‘Terrorism knows no religion': Muslims in Hannover march against terrorism

HANNOVER: It was raining continuously on Friday afternoon yet it has not halted around 150 members of Muslim communities in Hannover. During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, a peaceful march in the centre of Hannover city was a symbolic signal from Muslims against the recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Participants of the 'silent march' carried banners and placards in their hands "Religion is merciful to all", "Terrorism knows no religion" or "We are united and diverse" was among others to be read. On the call of Moscheenverband Hannover, the pedestrian march had begun from the Opernplatz and covered the distance of approximately 1Km till the Steintorplatz.

The idea of taking a clear position by Muslim community against terrorism came after the terror alarm at "Rock am Ring", on Monday. Where the organiser Marek Lieberberg complained about the fact that Muslims did not take a clear position against terror. 'This is exactly what will happen now' said Mohammed-Afzal Qureshi from the Mosque Association, who had followed the furious speech of the organiser of the music festival Rock am Ring. "If we have to live peacefully together, Muslims living in Hanover Germany or Europe must show solidarity to the victims of terrorism and openly condemn the brutal acts of these so-called Muslims," he says.

Also, speakers promulgated several readings from the Quran, "whoever kills people, it is as if he had killed all mankind," which persuade that the Scriptures are often opposed to violence. The Muslims community received warm support from members of the Protestant and Catholic Church as well as from the Jewish community.

In addition, Pakistani community living in Hannover also came out on the streets and distance themselves from the attacks committed in the name of Islam. Active representatives of 'Pakistan Centre Hannover' told 'Geo.TV' that, "we strongly condemn the recent violent acts in Europe." Terrorism has no religion it is against humanity unfortunately and we have to stand united to defeat our common enemy 'terrorism', they added.

Subsequent to Friday's silent march in Hannover, Muslims in Cologne also want to demonstrate against Islamic terror. Up to 10,000 participants are registered for the demo planned on 17 June under the motto "not with us". However, 'Schweigemarsch' is not the first united action by various religious associations in Germany. After the attack on the Berlin Christmas market, Muslims, Christians and Jews at the market church met for a joint visit to the Christmas market.