MECO condemns in unequivocal terms the barbaric attacks on civilians in London today (7 July 2005). This indiscriminate assault on and murder of innocent people going about their daily lives is completely contrary to the pristine teachings of the Holy Qur’an.

The perpetrators of these monstrous acts do not represent peaceful and law-abiding members of the British Muslim community. Like the rest of UK society, we too deplore and mourn the loss of life. We empathise with the suffering of the injured and the maimed and pray for their complete recovery.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of victims of this unmitigated tragedy. May Almighty God sustain them and give them strength in this time of grief and distress.

Together with our non-Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues, British Muslims in Oxford will work even harder to defeat those extremists and fanatics who distort and misuse Islam to achieve their ruthless political ends. In this vein, we also denounce all unlawful actions and terrorist activity throughout the world that causes death and destruction.

Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. We at MECO place this absolute transcendent truth at the very heart of our real spirituality and our civic commitment in this country.

MECO supports a pristine faith that is based upon the original Qur'anic precepts of reason and tolerance.