by Jerusalem Post Staff
The imam's Nottingham mosque released a statement apologizing for the imam’s “personal views that are deeply offensive and are wholly inconsistent with the values of our institute.”
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UK-based Imam Umayr Mulla was suspended from Masjid Khazra in Nottingham after stating he “had no issue with Israel,” and recognized Israelis’ history in the Middle East while appearing in an interview in Jerusalem with British anti-immigration campaigner Tommy Robinson last week.
“I have no issue with Israel, as long as people are living in peace, I believe both sides should have their own countries,” Mulla said. “The Palestinians should have their own safe space, where they can live freely without oppression or injustice. I think this is the solution for peace in the Middle East."
Masjid Khazra released a statement apologizing for the imam’s “personal views that are deeply offensive and are wholly inconsistent with the values of our institute.”
“Our institute is founded on a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We appreciate and respect all parts of the Muslim community and the wider community we serve, and we are dedicated to maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for pupils, staff, and families,” the mosque wrote.
The imam claimed all religions lived in peace under Muslim rule
In the interview, Mulla stated that Israel’s Muslim population wants to live without oppression or injustice, stating that historically, all religions lived in peace when Muslims ruled the region.“As long as [non-Muslims] paid the Jizya tax, which is like a protection money. It’s no different from the taxes we pay in Britain,” Mulla said, adding that this wasn’t a form of oppression against non-Muslims.
“If you read history, there was no oppression or occupation. They paid taxes like we do. Muslims, however, had to pay Zakat, which is charity,” he explained.
Mulla also stated that, despite being happy the British government had recognized a Palestinian state, he was against the pay-for-slay policies of the Palestinian Authority, as well as many actions terror organizations like ISIS and Hamas have committed in the name of Islam.
“I can say freely they are not Muslims at all… Some of their teachings and actions go against Islamic teachings,” he said.
Following his suspension, Mulla released a statement of apology, saying he “regret deeply the hurt my remarks have caused to the Kashmiri and Pakistani communities, to Palestinians, to my employers, family, friends, and to anyone beyond who was offended directly and indirectly.”
“My reference to any community was totally unacceptable. I retract it unequivocally and sincerely ask for forgiveness from those I have wronged. I am committed to learning from this,” he wrote.
Jerusalem Post Staff
Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-872006
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