Thousands of Muslims gather in London to condemn Koran-burning pastor
Thousands of Muslims gathered at one of western Europe's largest mosques today to condemn the pastor who planned to burn copies of the Koran.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, world head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, addressed millions of people from a live telecast from the Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, south west London.
He said the actions of Terry Jones (pictured), the pastor of a church in Gainesville, Florida, in threatening to stage an "international burn-a-Koran day" had spread "hatred" around the world.
"Religious extremism, be it Christian extremism, Muslim extremism, or any other kind is never a true reflection of the religion," he said, before leading Friday prayers attended by an estimated 11,000 people at the mosque.
"A number of churches have condemned this act. There is nothing wrong with intellectual or theological debate but this should be conducted within the bounds of decency and tolerance.
"Instead, what we are seeing is hatred being spread."
Mr Jones had agreed to cancel the book-burning after claiming to have had assurances that a proposed mosque in New York would be moved away from the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
But he later claimed he had been "lied to" and said the protest, initially planned for September 11, had only been postponed.
Rafiq Hayat, national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said: "We are pleased that the plans to burn the holy Koran appear to have been postponed but are disappointed that they have not been cancelled.
"Also, the way this threat has been used to force a change of plans for the ground zero mosque is a sad and disconcerting outcome for not just Muslims but for people of all faiths."
The mosque was hosting a multi-faith reception to exchange holy scriptures.
Delivery driver Mahmood Rana, 36, from Sutton, south west London, was among those attending the prayers.
"I am angry about why he would do this," he said.
"This is not a good idea. Maybe in small communities the Muslim extremists will not like it."
Mother-of-five Mubarka Abro, 40, also from Sutton, said: "I feel angry and upset. I just pray to God that it will not happen.
"I think Muslims are very angry. The Koran is the Muslim community's holy book. It's how we live our lives."
Worshippers were met with a heavy police presence and security checks as they arrived at the mosque.
Naseer Dean, regional president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said Mr Jones's actions could have "spin-offs".
"Muslims feel like it's a bombardment," he said.
"We want a society where people respect each other's faiths.
"Muslims will feel it's an attack against them. It could have spin-offs among other extremists."
