European Imams join forces against extremism

London, March 26
 Imams from Britain and Europe gathered here on Thursday to condemn the atrocities taking place in the name of Islam and issued an appeal to all Muslims to reclaim the "digital space from those who wish to tarnish their faith".

Over 120 Imams attended an anti-extremism summit in the British capital and released a digital magazine to promote the true face of Islam, Asian Lite daily reported.

The summit was held as a direct response by British Muslims to counter the threat of radicalisation within Britain and Europe, which has led many young people joining the extremist forces in Iraq and Syria, the London-based daily said.

Shaukat Warraich, chief editor of Imamsonline.com, an organisation providing a voice for Islamic religious leaders, and host of the Imams Online Digital Summit, said: "The magazine 'Haqiqah' which translates as 'The Reality' is aimed at young people and will counter the extremist narrative used by groups such as ISIS."

Imams Online is an online resource which offers advice and education about the Islamic faith. Bringing together more than 700 Imams and Mosques from across Britain, Imams Online has become the first port of call for anyone wishing to find out more about the religion.

The digital magazine, developed with contribution from Imams and scholars, aims to deliver a clear and positive message for readers with information that they can share easily across their social media network. Highlights of the magazine include a section providing "correct" context to specific verses of the Quran, regularly twisted in extremist material.

"We are reclaiming the online space, but we need absolutely everyone to get involved in this effort. So this is a call to log on, get informed, and share the magazine with all your friends and family online," said Qari Asim, senior editor of Imamsonline.com and contributor to the magazine.

"We're turning the tide -- though we still have a way to go, we know that by taking efforts to support and mobilise the huge online Muslim population we will eventually drown out the violent voices," Warriach said.

(Anasudhin Azeez can be contacted at [email protected])