Statement from the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford on the occasion of the terror attacks in Paris.
Assalaamu-alaikum – God’s Peace be with you all!
In the name of Allah (the One God), the most compassionate and forgiving the Most merciful!
All Praise is due to Allah, the Lord, Cherisher and Sustainer of the Universe!
It is our duty, first as human beings and second as Muslims to stand up and speak out against the horrendous acts of senseless violence in Paris, Beirut and throughout the world. No ideology, least of all Islam allows for the taking of innocent civilian life, wherever it may be and whatever the cause being given as an excuse for this.
The Qur’an commands: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and be conscious of Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” [Sûrah al-Mâ’idah: 8]
Islam requires that terrorism, wherever it occurs and whoever carries it out, be punished to the full extent of the law as it is a crime that causes not only carnage but paralyzing fear that must be overcome.
Our thoughts and prayers are for the family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives and continue to lose their lives in senseless violence throughout the world and we pray for a speedy recovery for all those injured and suffering due to acts of terror.
Any Muslim who plans, attempts or carries out a terrorist attack would be acting outside the boundaries of his or her faith and would be repudiated and condemned by our community!