Letter: The Perpetrators of this Barbaric Act Do Not Represent Us

Published on: 26 May, 2017
Updated on: 26 May, 2017

Manchester vigil – Photo Getty Images

From the Surrey Muslim Association

The terror attack at Manchester Arena was a barbaric act that is beyond words, designed to cause maximum pain and suffering.

It was a despicable and that it happened at a concert attended by so many children and young people is truly beyond any understanding. This is horrific.

This is a criminal act and the perpetrators should face the full weight of the justice system.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected including the wounded, those searching for loved ones and those grieving for such a terrible loss.

We pay tribute to those first responders, the emergency services and the people of Manchester who worked throughout the night to save lives or rushed into work or who offered humanity when it was needed. We pay tribute to all the services that continue to provide support, love, care and compassion to all.

Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of the victims. We stand with Manchester.

There are no words that we can find which can describe such murderous acts nor can we find words of condemnation that can indeed express our feelings.
We are horrified by this attack and we are all determined that those who seek to divide our diverse and peaceful communities in Britain will not succeed.

There is no justification for murder, and all those who commit acts of violence and terrorism cannot do so in the name of any faith. Any such claim is illegitimate.

British Muslim communities are equally appalled by the murders, and angered by those who commit abhorrent acts in the name of religion. The perpetrators do not represent us; their views are perverse and self-serving.

We urge all communities in Britain and Surrey to stand firm with compassion and solidarity. We must not let these terrorists divide us, otherwise the terrorists will win. Let us not play into their divisive narrative, and instead show them that people of all faiths and backgrounds can live peacefully, together.

Like the terrorists who want to divide communities, there will be some in the days ahead who will try to use this atrocity to attack innocent people. We equally reject their intentions.

It is evil people who do evil things; such acts will only increase our resolve to remain united.

We conclude with a verse from the holy the Quran that translates: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (not that you may despise one another). Verily the most honourable of you in the sight of God is the one among you most careful of their duties. Surely Allah is Knowing, Aware (Inner Apartments Chapter, verse 13).