In this joint statement, leading Islamic centres condemn the inexcusable actions of the group calling itself “Islamic State” (IS), and the indefensible murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff. We hope that any other hostages who may be held by IS will be released unharmed.

It is deceitful for the group to refer to itself as the “Islamic State”; its actions are far from the teachings of Islam. IS resorts to violence against the innocent, and kills indiscriminately. It is wrong to fight injustice with greater injustice.

We urge our youth not to contemplate going to Iraq or Syria to join IS or any similar groups that spread violence and hatred, nor to give them any kind of support whatsoever.

We call on all mosques and Islamic centres in the UK to address this issue with their congregations during their Friday sermons.

Signed by:

1. Islamic Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque

2. Al-Muntada Al-Islami Trust

3. West London Islamic Cultural Centre

4. Muslim Welfare House

5. East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre

6. Finsbury Park Mosque

7. Mayfair Islamic Centre

8. Al-Manar Islamic Heritage Centre

9. Al-Tawheed Mosque

10. Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre (Birmingham)

11. At-Tawheed Foundation Stoke on Trent

12. Al-Rahma Islamic Centre (Birmingham)

13. Al-Furqan Islamic Centre (Hounslow)

14. Muslim College (London)