Muslim Condemnations

Salam/Peace:

A Muslim leader in Fiji says Thursday's bombings in London have nothing to do with the Islamic faith.

The president of the Fiji Muslims League, Afzal Khan, says the bombings do not represent Islam.

At the weekend, six mosques in New Zealand were attacked and a muslim centre in Wellington received abusive phone calls relating to the attacks in the British capital.

[...]

Read the whole article at:
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/news/stories/s1411940.htm

Salam/Peace:

Plainfield, Indiana – The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) expresses its strongest condemnation of the horrific bombings in London. We abhor these acts of mindless violence that violate all Islamic principles regarding the sanctity of life and the safety and security of innocent civilians. ISNA urges the swift apprehension of those responsible and offers condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Irrespective of the sociopolitical implications, this act violates the Islamic principles of the sanctity of life and the safety and security of innocent civilians. "Attacking civilians who are going about their daily business is a criminal act that violates Islamic principles, and must be condemned by all Muslims. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families," Dr. Syeed, ISNA’s secretary general, stated.

Contact resource:
Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed
Secretary General
Phone: 317-839-8157 ext 222
Email: ssyeed@aol.com

Salam/Peace:

July 7, 2005

The Muslim American Society (MAS) utterly condemns the heinous acts of terror that rocked the London transit system and killed and injured scores of innocent people. Our most heartfelt condolences and sympathies are extended to the bombing victims and their families.

We reiterate our consistent and principled position towards acts of terror, regarding them as cowardly acts of violence irrespective of the identity of the perpetrators or their motives. Islam holds the sanctity of human life in the highest possible regard, and the shedding of blood of any innocent person is considered a repulsive crime.

MAS believes that relationships between people and nations should be governed by universal brotherhood, compassion, tolerance, fairness and mutual interests.

MAS therefore joins hands with all people of faith and conscience to work for a more just and peaceful world and to condemn, oppose, and overcome those who would spread fear, hatred, and death.

We call upon our fellow Muslims in Great Britain to provide any and all assistance and support to the much-needed emergency and aid services required for the people of London in their time of hardship. We call upon our government and all Americans to remain extra vigilant, and call upon the Department of Homeland Security to ensure the safety and protection of all Americans from such atrocities.

We also call upon all Americans, media outlets and government officials to continue to be clear and careful in seeing these crimes for what they are, and not link, nor associate them, with any faith or religion. These are crimes against humanity perpetrated by evil individuals and have absolutely nothing to do with any religion or faith.

We call upon the Muslim community to join us in our resolve in condemning such brutal acts and to remain steadfast, patient, and take the higher road in face of any possible misguided reactions.

We again call upon our government to address the scourge of terrorism through a comprehensive approach where the root causes are addressed and eliminated, without unduly relying solely on the use of force.

MAS and Muslims in America remain steadfast and ready to work hard in order to rid the world from the scourge of terrorism, and are ready to serve as a bridge of goodwill and outreach between our country and the greater Muslim world, where the spread of freedom and human rights will eliminate the space within which terrorism festers and grows.

In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers remain with those killed or injured in London. We pray to the Almighty to bring peace and tranquility upon all who are in distress or hardship, to grant mercy to those killed, and bring swift forthcoming health and prosperity upon all affected. Amin.

The Muslim American Society (MAS) is a charitable, religious, social, cultural, and educational, not-for-profit organization, and is America’s largest grassroots Muslim organization with over 50 chapters nationwide. Learn more at www.masnet.org. Support our work at MAS: Make a donation.

-------------------------------

The Muslim American Society

P.O. Box 1896

Falls Church, VA 22041

Tel: (703) 998-6525

Fax: (703) 998-6526

URL: http://www.masnet.org/

E-MAIL: newsviews@masnet.org

Salam/Peace:

ADC Press Release:
ADC Strongly Condemns Bombings in London

Washington, DC, July 7, 2005—The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is horrified by the series of bombings that rocked London’s public transportation earlier today. At this time, it is being reported that there are 2 fatalities and more than 200 casualties.

Information as to who is responsible for these latest bombings in London has yet to be confirmed. Regardless of the identity of the perpetrators of this terrible crime, ADC condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. ADC urges the public and the media to proceed with caution.

ADC believes that the best plan of action to such an appalling attack is for all Americans to come together and offer support to the English people.

Salam/Peace:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/8/05) - Local and national representatives of the American Muslim community met today with the British ambassador in Washington, D.C., to offer condolences for the deaths and injuries suffered in yesterday's bomb attacks in London.

The Muslim delegation included representatives of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Coordinating Council of Muslim Organizations in the Washington, D.C., area.

Prior to meeting with Ambassador David Manning, CAIR Board Chairman Parvez Ahmed signed the embassy's book of condolences set up following Thursday's bombings. In the meeting, Ahmed and the other Muslim leaders reiterated their community's condemnation of the attacks and expressed solidarity with the people of Britain.

Ambassador Manning told the Muslim visitors that the bombings targeted every segment of his nation's multicultural population and that the attacks should not be linked to Islam, which he described as a faith of "peace, reconciliation and tolerance."

Yesterday, CAIR called the subway and bus bombings "barbaric crimes that can never be justified or excused." (SEE: www.cair.com) The group also called on Muslims to offer condolences at British diplomatic offices nationwide and urged prayer leaders (Imams) in American mosques to condemn terrorism in their Friday sermons. (Friday is the day of congregational prayer in Islam.)

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its 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.

To read CAIR's Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=About


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CONTACT: Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair-net.org; Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair-net.org

Salam/Peace:

Jul 08, 2005 Newark, CA, July 7 - The American Muslim Alliance (AMA), a national civic education organization with 101 chapters, has condemned the London terror attack resulting in the wanton massacre of innocent men, women in the "strongest possible terms."

The AMA statement reads:

"We join all people of goodwill in condemning these utterly immoral and heinous crimes. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the British people.

"We're shocked and horrified by what has happened in London and condemn this wanton massacre of innocent civilians in the strongest possible terms.

"While we call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators, we also join the Muslim Council of Britain in urging Muslims to help in the recovery effort."

Salam/Peace:

ICNA condemns the bomb attacks in London

(New York, 7/7/2005) - The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is shocked and horrified at the several attacks on the people of London during the rush hour mass transit. We join everyone in condemning such acts of terror and senseless violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic moment. We trust that the authorities will determine those responsible for these barbaric acts and bring them to justice quickly.

Islam holds the sanctity of human life at the highest regard, and shedding the blood of innocent people is considered most heinous crime. As Muslims we condemn the killing of innocent people for any reason. This is an attack on all of us, and all communities of faith need to stand together in calm and resolute purpose against terrorism, hatred and extremism. We urge the people of England to remain calm. As citizens we also hope innocent people will not be targeted in backlash following this terror attack. Learning from experience after 9/11, we also express the profound hope that civil liberties will not be a further casualty of this tragic event, in the Great Britain or around the world.

Here in the US, we urge Muslims to remain cautious and in communication while continuing their daily work, to avoid fear and confusion and remain measured in response, and above all, to put our trust in the Mercy of Allah, All-Mighty, which will sustain us during the coming days, Insha Allah.

Contact Information:
Dr. Khurshid Khan
Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
(718) 658-1199

News Releases
Thursday, July 07, 2005
CAIR Condemns 'Barbaric' London Terror Attacks


(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/7/05) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today condemned this morning's bomb attacks in London as "barbaric crimes."

In its statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

"We join Americans of all faiths, and all people of conscience worldwide, in condemning these barbaric crimes that can never be justified or excused. American Muslims offer their sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured in today's attacks and call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators."

The Muslim Council of Britain and other British Islamic groups issued similar condemnations of the attacks and urged Muslims to help in the recovery effort.

In 2004, CAIR launched an online petition drive, called "Not in the Name of Islam," designed to disassociate Islam from the violent acts of a few Muslims. SEE: http://www.cair-net.org/asp/article.asp?id=169&page=AA

The "Not in the Name of Islam" petition states: "We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him."

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its 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. To read CAIR's Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=About



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CONTACT : Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair-net.org ; Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair-net.org

NOTE : CAIR offers an e-mail list designed to be a journalist's window to the American Muslim community. Subscribers to the list, called ISLAM-INFONET, receive news releases and other materials dealing with American Muslim positions on issues of importance to our society.

To SUBSCRIBE to ISLAM-INFONET, go to: http://cair.biglist.com/islam-infonet/

Salam/Peace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
330 East Roosevelt Road, Suite G5
Lombard, Illinois 60148
Phone: (630) 629.7490
www.ciogc.org

Chicago Muslims Condemn Terrorist Attacks in London and Call on Mosques Worldwide to Pray for Victims of London Terrorist Attacks During Friday prayer

Chicago, IL – July 7, 2005 – The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago today unequivocally condemned the attacks that terrorized London this morning.

Council Chairman, Abdul Malik Mujahid, called the brutal crimes an "affront to Islam."

"We condemn this brutality in the strongest terms," Mujahid said. "These attacks are an affront to Islam and to Muslims all over the world including Muslim in America. They are in no way a reflection of Islamic teachings, which order Muslims to preserve and protect life."

“This is why I would like to request all mosques in North America, England and the world to pray for the victims of this tragedy during Friday prayers tomorrow. We would also like to request that Imams offer Friday sermons about the sanctity of life in Islam and the heinousness of terrorism.”

Mujahid added that he and the Council offer their sincerest condolences and prayers to the families of all who have been affected by these evil attacks.

For information:
Contact: Muneer Aliuddin
muneer@ciogc.org

(630) 629.7490

*The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is a federation of organizations serving over 400,000 Muslims throughout Chicagoland.

Salam/Peace:

Muslim Students condemn London terror attacks

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/7/05) – The Muslim Students Association - National joins the world in condemning the ‘barbaric’ crimes against humanity in London today.

MSA National denounces in the strongest possible terms today’s indiscriminate terror attacks in London. The horrific attacks that shook the city earlier in the day are completely incompatible with the world’s great religious traditions, including Islam, and can never be excused or justified. Our sympathies and our prayers are with the victims, their families, and friends.

“We Muslim students stand shoulder to shoulder with all people of faith and conscience around the world to oppose terrorism in all its forms,” MSA National president Mohamed Sheibani said. “Today’s bombings were not only attacks against the innocent people of London, but attacks against God’s divine revelations, which condemn indiscriminate violence and the targeting of innocents.”

MSA National remains consistent in its position regarding terrorist attacks, regarding them as repulsive and cowardly acts irrespective of the motivation or perpetrator. Islam upholds the life of every human being as sacrosanct and completely prohibits indiscriminate violence and the targeting of innocents, which sow fear and chaos in the world.

MSA National urges Muslim students across the country to do whatever they can to help the victims of today’s bombings and also to pray for the victims, their families and friends, and the residents of London.

Salam/Peace:

PRESS RELEASE

7th July 2005

Muslims condemn vicious attacks on our capital

The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) totally condemns the vicious and indiscriminate attacks that have shocked our capital. The ISB extends its deep-felt sympathy to the families of those killed and to all those who have been hurt or wounded in the explosions. The ISB stands in solidarity with the nation.

It is absolutely imperative that we all, Muslim or not, as citizens wishing to live together in a secure, civilised society, stand up and fight these acts. ‘This is a time for us all to pull together and heal each other’s wounds. It’s a time to draw close in tenderness but also in outrage. We hope the perpetrators are brought to justice for the utter horror of their attacks at such a critical stage’, commented Dr Munir Ahmed, the President of ISB.

In the aftermath of Live 8, with Africa thrust so high on our agenda, with climate change discussions laid on the table, in the jubilant celebrations of London winning the Olympic bid, these incidents take on an even more stark significance. ‘This is a time for our nation indeed the whole of the world to close ranks and condemn in no uncertain terms those behind these acts. Let us keep alive the Olympic spirit and see solidarity of our hearts and souls; terrorism will not defeat us!’ stressed Dr Ahmed.

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Notes to Editors

For further information please contact the ISB Media representatives on: 0709 201 3614.

The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) was established in 1990 in response to the needs of the growing British Muslim community to learn about, and to practice their faith in a British context. It is an affiliate member of the Muslim Council of Britain.

For details about ISB activities please visit: www.isb.org.uk.

Salam/Peace:

Additional Reporting By Masoud Sabri, Sobhy Mujahid

CAIRO, July 7, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – The deadly attacks that rocked London earlier Thursday, July 7, drew condemnation from scholars, officials and even individuals from across the Muslim world.

"We were dumbfounded by the grave news of the London bombings which killed tens and wounded hundreds of innocent people who committed no crime," prominent scholar Yusuf Al-Qaradawi told IslamOnline.net.

[...]

Qaradawi stressed that these "black actions" run counter to the teachings of Islam which forbids the killing of civilians.

"Even at the time of war when state armies battle face to face, it is not permissible to kill women, children, elders, priests, farmers and merchants; people we nowadays call civilians."

The renowned scholar offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and London Mayor Ken Livingstone, whom Qaradawi praised as "a man of justice who always defends Arab and Muslim causes.

[...]

Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Mohammad Sayyed Tantawi also denounced the bombings.

"Those responsible for London attacks are criminals who do not represent Islam or even truly understand (its message)," he told IOL.

Tantawi, who heads the highest seat of learning in the Sunni world, denounced the killing of civilians, including women and children, "without differentiating between combatants and non-combatants."

On the possibility that the attacks were an attempt to press British Prime Minister Tony Blair to withdraw his troops from occupied Iraq, Tantawi said: "This is illogical and cannot be the motive for killing innocent civilians."

[...]

In a message to Blair, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad condemned "these detested acts".

[...]

"The use of violence to achieve aims is condemned," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said.

Egypt's Foreign Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid said: "It is important to be brave in facing up to the scourge of terrorism."

Morocco said the "heinous attacks" underlined the need for united international action against those who perpetrated them.

[...]

Muslims interviewed by Reuters in several countries also condemned the London explosions.

"I really hope this is not the doing of an Arab or a Muslim because our values are 100 percent against this devilish crime," said Syrian businessman Majed Ali.

"If my own brother had done this, I would disown him," he said.

"Those responsible for this have no feelings or humanity," said Hassan Bannona, a 47-year-old Saudi aviation worker.

"We feel for the victims as we have also been attacked in this way."

Read the whole article at:
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2005-07/07/article07.shtml

Salam/Peace:

T H E M U S L I M C O U N C I L O F B R I T A I N

7 July 2005

Press Release

British Muslims Utterly Condemn Acts of Terror


The Muslim Council of Britain utterly condemns the perpetrators of what appears to be a series of co-ordinated attacks in London this morning that have led to several fatalities and a large number of casualties.

Our sympathies and our prayers are with the victims, their families and friends. We extend our support and gratitude to the emergency services, the police and all the frontline services charged with our collective security.

The evil people who planned and carried out these series of explosions in London this morning want to demoralize us as a nation and divide us as a people. All of us must unite in helping the police to capture these killers. We would urge anyone with any information that may help track these murderers down to contact the police without delay. Yesterday we celebrated as Londoners, euphoric that our great city had secured the Olympic Games. Today we watch aghast as we witness a series of brutal attacks upon our capital city. We were together in our celebration, we must remain together in our time of crisis”, said Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary General of the MCB.

[Ends]

Note for Editors:

The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's representative Muslim umbrella body with over 400 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.


For further information please contact: The Muslim Council of Britain, Boardman House, 64 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 1NT.

Tel: 07762 791 714 or 020 8432 0585/6, Fax: 020 8432 0587 Email: media@mcb.org.uk Website: http://www.mcb.org.uk

Salam/Peace:

As a Muslim, I condemn the disgusting, barbaric and cowardly acts of terrorism that were committed in London yesterday.

There is no place for such acts in Islam which emphasizes the sanctity of life.