Hartlepool’s Muslim community calls for country to unite on 7/7 anniversary.
A Muslim community in Hartlepool says the country needs to unite in the wake of the 10th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings in London.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Hartlepool says they believe a collective response is needed from families, faith communities, the Government and the media as the country seeks to tackle the issue of radicalisation.
David Cameron and Boris Johnson yesterday laid wreaths at the permanent memorial to the 52 people killed as victims’ families and survivors gathered at stations affected by the outrage.
At around 8.50am on July 7 2005, there were three almost simultaneous explosions on the Underground as terrorists perpetrated the single worst atrocity on British soil.
Suicide bombers carried out the deadly attacks in Russell Square on the Piccadilly line where 26 died, at Edgware Road where six died, seven died in the bombing at Aldgate and a Number 30 bus at Tavistock Square was targeted where 13 died.
Syed Hashim Ahmad, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Hartlepool, said prayers were offered at the mosque in Brougham Terrace, Hartlepool.
He said: “The events of ten years ago were a wake up call for Britain on the threat of radicalisation. Extremists struck at the heart of London, but rather than weakening us they strengthened the resolve of all Londoners and indeed of all Britons. We offered a special remembrance service in the wake of 7/7 at Nasir Mosque in Hartlepool, to bring communities together and to show our solidarity as a country.
“Our Caliph, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has delivered countless speeches highlighting the true peaceful teachings of Islam, reminding us of the need for us to strengthen our link with God and to serve mankind.
“As a result our youth have excelled in charity work by raising more than a million pounds for British charities, by planting 100,000 trees to protect our environment and by feeding tens of thousands of homeless people. We believe that such actions ensure that our youth remain engaged in the service of the country and honour those who gave their lives for our freedoms.
“As the country seeks to tackle the issue of radicalisation, our view remains that this needs a collective response from families, faith communities, government and the media. If moderate voices are given a fair hearing and Governments uphold the principle of absolute justice then peace will have a chance.
“As we mark this anniversary it is our heartfelt prayer that we never see another 7/7 in London or anywhere in the world.”
