Once again, as everyone prepared to enjoy a warm Easter weekend, alleged terror plots abounded. Our security services swooped on suspected wannabe terrorists in the North West.

Meanwhile, closer to home, the two suspects arrested last year in Bristol under anti-terror laws appeared before a court to plead not guilty to the charges against them. The case will now go to trial later this year.

Of course, there are bound to be mistakes; innocent people will be arrested in front of their neighbours, friends and work colleagues, and in the full gaze of the media, only to be later released without charge. And every time it happens it will make the security services' job that much harder. We as members of the public, as communities, will no doubt lose trust in their capabilities, their sources. We are bound to then question their motives.

But let's be clear. For reasons I do not need to explain, Britain is facing a severe threat from those that seek to cause maximum chaos and carnage. It is not a conspiracy. It is not "all made up". The threat is real.

The misguided, the vulnerable, the brainwashed, and the ignorant are being manipulated by self-serving, charismatic individuals who are themselves devoid of spirituality and mercy. For them, what justice there was in their cause, was lost long ago when they betrayed that cause in exchange for a savage heart and merciless actions, bringing nothing but death and destruction to themselves and those around them.

I know many Muslims read my column. Let others know of what I am saying here today. We must not shy away from the challenges ahead. We Muslims must stand up against the evil and tyranny that such people bring. We must lead the way, not follow behind.

I am honoured to have led the small team of people that recently brought together Muslims from across the South West, who agreed to "take the bull by the horn" and tackle the issue of extremism. Muslim leaders from across Bristol and the South West are stepping forward, to take the lead in the battle for the hearts and minds of our community.

We have wavered too long. This battle has come to us. The time for waiting and leaving it to "others" to solve is long gone.

In the Quran, God says to the Prophet Muhammad: "I have sent you not except as a mercy to mankind". Let us, as Muslims now raise that banner of mercy and wage the battle for hearts and minds, both Muslim and non-Muslim, with mercy, compassion and tolerance. Indeed, in the way of the Prophet Muhammad himself. Let us remind those that use violence that this was not the way of the Prophet.

Remind them of the time the Prophet was mercilessly stoned by the people of a town called Taif.

His wounds were so many and so deep that his shoes filled with his own blood. What did the Prophet do? Did the Prophet go to war against them or threaten them? No. The Prophet prayed for mercy for them.

There is another way. There is always another way.