British imams urge tolerance for Charlie Hebdo post-attack issue

Imams across Britain have appealed British Muslims to show patience and tolerance following the latest edition of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which sold out within hours on Wednesday.

A letter signed by dozens of Muslim leaders said they understood most Muslims would be hurt and offended, but added that patience and tolerance was the best response.

The imams’ letter, released through the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), said: “With dignified nobility we must be restrained.” It added: “Most Muslims will inevitably be hurt, offended and upset by the republication of the cartoons.”

“But our reaction must be a reflection of the teachings of the gentle and merciful character of the Prophet. Enduring patience, tolerance, gentleness and mercy, as was the character of our beloved Prophet, is the best and immediate way to respond.”

The new “survivors” edition of the French magazine went on sale today, a week after gunmen murdered eight journalists and four others at its offices in Paris. The slogan “Je suis Charlie” has been widely used following the shootings.

In a separate attack in Paris two days later, four Jewish men died after an Islamist gunman took hostages at a kosher shop. A policewoman was murdered in a third shooting believed to have been carried out by the same attacker.

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