I am British and I am sure that the majority of my fellow citizens believe that the majority of British Muslims want a peaceful, ‘good neighbour’ co-existence. And I am sure that is true of all western countries. And I am sure that the majority of Muslim members here would agree. A question that constantly arises is where are the voices of those Muslims condemning the atrocities of those who murder in the name of Islam?

Someone has just set off a car bomb outside a Christian church in Egypt killing 21+. This is not the first occasion this has happened in Egypt, Iraq and elsewhere and I am sure that the majority here will condemn the act saying that it is contrary to the teachings of Islam and quoting the no compulsion verse.

My question is this – why am I, a non-Muslim, posting this thread; why is a Muslim not posting it and calling for others to raise their voices in condemnation? Is it because, as I believe, that you cannot bring yourself to criticise such acts? Is it not the case that Islam teaches (or at least encourages) that Muslims must support other Muslims (and silence is support) simply because they are Muslim and the act was perpetrated against non-Muslims?

'The Muslim is the brother of Muslim he neither oppresses him, nor does he fail him.." (Muslim).

"Whoever protects the honour of his brother, Allah will protect his face from hell on the Day of Judgment." (Ahmad and Tirmidhi).

"Help your brother whether he is the oppressor or the oppressed" [Bukhari, Muslim]