Dundee’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community has called for people throughout the United Kingdom to remain united in defiance of extremism.
Shoaib Khan, the president of the Dens Road-based community group, spoke to The Courier in the wake of Wednesday’s attacks in London.
Shoaib and members of Dundee’s Ahmadiyya community, who are currently revamping their Dens Road mosque, regularly take part in various charity activities throughout Dundee.
While he admits seeing people hijack Islam for their own devices is “frustrating”, Shoaib insists everyone involved in the local community will continue to promote the true meaning of Islam.
Shoaib said: “Whoever is doing these activities is not part of this religion. Islam categorically denies anyone taking anyone’s life.
“We, as Ahmaddiyya, believe love for all, hatred for none. That is the sentiment we try to promote as much as possible.”
Shoaib continued: “We do a lot of good work all over the world, but maybe it’s not highlighted all that much.
“But our job is to keep doing. We’re not just going to stop and say it is too much. We keep on going.
“Everybody is a human being. Humanity is the first thing we should look for. Terrorism or any sort of extremism has no place in Islam.”
Creating a peaceful and loving society drives the work of the Ahmadiyya faith.
“Dundee is a great place to live in,” said Shoaib.
“When we did the Dundee Law clean-up a lot of people, not all from Dundee, came up and helped, which was really appreciated.
“We want to bring everyone together, as a community, to help. We work with everyone and anyone to create a peaceful community.
“That helps not only the local community, but the country as well.”
Khalil Yousuf, from the UK Ahmadiyya Muslim community, said he is confident people throughout the country will “stand together” to defeat the “scourge” of extremism.
He said: “I hope we stand together with steely determination and defeat these terrorists.
“We cannot give them the satisfaction of changing our way of life. We will continue to ensure true, peaceful Islam is shouted loud and clear.”
