MUSLIM organisations have met in Bradford to show their solidarity in opposing religious sectarianism after offensive graffiti was daubed on a city mosque.

A graffiti message reading 'Shia Kafir', which claims Shia Muslims are unbelievers, was painted next to the entrance of the Hussainia Islamic Mission on All Saints Road in Little Horton last month.

A 14-year-old boy was later arrested and is on police bail pending further inquiries.

Groups gathered at the Hussainia Islamic Mission to show solidarity with the Shia community.

In an address to the gathering, Mohammed Rafiq Sehgal (pictured), president of Council for Mosques, said: "We should not tolerate any form of sectarian attack against any section of the Islamic community in this country or elsewhere.

"Sadly, sectarianism is rife in many parts of the world and its fervours are also being felt in Britain."

"Shias are an integral part of the Islamic community in the UK and hence any attack against them is undoubtedly an attack on the entire Islamic community.

"There are elements in our society here and abroad that have much to gain from the sectarian rift in the Muslim community. We must at all cost guard against this."

"Our religious leaders must be vigilant of any attempt to fuel and incite sectarian religious hatred. Their response needs to be robust and proactive."

Liaqat Hussain Qureshi, of the Hussainia Islamic Mission, said: "We are greatly encouraged by the support that we have received from the Islamic leadership from all the Islamic schools of thought.

"Shias are in small numbers in the district and hence very vulnerable. We therefore welcome the support given to us by the wider Islamic community.

"We hope that this gathering will serve to kickstart similar events in the future."