: British Muslims Speak Out About “Loudmouths” In Their Midst

As in the US, terror and Islam mix regularly in the news. Hundreds have been detained on terror charges, a potential attack using ricin has been foiled, and various extremists shock the public with pro-9/11 rhetoric. But for many British Muslim leaders, the recent arrests of nine men along with a half-ton of ammonium nitrate was the last straw. “[Extremist Muslims] are nothing but loudmouths,” said Lord Ahmed, Britain’s first Muslim peer, “who are damaging the image of Muslims in this country and who are not welcome here.” The arrests come at a time when British Muslims, and European Muslims in general, are facing a growing backlash as a result of the Madrid bombings that may bring unprecedented restrictions, including the possible introduction of ID cards. “We need… to take every precaution we can,” said Prime Minister Tony Blair. “I don’t think the public, including the Muslim population, would accept anything different.” The Muslim Council of Britain took the unprecedented step of asking 1000 mosques across the country to condemn violence and cooperate with the police. The two-page statement called on the country’s two million Muslims to maintain “utmost vigilance” and contact the authorities if they suspect criminal activity. The council reports that it received an “overwhelmingly positive response” from the community. “The response has been very heartening,” said Council spokesperson Inayat Bunglawala. “People have been contacting us all day backing our stance.”

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.