Muslims denounce terror and extremism at peace conference

Muslims in Britain are often wrongly accused of failing to denounce acts of terrorism in the name of Islam.

But over 12,000 Muslims gathered at a major event at Wembley Stadium at the weekend to join a leading Islamic scholar to collectively denounce terrorism and give their backing to a global declaration of peace.

Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, founder of the Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI) movement told the audience at the Peace for Humanity conference that the "terrible" 9/11 attacks in the United States had distorted perceptions of Islam over the past decade.

"Inspite of statements and memorandum and condemnation of the terror, the voices of the 99 per cent true, peace-loving Muslims have not been heard. They have been drowned out by the clamour and the noise of extremists. Islam has nothing to do with any act of terrorism. We reject every act of extremism and terrorism unconditionally."

As well as Dr Qadri, who made his speech in spite of death threats he received after issuing a fatwa against terrorism last year, a number of other Islamic scholars also took to the stage to denounce terrorism and extremism and called for respect for human rights and alleviation of poverty throughout the world.

The audience also heard pre-recorded messages of support from the likes of Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, opposition leader Ed Miliband, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams amongst others.

There were also prayers for peace from a range of representatives from different religions including the Bishop of Barking, the Rt Rev David Hawkins, Jewish rabbis and representatives from the Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh faiths.

Bishop Hawkins, whose diocese includes the headquarters of MQI in east London, was also applauded, adding,

"I stand with you in your rejection of violent extremism of all kinds."

The event, which featured a number of speakers from different religions denouncing evil acts of terrorism and extremism, showed that the Muslim community just like any other is against such acts and those who use it in the name of religion.

Picture: Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri