9/11 - a decade on...

The Leaf Network is among a large group of Muslim organisations that have cosigned a statement commemorating the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

Statement below:

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:

1. Radical Middle Way
2. Islamic Society of Britain
3. Inspire
    
4. Ahlul Bayt TV
5. Al-Khoei Foundation
6. An-Nisa Society
7. Association of British Muslims (AOBM)
8. Association of Muslim Lawyers (AML)
9. Ayesha Community Education
10. Bristol Muslim Women's Network
11. British Muslim Forum (BMF)
12. British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD)
13. BritSlam Partnership
14. Canopus Consulting
15. CENTRI
16. City Circle
17. Embrace Foundation
18. Federation of Muslim Organisations
19. Harlesden Islamic Cultural Centre
20. Help Somalia Foundation
21. Hosseinieh Foundation, Bristol
22. International Forum For Islamic Dialogue
23. International Imam Hussein Council
24. Iraqi Welfare Association
25. Islamic Circles
26. JIMAS
27. Karimia Institute
28. Khayaal Theatre Company
29. Khazra Central Mosque, Glasgow
30. Leeds Makkah Masjid
31. Leicester Central Mosque
32. Light of Guidance Theatre
33. London Academy of Iranian Studies (LAIS)
34. London Fatwa Council
35. MAWAH, London (Muslim Active Women Around Hounslow)
36. Mecca 2 Medina
37. Milton Keynes Arts and Culture Organisation
38. Minhaj-ul-Quran International, UK
39. Muhammadi Trust of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
40. Muslim Association of Britain (MAB)
41. Muslim Youth Association (MYA)
42. Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH)
43. Noor Trust
44. Pakistan Community Centre, Willesden, London
45. Ramadhan Foundation
46. Rabita Ltd
47. Sefydliad Materion Mwslemaidd Cymru (Wales Institute for Muslim Affairs)
48. Shia Professionals of London
49. Sri Lanka Islamic Forum UK (SLIF UK)
50. Somali Family Support Group London (SFSG)
51. The Leaf Network
52. The Muslim College
53. The Salam Project
54. The Zahra Trust
55. UK Islamic Mission (UKIM)
56. World Islamic Mission
57. Young Muslims Advisory Group (YMAG)