LONDON – A leading British Muslim group condemned on Tuesday, May 23, the suicide attack at Manchester Arena which resulted in the death of 22 and injury of 59 others, praying for the victims and their families.

“My thoughts and prayers are with 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,” Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said in a statement published online.

“This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.”

Twenty-two people, including children, have been killed and 59 injured in a suicide attack at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.

Police said the lone male attacker, who died in the blast, detonated an improvised explosive device.

“I pay tribute to the police and emergency services who have worked valiantly to save lives last night. 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,” Khan added.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said it was “the most horrific incident” Greater Manchester had ever faced.

He said the “fast-moving investigation” was now working to establish whether the attacker “was acting alone or as part of a network”.

Sadiq Khan, the first Muslim mayor for London, issued a statement condemning the horrendous crime.

“London stands united with the great city of Manchester today after this barbaric and sickening attack. This was a cowardly act of terrorism that targeted a concert attended by thousands of children and young people,” Khan wrote.

“My heart goes out to the victims, their families and everybody affected. Once again we have seen the heroism of our brave emergency services. They have our full support and are in all our thoughts today.”

“I am in constant contact with the Metropolitan Police, who are reviewing security arrangements in London. Londoners will see more police on our streets today.

“Manchester and the rest of Britain will never be cowed by terrorism. Those who want to destroy our way of life and divide us will never succeed.”

Manchester Muslims Respond

After the attack, Manchester Muslim community issued the following statement:

“The Greater Manchester Muslim Community is saddened and horrified by reports of yet another terror attack, this time in our very city – at the Manchester Arena yesterday.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and our emergency services that are at the forefront of dealing with this tragic incident.

This is and will always be a mindless and unjustifiable act, targeting the innocent and young in this indiscriminate manner. The perpetrators, whoever they may be, must bear the full consequences of their actions.

We note that GMP are treating this as a Terrorist Incident and offer any support that they may need at this difficult time, we urge our communities to remain calm and alert. We would also urge all to support our emergencies services in this difficult hour.

Qadir Chohan – Chair of Manchester Council of Mosques said “Today, we wake up to the sad news of an terror attack at the heart of our city that has killed many innocent individuals, tragically some are our very young who were at the concert with friends and families. The Manchester community is strong and resilient and will no doubt deal with this latest tragedy in the usual Mancunian way working together and not allowing anyone to hijack this tragic event for their own agenda. We ask all communities to be extra vigilant over the coming weeks.”

Tahir Mahmood from the Rochdale Council of Mosques commented “We are horrified by this attack and the tragic loss of life and injury caused. This tragedy has struck at the heart of our community and we are ready to work with all concerned in helping the victims and emergency services in dealing with this disaster”.

Imteyaz Ali from the Bolton Council Mosques added “We are shocked at the tragic news of this terror attack at the heart of Manchester City Center, the appalling loss of life and the sheer scale of those injured is difficult to comprehend. We ask for all to stay calm and support our emergency services in whatever way they can to help them in this hour”.

This statement is issued by the following organizations:

Manchester Council of Mosques: MCOM

MCOM represent over 70 mosques in Manchester with a combined congregation of over 80,000 people. MCOM aims to work for Manchester and beyond to be a great place to worship, live, work and prosper in. MCOM regularly issues statements and press releases to mosques and the wider society to build a just and harmonious society.

Stockport Muslims

Stockport Muslims are Muslims from the suburbs of Greater Manchester that work with all communities in developing mutual understanding and social cohesion. Stockport Muslims are committed to justice, tolerance and building a fairer society for all.

Bolton Council of Mosques: BCoM

The Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) has been uniting, and standing up for Muslims in Bolton for over 20 years. Its goal is to ensure that all Muslims have the opportunity to take an active part in building a better society for everyone who lives in Bolton by involving them at a grass roots level, and highlighting the vital contribution they make to the town. BCoM has 26 affiliated Mosques.

Rochdale Council of Mosques: RCM

The Rochdale Council of Mosques has been working with communities in Rochdale since 2003 and it has 15 mosques affiliated to it. Our vision is to develop successful, confident and united Muslims, who pursue their aspirations with respect and dignity in order to make valuable contributions to the economic, spiritual and civic life of Rochdale. Our work is about developing a framework for addressing issues affecting local Muslim people through effective partnership working, promoting harmony and unity between the people of Rochdale. We endeavor to consult, contribute, help develop and where needed, deliver services which meet the needs of the Muslim communities living in Rochdale. We also act as a gateway to service providers, enhancing access and participation of the Muslim community.

Oldham Council of Mosques

The Oldham Council of Mosques is an umbrella organization with some 35 Mosques and services the needs of a community in excess of some 35,000 Muslims.

For more information, please contact:

Mr Qadir Chohan (Chair of MCOM) 07904 092 748

Mr Yousef Dar (Stockport Muslims) 07833 494 088

Mr Ibrahim Kala (BCoM) 07525 048 346

Mr Dobir Miah (RCM) 07764 614 031