Jalal Uddin murder - justice has been served, says CEO of Ramadhan Foundation

Mohammed Shafiq

Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of the Ramadhan Foundation said: “One of those evil men who killed a gentle, loving man Qari Jalal Uddin from Rochdale has been found guilty. We welcome the conviction of Mohammed Hussain Syeedy and hope that the family will take some comfort from this. We further hope that the main culprit Muhammad Kadir is found and also held responsible for his actions.

"Rochdale has been blessed with the presence of Qari Jalal Uddin, he changed lives for the better and was a towering figure from our community. He showered love on all and did not deserve to be brutally murdered.

"We think of his beloved family and the grandchildren who have been deprived, you will never get over your loss but God will give you strength to cope with it.

"I knew Qari Jalal Uddin and my lasting memory will be that of a happy and smiling face, nothing these evil and disgusting men have done will change that positive memory.

"The Muslim community in Rochdale will need to come together to address what I believe are important issues that if no action is taken we may see such tragedies again.

"The ideology of ISIS is sick, twisted, barbaric and an affront to the rest of the Muslim world. Why anyone would want to offer their support, promote their flags and show solidarity with them is beyond me.

"What happened to Qari Jalal Uddin is very similar to what ISIS and their fellow terrorists do to fellow Muslims who they accuse of black magic. For the record what Qari Jalal Uddin did was not black magic and totally acceptable according to Islamic teachings.

"It is beyond doubt that these young minds are being brainwashed and groomed online, they have no engagement or involvement with any of the Mosques and as a matter of fact these institutions are failing young Muslims.

"There is a requirement for all Islamic centres to come together and work to engage young people, tackle and expose the ideology of ISIS and ensure that our young Muslims are not led down a path which is against Islamic teachings.

To kill someone because you disagreed with their method is deplorable and we reject any attempt by these mindless minority to spread violence in our communities.

"There is nothing in the ISIS ideology that will help free the Syrian people from the oppression of the Assad regime and there is nothing in ISIS that is worthy of support. We condemn them again not just for their despicable crimes but the way they have corrupted and groomed young people.

"Rochdale has been challenged again and again and we have remained united regardless of faith or ethnicity. We will not allow anyone to divide our town and we pay tribute to Greater Manchester Police, Rochdale Council and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work in getting justice.

"Finally, Qari Jalal Uddin will live on in the hearts of the hundreds of people he inspired and taught over the years. Rochdale will never forget him and we pledge to continue our fight against ISIS and its supporters whoever and wherever they are.”