Everyone at The Islamic Academy of Manchester (City Jamia Mosque) is extremely saddened and shocked by the terror attack which took place last night in our city. Our thoughts are prayers are with the victims and their families. This indiscriminate and senseless act of violence which has taken the lives of so many innocent young people is appalling and unjustifiable, and represents no faith or community. We condemn it in the strongest terms. We pray that such acts are not hijacked by those that seek to divide us. We urge our congregation and all our friends in the city to remain vigilant.
The official press statement from Manchester Council of Mosques is below.
PRESS RELEASE
TERROR ATTACK AT THE MANCHESTER ARENA
The Greater Manchester Muslim Community is saddened and horrified by reports of yet another terror attack, this time in our very city at the Manchester Arena yesterday. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and our emergency services who are at the forefront of dealing with this tragic incident.
This is and will always be a mindless and unjustifiable act, targeting the innocent and young in this indiscriminate manner. The perpetrators, whoever they may be, must bear the full consequences of their actions.
We note that GMP are treating this as a Terrorist Incident and offer any support that they may need at this difficult time, we urge our communities to remain calm and alert. We would also urge all to support our emergencies services in this difficult hour.
Qadir Cohan-Chair Manchester Council of Mosques commented
“Today, we wake up to the sad news of an terror attack at the heart of our city that has killed many innocent individuals, tragically some are our very young who were at the concert with friends and families. Manchester communities are strong and resilient and will no doubt deal with this latest tragedy in the usual Mancunian way working together and not allowing anyone to hijack this tragic event for their own agenda. We ask all communities to be extra vigilant over the coming weeks and support our police service with any information that they may have to prevent any further incidents.”
Tahir Mahmood-Rochdale Council Mosques commented
“We are horrified by this attack and the loss of all lives and injuries to all victims. This tragedy has struck at the heart of our communities and we will work with all concerned to ensure that we help the victims and emergency services in dealing with the aftermath”.
Imteyaz Ali- Bolton Council Mosques commented
“We are shocked at the tragic news of this terror attack at the heart of Manchester City Centre, the tragic loss of life and the sheer scale is difficult to comprehend. We ask for all to stay calm and support our emergency services in whatever way they can to help them in this hour”.
This statement is issued by the following organisations:
Manchester Council of Mosques: MCOM
MCOM represent over 70 mosques in Manchester with a combined congregation of over 80,000 people. MCOM aims to work for Manchester and beyond to be a great place to worship, live, work and prosper in. MCOM regularly issues statements and press releases to mosques and the wider society to build a just and harmonious society.
Stockport Muslims
Stockport Muslims are Muslims from the suburbs of Greater Manchester that work with all communities in developing mutual understanding and social cohesion. Stockport Muslims are committed to justice, tolerance and building a fairer society for all.
Bolton Council of Mosques: BCoM
The Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) has been uniting, and standing up for Muslims in Bolton for over 20 years. Its goal is to ensure that all Muslims have the opportunity to take an active part in building a better society for everyone who lives in Bolton by involving them at a grass roots level, and highlighting the vital contribution they make to the town. BCoM has 26 affiliated Mosques.
Rochdale Council of Mosques: RCM
The Rochdale Council of Mosques has been working with communities in Rochdale since 2003 and it has 15 mosques affiliated to it. Our vision is to develop successful, confident and united Muslims, who pursue their aspirations with respect and dignity in order to make valuable contributions to the economic, spiritual and civic life of Rochdale. Our work is about developing a framework for addressing issues affecting local Muslim people through effective partnership working, promoting harmony and unity between the people of Rochdale. We endeavour to consult, contribute, help develop and where needed, deliver services which meet the needs of the Muslim communities living in Rochdale. We also act as a gateway to service providers, enhancing access and participation of the Muslim community.
Oldham Council of Mosques
For more information, please contact:
Mr Yousef Dar (Stockport Muslims) 07833 494 088
Mr Ibrahim Kala (BCoM) 07525 048 346
Mr Dobir Miah (RCM) 07764 614 031
Mr Qadir Chohan (Chair of MCOM) 07904 092 748