An Islamic centre in Forest Gate has published a book to challenge misconceptions about the Prophet Muhammad.
Minhaj-ul-Quran released the book – Muhammad the Merciful – earlier this month out of its small publishing house in Romford Road.
Shahid Mursaleen, director of publishing and a spokesman for the centre, said the book is part of an effort to combat extremism among young Muslims in east London.
He said: “We try to de-radicalise young people who have taken the wrong message from extremist preachers, that Islam allows jihad [holy war] against civilians, non-combatants.
“In east London there are groups with extremist tendencies that are growing.
“We believe this is all due to the kind of literature they are reading.”
The book is co-written by Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, a Pakistani theologian and the centre’s founder, who authored a fatwa against terrorism and suicide-bombing in 2010.
The centre has also produced an English translation of the Koran which it claims is more accurate than other versions, and will release a book on jihad in the summer.
“Our struggle is to provide a peaceful, merciful and compassionate message of the Prophet,” said Mr Mursaleen.
“This book relates to his teachings and dealings and how merciful he was when he was in a powerful position.
“He had enemies, but he forgave them.”
For more information on the book visit minhajpublications.com.
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