‘Terror goes against the core of Islam’

Faith and community leaders have come together to condemn the London Bridge attack and to tell terrorists their actions go against the core teachings of Islam.

A panel of speakers at the East London Mosque said they will continue to work to counteract terrorists’ “twisted narrative and their perversion” of the religion.

It came as 130 imams and religious leaders from diverse backgrounds refused to perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer for the attackers – a ritual that is normally performed for every Muslim regardless of their actions.

In a statement, they said: “Consequently, and in light of other such ethical principles which are quintessential to Islam, we will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer over the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege.

“This is because such indefensible actions are completely at odds with the lofty teachings of Islam.”

Commander Mak Chishty from the Metropolitan Police read out a statement on behalf of the capital’s Muslim community. It said: “The Muslim community appeals to all sections within their own communities to root out the scourge of terrorism.”