Islamic leader urges family control

An Islamic leader in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has told Muslims to control the behavior of their family members, urging them to steer clear of guilt while insisting on their beliefs.

Abdurekef Tiemurniyaz made the appeal as more than 70 Islamic leaders from across the region prayed at a mosque in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Wednesday.

They said terrorists had conspired to instigate violence and advocate jihad, or holy war, in the name of Islam.

Abdurekef Tiemurniyaz said some Muslims did not care about the education of family members, especially their children. Some even allowed youngsters to leave school, after which they fell under the influence of terrorists.

He added that the Quran warned against this situation.

Abduxikel Rehmutula, an Islamic leader from Kizilsu, a prefecture in southern Xinjiang, said the criminals would be "condemned to hell".

Seven top Islamic leaders condemned attackers who killed 39 innocent people and left 94 injured at a morning market in Urumqi on May 22.

Aibaidula Mehsum from Kashgar said the terrorists were aiming to incite hatred among Muslims and others. Religious leaders had the responsibility to tell believers about correct behavior.

Abdurekef Tiemurniyaz called for all Muslims to oppose religious extremism and fight separatism and terrorism.