A Muslim leader in Hanworth today condemned the Charlie Hebdo massacre and the ensuing terrorist atrocities in Paris, which appear to have ended this afternoon with the storming of two hostage sites.
Atta ur Rahman Khalid, Imam of the Baitul Wahid Mosque in Raleigh Way, Hanworth, offered his condolences to the families of 12 people killed in Wednesday's attack and those killed or injured in subsequent atrocities linked to it.
The terrorists who shot dead staff and police at the satirical magazine on Tuesday reportedly shouted 'Allah is great' as they fled the scene, but Mr Khalid said their actions had nothing to do with Islam's true teachings.
Speaking on behalf of his mosque and as a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, he said: "We are deeply shocked by this atrocity that has taken over 12 lives and injured scores more. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and those left bereaved.
"It is hoped that the perpetrators of the attack are swiftly arrested and brought to justice with the full weight of the law.
"It is a great source of regret that such violent acts and terrorist activities continue to be associated with Islam - despite the fact they have nothing to do with Islam's true teachings. It was said that the perpetrators raised the slogan of 'Allah is the greatest'.
"Did they not realise that God does not permit a person to take the law into his own hands. Allah says about Himself that His Mercy encompasses everything. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who was only sent as a Mercy for Mankind taught that a Muslim is the one from whose hand and tongue all other people are safe.
"Killing, particularly whilst raising slogans of the Name of Allah, is a great injustice towards God Almighty, his Prophet and indeed all Muslims."
Police were this afternoon reported to have stormed two hostage sites in Paris, both believed to be connected to Wednesday's mass shooting. The captors were reported by the BBC to have been killed during the rescue operation.
