The Archbishop of Canterbury has praised the dignity of a father who lost his son in the riots in Birmingham.

Tariq Jahan became the voice of peace in the days following the death of his 21-year-old son, Haroon Jahan, who was run down and killed along with two other Muslims, Shahzad Ali and Abdul Muzavir, as they protected their mosque.

In a message to Muslims at Eid to mark the end of Ramadan, Dr Rowan Williams expressed his sympathy over the deaths and paid tribute to the way in which family and friends had dealt with the tragedy.

“Over the last few weeks of prayer, fasting and reflection it must have been very difficult to watch the growing unrest and rioting in many of the major cities in the United Kingdom," he said.

“The tragic deaths of Haroon Jahan, Shahzad Ali and Abdul Muzavir in Birmingham occurred at the darkest moment of those days.

“Their families and friends suffered horrific bereavement and shock, but somehow in the midst of this chaos, they brought about a change.

“On the day after their murder, Tariq Jahan, the father of one of the boys who died, showed immense dignity in calling for restraint in his local community.

“His call for peace and unity was one of the decisive moments during those days and was a gift in Ramadan that gave hope to many not just in Birmingham but all over the United Kingdom and beyond.

“He was able to give voice to the conscience of Britain in a way that people of all faiths and none could recognise.”

The Archbishop went on to wish Muslims a joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr and assured them of his prayers for a peaceful year ahead.

Muslims across Britain will be feasting together for Eid al-Fitr today, marking the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting.