LEADERS of mosques across Waltham Forest have spoken out to condemn the killing of at least 129 people in Paris, on Friday.
Waltham Forest Islamic Association (WFIA) has released a statement calling for peace, condemning the acts of the ISIS extremists, following the coordinated terror attacks.
Eight gunmen and suicide bombers shot and killed innocent people as they enjoyed their Friday evening across the city at cafes, the Stade de France and the the Bataclan concert hall.
In a statement WFIA said the condemn the acts of terror.
They said: “WIFA is horrified to learn of the abhorrent and inhumane acts of terror perpetrated against the people of Paris.
“We unequivocally condemn this act of terrorism and vehemently oppose any ones attempt at associating this heinous act with the true teachings of Islam.
“Our heartfelt sympathies are with the families affected and we offer our condolences to the families of the bereaved victims.”
The leaders of mosques in the borough went on to quote the Holy Quran stating to take an innocent life is to ‘kill the whole of humanity’.
“We take this opportunity to state Islam’s opposition to any acts of terror and remind all of the clear verse in the Holy Quran,” the statement continued.
“The acts of terror we are experiencing recently are unprecedented in the west but a poignant reminder of what is being suffered in the Muslim lands for a long time.
“Indeed, it is the Muslims who are the biggest victims of ISIS terror and these events, like in Paris, are unfortunately an all too common occurrence suffered by Muslims.
“We request governments not to over react by further introducing any unreasonable curtailment of civil liberties.
“We should always pursue a diplomatic route as violence breeds violence.
“We must unify the voices against terrorism and not act to isolate any community as that will only serve the extremist agenda and further endanger all of our lives.”
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