‘This is horrific, criminal’: Muslim representatives condemn Manchester attack

"Whatever motive, it's unacceptable & inhumane” - Muslim representatives spoke out about the attack, quickly condemning it as an inhumane act.

Society

2 min read

The New Arab

23 May, 2017

Tributes were laid near the Manchester Arena on Tuesday morning [Getty]

Following Monday night's terrorist attack at a pop concert in Manchester, the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain condemned what he described as a "horrific" and "criminal" incident.

Harun Khan issued a statement in the morning after the attack, extending his "thoughts and prayers" to the victims and their families.

"I understand teenagers and children have been caught up in what the police has confirmed to be a terrorist attack," said Khan in a statement.

"This is horrific, this is criminal.

"May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next."

A suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured a further 60 as they were leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

After the event the Greater Manchester Muslim Community said it was "saddened and horrified" by the attack.

"This is and will always be a mindless and unjustifiable act, targeting the innocent and young in this indiscrimate manner."

Qadir Chohan, the chair of Manchester Council of Mosques said: "Today, we wake up to the sad news of a terror attack at the heart of our city that has killed many innocent individuals, tragically some of our very young who were at the concert with family and friends."

Tahir Mahmood of the Rochdale Council of Mosque said: "We are horrified by this attack and the tragic loss of life and injury caused."

Sheikh Mohammed al-Hilli, a representative for Shia Muslims said on Twitter he was "saddened by the Manchester bombing".

"Thoughts & prayers with the victims & their families. Whatever motive, it's unacceptable & inhumane."

The CEO of MEND, an anti-Islamophobia NGO also condemned the attack on Twitter.

"Thoughts and prayers with all those who have lost loved ones or have injured or missing family members," tweeted Shazad Amin.

Khan also paid tribute to the police and emergency services who "worked valiantly" to save lives.

"They were helped by civilians who rushed into offer their support. I urge all those in the region and around the country to pool together to support those affected."

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but analysts are suggesting it bears the hallmarks of Islamic State-inspired so-called lone-wolf attacks that have hit European and Western capitals in the past few years.