WIRRAL Muslims are condemning the actions of Salman Abedi, the suicide bomber responsible for the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

Twenty-two victims died following the explosion at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, May 22, with many more being casualties being treated in hospital.

Naeem Choudhury, trustee of the Wirral Islamic Cultural Centre and Shahjalal Mosque in Birkenhead, has issued a statement through Merseyside Police on behalf of the mosque committee and all Wirral Muslims.

“Following our Friday congregation, we as the Muslim community of Wirral condemn the horrific, barbaric and cowardly attack in Manchester Arena on Monday, May 22,” he said.

“We pray to Allah that he gives good health to those who were injured and grants peace and patience to the victims’ families.

“We are shocked and saddened by this heinous attack. As a community, we stand united in condemnation of those who sought to bring fear and division to the UK through this terrorist act.

“As Muslims, we continue to stress the importance of how violence against innocents is prohibited in Islam, how we should respond to such attacks, and how to cope with the inevitable and unfortunate backlash facing our community.

“We remind everyone and ourselves the verse of the Quran which says: ‘Whosoever killed a person... it shall be as if he had killed ALL mankind’ – the holy Quran (5:32).

“We also understand and appreciate the responsibilities that come with living in a multi-cultural, multi-faith society, to maintain peace and harmony, and to respect the freedoms we are privileged to have.

“At these difficult times, it is important that we come together to support each other as one community and defeat those who seek to divide us.

“We would like to let everyone know that our community is always united against such barbaric and inhumane act and we are always prepared to help and provide support however and whenever needed.”