Muslim group launches 'peace campaign'

The campaign aims to "reassert true Islamic principles of peaceful co-existence and to counter the minority of extremists who hijack the faith for political ends".

Based around core Islamic values and launched with a message of Loyalty, Freedom and Peace, the campaign kicked off earlier this month, using billboards and banners at local train stations and on buses in and around Bradford as well as other parts of West Yorkshire.

The programme, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Bradford, is part of a nationwide grassroots campaign supported by a new website www.LoveForAllHatreForNone.

org.

It seeks to change the perception of Islam by clarifying its true teachings and "emphasising the need for these to be put in practice by all Muslims".

The president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Bradford North, Mohammed Iqbal, said: "The true peaceful Islam is poles apart from the hatred that is preached by a minority.

"Such extremists do not represent Islam, yet through their exploitation of the media, their words and deeds have a damaging impact on community relations and the daily lives of Muslims and non Muslims.

"By emphasising the values highlighted in this campaign we hope to facilitate a better understanding of Islam so that people are able to judge for themselves the actions of those who claim to speak and act in its good name. Islam stresses the promotion of peace in words and deeds."

Dr Iqbal said the campaign so far had been "extremely positive".

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, has expressed support for the campaign, which is also targeting people in Sheffield.

Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik commended the group for "promoting an understanding and exploration of Islam within wider British society" and said the community "…can be proud of their commitment in championing the themes of 'loyalty, freedom, equality, respect and peace'".