A Counter Terrorism Conference held in Manchester was an opportunity 'to reflect, mourn and recommit to standing up against terrorism' say organisers.

The conference was hosted by the Ramadhan Foundation in partnership with the Sufi Shrine of Eidgah Shari, Rawalpindi Pakistan and also remembered the victims of the Manchester Arena attack and pay tribute to the emergency services.

This was the second Counter Terrorism Conference held in Manchester and marked a moment to reflect, mourn and re commit ourselves to standing up against terrorism.

Asian Image:

Shaykh Hassan Haseeb ur Rehman has led a global response to terrorism through his lectures across the world.

The conference welcomed the Father and Grandmother of Manchester Arena Attack Olivia Campbell Hardy, Andrew Hardy and Sharon Hardy.   Her Grandmother addressed the Conference and urged people to replace hate with love.

Sharon Hardy said: Both me and Andrew are honoured to be here at this conference, People are not born to hate and we want to send out a message do not hate in the name of Olivia and the other 21 victims.  

"We need to build more links between our communities and that is why we have set up a charity in the memory of Olivia called Livs Trust to carry on the work

The Shadow Home Office Minister Afzal Khan MP addressed the Conference and talked about the resilience of the City of Manchester and the strength of our diversity.

Asian Image:

The prominent Rabbi and leader of the Jewish Community, Rabbi Warren Elf addressed the Conference and prayed for peace and called for Muslims and Jews to stand together against hate crimes.

The Bishop of Salford and Leader of the Roman Catholic Church Bishop John Arnold offered the Church’s support for the Conference and said our communities are against terrorism, hate and division.

Asian Image:

Shaykh Hassan Haseeb ur Rehman, Custodian of the Sufi Shrine of Eidgah Sharif said: “I stand before you to say we as Muslims stand against terrorism, these vile people are enemies of Islam and the whole of humanity.  

"My mission in life is to promote tolerance and peace, you can see from the thousands who attend my events in Pakistan there is a yearning for the true message of Islam which is Peace and tolerance.  

"I am honoured to visit Manchester to remember the victims and their families of the Manchester Arena attack and say we stand with you always”.

Asian Image:

Mohammed Shafiq, CEO of the Ramadhan Foundation said, “This Counter Terrorism Conference in Manchester is an opportunity to remember the victims and their families.  

"Terrorism is an evil crime and we affirmed our support for the Police and authorities to keep our country safe.  We stand against terrorism but we also stand against hate crimes directed at any community and there should be no doubt that we are stronger together.

Shaykh Muhammad Umar Bin Ramadhan, Chairman of the Ramadhan Foundation said, “We as Muslims need to take on these crazy terrorists, let there be no place in this world where their evil crimes and thoughts are tolerated.  I am proud the Ramadhan Foundation have been engaged in this work for over 12 years and we will continue until our world is free of terrorism.”

Shaykh Hassan Haseeb ur Rehman and Mohammed Shafiq presented a special award to Russ Jackson of GMP in recognition of the work the emergency services did on that dreadful night and since to keep us safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of Greater Manchester Police and Head of NW Counter Terrorism Unit said, “I want to pay tribute to the dignity of the families of the victims, their struggle has been our struggle.  GMP are still investigating the Arena Bombing and will continue to update the public of what happened on that night. 

"I want to thank Shaykh Hassan Haseeb ur Rehman and Mohammed Shafiq for giving me this award, I accept it on behalf of all the emergency services.  I am truly honoured to be here tonight and want to thank you all.”

The Conference heard from politicians, faith leaders and speakers who spoke on the threat of terrorism and the rising of hate crimes.

The Conference took place on Thursday 21 July 2018 at the McDonald Hotel.