Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, founder of the Minhaj-ul-Quran movement, issued the Islamic religious ruling at a conference in London in what has been described as "arguably the most comprehensive" theological refutation of Islamic terrorism to date.

The 600-page fatwa rejected the concept that suicide bombers are martyrs in the hope that extremist groups would not be able to use the idea to recruit members. It said that those who carry out attacks against civilians are condemned by Islam and that their actions prove them to be "unbelievers".

YI Chairman Michael Heaver said: "Though the rise of Islamic extremism is sometimes worrying, we should never forget that those who support such extremism are part of a small minority.

"It is imperative that those Muslims against such extremism make their voices heard and I am delighted that the likes of Dr. Muhammed Tahir-ul-Qadri are so visibly condemning those who seek to divide our country."