MUSLIMS SAY “NO” TO RACISM

It has come to our attention that a few isolated incidents took place across the Borough last night that may possibly have been racially motivated. Whilst arrests have been made and the Police are still investigating, the Council of Mosques would like to express our utter condemnation of racism in all its forms.

There is no place for racism in Islam. Allah (Glory be to Him) says in the Qur’an:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” [Surah al-Hujurat, 49:13]

We understand that emotions are running high due to recent events; this has not been helped by the numerous lies that have been circulated throughout the community in order to increase tension and divide us. We urge everyone to remain calm and verify all messages that they receive.

Whilst it has not yet been confirmed that these incidents were racially motivated, anyone who attacks someone else, purely because their skin colour is different, is a racist and cannot possibly be acting in the name of Islam.