President John Mahama has urged the international community to avoid the temptation of judging religions by the actions or inaction of a few individuals.

According to Mr Mahama, it is unfair for the world to assume that the irresponsible behaviour of a particular group of people is a reflection of the doctrines of their faith group.

“In this age of terrorism and political turmoil, national and relational and ethnic conflict, it may be tempting to use the actions of a few to justify prejudice towards many.

"It may be tempting to combine the faithful with the fanatical. But those of us who envision a just and peaceful world cannot and should not yield to those temptations.”

He said in the fight against extremism, the world must be guided by the basic principles that underline all religious believes.

“At the root of all the world’s major religions, exists the calls for compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, peace and love”, he told the UN assembly, Thursday.