By IRNA
London : British Muslims united Friday to launch a 'Notin Our Name' campaign, to condemn terrorism following last week's attempted car bombing in London and at Glasgow airport.
A series of advertisements in national newspapers, placed under the banner of Muslims United, calls for British Muslims not to be held responsible "for the acts of criminals."
"Islam forbids the killing of innocent people. We reject any heinous attempts to link such abhorrent acts to the teachings of Islam," said the adverts, backed by an alphabet of supporters from accountants to youth workers.
They commended the way Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government responded to the latest attacks by distinguishing between the overwhelming majority of law-abiding British Muslims and a "few criminals who seek to inflict harm and terror on the UK."
"We are united with the rest of the country at this critical time and are determined to work together to avert any such attacks targeting our fellow citizens, property and country," said the campaign, which is seeking to address negative images portrayed of Muslims.
"Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if he killed the whole of mankind," the advert said, carrying a quotation from the Holy Koran.
"And whoever saves one, it is as if he saved the whole of mankind."
It urged the media and all politicians to maintain values of Britain's society "free from prejudice and discrimination, sustained by tolerance and mutual respect for all."
Brown's government was also called upon "to work towards a just and lasting peace in areas of conflict around the world and to take the lead in helping eliminate the injustices and grievances that foment division and nurture violence."
Members of the Muslims United group behind the campaign include Muslim Doctors and Dentists Association, Islamic Relief aid agency and the Islamic Society of Britain.
"The unity of our society must be maintained and we must not allow divisions to emerge between us. We must remain friends, neighbours and colleagues, and take Britain forward as one nation – towards a Greater Britain," they said.
The campaign is expected to be expanded to advertisements placed on billboards, the London Tube and buses, carrying a similar message.
Organisers have also set up a website, Islamispeace.org.uk that also informs people about Islamic history and philosophy.
The 'Not in Our Name' campaign, reminiscent of the national opposition voiced against the Iraq war, comes as eight foreign suspects, mainly health workers, continue to be questioned by police about the failed car bombs.