// Eric Pickles has written to the Imams, but will they take any notice. //
The muslim Council of Britain has done exaxtly what Pickles is asking in the past.
// Muslim community leaders yesterday issued their strongest assertion of opposition to terrorism, calling on mosques to issue "correct Islamic guidance" to followers, in an attempt to head off criticisms that they have failed to condemn violence sufficiently firmly in the past.
A two-page statement was sent out by the Muslim Council of Britain, representing 400 organisations, calling on imams to reinforce the message of peace at Friday's prayer meetings at 1,000 mosques across the country.
The letter quotes the Koran as saying: "He who kills any person unless it be a person guilty of manslaughter or of spreading chaos in the land should be looked upon as though he had slain all mankind and he who saved one life should be regarded as though he had saved the lives of all mankind."
Daud Abdullah, the council's assistant secretary general, insisted that the words could not be interpreted to apply to political leaders who supported the war in Iraq. "What is unlawful in Britain is unlawful for all Muslims," he said.
The statement calls on Muslims to observe the utmost vigilance against any "mischievous or criminal elements from infiltrating the community and provoking any unlawful activity" and to cooperate fully with the police. It adds that Muslims have an obligation to maintain the peace and security of the country. //