Imams warn against terror backlash in UK

to warnings from police and the recent arrests of terror suspects. ‘‘It is the police and the government that have been telling us that an attack is on the way,’’ he said.

As a result of the meetings, a guide is to be sent next month to every Muslim household, calling on them to report suspicious activities.

‘‘For Muslims, averting a terrorist attack that could harm many innocents is an imperative,’’ it says. ‘‘If you are aware of any suspected terror-related activity, then bring that information to the immediate attention of the police.’’

The Imams warn in the guide that Muslims should be ready for revenge attacks from non-Muslims in the wake of a terrorist incident. It advises women who wear the hijab, not to go outside unaccompanied if an attack occurs and says mosques should install CCTV cameras.

Also as an interim measure, the Imams have prepared a model sermon, which will be sent to all mosques and Islamic centres to be delivered during Friday prayers.

The sermon will make a distinction between jehad and terrorism. It will point out that Muslims have a covenant of security not to attack the country in which they live.

The meetings were organised by the grand Shura (ruling body) of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Britain’s biggest Muslim body.

The MCB is to publish half a million copies of the guide, called Know Your Rights and Responsibilities, so that at least one member of each Muslim household in Britain will have a copy. In the event of a terrorist attack, the guide advises Muslim households to ‘‘remain calm and follow the global safety rule: go in, stay in and tune in.’’

Mosque officials and worshippers are told regularly to ‘‘check their bins and look for any suspicious packages left outside and inside the buildings.’’