We are now in very worrying times and there is a lot of fear and tension due to the terrorist attacks in this country. This is what they want to achieve, but we should all try to remain calm and not allow ourselves to go down to their level, instead show them that this is a peaceful country and we have love for one another, no matter what colour, nationality or religion a person is. This is a multi-religious, harmonious society and we are proud of that. The motto of my community is Love for All, Hatred for None, but it is important to practice what we preach, otherwise it becomes mere words.
I have been trying to explain in Press articles that religion teaches us peace, to ‘love thy neighbour’. It doesn’t teach us hate Therefore these people who are doing these terrorist acts are not following the religion or striving to please God. They may call themselves ‘Muslims’, they may say ‘we are doing it for Allah’ or shout ‘Allah Akbar’ – ‘Allah is Great’, but this is certainly not what Allah wants and they are causing His displeasure, not pleasure by doing such actions in His name.
I thought in this newsletter I will give some of the quotes and pictures that have been published in the local newspapers, to show that we are also concerned what is happening and condemn such actions and are speaking out to inform people that do not blame religion or God for these criminal acts.
I know that you understand that this has nothing to do with religion, but it is good to reassure that understanding and show that we are all citizens of this wonderful country and we will not stand for anyone to break the peace and love that we have for each other.
Hartlepool Mail – Saturday March 26 2016
Hartlepool Muslims ‘stand united’ with Brussels victims and speak out against ‘deplorable’ acts of terrorism
A Hartlepool Muslim association has deplored the Brussels terrorist attacks and says it “stands united” with the victims.
Thirty-four people were killed and 200 more injured in Tuesday’s suicide bomb attacks on Brussels airport and its metro.
We condemn terrorists and their deplorable actions
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Hartlepool says the terrorists from the so-called Islamic State network do not represent the real Islam.
Association spokesperson Wadood Daud said: “We stand united with innocent victims of Brussels terrorists attacks.
“We condemn terrorists and their deplorable actions. They are criminals who must be brought to justice.
“They certainly do not represent true Islam and its peaceful teachings.”
He added: “Ahmadi Muslims from Nasir Mosque Hartlepool have been promoting peaceful message of Islam since its inauguration in 2005. We regularly hold open days where people can drop in for a quick chat and learn more about Islam.” The most recent one was held last Saturday.
Mr Daud said the Ahmadiyya Muslim community has been leading a peaceful revival of Islam since it was established in the UK in 1913 and stands for stands for education, integration and interfaith peace.
“We are also committed to helping others, engaging local communities and working for the common good. On this we have a long history of raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for British charities,” he said.
Hartlepool Mail – Wednesday March 25 2017
Prayers and sympathy for terror attack victims
Hartlepool Muslims have united to condemn the terror attacks in Westminster which saw five dead and dozens injured.
Khalid Masood killed three people and injured scores more after ploughing a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing Pc Keith Palmer to death.
The other victims killed in the attack were retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes from south London, Kurt Cochran, a US tourist from Utah, and Aysha Frade, who worked in administration at an independent sixth-form school. The attack was brought to an end when Masood was shot by police.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from Nasir Mosque Hartlepool says it strongly condemns the barbaric attacks that took place in Westminster. They added their sympathies and prayers are with the people of London and all those affected. Such attacks and violence against innocent people can never be justified under any circumstances, a statement added.
The Worldwide Head and Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who resides in the UK has said regarding terrorism and extremism: “All forms of terrorism and extremism are completely against the true teachings of Islam.
“The Holy Quran has said that to kill even one innocent person is akin to killing all of mankind. Thus under no circumstances can murder ever be justified and those who seek to justify their hateful acts in the name of Islam are serving only to defame it in the worst possible way.”
They say community members also attended the vigil at Trafalgar Square on Thursday and stood shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the attendees in solidarity to show that these atrocities do not divide us. They can be seen holding up banners “Love For All Hatred for None” to promote the peace and harmony.
Prayers for the recent attacks at Westminster Bridge
Hartlepool Mail – Wednesday May 24 2017
Hartlepool Muslims condemn ‘barbaric’ Manchester attack
Hartlepool’s Muslim community has condemned the Manchester Arena attack which left 22 dead, including children, as “barbaric”.
Tahir Selby, Imam of the Nasir Mosque in Brougham Terrace, said:
“This was shocking and our deepest sympathy goes out to all the innocent victims of this terrible attack.
“Whilst supposed Muslims are claiming responsibility for this, I want to re-emphasis that this has nothing to do with Islam or religion.”
Hartlepool Mail – Wednesday June 5 2017
Muslim community in Hartlepool condemns London terror attack
Muslims in Hartlepool have condemned Saturday’s terror attack in London which left seven people dead. During a prayer service held yesterday,
Muslims at Nasir Mosque Hartlepool prayed for the victims of Saturday’s attack.
Seven people died and 48 were injured after terrorists drove into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed people in Borough Market.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK says it is
“deeply saddened and shocked at the brutal and barbaric terrorist attacks in London on Saturday night”.
Rafiq Hayat, national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said:
“Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms Saturday’s terrorist attack in London.
“All acts of terrorism and extremism are vile criminal acts that are completely unjustifiable.
“We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and pray for a full and speedy recovery of those injured.
“We also commend the excellent work of emergency services, who responded in a matter of minutes. We are proud of them.
“This latest attack follows the horrific attacks at Westminster Bridge and the suicide bombing in Manchester and it is clear that such murderers are bent on sowing the seeds of hatred and division. As before they will not succeed.
“Such acts find no hiding place in Islam for it rejects extremism and terrorism in any form and for any reason.
“We will continue to stand united against extremism and work with all who seek peace to defeat this ideology of hate.”
Hartlepool Mail – Thursday June 15 2017
Young Muslims from Hartlepool are supporting a fundraising campaign to help terrorism victims
The town’s branch of the national Ahmadiyya Youth Association said the attack that claimed seven lives was barbaric and totally unjustified.
The association said its heartfelt prayers and thoughts were with the people of London and all those who have been affected by the latest shocking attack.
Young Muslims in Hartlepool are supporting a national Red Cross fundraising appeal for the victims of two terrorist attacks.
Prayers at Hartlepool’s Nasir Mosque for the victims of recent terror attacks in the UK.
Hartlepool Muslim youth leader, Muhammad Ali Ahmad said:
“We are greatly troubled by this situation; we simply cannot tolerate innocents being killed or harmed.
“As a Muslim who has studied them Qur’an, I know that any form of terrorism or hate is completely against the teachings of the Qur’an – no matter what terrorist or any other says.
ISIS, all terrorist groups and hatred are alien to Islam.”
Prayer for the victims of the London attacks were led by local Imam, Tahir Selby, at the town’s Nasir Mosque in Brougham Terrace.
Last month, 22 people were killed and 119 injured at Manchester Arena.
Hartlepool-born Jane Tweddle was among the victims killed in the attack, along with four others from the North East.
The 8,000 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association have also launched an appeal for the victims of the Manchester and London attacks in conjunction with the British Red Cross.
Mark Astarita, executive director of fundraising at the Red Cross said:
“We look forward to working with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK, under their Mercy for Mankind Charity Challenge to raise money for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
“Our thoughts and sentiments are with all those affected by this tragedy. We hope people will take part in this campaign and donate generously to help those bereaved or injured.”
Discussing the problem of extremism in the UK, Muhammad added:
“It is also important that we starve all extremists of media oxygen.
“They consider it a victory when we provide them with media platforms and allow them to impact our lives and liberties. We should starve them of both.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V with the then Home Office Secretary, Rt Hon Theresa May, UK Prime Minister
“It is the dire need of the time to respond to all forms of fanaticism and extremism with Islam’s true message of peace and harmony.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
Khalifatul Masih V
Spiritual Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community