Imam calls on community to come together to ‘stamp out extremism’ amid riots

As police prepare for more possible riots across London and the UK today, an Imam has called on communities to come together to “stamp out extremism”.

Sabah Ahmedi, 30, is an Imam at Britain’s largest mosque, Baitul Futuh mosque, in London Road, Morden.

Mr Ahmedi said: “For as long as I have been alive I have never seen anything like this.

“It is a worrying time for many muslims across the country. I know there are some Muslim women who are choosing not to leave their homes on their own.

“Personally, I have been more cautious when leaving my house to attend meetings in London.”

Violent riots have spread across the country over the past week after three young girls were killed in a stabbing in Southport on July 29.

False claims were spread online that the perpetrator was an asylum seeker, but violence continued even after the lies were disproved.

Mr Ahmedi said: “It’s important that we stand together to stamp out any form of extremism. It is far right extremists, who are a minority, causing this violence.”

Some 6,000 riot officers around the country are braced to intervene after reports of at least 30 possible gatherings planned for today. They include demonstrations planned for Harrow, Hounslow, Finchley and Walthamstow in London.

A statement circulating on social media has warned people to “avoid” Croydon due to possible riots today. The council and police have said there is no intelligence of any protest activity planned in the area but have urged people to remain “alert” and report issues to the police.

On Sunday, the Government announced extra security for mosques, as a national monitoring group reported a fivefold increase in threats to Islamic communities.

Mr Ahmedi, who is known as “the young imam” on social media, welcomed the move.

He said: “Islamophobia and racism are some of the undertones of what is happening at the moment.

“If the Government feels like places of worship should be protected, that is really important.” 

Last week Imam Adam Kelwick caught the nation’s attention after he crossed the police line outside the Abdullah Quilliam mosque in Liverpool, offering far-right rioters food, shaking hands and opening up conversations. 

Mr Ahmedi said: “Islam is a religion of peace, acts of kindness are really important, violence only divides communities further and it is never an answer.

“I spoke to a colleague of mine who is an imam in Sheffield and he said neighbours had brought over fruit and dates. 

“We need to come together as a community.”

Mr Ahmedi is urging the public to remember the positive contribution migrants have made to the country.

He said: “My dad has been a civil servant for more than 30 years – he’s been my hero and has worked tirelessly to serve this country. 

“I am really proud that London is such a diverse city, we should champion that.”

In celebration of Eid in June, 14,000 worshipers from across the country visited the Baitul Futuh mosque.

Mr Ahmedi said: “We had visitors from all walks of life who came to see what life is like for Muslims while fasting.

“We need more initiatives like this to create a safe place for conversation so people are able to ask questions about a certain faith or religion.”

Leaving a message for the community, Mr Ahmedi said: “We must stay positive and hopeful for the future, pray and do what we can to bring this to an end.”

Pictured top: Sabah Ahmedi, Imam of Baitul Futuh mosque in Morden (Picture: Claudia Lee)