Greenwich imam accused of hateful sermon over Israel-Hamas war

The footage of the sermon, which was posted on social media, shows Muhammad Abdullah Shakir, of the Greenwich Islamic Centre, reportedly asking God to "forgive all Muslims” and “lead them to victory over their enemy”, as reported by the Telegraph.

Speaking in Arabic, he allegedly said: “Curse the infidels who turn people away from the path of Allah and fight your messengers and good people.

“Protect Al-Aqsa Mosque from the usurping Jews," according to a translation.

Greenwich Council released a statement saying that it denounces the alleged comments made by the imam.

It added that the incident has been raised with the appropriate authorities and an immediate investigation will be launched.

In a joint statement from the Leader of the council Anthony Okereke and the Leader of the opposition, Matt Hartley it said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich stands together with sadness and disgust to denounce, in the strongest possible terms, the recent comments made by Imam Muhammad Abdullah Shakir.

“We are aware that the incident has been raised with the appropriate authorities and we hope that they will launch an immediate investigation into the matter. 

“Without a doubt it is our differences and how we celebrate them that makes us the strong, united borough we are today.”

It continues: “Every person of every faith is welcome in our borough.

“To say, our Jewish friends are not welcome here belies the integral contribution they have made to the community we have shared for centuries.

“Instead we say to them, you are valued.

“You are our neighbours and our friends. We will stand up against hate and as a community, we will refuse to let anyone make you feel unsafe or unwelcome.

“It comes as no surprise to us that members of our Muslim community have also condemned Imam Shakir’s words and we are glad to stand in solidarity with them against hatred in all its forms.

"The Royal Borough of Greenwich has and always will be strongest together.

“We will not stand for any attempt to threaten this and call upon everyone to remain united against hate.”

In a statement released on Facebook, the Plumstead mosque said it “condemns any violence that targets civilians”.

It explained: “Greenwich Islamic Centre stands with the Palestinian people and urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire to halt the indiscriminate bombing of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.

“Furthermore, we strongly advocate for the immediate provision of vital resources, including water, electricity, fuel, and medical supplies to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected civilian population.

“The current situation in Gaza is marked by an alarming disregard for the lives and well-being of innocent civilians, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.

“The relentless bombing campaign has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent children, women, and elderly individuals.

“As we stand with the Palestinian people, we condemn any violence that targets civilians and call for an immediate end to these atrocities.

“In addition to the immediate cessation of hostilities, Greenwich Islamic Centre emphasises the urgent need to restore and maintain essential services such as water, electricity, and fuel.

“These basic necessities are indispensable for the survival and dignity of the affected population.

“Denying access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and power for hospitals, schools, and homes only exacerbates the suffering of innocent civilians.

“Immediate action is required to ensure the restoration of these vital resources and end the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

“The severe shortage of medical supplies in Gaza has reached a critical stage, leaving innocent lives at risk due to a lack of necessary medications, equipment, and resources required to treat the wounded and sick.

“This dire situation demands an immediate response from the international community to mobilise support and ensure the unhindered delivery of medical aid to Gaza.

"Lives depend on swift action to prevent further loss and suffering.

“Greenwich Islamic Centre joins other organisations, governments, international bodies, and concerned individuals in standing with the Palestinian people during this devastating conflict.

“We call upon the international community to prioritise the protection and support of innocent lives, and to work towards a just and lasting resolution that will bring peace and stability to the region.

“The relentless bombing campaign has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent children, women, and elderly individuals.

“As we stand with the Palestinian people, we condemn any violence that targets civilians and call for an immediate end to these atrocities.”