Messages naming people who have supposedly ‘left Islam’ have been described as ‘dangerous and malicious’.

A series of texts have been forwarded on WhatsApp amongst Muslims in Blackburn which name a number of people, who are accused of being ‘apostates’ – someone who renounces their religious or political beliefs.

The unsubstantiated claims, against men and women, go on to claim there will be ‘further revelations’ and names shared.

A Blackburn with Darwen councillor and Muslim scholar, who has seen the messages, said it was ‘extremely worrying’ for anyone named, and people should be wary before forwarding such claims.

An apostate from Islam is known as a ‘murtadd’ and in some less progressive parts of the world can lead to death threats.

A person’s right to take up – or renounce – a religion is enshrined in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration on Human Rights in Articles 18 to 21, which set out freedom of thought, opinion, expression, religion and conscience as fundamental freedoms.

These rights are also enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, of which the UK is a member.

One of the messages being circulated reads: “The parents are unaware at the time of writing this message. They have stated on multiple occasions they reject Islam and the prophet and identify themselves as ex-Muslims and have been like this for [more than five] years.

They believe in astrology; that the planets, moon and stars control the affairs of humans. The reason for this message is not because they have left Islam but because they have been caught actively trying to spread their false beliefs, shirk and astrology on weaker individuals.

Delusional as it may sound but they are trying to start a new religion.”

Another message accuses a further 16 people of having renounced their faith, as is their basic human right. It also goes on to list relatives of those accused, and three of the major mosques in Blackburn with whom these ‘people are said to be associated with’.

The people named all appear to be from one area of Blackburn and from one heritage.

Councillor Salim Sidat, (Audley and Queen’s Park, 4 BWD) said anyone sending and forwarding these messages needs to think again.

He said: “I think we must speak out and call this what it is – very wrong morally and religiously. It is malicious and dangerous to be sending out messages without any proof or evidence.

What I would advise people is not to forward these messages. People are sharing these messages without thinking of the consequences.

Sending anything like this is extremely worrying for the people and everyone should know better. It can be extremely horrible for families and friends to be named and shamed in this way.”

A leading Muslim scholar from Blackburn added: “Sharing such unsubstantiated claims and naming people is clearly wrong and these should not be forwarded.

If anyone has any concerns then they should take these up with a reputable scholar themselves, rather than making claims such as these.”