European Muslim Imams Begin Peace Tour to Terrorism-Hit Cities
Bringing a message of peace, some 60 Muslim imams based in several countries in Europe have embarked on a bus tour throughout the continent, visiting cities that have been affected by terrorist attacks.
In condemning extremist violence and armed fundamentalism, the imams seek to share their message of a peaceful Islam, according to Deutsche Welle.
The bus tour, called the "March of Muslims against Terrorism" commenced in Paris on Saturday with prayers at a site on the Champs-Elysees where a policeman was killed earlier this year by a militant.
Seeking to change the hearts and minds of young Muslim men and women in Europe who may be headed along a path of violence, the imams are condemning the use of religious beliefs to justify violent actions.
In sending a "message of humanity and brotherhood against terrorism," the imams will pray on Sunday at Berlin's Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, where in December 2016 an extremist drove a truck into a Christmas market, killing 12 and wounding dozens.
The imams are scheduled to pray at the sites of recent terror attacks in Brussels, Toulouse and Nice, completing their journey on July 14, Bastille Day, in Paris.
The religious leaders have expressed that their tour is, in part, a prayer for the victims of terrorism and a means to show that Islam, as with all religions and cultures, can co-exist with other beliefs.
The imams will meet with political, religious and civil society figures in those communities affected by terrorism.
In refuting violent religious fundamentalists, in particular Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) terrorists who seek to make a "hostage" of Islam, one traveling imam stated on Sunday, "It is important that Muslims can express themselves to say that my religion has nothing to do with these barbarians."
Source: Sputnik
