Following the tragic events in Barcelona, the British Muslim Forum, which is chaired by the President of The World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates UK Branch (WAAG UK), Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada, issued the following statement.
Barcelona Attack: BMF condemnation of the terror attacks in Spain
The British Muslim Forum (BMF) most strongly condemns the evil, cowardly acts of terror that occurred yesterday in Spain. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all victims of this abhorrent act which has left 14 people dead and over 100 injured. This is simply an affront to humanity. Violence, extremism and terrorism have no justification. The perpetrators of this evil are criminals against humanity.
BMF spokesperson, Imam Qari Muhammad Asim MBE, said: “The victims of the Barcelona attack on 17 August and their families are very much in our thoughts. Mosques across the country will remember the victims of the Barcelona attack at the Friday prayers and express closeness to all the Spanish people. An attack on Barcelona is an attack on our freedoms and values. Through upholding our values of unity, inclusion and justice, we stand together with the rest of Europe to eradicate terrorism from our societies.”
“ISIS have claimed responsibility for this barbaric attack. Yet again, I want to make it clear that ISIS neither speak for Islam nor is their poisonous ideology shared by Muslims across the globe. British Muslims stand united against the evil actions of ISIS. There is no room for any argument or suggestion that callous and cold murder of civilians is in any way justified in the teachings of Islam. Those terrorists who commit terror in European cities, in the name Islam, are evil – they betray Islam and the countries in which they reside. We welcome breaking up of terror cells in Barcelona. The hiding places, mentors and financiers of terrorists must be exposed and brought to justice throughout the globe.”
As the people of Spain, Europe and the world come to terms with this tragedy, the BMF echoes the words of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, who last night said: “Following the attacks in Manchester and London, Spain stood alongside the British people. Tonight, Britain stands with Spain against the evil of terrorism.”
