The Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations has urged people not to watch or share internet footage of the beheading of a captive journalist by the extremist group Islamic State.
Suleman Nagdi, spokesperson for the FMO, today condemned the murder of American James Foley.
A video showing the 40-year-old's death, at the hands of an apparently British fighter in the terrorist group, appeared on social networks this week.
British police have warned viewing or sharing it may be an offence under anti-terror laws.
US intelligence officials have confirmed the footage is authentic.
Mr Nagdi said: "This is a shocking and despicable act of callous murder that has no place in our world as evidenced by the universal condemnation the video has received from around the World.
"The Federation of Muslim Organisations condemns and opposes indisputably, the inhumane actions of the IS ('Islamic State') Group.
"We strongly urge individuals to refrain from viewing or sharing the video as individuals can be prosecuted by the police for viewing and sharing the video.
Hundreds of foreign volunteers, including British Muslims, are understood to have travelled to Iraq and Syria to join IS which is attempting to carve out a Islamic caliphate.
The group is battling Kurdish and Iraqi soldiers and American forces are using air strikes against the militants.
Mr Nagdi said: "We also wish to reiterate what we have said previously in that we oppose the decision taken by individuals to join the IS Group.
"For those wishing to make a difference we urge positive action such as charitable donations to reputable charities as well as promoting messages of peace.
"We must honour the memory of James Foley by remembering that he put himself at harm's risk in order to bring the world's attention to the unbearable suffering being endured by innocent civilians from all faith backgrounds in the wider Middle East.
"It is important for us to continue James Foley's legacy by striving to bring peace to the region.
He added: "In this most difficult time our thoughts are with the friends and family of James Foley who are going through the most unimaginable heartache.
"Our thoughts also go out to the innocent victims of the turmoil in the wider Middle East and as such we urge governments of the world to unite in order to bring peace to the region."
