Muslim Council of Britain
Paris Murders are a Greater Insult to Islam:
The Muslim Council of Britain reiterated its condemnation of the barbarous murder of journalists at the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The attack has been condemned by Muslims in France, in Europe and around the world. In France, the French Muslim Council (CFCM) has said: “This extremely grave barbaric action is also an attack against democracy and the freedom of the press.”
Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said: “Nothing justifies the taking of life. Those who have killed in the name of our religion today claim to be avenging the insults made against Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace. But nothing is more immoral, offensive and insulting against our beloved Prophet than such a callous act of murder. Our thoughts, prayers and solidarity go to the families of the victims and the people of France.
Naturally, and unfortunately discussion will now fall on the right to intentionally publish hurtful material that denigrates religious figures and traditions. But however offended we may be, the ultimate denigration of our faith comes from these murderers who have unjustifiably taken life.
In the coming weeks Muslims will face the test of having to justify themselves and their place in Western society. As Muslims we are ever mindful of our Lord’s injunction to convey our true faith with wisdom and beautiful words. Indeed in the noble Qur’an we are told: ‘The true servants of the Merciful are those who walk humbly on the earth and when the ignorant address them they say: Peace.’
In addition, while Muslims must engage with fellow citizens in a spirit of dialogue and friendship, we must all come together to seek unity and defy the terrorists whose only aim is to divide us. The best defence against closed minds is for a truly open society, welcoming of all.”
Association of British Muslim Students
The Association of British Muslims calls for Europe to Confront Violence and Protect Freedom.
The Association of British Muslims (AoBM) strongly condemns the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris that has killed at least 13 people according to the news reports. Our thoughts are with the victims of this terror attack and the families affected at this difficult time.
At AoBM, we have maintained our differences with the editorial policies of Charlie Hebdo. We always have had questions about the judgement (but not the right) of publishing images which are predictably deeply offensive to many and have the potential to be inflammatory. However, at the same time we stand in support of freedom of expression and believe that there is no justification whatsoever, to take lives of people who we disagree with while exercising this right.
We note that the Quran instructs its believers to argue with the challengers in ways that are best and most gracious. The attacks in Paris symbolise nothing close to these Koranic instructions but instead represent a distortion of faith which is forgiving and open to debate.
AoBM also takes this opportunity to condemn the bomb attack in Yemen which killed at least 40 people. AoBM stands in solidarity with the people of France and Yemen and seek justice for the victims as well as the perpetrators of the attacks.
Zahid Ali Akbar, Human Rights Director, The Association of British Muslims
Paul Salahuddin Armstrong, Co-Director, The Association of British Muslims
Mohammed Abbasi, Co-Director, The Association of British Muslims
Muslim Association of Britain Statement
Muslim Association of Britain expresses its total condemnation of the senseless and brutal killing of 12 French people including two police officers at the offices of ‘Charlie Hebdo’ newspapers in Paris.
MAB is shocked by the tragedy and deplores this unwarranted violence. MAB would like to state that whilst it is well-known that this controversial newspaper has previously published provocative cartoons of the Prophet (may peace be upon him), there can never be any justification for this criminal act.
MAB also believes that while the hunt for the offenders continues it would be unhelpful to make undue speculations about the circumstances surrounding this incident. It would even be more harmful if this incident would be used by extremists to increase Islamophobic attacks or rhetoric against Muslims in France, and Europe in General.
Omer El-Hamdoon, MAB President commented: “It is suffice to say this is an extremely sad day for the French and we support the British Prime Minister’s statement in the House of Commons that this is a ‘barbaric’ attack which he described as an attack on freedom.”
