Ahmadiyya Muslim community calls Reading Forbury Gardens stabbings ‘evil act’
Akram Ahmadi, Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of the UK, has condemned the attack.
An Islamic group has condemned the shocking stabbings in Reading that left three people dead.
Akram Ahmadi, Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of the UK, said all Muslims would “feel ashamed” over the incident in Forbury Gardens on Saturday, June 20.
Mr Ahmadi spoke called the incident an “evil act” and said his thoughts were with the families of the three men who died in the incident – James Furlong, Joe Richie-Bennett and David Wails.
He said: “We wish to pass on our condolences to the families of the three people who were killed.
“All of them worked for their community, including James Furlong who dedicated his life to teaching. This was an evil act which has devastated families. We’d also like to thank the police officers for their dedication.”
He said the Qur’an teaches the message of “love for all, hatred for none” and added the association has raised millions of pounds for charities around the country.
He said: “We have raised many millions for charitable causes and we will look to donate some money towards education in the area.”
He told BerkshireLive: “We want the people of Reading to know that we are with them all the way. The Ahmadiyya, and all other Muslims, must condemn the act. The Qur’an teaches that killing one human is to kill all humans.
The group is based in Tilford in Surrey but has members across the country, including in Reading.
Mr Ahmadi spoke of his sadness at the attack and said incidents like it “leave the name of Islam tarnished.”
He said: “We are very upset about what has been done and condemn those actions. We feel almost ashamed over something we had nothing to do with.”
A vigil is planned
Mr Ahmadi revealed the group is looking to hold a vigil for the three men who died in Reading on Saturday, June 27.
He said: “We are in talks with the authorities over a holding a vigil to remember the three men.
“We were hoping to hold it at Forbury Gardens but that may not be possible as the investigation is continuing.
“Once the details are finalised, we would like to invite people from the Reading community to join us.
“The vigil will be available for all to attend to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives and their families.
Details will be published on BerkshireLive once they are finalised.
- Akram Ahmadi is the Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of the UK. He is also the chairman of IAAAE which is a humanitarian organisation consisting of Ahmadiyya Muslim engineers and architects who bring water and electricity to the remotest parts of Africa.
- The group’s motto is “Love for All, Hatred for None”