Whisper from Madrid's Moderate Muslims

Investigation of the Madrid train bombings is still going on. Till now, three Moroccan and two Indians are caught and questioned. However, the one who is behind the Madrid train bombings is still not certain.

Islamic leaders in Spain were quick to denounce the 11 March Madrid attacks, even though the finger of blame was initially pointed at Basque separatists Eta.

Rumors are saying that Muslims Extremists, al-Qaeda is linked to the attack. This has made ordinary Muslims feel insecure in Spain. Many fear revenges against their families, businesses and places of worship.

At the white stone and marble Cultural Islamic Centre, the number of prayer times has been reduced and entrance to regular visitors is restricted.

The centre's secretary, Mohamad Saleh, says the safety precautions are necessary.
For moderate Muslim, they think they are innocent in case of any repercussion. They expressed their thought conscientiously.

"People shouldn't punish a religion or country because of who commits a crime. If a Christian kills, are all Christians blamed? Are the Basques blamed if Eta attack??Mr. Saleh said.

"These people are terrorists and terrorists are criminals wherever they are from.?

"They cannot have real faith or know God. For a Muslim to kill a person unjustly is to kill everyone. There is no justification to kill."

A banner reading "No to terrorism. Solidarity and condolences to the victims and their families" hangs under the arch of the centre's entrance.

There are about 500,000 Muslims in Madrid and on Fridays between 1,500 and 2,000 faithful pray at the mosque. Most are from Morocco, Algeria and other Arab states.

"Here in Madrid there is a mix of everyone, Jews, Muslims, Christians - it is like a big family and we all have our way of life,?a Muslim said.

Abdellate, a Moroccan, gave one message for the Spanish people and the bombers: "We are with the Spanish people and are feeling the same pain as everyone. We want peace."

Unfortunately, mainstream of Muslim are extremists. According Irshad Manji, a young Canadian author, has published a book titled "The Trouble with Islam? Koran, teaches that holy war against the infidels is a sacred duty of every Muslim. Mainstream Muslims should perceive the Jihad. Moderate Muslims?reaction in Spain is just a tip of the iceberg.