Rochdale Council of Mosques strongly condemns the offensive film

The Rochdale Council of Mosques has expressed its "disgust" at the film that has been released on the internet in what they consider to be an attempt to "deliberately incite and aggravate Muslim communities".

A spokesman said: "Globally we have seen a now predictable response to this movie and in many Muslim lands people have expressed their anger and disgust at the symbolic buildings that represent the United States and other foreign countries – namely the embassies and other official buildings.

"As Rochdale Muslims we too are enraged by this film that misrepresents Islam and the Blessed Prophet Muhammad – May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him.

"Muslims hold all prophets of God Almighty, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, in the highest regard. They are the chosen messengers of the pure divine Lord and any attempt to misrepresent and show them in a negative light is deeply painful and regrettable.

"The Prophet Muhammad is believed to be the seal of all the messengers, the last and most beloved and we therefore hold him in the highest esteem.

"We feel that any publication which defiles a pure and holy character should not be allowed to be published and should in fact be prosecuted as material that incites racial and religious hatred.

"We are pleased to see that the Vatican, the centre of the Catholicism in the world, has also released a statement condemning the film. 'The serious consequences of unjustified offence and provocations against the sensibilities of Muslim believers are once again evident', Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement released last week.

"We have been informed, there are some rallies organised by individuals in Rochdale.  However, the RCM has made a decision not to hold a demonstration and would instead lobby MPs for international action against attempts to incite religious hatred. Everyone agreed that holding rallies and expressing their feelings in peaceful way is a democratic right of people which they can exercise. Rochdale Council of Mosques would urge the organisers and the participants of these rallies to be peaceful.

"As a Rochdale Council of Mosques we first and foremost condemn the actions of this individual who has clearly caused the intended grief and anger across the globe. As an organisation of Muslims who are always working for peace, harmony and cohesion across the borough and beyond we area appalled at this deliberate attempt to defile our blessed and Holy Prophet. We would ask all members of our community firstly to remain calm and not be ignited by this film towards violence."