The image of a black Shahada flag in the window of Lindt Chocolat Cafe will, for many, cast an unfortunate shadow over the Australian Muslim community.

This flag is associated with Islamist and jihadist movements, but its ­negative connotations have nothing to do with the vast majority of Muslim ­Australians in the Hunter and beyond.

Their condemnation of the ­gunman’s behaviour has been quick and strong.

It is important to note, also, that the first victims of Islamic State and other radical jihadist movements have been the Muslim leaders who have ­courageously stood against their falsehoods.

We fear terrorism may have struck the streets of Sydney. But please, Maitland, do not let it sow its evil seeds in our community.

Rely on facts and logic instead of buying into suspicion. 

Stand against any inkling of revenge-fuelled violence against our Muslim brothers and sisters, with whom we have long shared our community in peace.

Our weapon in the fight against ­terrorism is to keep living our lives in freedom – without fear, with respect for all law-abiding members of our society, by supporting each other and the right to a diversity of opinions.

In doing this we ensure Australia continues to be a beacon for democ­racy and tolerance.

Any person in Maitland who resorts to any sort of hate-fuelled rhetoric has lost the battle against terrorism.

We need to stand united in resisting this violent, senseless minority.

Sydney feels the cold hand of terror

Gunman is disobeying Koran, says Hunter Muslim