Imam shows how we can beat hate
EXTRAORDINARY restraint was shown by Imam Mohammed Mahmoud as he stopped a mob harming the alleged attacker at the mosque and letting police take him safely into custody (Mirror, June 20).
If one thing has been learnt from the horrific murder of MP Jo Cox, it is that we must not let those who wish to spread fear and hate succeed.
My sympathy is with the Muslim community of North London at this difficult time. Miriam Moran, Birmingham Those who follow a far-right ideology are no different from the terrorists who killed innocent people going about their daily lives in Manchester and London. This latest attack happened as many people came together throughout Britain in memory of the tragic Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered by fascist Thomas Mair. Fanatics, whether of the far-right or Islamic, have nothing in common with decent people of true faith. They wish to divide us. We all have a responsibility not to allow them to achieve their goal – the killing and hate has to stop. Derek C Ray North London The recent ISISinspired terror attacks have been deliberate tactics carried out with the intention to divide and polarise our society. ISIS have told us this. In polarised societies, people tend to take refuge in extreme positions. Only the extremists on both sides gain from this downward spiral to provoking civil war. Society must stand up to extremism in all its forms.
The desire to impose Islam and the desire to ban Islam are simply two ends to a lit fuse that can only lead to chaos. Maajid Nawaz, Founder of counterextremism organisation Quilliam The disgusting attack on Finsbury Park mosque should be a wake-up call.
Anti-Muslim bigots like the English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson are not elected, yet they are given airtime to spout hateful bile regularly. In my view, they are guilty of brainwashing and spreading hate. Steven McNamara Middlesbrough Following the attack on Finsbury Park mosque, will the authorities allow the planned march by the Islamophobic English Defence League in central London on Saturday to go ahead? Sasha Simic, North London I think it is time for the authorities to stamp out radicalism on all sides. People who follow hate propaganda and who groom vulnerable people with racist bigotry from sites like Britain First need to be banned. Richard Moy, Cardiff Whatever the motive or intent of the alleged Finsbury Park mosque attack, we should all condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Hate only breeds more hate and it is only by standing together can we defeat this evil. K Williams Slough, Berks