Hi Murad! As a white English non-muslim sick of hearing the lunatic rantings of deviant jihad freaks like Abu Usama it was truly refreshing to read your point of view from moderate muslims. People like you are welcome.

Flychek, braunton, UK

I really sympathise with this article. I think the vociferous section of the white UK population is so ignorant of Islam and makes big sweeping judgements, lumping all UK muslims together as religous cranks and medieval goons.

I especially hate the way Muslims are bluntly told to "intergrate or get out!". It's a catch 22. It's like repeatedly punching someone in the face while saying "Smile! Come on, Smile!"

I hope the silent majority in the muslim community can find some way to make loud declarations of support for liberal democracy, but, then again, it would be nice if the white community could do that too.

Col, Macclesfiled,

Re: Ali Hussain's article on Sunday re British Gas: When BG want you to read their letters, e.g. 'Relax, prices are protected', the letter is personally addressed and in large print. When they realise they have made a mistake, they sent a letter addressed to 'The Occupier' in fine print (characters just two millimetres high) hoping customers will think it is junk mail, throw it away and not read it. When I complained they instantly offered £100 compensation - despite having overcharged me by at least £150. Furthermore, despite being in credit by over £170 they automatically increased my direct debit amount by 50% - but didn't automatically reduce it when I became over £500 in credit. I am now over £700 in credit - with no offer to repay me any of my money. When I asked Energywatch for their views they simply forwarded my e-mail to British Gas, until I pointed out I was asking their opinion. They are a complete waste of time - and British Gas are nothing but brazen charlatans.

David Backhouse, Ilford, Essex

The last few days have seen something like ten parcel bombs sent to businesses in the UK. The extreme animal rights movement look like the culprits at the moment. After 7/7, responsibility for raising angry young bombers was dumped on the whole Muslim community. The totally normal 'Mrs and Mrs Khan' were labelled as somehow culpable and there were loud demands for muslims to clean up their communities.
Just watch now as the white community UTTERLY fails to notice that their culture and society also produces extremists who choose to bomb UK citizens.

Col, Macclesfiled,

I think that of all the comments so far,Sue's is the most apt.Looking at what has been said so far,I would just like to humbly add that the universal theme of humanity is the key to all expression of religious dogma.Hate and the unending spiralling of blame and counter blame and historic rivalry,can all be put aside once humanity is embraced.The "hate" felt by young disaffected Islamic youth needs to be countered by a heavy dose of self-examination,and a prescription of education and learning top better oneself will help to raise these poor wretches out of their wallowing self-pity.This is not about Iraq,or Palestine or Kashmir but about adapting to become honorable citizens and lead a decent life within a civic society.Hence,education is the primary goal to attain and then to appreciate and applaud other peoples' way of life and society so that we can observe each other at a deeper level.This is Britain,all the opportunities are there to avail and to contribute back into society.Now!

Ale Feteh, London,

Hello. I think we’ve definitely not met, I’m not Angry, I am however Young (well so I keep telling myself), and "I AM A MUSLIM". I am proud of who I am and my heritage. I am aware and proud of what My people have contributed to both to this society and to civilization as a whole. There is a lot of talk of how We Muslims need to respond to the modern day challenge (and don't be deluded, a challenge is what it is), thank you for the concern and advise but, trust me, We know how to respond. As I stressed above I AM A MUSLIM. For those who don’t recognise me? That’s all right, I'll introduce "my kind". Muslim is a word of two parts mu- and Islam (together make Muslim - I'll keep the arabic language lesson brief and simple) Mu in this context is a do word, put before any word you do (ie mu-safir = safir is to travel, mu= is he who travels) I am therefor mu-Islam, he who does Islam. As for the question of how do I respond, well of course, I'll let Islam tell me the answer to that !

bash, rothreham, england

New York Danny, here's my conspiracy theory: when cause and effect do not equal each other in power, people become confused, incredulous, insecure. When the effects of awesome power are minimal, it must be a miracle. When huge devastation is caused by something small, powerless and insignificant ( say, a small group of desert people) it's not a miracle but a conspiracy of the powerful. You do not want to believe the truth of 9/11 because it makes your world unpredictable and you insecure. Actually, this is not my theory but the findings of psychological research. Danny, your whole city could be annihilated by a single finger pressing a red button. Face it, this is the modern world, humble people can unleash awesome power, you are not safe, buy yourself a hard hat.

John Savage, Dublin, Ireland

Hallo, I think we've met. I'm an angry, downtrodden, soon-to-be-displaced Native Brit. Don't recognise me ? That's all right, we all look alike. Pink-faced, timid, and terrified of giving offence to anyone who might want to immigrate here, and either adopt the extremist method of blowing us up, or the moderate method of 'peacefully' swamping us
and transferring themselves lock, stock, and barrel to what was once our (safe) country.
It's also a failing of our 'silent majority' , who need to get a megaphone (or better still get down to the polling booth) and make it clear that these people, whether arrogant, demanding, assuming Muslims or their champions in the Labour, Tory, and LibDem parties, don't speak for us any more.

L Stewart, Spalding, England

Rifath Hoque asks "Who should be afraid of their own religion, or culture?"

Seems to me that Muslim women have plenty of reason to be so.

Ilia, London, UK

Usman Ali, "Muslims should try to educate themselves and learn that science has proven that there is no perfect religion, there are scientific inaccuracies in Islam as well." Oh really? Where? I'm no scholar but then I'm guessing neither are you. I fail to see how attempting to de-bunk religion with science leads to a sudden conversion to supporting a secular democracy. As a Muslim I have no problem with a secular democracy. God tells us in the Qur'an that He has perfected Islam for our benefit. I agree many of these zealots need to be educated, to show them that their interpretation and logic is as flawed as yours appears to be. Also by saying that Islam is not perfect you appear to be directly contradicting what God says in the Qur'an. Which brings me back to my first point, how much of Islam and the Qur'an have you studied? Are you fluent in Arabic? Both the literary-classical of the Qur'an and modern Arabic (standard or dialectal and which dialect?). In my experience ignorance of the tenets of Islam is what has led to intolerance rather than a literal interpretation.

Arif, Paris, France

Sounds like good old fashioned right wing reactionary poltics to me. But the funny thing is that the radicals are rightwing with a very conservative right wing agenda and some of the responses from people are right wing ( deport them !!! ; it's our country etc ).

The fact that many Muslims ( right and left wing ) seem to fail to want to understand or acknowledge is that it is right wing muslims ( Sunni or Shia ) in Iraq and Afganistan and Palestine and Lebanon who are doing the killing and slaughter. Do they really think that the killing will stop once the troops go ? People who commit the daily atrocities in Iraq or Afganistan will keep on killing as theat is what they are brainwashed to do. They possess elements of facism.

So much of faith based identity politics ( hindu or Muslim or Christian or jewish ) is rightwing in nature and very selective in their collective outrage. The Guardian may think otherwise. but it has joined the rightwing reactionary anti-enlightenment politics now. Thanks for the Times for some rational debate.

Santanu Roy, Warren, NJ

I think Britain as a country has generally perceived all muslims as controlling these act of terrorisms, and I feel its unfortunate that the small minority of the muslim community associated with the terrorist bombings at 911 should represent each and everyone of them. I have a great respect for Islam as a religion, I have many muslim friends who are hurt by the comments people make about their religion and feel this has all escalated out of control. Should we really be in this position? Yes the bombings were devestating and yes 911 was horriffic and I am under no illusion that these people should not be punished for what they committed, they should be. However I think we need to look at our prospectives closely, far too much judgement has been placed as Islam as a community, should Blair rethink?

Jasmine, Bristol, UK

Whatever challenges the Muslims are facing today is a mere tip of the iceberg of what Prophet Muhammad and his followers faced during the early years of Islam. Muslims should get their act together and most importantly be a true muslims before being aggressive, angry and depriving others' lives, which is unlawful under Syariah. As the Malaysian Prime Minister mentioned, you do not need a label to call yourself Islam but a mere good deed is indeed Islamic.

Sue, London, UK

Any outrage for terrorism is welcome. You say "plenty of Muslims are in a rage now that they have become targets in a fight the radicals have picked and they don’t want any part of". But where was that same rage when non-muslims were the target of a fight they didn't want.

Chris, Cambridge,

Is it so bad that we are afraid?? If there is a muslim in this world that does not feel afraid of the issues at hand, then there is something most definetly wrong with them. We are angry, because many of us have to be afraid of being born as a muslims. Who should be afraid of there own religion, or culture? I am afraid, not only for muslims but every single person in this world. Especially those who hate mulims, because they really don't know us. We are all human beings. First and formost God, Allah what ever it may be, made us as human beings. I would like to be treated as another human being, not as a muslim, christian, a jew, hindu, what ever religion it may be. I am human, with blood, feelings, intelligence as the next human being. The war and news makes this world seem as if it is coming at to an end, and the only thing the individuals of this world can think of, is who to blame. Don't let this beautiful world end. At least not with chaos, maybe peace. Thank You.

Rifath Hoque, Royal ,

I have certainly seen Muslim anger and aggression face to face on a number of occasions, during demonstations in central London. However, I saw no sign of their being "scared", nor, if I had, would this have justified their murderous, racist threats.

Stu G, London,

The main problem with our society is that we have a government that is trying to be all things to all men, so that we have ended up with a nation which is a complete shambles. I do not think that the majority of British Muslims wish to live in a country that is a terrorist paradise, where the law of the land is so ineffectual that they live in fear of possible reprisals for an act that is not of their making.

We desperately need a strong government that can ensure that all it citizens can can go about their lawful business, without fear and not one that reacts without proper thougt of the consquences of it's actions.

R.J.Asher, Milford, England

Donna Walker says "this is basically a secular society". Wrong. More Christians go to church every Sunday than fans attend football matches every Saturday. Add in all the non-Christian religions and you have a huge number of people for whom their own religions are an important facet of their and their families lives. Unfortunately the great wave of PC intolerance, which allows no voice but it's own and which dominates the media, censors out all views which are at variance with it's own. Currently it is the Muslims that are getting a poor press. They should be grateful - all the rest are getting no publicity at all!

Frances, Chelmsford, England

As Mr.Savage has said, I am angry also by a percieved inability in your communities to get your house in order, its all very well saying radical islamism is just teenage rebellion which theyll grow out of but that goes a very short way when it comes to comforting the victims of these incessant acts of terrorism or fostering a sense of confidence that you intend to deal with this threat to society in the correct manner other than a slap on the wrist.
Yet again I see an attempt at Muslims being portrayed as the victims here: "muslims are angry because were scared" well hey who isnt but i dont think it justifys news.
Britains never bowed to terrorism and never will and whilst i appreciate your attempts to underline how the media tends to focus on the more controversial elements of your communities I underline that the current threat and consistent acts of terror have come from them.
Quite simply put sort it out internally and stop stamping your feet trying to lay the blame on other peoples doorsteps.

charlie thomson, singapore,

Thank you Murad for expressing what I believe are the views of most Muslims in this country. Indulge me though when I use a qualifier that we hear far too often from Muslim representatives, that word is "but": We have to be honest that there are far too many young Muslims who state a viloenet antipathy to this country and our values. Most are undoubtably what might best be termed as "useful idiots" but the tragic evidence is that there are at least a few ready to translate rhetoric into violent action.

It needs to be made unacceptable to espouse hatred and violence as we hear far too many Muslims doing.

It is time for the Muslim moderate majority to take responsibility and lets not hear any "buts".

Carl, London, UK

I believe it was William Osler who wrote, "By far, the most dangerous foe we have to face is apathy..." I'm greatly pleased to see an actual, normal representation of the Muslim voice. We all, as humans living together here on this planet, need to stand up rather than just stand by.

Adam, Eugene, Oregon

Murad,

I'll bet you're not as scared as I was when was working in Saudi Arabia. I have never experienced such hatred in peoples eyes just because of the colour of my skin. In certain parts of the islamic world white equates with evil, and we are now seeing this doctrine exported to the UK. It seems that a significant minority of british muslims are happy to live in the UK, but would prefer not to share it with white, non-islamic people.
Incidentally I spent 4 very happy years living and working in Malaysia where a number of my good friends were muslims. Perhaps the difference is that I did not demand special treatment outside the existing legal framework of that country, and did my best to respect local traditions, mores and sensibilies.

Nick Hewson, York, UK

Dear Friends, Why do most modern day semi-cultured and non-cultured people utter their viewpoints without documentation? why don't we investigate and examine the TRUTH before we start judging? This whole 9/11 and 7/7 plot is a mere episode of state sponsored terrorism. If you really want to document your knowledge about what is going on, you can visit www.infowars.com , there you will see and investigate documented facts. Then and only then, you will understand why the U.S and its allies are waging those very expensive wars on muslims, forgetting that their problem is not with muslims but with Almighty God who created muslims and non muslims.

Danny, New York City, USA

It’s good to hear members from all sections of the community stand up against extremism and terrorism. It’s particularly important that Muslims are willing to denounce extremism and terrorism, as it sends a message that people, of all faiths and backgrounds, are united against terrorism and extremist rhetoric. Terrorism and the idea of forcing religion onto people are sick ideas, and must be condemned.

Karl Chads, London, London, UK

Murad,

You say that Muslims feel victimised by the police and blamed as a whole for the Muslim-inspired terrorist bombings; you also state that Muslims in Britain are scared and are poor and made to feel scapegoats for Britain's problems.

Remember that it is poor (I would rather use the word 'alienated' or 'disaffected and despairing') Muslims, not poor Christian, Atheist or secular kids that ended 52 people's lives on 7/7; it was Muslim kids with a big, self-indulgent point to prove mentally. How should the relations of those 52 people and the scores of those injured and maimed now feel? Perhaps the word "victimised" might be applicable.

The Muslim community in Britain must start to honour its responsibilities to its adopted society, not stand on an orange box preaching the benefits of Sharia Law and the veil's righteous humility.

Your comments of pacificism are welcome, but when a third or more people that share your religious beliefs themelves believe their adopted country is their enemy and its people ripe for punishment because they refuse to share your religious beliefs, it hardly seems unreasonable if the indigenous people become concerned for their own safety on the tube in the morning.

Edwin Thornber, Bucharest, Romania

Why are Sikhs,Buddists,Hindus not scared? Muslims are scared because they are the only"Eastern" religion who refuses to adapt to their European country of choice and prefer to coopt it and change it to their needs.This is a silent Jihadist approach with a not so silent outcome.Words andthoughts will lead to sticks stones and bombs against the host society. This in turn has lead the West to defend itsef by attacking the core problem,Jihadist Islam which seems to have the backing,by the their thundering silence ,of most Muslims .The solution here is not simple. Islam is agreat religion but it must adapt to the democratic world.It must rid itself of its military wing which seems to be such a major part of Islamic faith and to convert that into a democratic political platform.Once things are in the realm of democratic politcs ideas are freely exchanged and Jihadism will begin to vanish allowing Muslims to participate without fear in the citzinship of their Democratic country.

Leslie Udwin, Johannesburg, South Africa

Chris, as a Muslim I am full of rage whenever an innocent man woman or child is murdered in the name of my religion, unforunately I have no way of expressing my outrage. I'm out of the country otherwise I would have gone to represent my community on Holocaust Memorial Day as we dont condone murder, let alone genocide. Ed I agree Muslims need to pull themselves up. I'm British AND Indian AND in Muslim, probably in equal measure, but my loyalty is to the UK without a doubt. After 2 periods of living in France and visiting other parts of europe, we (the UK) are light years ahead in terms of integrating Muslims (never mind what the doom mongers say in the press). We need to stay the course, weed out the nutters, help those that dont like our country to leave. Ross, sharia law in the UK or anywhere in the west, is not gonna happen; most Muslims would struggle under classical interpretations of it and would not be for it. The 1/3 young people probably have no idea what sharia actually entails. England for the Cricket World Cup!!

arif, Paris, France

How would you feel, dear Britons, if the names of your beloved countries England, Wales, Scotland, Eire, Australia, New Zealand and USA were replaced by Iraq, Palestine, Bosnia, Checnia, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. What if, thinking about dozens and thousands of dead bodies, women and children every day, instead of threats of a couple radical islamists (I curse and damn all by the way). Which of those are preferable if something is to be prefered? Think about and then maybe could understand why muslims are angry. And going to be angry if so called civilised countries and governments of yours continue to see Islam countries as their playland.

Fuat Sevimay, İstanbul, Turkey

Murad Ahmed, I and many others are angry. We are angry at the Muslim response to 9/11, namely, Muslim children celebrating in the school playground, jubilation they must have brought from home, being too young to really understand. We are angry that since 9/11 we have seen no march and mass rally of British Muslims to demonstrate their pro-democracy/anti-terrorist credentials. We are angry about the 7/7 bombings and how even this didn't mobilise Muslims on mass. We are angry at how you do not seem to be willing to clean up your communities and at the same time comdemn the police for attempting to do so - this can only ever look like support for terrorism. Why are you afraid? We are the ones who are afraid, and as has been observed throughout time by the great and the good, men will come to hate that which they often fear. So I leave you with this famous advice: Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.

John Savage, Dublin, Ireland

Moderate Muslims who do not support terrorism should join in widespread vocal/visble condemnation of terrorism and terrorist attacks.

In addition - integration would be an asset.

We are as scared of Muslims due to a feeling of duplicity as Muslims are of us for our overt dislike of their stated aim of changing our way of life. To theirs.

K Lepper, Manchester, Cheshire

I'd like to applaud Murad's attempt at voicing what most Muslims in the UK feel in such a frank and direct manner.

Secondly, I am appalled at the ease with which the other commenters seem to be able to paint all Muslims in all countries with one brush and frankly, I am mortified at the subtle hints of racism displayed by a few posters from Australia.

I am a Pakistani who has lived in the Middle East all his life. I also read engineering at a university in the UK. I have witnessed first hand the actions and recruiting tactics of Islamist Groups at Universities. All of them are run by young idealistic yet disillusioned youths who are a product of this country and know nothing of the harsh realities outside their borders. Heck, some of them wont even have visited the next county let alone any other Muslim country. We (Muslim youths from the rest of world) grew up in Muslim countries and get along fabulously well with the British society in general. Walk into any major university campus/university town to see this point illustrated. And no, Sharia law is not practiced in 90% of the Muslim world.

Yet when extremism is born and bred in the 'civilized world', you immediately turn around and blame the entire Muslim world (which in majority is helping the war on terror - Pakistan, Indonesia, Arab Gulf countries). So much easier to blame a faceless enemy then confront your own demons, is that it?

Syed P, Hatfield, United Kingdom

The fundamental problem with Islam worldwide is that many muslims believe it is the absolute literal, perfect truth from God. Muslims should try to educate themselves and learn that science has proven that there is no perfect religion, there are scientific inaccuracies in Islam as well.

When muslims understand this, the foundations of the beliefs of the fanatics and extremists will completely disappear. Because one part of Islam has proven not to be true, how can anyone say any part of it is true? The logical conclusion from this is that Islam can then be compatible with secular democracy and people should be given the total freedom to follow one word from the Quran or every single word, but what would not happen is that people are forced to believe.

Humankind should seek to spread knowledge that they gain to everyone, so that they will be freed from religious intolerance and superstition.

Usman Ali, London, UK

I'm sorry. Am I the only one that's getting totally fed up with this "alienated" nonsense.
Are young muslim alienated from society? Hello?? I don't think so. They are more integrated that their parents were and their parents were thankful that they could find a haven in a country like the UK. Even if they feel alienated, are they the only youth in the UK? What about Chinese youth, or white British youth on coucil estates. For goodness sakes, most young people feel alienated and as if no one cares about them yet they don't go around threatening to bomb the rest of us do they.
The trouble is that for it's liberalism, these kids are biting the hand that feeds them. Would they get the chance to even voice such discontent in their parents or grandparents country of birth? Not likely.

Boyd Lewis, London,

Kit Ex UK, who exactly are you giving your advice to?

Ahmed Mulla, Hexham,

Many of the 'angry Muslims' are displaying what is basically adolescent behaviour.... they behave like indulged teenagers. They have adopted extreme opinions; they are convinced they are right, with precious little evidence; they are dismissive of others' views; they demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to compromise; when 'told off' or faced with a situation that doesn't suit them they throw a collective tantrum.

Unfortunately, indulged teenagers have no need to grow up. The British establishment has indulged them far too much, and for much too long. It is now time to set the rules of the 'house' and then apply them: strictly, consistently and fairly, across the indigenous population and all ethnic and religious sectors of the community.

This is basically a secular society, which tolerates all religions. We cannot allow one religion to claim special priviliges.

Donna Walker, Effingham, Surrey

We here in Sydney don't have proportionately the same number of extremists as London.It is really scary that a third if Muslim youth want Sharia Law introduced.This is does not auger well for future democracy,since they will have the numbers in just a few generations to tip the scales in their favour.

I think we should enshrine in all our constitutions that religious parties cannot govern or impose their beliefs on the general population.Sharia Law will not only curtail our freedoms,but will limit the discoveries of science that might contradict religious beliefs.The theory of Evolution will be the first to go.

There has to limits on immigration of groups that will destroy the harmony in our societies.Our conservative Govt in Australia has yet to grasp this reality.We all discriminate in terms of who we let into our houses,so why aren't we more discriminating about whom we let into our countries?

We seem to be devolving back to the dark ages

Ross, Sydney, Australia

It’s good to hear members from all sections of the community stand up against extremism and terrorism. It’s particularly important that Muslims are willing to denounce extremism and terrorism, as it sends a message that people, of all faiths and backgrounds, are united against terrorism and extremist rhetoric. Terrorism and the idea of forcing religion onto people are sick ideas, and must be condemned.

Karl Chads, London, London, UK

British criminal law is fairly adequate to deal with any crime comitted here by a person or persons, whatever their personal motive is. these so called, willing to kill in the name of some one called ( God) should be treated as criminal as any other motiveless killer is treated. who is this fellow these fanatics keep chanting. I am of pakistani origin,lived there till my teens,and now i am in my fifties, till now i have not met this ' guy' so far. as far as I know , neither my forefathers. how come these people know 'him' and are willing to kill others who do not see eye to eye with them?.are these people intellectually superior to those who don't agree with their believes?.

muhammedshafiq, Manchester, u.k

Richard Preston, before asking Muslims to say Jihad is wrong, do you even know what a Jihad is. It is a struggle, struggle against your conscience to do the right things. Jihad does not mean killing non muslims, people who see it like this have got it wrong (including the extremists).

"admit that Mohammad was a less than perfect example of humanity" - Ignorance, look in to the life of Mohammad.

Anonymous, London,

I think that Murad has taken a big step forward in communicating his feelings the way he has. I live in Australia. You may not realise that in the past few months we have begun to feel threatened and fearful ourselves as a result of some unkind and unjustified comments made by influential Islamic clerics here. Time will tell how much influence they really have. We are unaccustomed to having such voltatile and provocative statements made by newcomers, who on one hand proclaim a love of our country, yet still criticise and insult us with the other. Last year, on two separate occasions, visitors from your city of Bristol commented to me that there are parts of their city that they never go to anymore. This is despite they and their families having lived there for many generations. We could only imagine with horror what that might be like. Now we realise that we have areas like this in Sydney and Melbourne especially. Something precious is being lost. If some young Islamic man in Australia wrote a letter like this now, it might slow down some of the mounting tension that is happening here.

Karen Sampson, Adelaide, South Australia

Here Here Kit - spot on.

So clean up your own act. Poor and uneducated? Make sure your wives can speak and read English and do so to your children. Stop taking children out of school for months long trips back to your 'homeland'. Tell your kids that this is their homeland. Keep them away from the rabble-rousers. Explain what is really going on in Iraq/Afghanistan and who is actually doing the killing. Point out the lack of freedom in Muslim-ruled countries and how much better they have it over here. Overcrowded homes? Either have fewer children or get a better job. Convert the attic or build an extension. There are plenty of poverty-stricken, undereducated whites too, so stop telling your kids that they are only poor and uneducated because of their skin colour/religion. In short, stop expecting the rest of the population to solve your problems.

Ed, Paris,

Ahmed says "And plenty of Muslims are in a rage now that they have become targets in a fight the radicals have picked and they don’t want any part of."

Where was that same rage when non-muslims were the target in a fight they did not choose? It is perhaps the lack of it that explains why we hear about new terrorist plots almost monthly.

Chris, Cambridge,

Your point about the poverty and lack of skills - It would be interesting to find out why, as after all British Sikhs and British Hindus do as well as - or indeed better than - their fellow Brits.

This little gem really set out, for me at least, what's wrong with the Muslim community in the UK;

"And plenty of Muslims are in a rage now that they have become targets"

Wow, it suggests that they wouldn’t give two hoots otherwise.

I hope they are angry with the Islamofascists who are busy trying to ferment civil war with mass slaughter, all to deprive the Iraqi people of a democratic polity. Also angry with the bombings by Islamists over the last 10 + years, as without them there would be no need for a War on Terror.

We need coherent action by politicians and the Police (note lack of action against the extremists ID’d in Dispatches), against these extremists (deportation or life imprisonment). Otherwise things are going to head toward vigilantism and extremist politics on part of the majority.

Malcolm, London, Kent

In reply to Richard from Preston, 'I see Mr Mulla from Hexham is employing a little Taqiyya.' If you mean I am concealing my faith then you are mistaken my friend, I didn't hide my name which shows my faith, I am a Muslim, and proud of it!
As for what Holy War is in Islam, it is a right to defend oneself from aggression. So no, a right to defend oneself when attacked is not wrong and can never be wrong!
As for your claims on the character of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), then these are accusations you make, and if the evidence you cite is propaganda developed by Anti-Islamic sources or so called Hadiths which can not be attributed to the prophet with 100% certainty, then you can not present that as evidence or historically accurate accounts.
As for the extremists then not only myself but all Muslims denounce their actions and their attacks on innocent people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, because only God can judge, not a few twisted individuals who hijack the name of Islam.

Ahmed Mulla, Hexham,

So NOW you are angry that jihadists are out to "get " you. You probably did not know or may have forgotten that on 9/11/01 many innocent Muslim Women and Men were murdered along with many Christian, Jewish and Buddhist innocents as well. And you may not have known or have forgotten the twin towers were part of the "World Trade Center" complex of buildings. The question is, what are you, as a human being, going to do, aside from being "scared". The Naziis and Communists tried the same tactic the jihadists are doing. And that is to destroy the world order by separating a person's common sense from their humanity. I am sorry to say, you may have already lost the battle. DJ

DJB, Rome, NY

So now that your "muslim brothers" are being targeted you stand up and say something.

Why are muslims so often portrayed as living in some strange tight-knit community that doesn't seem to value non-muslims or their 'brothers'? If one of your non-muslim brothers are targeted (as they have been) you stay silent.

Hypicrosy. Racism.

Escape from the 'brotherhood' of your religion and join the 'brotherhood' of man (and woman).

jamie, London, UK

While some member of the community in the location of the arrest commented that because the were muslim they shouldn't have been arrested... twaddle.

If you commit a crime in this county, and if the police have the resources to deal with it, then you should be arrested for it.

Regardless of the colour of your skin, or whatever personal beliefs you may hold.

Mike Hudgell, Worthing, England, UK

Nice to see an unacustomed open mindedness.

I am assured that Jihad can be interpretted in several ways - including the innner struggle.

I worry that the Koran and not just fundementalists prescribes responses that would be entirely unacceptable in the West – Shia and Sunni differences, the treatment of women, converts from Islam etc. However, there are some abhorrent remedies in the Bible also.

I note that the people who refer to the policies of Bush and Blaire as killing their Muslim brothers take no account of Shai and Sunni killing each other or of sects within Shia and Sunni killing each other in a naked bid for power.

We should be concerned about an offenece - guilty of travelling whilst brown - but differences there are and the reality is that fear is driving us from multiculturalism. That may be a good thing when it emerges as we all want an integrated, cohesvive society subject to the law but meanwhile intolerance is on the march.

By the way - rebelling against their Dad's; are Mothers not included?

I thank Murad for being constructive.

Michael , kettering , northants

Ahmed from Hexam, while I agree that Richard from Preston may have erred in his analysis of Jihad, your equation of Muhammad, Jesus and Moses is less than accurate. For one, Judaism does not consider Moses to be an ideal human being by any means. No Biblical figure, in fact, is considered without faults. Moses was left to die alone and barred from entering the land of Israel because he smacked and yelled at a rock. How's that for an extreme punishment! As for Jesus, Christianity does not consider him to be the "ideal human being" in the same way Muhammad is in Islam. 7th century behavior of any figure, Muhammad or anyone else, probably should not be emulated in the 21st century. Taking a 9-year-old as a bride may have been perfectly acceptable back then, but in the 21st century it is not. If you find that offensive, so be it. I find it not only offensive, but criminal, to marry a child to a 40-year-old. And I'm sure the majority of Muslims would agree with me.

Rory, NYC,

Yes, Yes Yes!!! Get your trumpet out and start blowing it for moderate muslims everywhere please. Infortunately, I was rapidly reaching the view that moderate muslims were vastly outnumbered by the hordes of those from every continent who would subdue us Kaffur at the first opportunity...so you my have to blow for sometime to rescue me from my initial conclusions.

Don S, Carrick, U.K

Yawn. So is whinging Ahmed representative of so called 'moderate' muslims? Funny that. That little jaunt the islamists planned to pull seems to have backfired now the anger and hatred is directed at muslims directly. Interesting it is only since the tactics changed. Yes were all angry too Mr Ahmed - on any number of levels with our government. There are a number of disadvantaged minorities with all sorts of ethnic makeups. People have all sorts of issues with Nu Labour. That doesnt excuse blowing up fellow Britons, certainly not in the name of 'jihad' - on whatever level you view your personal 'jihad'. It also fails to explain how well off middle class muslims felt inclined to kill on July 7. These mindless 'punks' certainly have a novel way of expressing themselves. Not sure how the families of those who died on July 7 would feel about this being a novel muslim way of rebelling. Any chance of them growing out of it sooner rather than later with a helping hand from their fellow muslims? And just why do you feel so happy to ignore the incitement going on in your mosques. Where is your 'better angel' on that score? No longer 'angry'. Just really fed up with your tedious rubbish.

Rebecca, London,

Richard from Preston should note that muslims hold Jesus (pbuh) in very high esteem and hold him to be an example to be followed. Muhammad did not take child brides (slip of the plural there?), although even if Aisha had not reached puberty, it was a common practice for young girls to be married. The unarmed caravans were supplying the forces that set out to destroy Islam. Executing prisoners? Yes, capital punishment is part of Islam. And many people of other faiths would back capital punishment.

Hassen, salford,

Ahmed from Hexam, while I agree that Richard from Preston may have erred in his analysis of Jihad, your equation of Muhammad, Jesus and Moses is less than accurate. For one, Judaism does not consider Moses to be an ideal human being by any means. No Biblical figure, in fact, is considered without faults. Moses was left to die alone and barred from entering the land of Israel because he smacked and yelled at a rock. How's that for an extreme punishment! As for Jesus, Christianity does not consider him to be the "ideal human being" in the same way Muhammad is in Islam. 7th century behavior of any figure, Muhammad or anyone else, probably should not be emulated in the 21st century. Taking a 9-year-old as a bride may have been perfectly acceptable back then, but in the 21st century it is not. If you find that offensive, so be it. I find it not only offensive, but criminal, to marry a child to a 40-year-old. And I'm sure the majority of Muslims would agree with me.

Rory, NYC,

Everyone seems to be worried about upsetting the muslim community but on the face of it the problems occurring in this area are self inflicted by a lack of consideration for the indigenous white and indian communities. Even when a problem is proven to exist the cries of foul abound and everyone is anti - muslim. I am not anti anyone but rapidly becoming very tired with a one sided voice, moaning about every conceivable thing that they don't like. If life is that bad then we should take the Major of a small town in Belgiums point of view and kindly tell people who moan to leave the UK.

Mark, Leicester,

Anger is a secondary emotion caused by things like powerlessness, fear and insecurity. It is also controlable. All this anger is a bit tiresome, don't you think? I am, like, so bored. And Kit has a fair point.

John, London, UK

Now in response to the writer of the article.....I feel that if your anger has only started with extremists last week, then it’s a bit too late....why were you not angry with them for killing innocent people all over the world since they began?
I am a Muslim, and I have been angry for so long with extremists! To kill innocent people is against the teachings of God, and preaching hatred should not be tolerated.
And Murad, no not all we young Muslims look-alike, Muslims come from all over the world, white, black, Arab, Asian, Persian, etc.. So no I refuse your one dimensional portrayal of Muslims as one group of look-alike carbon copies!
Also what do you mean Muslims are angry because they are scared??? That is not true! We are angry because some T***s are killing innocent people in the name of our religion, and because the media makes it seem like all Muslims are backwards thinking people.
I support the work that the police are doing in rooting out the extremists!

Ahmed Mulla, Hexham,

British criminal law is fairly adequate to deal with any crime comitted here by a person or persons, whatever their personal motive is. these so called, willing to kill in the name of some one called ( God) should be treated as criminal as any other motiveless killer is treated. who is this fellow these fanatics keep chanting. I am of pakistani origin,lived there till my teens,and now i am in my fifties, till now i have not met this ' guy' so far. as far as I know , neither my forefathers. how come these people know 'him' and are willing to kill others who do not see eye to eye with them?.are these people intellectually superior to those who don't agree with their believes?.

muhammedshafiq, Manchester, u.k

I doubt these people know about the real stories of 7/7 and 9/11. I believe it is appropriate to know the real story behind the scene before condemning the Muslims in the West. It is not a fight between Islam and Christianity. If it is so then how Saddam and Bin Laden were the allies of West? Before was the fight not was against Communists? Did the West not finance the Muslim extremists to fight against the Communists? Now they are saying that Muslims are the enemies. Is the government maintaining a double standard and are confusing us about the real problem? If that is not the case why Abu Hamza is still in UK? And why his son is working for the Underground? We should answer these questions before we come to any conclusion.

Abdullah, London,

Blimey oh reily.
The moderate Muslims decide to speak out now that it could be them targeted .

Well keep shouting mate we feel your pain.

Harry, London,

Anger is a secondary emotion caused by things like powerlessness, fear and insecurity. It is also controlable. All this anger is a bit tiresome, don't you think? And Kit has a fair point.

John, London, UK

Richard from Preston, regarding Jihad, to paraphrase the article:

Ask a stupid question. Ask if you can explain the meaning of Jihad. When you can’t, ask yourself what you're really upset about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihad

As for your second point, I know what you mean. I find it impossible to have civilized discourse with anyone I disagree with - Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Mormons, cosmic string theorists and supporters of Hearts of Midlothian football club to name but a few. Come to think of it, I spend a lot of time talking to myself.

Spartacus, Leith,

Murad, we live in a world in which even the most pious of views can be distorted and perverted. It doesn't matter if it is Western secularism or the Holy Koran. I am saddened that our globe has come to a point of such desructive conflict. Until the angry folks, like you and I, demand responsibility from the agitators, we will be forced to be suspicious and suspected. I particularly like your comment regarding the youthful nature of some of this rage. Give these folks something to do!

Jonathan Jett-Parmer, Atlanta, Georgia (USA)

Murad,

Thank you for your courage in making your statement. I'm only sorry that some have chosen to nitpick the detail of what you have said instead of recognising the overall message. Particularly as, unlike the respondents here, you may well have put yourself at risk in expressing your views - though I do hope not.

Sue Burnett, Pontypridd, Wales

Ahmed, as a point of clarification, Moses has always been thought of as less than perfect by Jews - that is the reason that the Lord did not allow him to enter the promised land. As regards muslims, it is quite true that the massive majority living in the UK just wish to live peaceful lives etc etc. However, too many of them are willing to say that whilst they disagree with the actions of these terrorists, "they can understand why they carry out/ try to carry out these atrocities". There should never be a reason in the name of Allah or humanity from such atrocities to be carried out.

Neil, Liverpool, UK

I see Mr Mulla from Hexham is employing a little Taqiyya. The so called "greater Jihad" that he describes is a not what Jihad has meant throughout history, or means today to those who matter, i.e. those who would do us harm. Is it beyond you to declare that Jihad, as in the sense of Holy War in promulgation of Islam, is, and always has been, wrong? As for the characters of Jesus and Mohammad, there could scarcely be a greater contrast. Did Jesus take child brides, raid unarmed caravans, take and hold slaves, or execute prisoners? Such a man as committed these crimes is to be seen as an example? How well you illustrate the moral chasm between yourself and the majority.

Richard, Preston,

Anger is a secondary emotion caused by things like powerlessness, fear and insecurity. It is also controlable. All this anger is a bit tiresome, don't you think? And Kit has a fair point.

John, London, UK

Dear Richard of Preston. I can safely say that Jihad itself is not wrong. Jihad (as far as I, a non-Muslim, can tell) is a holy war that only occurs when war is waged against Islam. It is the radical islamists that have skewered the context and meaning of Jihad and used it as a propoganda machine to recruit young, angry, alienated Muslim youth. What we need here in the West is more moderate Muslims such as Murad to stand up and show us non-Muslims that they are as peeved as us at these radicals who champion for Sharia. What does 'moderate' mean? Moderate means Muslims who are free to oppose and challenge British foreign policy, but do not feel obliged to murder innocent civilians. Hence, I do not feel that insurgents fighting in Iraq against British forces are radical islamists. However, if they fight British forces, they must forfeit their British citizenship, or face charges of treason. You cant have your cake and eat it!

Pete, Cov,

"the ethnic group most likely to be unemployed, poor and live in overcrowded homes". Ah, the old favourite of the root cause crowd. Doesn't quite explain how middle-class Yorkshire muslims end up blowing themselves up on the tube. There are other ethnic groups in Britain and around the world who are just as impoverished. Face it, Islam is not simply a religion. It is explicitly political in a way that Christianity and Buddhism are not, and while poverty, deprivation and discrimination are exacerbating the alienation of our Muslim population, they are not the cause. The cause is the the puritanical reform of Islam that has accelerated since the 1970s. And I think Murad unhelpfully conflates the issues of race and culture. Islam is not synonymous with "being brown". I have more in common with a black or Asian Christian than a white Muslim. Culture is the key, and the radicalised form of Islam that has become increasingly prevalent has no place in these islands.

Nick, Edinburgh, UK

Interesting, Richard from Preston. Fist of all, Jihad doesn't necessarily mean Holy war or whatever you think it means. Jihad is the literal word for struggle in Arabic; struggle against your whims, struggle against opressors, struggle to be a good person. So you are asking Muslims to say that Jihad is wrong? No wonder, you won't get the answer you hope for. As for ''to admit that Mohammad was a less than perfect example of humanityy'', it's like asking christians to say the same things about Jesus, or Jews to say the same thing about Moses. ''he will be outside civilized discourse'', riiiight?because being a Muslim makes you uncivilised? Honestly if you hold such views you should start opening you mind and go and have a chat wit some Muslims, perhaps you might find them to be normal human beings with same worries and troubles as the rest of us.

Ahmed Mulla, Hexham,

So clean up your own act. Poor and uneducated? Make sure your wives can speak and read English and do so to your children. Stop taking children out of school for months long trips back to your 'homeland'. Tell your kids that this is their homeland. Keep them away from the rabble-rousers. Explain what is really going on in Iraq/Afghanistan and who is actually doing the killing. Point out the lack of freedom in Muslim-ruled countries and how much better they have it over here. Overcrowded homes? Either have fewer children or get a better job. Convert the attic or build an extension. There are plenty of poverty-stricken, undereducated whites too, so stop telling your kids that they are only poor and uneducated because of their skin colour/religion. In short, stop expecting the rest of the population to solve your problems.

Kit, Ex UK,

If I understand Ahmed correctly, it is only since last week that he is angry because the jihadists have decided to specifically target other muslims living in Britain. On the other hand, he has been scared for longer than that to be a random victim of an indiscrimate attack by said jihadists. Ahmed, thanks for that.

ed lancey, london,

Interesting, Richard from Preston. Fist of all, Jihad doesn't necessarily mean Holy war or whatever you think it means. Jihad is the literal word for struggle in Arabic; struggle against your whims, struggle against opressors, struggle to be a good person. So you are asking Muslims to say that Jihad is wrong? No wonder, you won't get the answer you hope for. As for ''to admit that Mohammad was a less than perfect example of humanityy'', it's like asking christians to say the same things about Jesus, or Jews to say the same thing about Moses. ''he will be outside civilized discourse'', riiiight?because being a Muslim makes you uncivilised? Honestly if you hold such views you should start opening you mind and go and have a chat wit some Muslims, perhaps you might find them to be normal human beings with same worries and troubles as the rest of us.

Ahmed Mulla, Hexham,

Sorry but I think you have a clouded view of how the white British feel and indeed the non muslim Indian people feel.

Mark, Leicester,

Until people like Murad can say with complete sincerity "Jihad is wrong" and to admit that Mohammad was a less than perfect example of humanityy, he will be outside civilized discourse, and we shall have a problem with Muslims, and not just in Britain.

Richard, Preston,