Collective Action Needed to Tackle Extremism

LONDON, June 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK supports the Government's action to root out extremism.

Rafiq Hayat, National President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK said:

"Any genuine attempt to curb extremism is to be welcomed. No true Muslim could contemplate acting against the laws of the land and so if he or she does, then strict law enforcement in such cases is necessary.

"However, we do not agree that the term 'Islamic extremism' should be used in this context and is in fact misused by the media and by politicians. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community considers terms that seek to link Islam with extremism or terrorism to be entirely wrong. This falsely associates the peaceful religion with evil acts of extremists and is entirely unhelpful and counterproductive.

"Radicalisation by ISIL or anyone else needs a collective response. Families have a role to play in ensuring that their youth remain active citizens, faith leaders have a role to guide people to peace and social harmony and governments and media need to ensure that moderate voices are given a platform to present the true peaceful message of Islam. Governments must also promote and uphold justice in international affairs."

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been actively engaged in spreading the peaceful message of Islam for more than 125 years. Its Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad who is the London-based worldwide spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, has repeatedly condemned all forms of extremism.

Ahmadi Muslims, whose work the Prime Minister has described as 'true faith in action' have always been engaged from a young age to promote Islam's values of loyalty, equality, freedom, respect and peace. Just last week, more than 5,000 Ahmadi Muslim youths from across the UK attended their national convention in Surrey to strengthen their faith in God, build brotherhood, learn about service to mankind and the principle of loyalty to one's country of residence.

Media Contacts:
Basharat Nazir
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Mahmood Rafiq
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http://www.loveforallhatredfornone.org
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Twitter: @AhmadiyyaUK