Joint Statement of Sunni and Shi’a Leadership in the United States
On the Violence in Parachinar, Pakistan
“And when the female infant buried alive is asked, ‘For what sin was she killed?’” (Quran, 81:8-9)
“And obey God and His Messenger, and do not dispute, or you will falter and lose strength, and be steadfast. Indeed, God is with the steadfast.” (Quran, 8:46)
We witnessed with profound grief the recent incidents of sectarian violence in Parachinar, Pakistan, which resulted in the tragic loss of over sixty innocent lives, including women and children. Both Shia and Sunni Muslims have suffered from these repeated attacks, and the overall security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly.
We unequivocally condemn these acts of terrorism and all forms of sectarian violence, regardless of the perpetrators or victims. Such heinous acts are not only contrary to the teachings of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but also detrimental to the interests of the Pakistani nation and the global Muslim community.
At a time when Muslims face unwarranted, politically motivated, and malicious violence worldwide, the need for peaceful coexistence and harmony among Muslims is more urgent than ever.
We call upon the Pakistani government to take decisive action to restore security and the rule of law to the affected areas and to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. May Allah bring peace and harmony to Muslim lands and empower us to stand united in defense of our rights, dignity, and faith.
Sincerely,
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
ImamNaeemBaig,VPofIslamicCircle of North America (ICNA)
Ustadhah Zaynab Mansour Ansari, Tayseer Seminary
Dr. Michael Abdullah Dann, Tayseer Seminary
Shaykh Abdool RahmanKhan,ChairmanofICNAShariaCouncil
Shaykh MohammadAliElahi,Islamic House Of Wisdom,DearbornHeights, Michigan
ImamBilal Elsakka, California
Shaykh AmirMukhtarFaezi, Baitul Ilm Academy, Chicago, Illinois
Sayyid Sulayman Hassan, Imam al-Asr Islamic Seminary, Virginia
Professor Inamul Haq, Professor of Islam/Chaplain, Elmhurst University, Illinois
ImamMuhammadA.Jabbar,ICNA,Almarkaz,NewYork
Sayyid M. B. Kashmiri, I.M.A.M., Fairfax, Virginia
Shaykh Abdul Jalil Nawee, Idara e Jaferia, Maryland
Dr. Yasir Qadhi, EPIC Mosque, Dallas, Texas
Sayyid Hassan al-Qazwini, Islamic Institute of America, Dearborn Heights, Michigan
DrSayed Moustafa al-Qazwini, IEC of Orange County, California
Sayyid Hadi Rizvi, Virginia
Sayyid Rizwan Rizvi, Masjid e Ali, New Jersey
ImamHassanSelim, Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
Shaykh Fadel Soliman, Director of Bridges Foundation
ImamSuhaibWebb,ECI/SWISS.
ImamAbdullahYousri, CEOofUmmahSociety,Halifax