CCTV9英语新闻：伊斯兰教是一个和平的宗教，反对恐怖袭击（在线收听）

By CCTV reporter Han Peng

Across Xinjiang, the power of religion is strong. Muslims pray every day to show their faith to Allah. But some religious extremists are using their faith by distorting Koran to incite violence and killings.

A direct link to Allah.

For more than six hundred years, Muslims have gathered here daily in Kashgar’s Id Kah Mosque, the biggest mosque in China.

They express their faith to Allah and pray for good life. Unlike other religions, which may need a priest to interpret their scriptures, Koran allows its believers to interpret the doctrines of Allah individually.

It tells people to be kind and show peace. Violence, yet alone murder, is condemned and banned.

Reporter: “But the situation here is not as calm as it seems. The Imam at this mosque, who’s shared his views with us many times before, declined our interview this time. And Uyghur Muslims have also become reluctant to speak about their religion on TV. This is a sensitive time, and everyone is being very cautious.”

Throughout 2013, a string of deadly terror attacks rocked Kashgar. All of them were planned and organized by what the authorities “the three evil forces”, which are separatism, terrorism and religious extremism.

Like Al-Qaeda, they are attempting to infiltrate remote regions and set up underground sermon halls, in which they distort the Koran, using it to incite Uyghurs into violence.

While most Muslims ignore their approach, there is a growing concern in the region that those who openly speak against them could face retaliation.

Kashgar has increased security to protect people’s safety, and make sure that Muslims in China can continue to enjoy the freedom of religion.