A series of coordinated terror attacks hit various locations in Paris on the evening of November 13, 2015 resulting to the deaths of 130 people and the injury of 368 others. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks through its statement in social media. IS did not give a reason for the attacks but many believe that they were in retaliation for France’s presence in Syria. AMCC President Atif Fareed calls for unity amidst these trying times and hopes that innocent Muslims will not be blamed for what the terrorists have done.
Hate Crimes Against Muslim Americans
Atif Fareed cites numerous reports of hate crimes against Muslim Americans after the Paris attacks. There have also been numerous reports of mosques and other Muslim establishments of worship being vandalized and defaced. Fareed calls for restraint and that the culprits are channelling their anger towards the wrong direction. Muslims are together with the rest of the world in mourning for the victims of the senseless attacks. Islam should not be targeted in retaliation for the attacks because the barbarians who carried out the attack are not true Muslims.
Condemnation from the Muslim World
The Paris attack drew strong condemnation from Muslims all over the world. Muslims from all walks of life, from government and religious leaders to ordinary citizens, expressed their sorrow and anger in various outlets, mostly social media.
• Iranian president Hassan Rouhani called the attacks a crime against humanly.
• Indonesian president Joko Widodo denounced the attacks and urged the international community to step up in its efforts to combat terrorism.
• Leaders of various Arab states described the attacks as immoral and inhumane and said that the perpetrators do not deserve to be remembered as Muslims.
• Qatar’s foreign minister Khaled al-Attiyah described the attacks as heinous and against humanity and morality.
• Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Sabah described the attacks as criminal and going against all the teachings of Islam.
• The Saudi foreign ministry called the Islamic State a dangerous and destructive plague that should be eradicated.
Related Articles:
Terrorists Represent Themselves and not Islam
Terrorists do not carry these attacks for the glory of Islam. Terrorists do the things they do to further their own agenda. These self-proclaimed jihadists and fundamentalists are a disgrace to the Muslim community. They are distorting the image of Islam and causing non-Muslims to fear Islam. Islam is a religion of love, peace, and discipline. Mosques and Muslim centers from around the globe are inviting non-Muslims to visit and learn more about the Muslim faith.
You might also like: Muslims around the world condemn terrorism after the Paris attacks