It is forbidden to attack or kill someone from another religion according to Islam, Imam Mohammed El Sadi has reminded followers of the religion after a knife attack in Malta.

“It is forbidden to kill someone, even if he converts or changes his religion – Islam is not based on force, its based on dialogue, and it is forbidden to attack someone or threaten somebody just because they aren’t Muslim,” the Imam told Lovin Malta.

His words come after an incident in Mosta last week that left one man grievously injured.

The incident, which occurred between two Syrian men, may have stemmed from religious beliefs – however the Imam said that, according to his information, the particular incident may have been over a “personal dispute”.

The police have since launched a manhunt to find the alleged aggressor in this incident.

“Attacking someone because they converted is against Islam, and I’ve never heard of this happening in Malta,” he said.

“Anyone who is thinking this, I would teach them that Islam is not based on submission – everyone has the right to choose his faith and practice his faith,” he said. “Religion is based on personal choice, and nobody has the right to kill somebody who converts.”

“If you see someone from another religion, then you can resort to dialogue and try to convince them to return to your one true faith,” he advised.