WASHINGTON: America's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization has welcomed the life sentence on Faisal Shahzad, a Pakistani-born US citizen who pleaded guilty to a failed car bomb attack on Times Square.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also denounced the "perverted" religious views expressed by Shahzad, 31, who defiantly warned that more attacks on America were coming.

Asked by the judge to reflect on his action's Shahzad was reported to have uttered that that the Qur'an "gives us the right to defend, and that's what I'm doing. I am happy with the deal God has given me."

In a statement released on Tuesday, CAIR said:

"We welcome the stiff punishment handed out to a person who seems to have no remorse for his planned attempt to kill and injure as many innocent people as possible. His stated desire for an unending interreligious conflict is utterly rejected by American Muslims. There is no justification or excuse in Islam for harming the innocent. Faisal Shahzad's perverted views are contrary to our faith and its teachings."

The statement pointed out that an American Muslim was one of those who helped thwart Shahzad's attempted May 1 bombing.

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad had also issued a statement denouncing the bombing attempt.

"On behalf of the American Muslim community, we condemn the attack in Times Square and thank all those who reported their suspicions, disarmed the bomb or are participating in the current investigation. We welcome the arrest of a suspect and hope that anyone involved in the attack will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law," he said.

"American Muslims repudiate all acts of terrorism and will continue to work with local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to keep our nation safe and secure."

CAIR's avowed mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.