We enjoy excellent community relations in Oxford and I would suggest, on the whole throughout the United Kingdom.

This is only possible because so many members of different faiths or of none work tirelessly; the vast majority as volunteers, to build relationships and understanding between the diverse faith communities.

However, for well over a decade I have been speaking about the danger that the rise of far right and religious extremist groups pose to our country.

What defines these extremists is the hatred of each other.

It is as if they feel insecure and threatened by the global village – one of the key characteristics of which is the easy movement of people across borders and boundaries.

The other is no longer distant, in some far away geographic space, but here and now – my neighbour, colleague at work or my very best friend.

It is this mixing, the coming together of different faiths, as friends – as one community - that religious extremists hate the most.

Here I am speaking of those who do the most vile and detestable acts in the name of Islam and have the audacity to claim Islamic legitimacy for their actions.

I believe the way we respond to them is not through a kneejerk or emotional reaction, which in the light of the evil perpetrated by them might be quite natural and understandable, but instead through patience, steely determination and holding on to values that make our nation great – democracy, rule of law and compassion for the most vulnerable.

As a Muslim I take part in services that draw our communities together, such as the St Frideswide service whose theme this year was “strong peace”, because I believe the values that unite us are shared values between all our religious traditions – we must draw our strength from them in the face of evil.

But furthermore, as a son of immigrants, this is my home and the home of my children, and I hope one day my grandchildren.

There is a religious obligation upon me to do all I can to strengthen community relations and friendships, so that the city that we love, work in and are inspired by, continues to be a symbol of excellent community cohesion.

Light, or al-Nur, is one of the names of God in Islam and it is a reminder as the Qur’an states: “God is the light of the heavens and the earth”.

The light of God will always overwhelm the darkness of evil and it is the light of hope not of despair.

But we can certainly do more and we are doing more.

On November 30, from 1.30pm to 4pm at Oxford Spires Academy, we have a huge event entitled Oxford’s Communities United against Extremism.

This will be a service of readings from across the faiths and from people of no faith.

The aim is to draw our communities together to enjoy good food, refreshments and also to meet others who they might not have met before – and build friendships.