the victims (from all races and resligions) and against people who use the name of Islam to justify terror.

The major daily newspapers from across the arab and muslim world condemned the attack, including leading papers from Egypt, the Jordan times, the Arab news in Saudi Arabia, Al-hayat, the London Arab paper, the Pakistan Times.

Britain's Imams and Mullahs and the Muslim Parliament all made statements declaring terrorism to be against islam, and determing that perpetrators of terror should be caught.

I think one of the most important things we can do in these times is to show respect to the ordinary, decent muslim citizens of this country, who are strong in their opposition to those who use violence, whils being subjected to racist backlashes.

[Marina]

Thank you Blu! Excellent post.
Heaven only knows what some of our Muslim lurkers and active posters must be feeling about other discussions on here lately

[binkie]

Totally agree. I was just looking for a link about the Muslim vigil outside St Mary's Hospital in Paddington and couldn't find one anywhere.

Perhaps we can do our own redressing here by putting links to anything which shows solidarity?

[WideWebWitch]

I'm glad you started this thread too.

[MamaMaiasaura]

good post blu

[Fio2]

ditto

[expatinscotland]

Thank you, Blu, for this thread.

[Marina]

For Binkie and everyone else on here
Muslim solidarity vigils in London

[handlemecarefully]

I didn't know all of that Blu (para 2 and 3) - thanks for sharing it

[Toothache]

Ju st read it out to my Dad in an attempt to change his horrible and vicious racist rants, but he just said "Propaganda!!! They shouldn't be letting any of them into the country".

I tried.

[Marina]

This link from the BBC shows some of the editorial coverage of the bombings from Islamic national newspapers...it relates primarily to speculation as to whether Al Qaeda are responsible but there are plenty of statements of condemnation too.
here

[soapbox]

Well done Blu! And thanks Marina for the links!

[gingerbear]

Thank you!

[handlemecarefully]

umm slightly mixed but generally reassuring

[sharklet]

I wish people would realise that muslims are as much victims of this as christians, jews, hindus etc etc.

We never damned all catholics becasue of the IRA attacks - they weren't defined by thier religion by the media.

These people are not muslim in the same way as the IRA bombers are not christian as they have broken the sacred laws of thier religion in murdering the innocent. People who worship the same god do not agree on everything, therefore the majority of muslims do strongly condemn the attacks made in the name of Al Quaeda and the attacks on London.

As I said before I welcome the multi-cultural nature of this country. I hope it is not destroyed.

Emma xx

[acnebride]

Thanks for this thread - really hate the other one still being in active convos.

[expatinscotland]

'I wish people would realise that muslims are as much victims of this as christians, jews, hindus etc etc.'

Of course! I cannot imagine thinking any other sort of way. How can that be possible when we are all human beings who love our children?

My heart breaks for all those who lost loved ones to terrorism, no matter what their creed.

[piffle]

Tolerance and respect. Being different and sharing different religious views does not make anyone right or wrong, just different.
I believe it is the narrow minded and reactionary brigade that have compounded the environment which leads to the kind of terrorism we have seen in the last few years.

[Lizzylou]

Well done Blu and hear hear Sharklet, excellent post IMO......

[beatie]

I totally agree. Well done for raising this Blu.

[Blu]

Detroit Muslims
London Turkish muslims
Muslim Parliament

[donnie]

I thought Ken livingstone's speech last week said it all ( would do link but can't, sorry).

[sharklet]

I am trying to start some other news threads to try to loose the other one which is so upsetting people.

[Blu]

I agree, donnie - it was a fantastic speech. But the point is that the Muslim leaders were not given the space to refute the attacks for themselves.
There was a wonderful statement from the leader of the East London Mosque - but it was buried in a 'human interest' news item about a missing person.

[lucy5]

I like what dave allen used to say. May your god go with you. It was something like that but that was the sentiment.

[Blu]

interesting article in Chicago Tribune

Sermon by Shaykh Abdul-Qayyum, Imam of East London Mosque
Friday 8th July: "Islam is for saving human life. Allah says in the Qur?an: He who killed any person, unless it be a person guilty of murder or spreading chaos in the land, should be looked upon as though he had slain all mankind. And he who saved one life should be regarded as though he had saved the lives of all mankind...Islam came to bring security in people?s lives. It is a basic human right for every human being to live in security....The evil people who planned and carried out these indiscriminate acts in London are criminals. No religion can accept what they have done. Their actions are crime and terror, which all should condemn. They should be brought to justice and they should be punished without asking what is their race or religion".
Click here for full text

After the Friday prayers, Muslims and Christians stood together in a silent vigil outside Aldgate Station. Among those missing is Shaheera Islam of the local community.
Related links
8th July, UKMuslims pray for peace
Shaikh Al-Qaradawi's message to Mayor of London

Al-Qaradawi's message to the Mayor - from the Muslim Association of Britain