SENIOR Muslims clerics in Bradford have issued a fiercely-worded condemnation of the distorted interpretation of Islam by terror groups like Islamic State.

To mark the month of Ramadan, Bradford Imams Forum has released a letter via Twitter calling for unity among all religions in society and for Muslims to seek direction in light of IS-led atrocities, such as the murders of 38 people, including 30 Britons on a Tunisian beach.

The letter states: "We live in an era where life has lost all value.

"We are witnessing death and destruction around us on a scale not witnessed since arguably the Second World War.

"The terror and corruption being spread across our world should not be tolerated.

"We all need to stand alone as one, upholding the truth and standing against falsehood.

"We can see a number of groups claiming to herald 'true Islam' and can seem very attractive as a solution to the lack of spirituality and high level of consumerism we find, particularly in the West.

"Do not be fooled by the mirage. Do not be fooled by an ideology which traditional Islam has refuted over the centuries.

"Those who are thinking or taking steps in that direction are putting themselves and their families in harm's way.

"We as British citizens should do all we can in putting a stop to the deadly destruction in a responsible and safe way from our home in the UK through the avenues available to us.

"Islam does not permit the killing of innocents or the killing of Muslims who we do not agree with.

"Islam is a religion to take people out of the darkness into the light, not to extinguish the lanterns of peace.

"We condemn the killing of innocent people, inrespective of their ethnicity, gender, nationality or any other difference.

The letter concludes that the Muslim community should seek Islamic advice from local Islamic scholars and not sources such as the internet.

The forum's stance has won the support of Bradford's political and religious leaders.

Ishtiaq Ahmed, of Bradford Council for Mosques, said: "It's a very proactive step for the Bradford Imams to make themselves available to the community, particularly the young people.

"It is very important that when people are seeking guidance, they turn to Islamic scholars, instead of relying on the unsubstantiated sources such as the internet and other links."

Bradford West Labour MP Naz Shah said: "I applaud them.

"I applaud anybody who speaks up against terrorism.

"It's absolutely fundamental that we don't seek Islamic ideas from unreliable sources. The internet is full of it."

Bradford East Labour MP Imran Hussain said: "There is no silent condemning of these things.

"Muslims unite to condemn these attacks that left so many people shocked around the world.

Bradford Council leader David Green said: "I welcome the letter and the thoughts that it conveys.

"It reflects the views of the overwhelming majority of the community, not only in Bradford but throughout the United Kingdom.

"I am working, and continue to work, with the Imams and other faith groups to make sure that the message gets as much purchase as possible within all of the communities that working together we can promote peace."