Muslim leaders unite to condemn ‘heinous and appalling’ terror attack

Leading Muslim clerics have joined fellow faith leaders including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to condemn the “heinous and appalling” terror attack in Westminster.

They led a minute of silence outside Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, just yards from where Khalid Masood killed four people on Wednesday.

Sheikh Mohammad al Hilli, representing Shia Muslims, told the crowd: “As a member of the Shia Muslim community here in the United Kingdom, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous and appalling attack. We utterly condemn this terrorist act.”

And Sheikh Ezzat Khalifa, chief Imam and head of religious affairs at the London Central Mosque, said: “We condemn this act, which killed innocent people, and those criminals, we shouldn’t link them with Islam because Islam, and all religion, calls for peace, co-existence and tolerance.

“What those criminals are doing is not from the principles of Islam. They want to divide us. We are here together to stand together and to show solidarity, to show co-operation, to face those people and these crimes.”

Chief Rabbi Mirvis paid his respects to the victims of the attack, adding: “Terrorists seek to instil fear and terror into the hearts and minds of millions. They also seek to divide us. Londoners are showing right now that we will always stand up with strength to confront terror and we will never be cowed by it. We have come here in friendship on behalf of our communities. We proclaim that no person and no event will drive a wedge between us. Together we will prevail.”

Archbishop Justin Welby noted the “deep shock” that engulfed the country in the wake of the murders, saying: “We are beginning the process of thinking about the future and the consequences. We have come together in sad reflection but also determination.”

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “I received a message from Pope Francis in which he assured this country of his prayers for our future, for our well-being and for our peace.”