Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Muslim leader hits out at ‘barbarians’ after bombing
Canterbury’s Muslim community has condemned the suicide bombing in Manchester which left 22 dead and 59 injured.
Ihsan Khan, from the Canterbury Muslim Cultural Centre in Giles Lane, branded the terrorists “barbarians” and says his members are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives.
He also urged other Muslims to report any behaviour they fear could lead to an atrocity.
He was writing on his Facebook page after the bomber was revealed to be a Muslim called Salman Abedi, who was born in Britain to Libyan refugee parents.
Mr Khan, who is president of the Islamic Society at the University of Kent, said: “On behalf of Canterbury’s Muslims, we would like to send our condolences to the families and victims of the Manchester attack.
“It is deeply saddening to see the loss of innocent lives and even more so when they are children. We condemn all forms of terrorism and strongly disagree with the views of these barbarians.
“In no way are they following the Islamic religion and in no way do they represent the major- ity of the Muslims in the UK and around the world or our beliefs.
“In fact our religion teaches us to live peacefully alongside our neighbours and to follow the law of the land. We are advised to follow the example of our prophet who instructed us not to even harm trees let alone innocent human beings.
“We follow the Koran, which says killing an innocent human being is like killing the whole of humanity.”
The attack on Monday night after a concert by Ariana Grande at the MEN Arena, lead to the government escalating the terror threat to “critical”, which means another atrocity is expected.
Security has been stepped up across the country, with armed troops deployed on the streets.
Armed police have also been patrolling Canterbury Cathedral, where prayers have been said for the victims.
The Canterbury Mosque has previously held two successful open days which were widely supported by local people but also targeted by Britain First activists.
Mr Khan said: “The majority of us are law-abiding citizens who would like to raise awareness of such extremist behaviour, and encourage anyone who notices extreme traits in any person who they may know to alert the police immediately to prevent such atrocities from occurring.
“Let us all unite in times like this, for united we stand, divided we fall.
“The only reason these barbarians are committing such atrocities are to attempt to divide us but we will show them that by uniting we will defeat them and we will wipe out their methodology.
“Once again are thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families.”