by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

Muslim community leaders have spoken of their happiness after terrorist Osama Bin Laden was killed.

They also told of the negative effect his terror reign has had on their lives.

Bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda was found by US Special Forces at a house in Pakistan on Monday.

The 54-year-old was killed whilst reportedly cowering behind his youngest wife. He was later buried at sea.

Mohammad Ejaz Aslam (pictured right), chairman of the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association Mosque and Cultural Centre in Albion Terrace, Gravesend, said: "Many people will be satisfied that he has been killed.

"It is a blow to all those people who support terrorism and support violence around the world."

Mr Aslam added that he thought the world would still need to be on their guard against extremism. "I don’t think it is an end to the world of terror," he said. "No doubt somebody else will come in his place."

He added that Bin Laden’s views were unIslamic: "Islam is a religion of peace and harmony.

"It is disrespectful to the prophet (peace be upon him) to follow violence."

Jahir Ali (pictured left), the Gravesham Bangladeshi Association’s chairman, which currently meets at the Albion Terrace mosque, told of how attitudes had changed since 9/11 with people becoming fearful of Muslims.

He said that when he first moved to Gravesend from his home country in 1972, people were very welcoming.

"It was wonderful. People were very nice and they welcomed us in.

"We got on very well with everyone and built up good relationships with the Sikh community."

But he said that Bin Laden’s reign of terror had made life more difficult for ordinary believers because of his "distortion of Islam."

He said: "Hopefully it will calm down people’s concerns over Islam.

"I think it could be easier for Muslims now. Islam is peaceful so the news is wonderful.

"His group was a small group but they gave the whole religion a bad name."

Mr Aslam, 42, said: "[Since 9/11] I have never seen a worse time for Muslims.

"Life has been very difficult for women with children and the whole Muslim community because they have been viewed with cynicism."

Mr Ali spoke out against Bin Laden’s love of suicide bombing.

"Suicide bombing was completely wrong.

"To kill yourself and injure innocent people is very wrong. It is a distortion of Islam.

"It is wonderful he has gone. We are really happy, more than happy."