Muslim women across East Lancashire reject ‘barbarism’ of Islamic State

More than 20 women attended the event, held at a Burnley faith centre, in an effort to take the lead in combating extremism and radicalisation in their communities.

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It was held as part of #MakingAStand events being held across the UK.

Women attended a series of events in key cities, from Birmingham to Leeds, in recognition of the valuable role they have to play in exerting their influence to fight extremism.

Sara Khan, director of the events’ organiser Inspire, said: “Women are the backbone of our communities and the first line of defence against radicals.

“We know our role in challenging extremism is vital and honourable.

“As British Muslim women we value and believe in the principles of democracy, human rights and respect for all life.

“This is in complete contrast to the sheer evil and barbarism of the very ‘un-Islamic’ extremist groups who murder, rape and steal in the name of Islam.

UNITED: Women at the event to make a united stand and reject the ‘barbarism’ of Islamic State 

“Abhorrent groups like ISIS and Al Qaida distort the teachings of our faith.

“They are a menace to our way of life – our families, communities and women’s rights.

“We have seen first-hand in our communities the damage caused by extremists polluting young minds.

“We must do all we can to protect our sons and daughters.

“We believe it is imperative to reclaim our faith from extremists who have hijacked it to falsely justify their barbarity.”

The event was held at the Faith Centre at Burnley Campus. The centre was established in September 2006 and is funded by the county council.

As part of the #MakingAStand campaign, which initially launched in 2014 with support of the Home Secretary Theresa May, Inspire is urging Muslim women within the UK to reject the threat of extremism by taking positive action, however small, within their homes and communities.

#MakingAStand was created in the wake of widespread reporting of atrocities committed by ISIS and their call for Muslims to commit cold-blooded murder in the streets of Western countries.

For more information, visit: wewillinspire.com n Isis has captured more than a third of Syria in addition to a quarter of Iraq.

The frontiers of the new Caliphate declared by Isis have been are expanding by the day and now cover an area larger than Britain and inhabited by at least six million people, a population larger than that of Denmark, Finland or Ireland.