Paris Attack on Charlie Hebdo Paper Press release Falls church, Virginia: Wednesday, January 7th 2015, Dar Al-Hijrah community joins the world-wide Muslims in expressing their strongest condemnation of todays deadly terrorist attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical paper in Paris, France. The attackers invocation of the name of Allah as they were killing journalists is both repugnant and abhorrent. This kind of mass killing runs against the core teachings of Islam which offers peace and mercy to the world. We also send our sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families. It has been reported that the paper had published satirical depictions and cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, few years ago. Those cartoons were, then, widely condemned by Muslims around the world. Islam always calls upon Muslims to exercise self-restrain and to give a proportionate response that does not exceed the attack, even in wars. The Qur’an says: The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with what is better. Surely, he, between whom and you there was enmity, as if he were an intimate friend. But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great lot (i.e. of a high moral character)” Fusselat 34-35:41. The Quran registered many quotations of disbelievers verbally attacking the character, integrity and credibility of the Prophet, Peace be upon him. In no place did it tell the believers to -violently- attack, or threaten, let alone kill the attackers. In fact it told the prophet and Muslims to exercise patience. You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will hurt you (your feeling), from those who received the Scripture before you (Jews and Christians) and from those polytheists, but if you persevere patiently, and act righteously, that, surely will be a (great show) of the power of resolve (on your part). Aal-Emran 3:183 Clearly the answer to insults and attacks against Islam, the messenger, or the Qur’an is patience and righteousness, not bloodshed and mayhem. We urge all Muslims to listen to the guidance of the Quran. We also invite Muslims and non-Muslims to engage in deep and respectful dialogues for the sake of every bodys peace and interest. Sheikh: Shaker Elsayed, Imam, Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, Falls Church Virginia
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 20:23:48 +0000