Preston Mosque leaders react to desecration of Quran at Fulwood Academy

The city's mosques, Islamic organisations and Muslim faith leaders have described the "sadness and fear" felt by the community after the act of Islamophobia at the high school last week.

In the following statement, they share their concerns that such acts "can quickly turn into violence and hatred against Muslims" and explain why the desecration of the holy book is considered particularly provocative and upsetting.

Support has also been offered to Preston's schools, with the Mosques saying they are eager to work with teachers "to help create dialogue and educate pupils" about Islam and tackle any misconceptions that might lead to further anti-Muslim acts.

The full statement from Preston's Mosques

"We are extremely saddened to hear of the incident at Fulwood Academy school last week, where the Holy Qur’an, the most important religious book the religion of Islam and Muslims across the world, has been desecrated by students on two separate occasions.

"The Qur’an is revered by Muslims as the word of God, which Muslims honour and hold in deep respect.

"Naturally, the desecration of the Qur’an results in sadness and fear amongst the Muslim community. We understand that this type of Islamophobia and hate which has led to desecration of the Qur’an, can quickly turn into violence and hatred against Muslims.

"We hope that the students who tore up the Qur’an can come to understand why this type of action is wrong.

"We support the current action taken by the school and welcome the open and honest way the principal has dealt with these incidents.

"We would like to better understand what leads to young minds to be filled with anti-Muslim rhetoric and what can be done to challenge this in the future.

"We would like to offer our practical support to help create dialogue and educate pupils at schools across Preston to help spread the message that Islam is and has always been a religion of peace.

"We are proud of the interfaith relationships we have developed and continue to maintain in Preston, and we look forward to continuing to work with people of all faiths and none, to have a common respect and understanding for each other.

"We will continue to pray for the well-being of all staff and students who attend the school, and all the people of Preston."

On behalf the following mosques, Islamic organisations and Muslim faith leaders in Preston:

Faith Leader Mohammed Farook Kazi, Al-Ansaar Welfare & Education

Faruk Desai, Jamea Masjid

Imam Arif Polli, Eldon Street Mosque

Imam muhammad javed, Daarul Arqam Education

Imam Yunus Misbahi, Masjid e Noor

Imam Habibullah Munshi, The Suffah Institute

Imam Ismail Daud & Khalid Ibrahim, Quwwatul Islam

Imam Abdul Rasool Alwari, Raza Mosque Preston

Imam Ayyub Nakhsbandi, Noorani Masjid

Ayub Patel, Masjid e Falah

Imam Naeem Toorawa & Fayyez Ahmed, Masjid e Quba

Imaam Imtiyaz Kamal & Imaam Huzayfah Bhayat, Masjid e Saliheen

Moulana Ishak Patel & Hafiz Ibrahim Sufi, Madani Institute

Tahir Ali & Imam Hafiz Javed, Masjid E Aqsa

Imaam Riyaz Dola, Masjid Al Huda

Imam Ikram Patel & Imam Vasiyullah Bhayat, Madina Masjid

Abu Ahmed , City Mosque Preston

Moulana Elyas Desai, Maahadus Shuhada

Imam Juned Ingar & Imam Hafiullah bhayat, Zakariyya Masjid

Imaam Iqbal Bhana & Imaam Uwais Bentik, Masjid e salaam

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.