London: Warning the 1.6 million Muslims in Britain of a likely backlash in the event of a terrorist strike, leading imams of the country have decided to send a guide to every community household in the country advising them how to react in the event of an attack.

At an emergency mashwarahs (consultations) in London recently, the 13 imams concluded that some sections of the Muslim community in Britain have become more sympathetic to terrorism because of the continuing war in Iraq, the 'Sunday Times' reported today (Aug 15, 2004).

Abdul Jalil Sajid, the imam of Brighton mosque and one of the country's most senior clerics, said the imams were responding 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.