The name of Islam, the second biggest religion in the world, was tarnished by the 9/11 terrorism attacks.But the acts carried out by extremists that day were at odds with the teachings of the religion’s holy scripture, the Koran, says Shadnam Jheengoor, a spokeswoman for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Bermuda.“We stand against all acts of violence committed in the name of God. Three thousand people lost their lives that day. They were black, white, Christians, Muslims, and many other religions. It was a real tragedy and we think about their families who are suffering today,” she said.“My prayers and my thoughts are with the victims and their families and particularly those from Bermuda. And that comes not just from me, that is from the 200 million people of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.”The events of 9/11 cast Islam in an unfavourable light.“One of the consequences was that Islam’s name was tarnished. Islam was pictured as violent and trying to suppress others, and this reflected on Muslims,” said Ms Jheengoor.“Islam was in the newspapers all the time and most of it was negative. It is very important for people to go and find the truth rather than read second-hand reports.”She added: “The Koran has been blamed for the violent acts that happened when it should not have been. Islam rejects and condemns all forms of terrorism.”The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Bermuda offers free copies of the Koran with English translation. “We want people to read it and see that there is nothing in it that can been seen as encouraging violence,” said Ms Jheengoor.She said Muslims had a duty firstly to the Creator and secondly to all that has been created that includes all people regardless of whether they are Muslim or not.“We stand against acts of violence in the name of God,” she said.To help dispel misconceptions that sprang up after the terrorist attacks ten years ago, many of the billion followers of the Islamic religion are involved in outreach work and programmes such as Muslims for Peace and Muslims for Life.Book displays, seminars, bus adverts, billboard signs and leaflets have been used worldwide to spread greater understanding of Islam as part of the Muslims for Peace drive.The Muslims for Life initiative is currently underway in the US with the goal of collecting 10,000 units of blood, which will help save 30,000 lives. It has been timed to tie-in with the tenth anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday.“The aim is to honour the victims, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to pay tribute to the firefighters and others who tried to save the lives of others. We want to honour those people and show that Islam honours the sanctity of life.”Ms Jheengoor added: “If we don’t trust and collaborate with one another there can never be peace. It is very important to collaborate and bring peace.”Anyone who would like a free copy of the Koran, with English translation, should e-mail: alislam[AT]gmail.com