Spain Church Bells Ring to Mark 1st Anniversary of Madrid Terror Bomb

On 11th March, all of Spain enters a day of mourning to commemorate the first anniversary of the Madrid train bombing which sent engulfed the country in grief and trauma. The train bombing was recognised as the country's worst ever terrorist attack. Many European countries including Britain were alarmed by the dramatic attack and this led to a review of their policies against terrorism that has continued to threaten the world.

Observing the Catholic tradition of the country, throughout the Madrid area 650 churches rang their bells for five minutes from 7:37am (6:37am GMT) to mourn for the victims in the train bombing. That was the time that 10 bombs packed in rucksacks began exploding on four packed trains that was bringing workers to the capital Madrid. 191 people were killed and more than 1,500 others were injured.

Numerous church services and the opening of a memorial park for victims have been planned for today. In addition, at midday, the whole country will observe a five minutes' silence. Many people have also already been left candles and flowers at train stations since yesterday.

In the midst of deep agony, the heads of several countries gathered at Madrid for a conference on terrorism to seek to identify the causes of extremist violence and explore ways to reduce the threat. Secretary General of United Nations Kofi Annan was in attendance at the meeting.

International leaders concluded that terrorism is a crime against humanity and must be fought not through military might but by fostering democracy. They appeared to be leaning away from the United States’ 'war on terror', claiming that it has the great possibility of killing innocent lives.

Islamic militants claimed responsibility for the train bombs in Madrid last year. Militants said they had acted on al Qaeda's behalf in revenge for Spain's troop deployment in Iraq.

A series of terror attack across the world that have been related to Islamic militants, have caused a great misunderstanding and even hatred towards the Islamic faith among many people. But leaders have called on people to recognise and distinguish clearly the huge difference between militant fundementalists and ordinary Muslims.

On the eve of the anniversary, the Islamic Commission of Spain, the main body representing the country's 1 million-member Muslim community, issued the world's first fatwa, or Islamic edict, against Osama bin Laden. It helps to clarify the true position of Islamic faith and the condemnation of terrorism and violence.

The fatwa stated that "the terrorist acts of Osama bin Laden and his organisation al Qaeida...are totally banned and must be roundly condemned as part of Islam."

"...as Osama bin Laden and his organisation defend terrorism as legal and try to base it on the Quran...thus become apostates that should not be considered Muslims or treated as such."

Christian leaders have appauded the clear reaction from the Islamic Commission of Spain, and the development has raised hopes for the two faiths to reconcile and mourn with hope for a more peaceful future.