British Muslims take out advert to condemn killings

Hundreds of Muslims in Britain have taken out an advert on the Daily Telegraph UK and Mail Online, to condemn and denounce the recent tragic attacks in Paris.

The advert, organised by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), read;

“With one voice, British Muslims condemn the Paris attacksunreservedly.

“The barbaric acts of Daesh [Isis] have no sanction in the religion of , which forbids terrorism and the targeting of innocents.

“Muslims have held vigils and donated blood for the victims. It is not the terrorists who represent our faith but brave individuals like Stade de France security guard Zouheir, who risked his life to stop the attackers.”

Secretary General of the MCB, Dr Shuja Shafi, said, “The advert aims to highlight how Muslims everywhere have consistently and without reservation spoken out against terror. It is important that our fellow Britons hear this message loudly and clearly”

“The aim of attacks like those inflicted on Paris and other cities across the world is to turn communities against each other,” said Shafi. “As Muslims, Britons and Europeans, we must stand together to make sure they do not succeed.”

Harun Khan, deputy secretary general of the MCB, said: “The reaction has been hugely positive. Others have picked up on the hard copy and have re-circulated it. It has been a really good message to us.

“People say that Muslims are not really saying enough or that they cannot hear or see what is being said, so this advert gives us some good coverage.”

Khan disclosed that the advert serves to also educate those who have been victimising Muslims in the country.

“Another aspect is some of the hate crimes Muslims are facing in the UK as a reaction. The advert is a counter-measure to tell people that what these terrorists did in Paris does not reflect on what Muslims are like in the UK.

“We have some reports about people being threatened and this was also done to dispel any misconceptions about Muslims in general.”