This is a cross post from the Facebook group 9/11 Statement
As the tenth anniversary of the atrocities of September 11th 2001 draws closer, we wish to take this opportunity to come together to reiterate our profound sympathy for the victims of the attacks in the US. We also honour the memory of all victims of terrorism in all nations around the world.
The last ten years have not been easy. Tragically, we have seen thousands more people from all walks of life become victims of terrorism. We have also seen the impact of the conflicts resulting from 9/11 in different parts of the Muslim world and experienced the terrible consequences of acts of terror here in Britain on 7th July 2005. The recent tragic events in Oslo show us that terrorists still continue to plan and carry out attacks against people regardless of their race, religion, gender or social circumstance.
As a community we have rejected the terrorists, the emptiness of their words and the futility of their actions. They have nothing to offer the world. Those who seek to divide society have failed. Indeed, their destructive actions have only brought communities closer together. Their message that terrorism is the only way to achieve change has been rejected by ordinary citizens standing in peaceful protest for greater political participation and freedom across the Middle East and North Africa.
Ten years on from the 9/11 attacks, our communities are growing stronger and more resilient. Communities have come together to find common ground and resolve differences. For those of us who are Muslims, our faith gives us hope– a hope shared by people of all faiths and of none – for a world free from terror and injustice.
Now is the time to look to the future with greater optimism. Our common humanity, our spirit of community, the values we share as human beings, will give us the strength to confront those who seek to divide rather than unite us, now and in the future. We will continue to stand together in troubled times, not just against terrorism but against all forms of criminality that pervade our society – as we saw during the riots that spread across the UK in recent weeks. Only together can we defeat such problems. Only together can we work to build communities whose unity honours the memory of the victims of September 11th and victims of conflicts and terror around the world.
Signed by:
Radical Middle Way
Islamic Society of Britain
Inspire
Ahlul Bayt TV
Al-Khoei Foundation
An-Nisa Society
Association of British Muslims (AOBM)
Ayesha Community Education
Bristol Muslim Women’s Network
British Muslim Forum (BMF)
British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD)
BritSlam Partnership
Canopus Consulting
CENTRI
City Circle
Embrace Foundation
Federation of Muslim Organisations
Harlesden Islamic Cultural Centre
Help Somalia Foundation
Hosseinieh Foundation, Bristol
International Forum For Islamic Dialogue
International Imam Hussein Council
Iraqi Welfare Association
Islamic Circles
JIMAS
Karimia Institute
Khayaal Theatre Company
Khazra Central Mosque, Glasgow
Leeds Makkah Masjid
Leicester Central Mosque
Light of Guidance Theatre
London Academy of Iranian Studies (LAIS)
London Fatwa Council
MAWAH, London (Muslim Active Women Around Hounslow)
Mecca 2 Medina
Milton Keynes Arts and Culture Organisation
Minhaj-ul-Quran International, UK
Muhammadi Trust of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Muslim Association of Britain (MAB)
Muslim Youth Association (MYA)
Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH)
Noor Trust
Pakistan Community Centre, Willesden, London
Ramadhan Foundation
Rabita Ltd
Sefydliad Materion Mwslemaidd Cymru (Wales Institute for Muslim Affairs)
Shia Professionals of London
Sri Lanka Islamic Forum UK (SLIF UK)
Somali Family Support Group London (SFSG)
The Leaf Network
The Muslim College
The Salam Project
The Zahra Trust
UK Islamic Mission (UKIM)
World Islamic Mission
Young Muslims Advisory Group (YMAG)
