Muslim community fears backlash
Concern is mounting that yesterday’s terrorist attacks on London could result in extremists stirring up hatred against Britain’s Muslim community.
Both the Muslim Council of Britain and the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) unreservedly condemned the attacks, in which more than 50 people were killed.
But they admitted that there could be a backlash against the Muslim community, and the IHRC has advised Muslims not to travel or go out unless necessary for the moment.
“Based on events after September 11th, IHRC is concerned and hopes that another anti-Muslim backlash is avoided, given the inevitable speculation as regards the religious affiliation of the as yet unidentified perpetrators,” a statement from the commission read.
Speaking this morning, the bishop of London confirmed that there were fears that the attacks would “put a strain on the unity of the London community”.
The Rt Revd Richard Chartres insisted that “all competent Muslim authorities” would have “utter condemnation” for such atrocities, but warned that religious groups had to be aware of the danger posed by those using faith as an excuse for violence.
“It’s extraordinarily important to be serious about your faith and to realise that false religion is a great danger,” he told Today.
But he acknowledged that some terrorists claimed this was what religious texts told them to do and said he was working with Muslim, Jewish and Christian scholars to counteract these arguments.
Mr Chartres’ comments echoed those of the Muslim Council of Britain, which issued a joint statement with Christian umbrella group Churches Together in Britain and Ireland saying that religion could not be used to justify acts of terrorism.
“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,” they said.
“We continue to resist all attempts to associate our communities with the hateful acts of any minority who claim falsely to represent us. In the present uncertainties, we look to all community leaders to give an example of wisdom, tolerance and compassion.”
