Luton : Representatives from prominent Islamic institutions in Luton convened today at Luton Central Mosque to address the alarming rise in Islamophobic incidents targeting mosques in the area. The meeting, hosted by Luton Central Mosque was attended by delegates from Jamia Islamia Ghousia Trust, Al-Hira Centre, Suffa Tul Islam, and several others, aimed to confront and combat the concerning trend of Islamophobic graffiti and vandalism.
The recent spate of Islamophobic graffiti outside mosques has deeply troubled the Muslim community of Luton. The attendees at the meeting engaged in a comprehensive discussion, highlighting the distress and outrage caused by these despicable acts. They emphasized that such incidents are not isolated occurrences but rather part of a disturbing pattern of Islamophobic behaviour that must be urgently addressed.
In the current socio-political climate, where Islamophobia continues to permeate society, these acts of vandalism represent an exacerbation of intolerant attitudes towards Muslims. The attendees stressed that the proliferation of Islamophobic behaviour is wholly unacceptable and poses a significant threat to the cohesion and well-being of the Muslim community in Luton.
The meeting participants called upon the police and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to address this issue. They emphasized the importance of robust measures to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of Islamophobic crimes, as well as to implement preventative strategies to safeguard mosques and religious institutions.
Moreover, the attendees underscored the need for greater awareness and education to challenge Islamophobia and promote interfaith understanding and tolerance within the community. They reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a culture of peace, harmony, and mutual respect among all residents of Luton, regardless of faith or background.
Quoting from the Quran, “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.” – (Quran 8:61), the attendees highlighted the Islamic principle of striving for peace and reconciliation, even in the face of adversity.
The Muslim community of Luton remains resolute in its determination to combat Islamophobia and uphold the values of peace, justice, and coexistence. Together with local authorities and community partners, they stand united in their efforts to create a safer and more inclusive society for all.