Saturday, July 23, 2011
Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago condemns Norway bombings
(Chicago, IL -7/23/2011) - The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago condemns the acts of violence in Utoya and Oslo Norway, where both cities were targeted within a couple hours, and sends condolences to the victims and their families affected by such actions. Reports state that 80 lives were lost in the shootings in Utoya, where a youth camp was taking place and 7 lives in the bombing in Oslo in the city center.
The Council evokes the Holy Quran’s unequivocal condemnation of murder, which states:
"If anyone slays a human being . . . it shall be as though he had slain all mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind.” (5:32)
"This is a senseless act and we are horrified at the violence against innocent people", said Ahlam Jbara, Associate Director CIOGC
"The Muslim community in Illinois stands in solidarity with the Norwegian people in this tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims and to the leaders of Norway. We condemn in the strongest terms these acts of cowardice for which there is no justification", said Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Chairman CIOGC
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (www.ciogc.org) is a federation of over 50 mosques, Islamic schools and other Muslim organizations throughout the state of Illinois. The Council's member organizations collectively represent over 400,000 Muslims. The Council works to coordinate the activities of our member organizations as well as provide education, training, networking and advocacy to and on behalf of our member organizations and the Muslim community. Among the Council’s top priorities is to promote civic engagement among American Muslims towards the common good.
The Council evokes the Holy Quran’s unequivocal condemnation of murder, which states:
"If anyone slays a human being . . . it shall be as though he had slain all mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind.” (5:32)
"This is a senseless act and we are horrified at the violence against innocent people", said Ahlam Jbara, Associate Director CIOGC
"The Muslim community in Illinois stands in solidarity with the Norwegian people in this tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims and to the leaders of Norway. We condemn in the strongest terms these acts of cowardice for which there is no justification", said Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Chairman CIOGC
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (www.ciogc.org) is a federation of over 50 mosques, Islamic schools and other Muslim organizations throughout the state of Illinois. The Council's member organizations collectively represent over 400,000 Muslims. The Council works to coordinate the activities of our member organizations as well as provide education, training, networking and advocacy to and on behalf of our member organizations and the Muslim community. Among the Council’s top priorities is to promote civic engagement among American Muslims towards the common good.
