Following the recent terror attacks in Paris, where gunmen — claiming to be defending the honour of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad — killed 17 people, the debate over what the true meaning of Islam has once again resurfaced.

The mainstream Muslim community has condemned the attacks, saying that the gunmen involved were simply terrorists, and were not representing the Muslim faith.

Mahmood Rafiq says it’s important to draw a distinction between the Paris attacks and Islam.

“First of all, what happened in Paris is horrific, and I don’t think that it has anything to do with Islam as such. I think these were disenchanted youths, who had fallen, who were groomed and then corrupted to do this.”

What can be done to stop extremism?

Mr Rafiq believes it’s important for Muslims to discuss the true meaning of Islam, given the number of recent attacks, which have been allegedly committed in the name of the religion.

He says the Ahmadiyya community is actively working with both young Muslims and others in wider society to encourage proper studies of Islam, and to avoid extremist messages being spread.

“We are opening up our mosques and reaching out to educate people. We also have internal campaigns where we invite in youngsters and teach them about true Islam. We also make sure we let them ask questions, and we also publish a lot of books in English so they can understand it. It’s all about engaging with the youth, keeping them busy and educating them about true Islam and the beauty of Islam.”

Mahmood Rafiq says there are vast differences in the approaches to Islam from …read more at uk.sputniknews.com