A council of mosques has condemned the ‘heinous’ murder of innocent people at the Notre-Dame basilica in Nice and says it stands ‘united against any form of violence and terrorism towards people throughout the world’.

There has been an escalation in violence in France after the beheading of high-school teacher Samuel Paty who had shown caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad which had previously published by a satirical magazine. Last week the cartoons were projected onto government buildings in France.

Two Muslim women were also stabbed by the Eiffel Tower following the murder. Then this week in another atrocious attack a woman was beheaded and two others had their throats cut in a Nice church. A far-right gunman was also shot dead in Avignon and a guard was injured at the French consulate in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement released this weekend, the Lancashire Council of Mosques (LCM) said, “The LCM stands united against any form of violence and terrorism towards people throughout the world and LCM also stands against any form of blasphemous acts towards any prophet including the prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“While we uphold and vehemently defend the right to freedom of speech as a core principle of democratic values, the disrespectful and derogatory caricatures of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve not to promote this right, but simply to promote hatred and sustain schisms and division throughout society. It is instead an extension of the Islamophobia that French Muslims, unfortunately, witness on a daily basis.

“LCM promotes mutual understanding, respect and honour for all prophets and revered saints. As members of our respective societies, we all have a responsibility to not harm others, not only physical pain but emotional too. The pain that has been caused to billions of Muslims throughout the world due to the irresponsible decisions made by a few publishers and political leadership can only be understood from a faith perspective.”

The statements adds, “In fact, it is universal within Islam and a right Muslims need to grant our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to love and honour our Prophet (PBUH) more than we love ourselves and our own families.

“Whilst this does not justify any form of violence, we would implore political leadership and people from all communities to use freedom of speech as a tool to promote peace, cohesion and understanding in society. It should be used to build bridges and strengthen inter-communal ties rather than “punching down”, which does nothing but to alienate those already marginalised. Extremists look to divide us but we must not play into their hateful rhetoric.

“Amidst escalating tensions in France, we urge the French Government to treat all its citizens equally and fairly, irrespective of their religious affiliation. Positive steps must be taken to bring communities together, and not allow the forces of populism to undermine the rights of a minority group in France.

“The caricatures of the Prophet of Mercy Muhammad (PBUH) have indeed caused us Muslims deep pain and hurt but we must remember that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a perfect example for us to follow in every aspect of life. Thus, we should defend the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) honour in a way shown and exemplified by him via peaceful channels.”