Vicious executions carried out in the Middle East by Islamic State fighters have been condemned by Muslim leaders in east London and around Britain.

East London Advertiser: East London Mosque... condemning Islamic State murdersEast London Mosque... condemning Islamic State murders (Image: Archant)

Leading mosques are tonight urging Muslim youths not to attempt to go to Syria or Iraq to join the terrorists following “the indefensible murders” of two Western hostages.

The huge East London Mosque in Whitechapel is one of 12 Muslim centres which have signed a joint declaration issued this-evening condemning “the inexcusable actions of the group calling itself ‘Islamic State’ and the indefensible murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff.”

The declaration states: “We hope that any other hostages who may be held by ‘IS’ will be released unharmed.

“It is deceitful for the group to refer to itself as the ‘Islamic State’—its actions are far from the teachings of Islam.

“IS resorts to violence against the innocent and kills indiscriminately. It is wrong to fight injustice with greater injustice.”

The declaration makes an appeal to the British Muslim community’s own youngsters.

“We urge our youth not to contemplate going to Iraq or Syria to join IS or any similar groups that spread violence and hatred, nor to give them any kind of support whatsoever,” it says.

“We call on all mosques and Islamic centres in the UK to address this issue with their congregations during their Friday sermons.”

The declaration is signed by East London Mosque, London Central Mosque, West London Islamic Centre, Finsbury Park Mosque, Mayfair Islamic Centre, Al-Muntada Al-Islami Trust, Muslim Welfare House, Al-Manar Heritage Centre, Al-Tawheed Mosque, Green Lane Masjid and Al-Rahma Centre both in Birmingham and At-Tawheed Foundation in Stoke-on-Trent.