Muslim leaders gather in Glasgow to condemn recent atrocities
Scotland can be a “beacon of hope” to countries battling religious extremism, a Glasgow conference has heard.
Muslim community leaders from across Scotland met to condemn the attacks last week in Tunisia, France and Kuwait by terrorist group Islamic State, saying that fanaticism had no place in their religion.
Ahmad Khweir, of Glasgow-based Ahl-ul-Bait Association, said that the internet had much to do with the rise of extremism, particularly among young people.
He said: "In Scotland there's a proactive agenda especially when it comes to the online grooming that's going on.
"We're trying to source credible role models because the youth are turning to the internet.
"You can go onto a social media platform and be exposed to a whole range of views and without the right ideological framework instilled in a person they can be swayed through well executed propaganda videos, well executed campaigns.
Scotland can act as a role model for other countries and societies to work with - Ahmad Khweir
"So there is scope for us to use this platform in a beneficial way – getting personnel on there and giving them the same attraction to the youth so they can learn from them."
Khweir added: “Scotland could be a beacon of hope for how other countries can resolve this issue.
"It can act as a role model for other countries and societies to work with."
Javid Gill, convener of Muslim Council of Scotland, said the organisation had been educating its members on extremism and other issues.
He said: "We gathered the imams of mosques and the mosque community members. We had five sessions during May, then Ramadan came."
"We have no control over the internet. Therefore if the imams are educated and realise the gravity of the issue they can convey that message to the congregation that they follow, in particular the youths as well."
Hassan Rabbani, of the Zia-ul-Quran Mosque in Glasgow's said he broke down in tears when he heard of the Tunisian attacks last week.
“I was on the way to do my Friday sermon when I heard the news and I broke down and cried.
"I think it is important that we have a strong local campaign in Glasgow, it's especially important because some of the families affected in Tunisia are Scottish.
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to these Scottish families.
"The role of ISIS is to break down communities, they want to prey on peoples' prejudices.
"We're not having that."
