Source: swlondoner.co.uk

Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association spokesman calls for an Islamic state of mind, not territory, to address ‘crisis of leadership and spirituality’ in the Muslim world.

Farooq Aftad, a lawyer and human rights activist from south London, has addressed what he describes as the ‘void’ between Islamic teachings and its violent and destructive application by groups like Daesh.

He is also the deputy director of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, a group who have raised millions for charity, including Barnardo’s, the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and were recognised in parliament last year when Prime Minister David Cameron described their work as ‘true faith in action’.

Following the recent terror attacks that have shaken Europe and the Middle East he said: “Striking terror into the hearts of ordinary people through violence and the projection of fear is an ugliness that knows no border and is common to people of all faiths and no faith at all.

“Terrorism perpetrated by extremists who identify themselves as Muslims has become an ever-present threat to the Muslim world and to the West.

“I find strength in the fact that while dozens of misguided people will be making their way to Syria in August, myself and 30,000 other Muslims from 100 countries, will be travelling to the UK to listen to the caliph of peace.”

The married father-of-four argues that the crisis of leadership allows room for hate preachers on our street corners and that the victims of this crisis are not just minorities and women but the whole Muslim world.

As a legal advisor to the international NGO, Human Rights Committee, he regularly liaises with government bodies on human rights and persecution issues with a particular focus on the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims.

His letter is reproduced in full below:

Striking terror into the hearts of ordinary people through violence and the… read the rest @ swlondoner.co.uk