Rochdale Council of Mosques condemns murder of Lee Rigby

Neeli Mosque and Islamic Centre

The Rochdale Council of Mosques (RCM) has condemned the horrific murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich, London.

Eye-witnesses suggest that the murderers shouted Islamic slogans during their heinous act and were thus motivated by the Islamic faith.

A spokesman for the RCM said: "This is nothing but a barbaric crime and cold blooded murder committed in broad daylight - it has no basis in Islam and we condemn this unreservedly.

"Our thoughts are with the victim and his family and indeed those individuals who had to witness this crime. We understand the victim is a serving member of the Armed Forces.

"Muslims have long served in this country’s Armed Forces, proudly and with honour. This attack on a member of the Armed Forces is dishonourable, and no cause justifies this murder.

"From whatever angle you see yesterday's attack it was at every level evil.

"These evil men cannot be allowed to use the sacred name of God – Allah and the peaceful religion of Islam to masquerade their psychotic behaviour. 

"This act will no doubt heighten tensions on the streets of Britain. We call on all our communities living in Rochdale and elsewhere, Muslim and non-Muslim’s, to come together in solidarity to ensure the forces of hatred do not divide us. It is important we allow our security services to do their job without speculation.

"We also urge the utmost vigilance and ask the Police and Local Authorities to calm tensions. We are living in challenging times, but we believe that the Rochdale community (and indeed everyone across the country) can pull through together and will remain strong and resolute to win the battle against all evil.

"What has happened is wrong and totally unacceptable but ‘Islam and Muslims’ are not responsible for the actions of a few evil monsters just like Christians and Christianity are not responsible for the Norwegian Breivik who killed 76 on his self-confessed 'Christian' crusade.

"British Muslims cannot and must not be held responsible for two individuals (who it is alleged claim to be Muslims). We must not allow the far right groups like the EDL or BNP to take and spread their hate. We must purge our society of such hatred and violence. 

"We want to see these evil men dealt with the full force of law.

"May Allah – God Almighty give such people the greatest of punishment in this world and the hereafter.

"May Allah – God Almighty help the family of the victim through this difficult time. Our deepest condolences and prayers for all those directly and indirectly affected."