British Muslim reactions to the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11 have been diverse, reflecting the variety of views within the community.
We quickly became familiar with the various Muslim voices raised in support of the attacks and of prime suspect Osama bin Laden, especially since the British media saw fit to give extensive coverage to them initially.
Groups such as Sheikh Abu Hamza's Supporters of Shariah (SOS) - previously in the news in 1999 accused of sending young British Muslims as jihad fighters to Yemen. And the Muslim Youth Association drew much media attention also. They referred to Islamic scriptures as promising great rewards in paradise for all who die in jihad and warned that attacks on Muslims such as bin Laden would be considered a direct attack on Islam and as such should be responded to with violence.
