For Immediate Release
In the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
In line with national sentiment, the MFP & SMC is mourning and distraught by the tragic turn of events in Albuquerque New Mexico. Preliminary reports of the investigations point to abominable violence, most concerningly against our Shia community. The taking of innocent life is a grave act specified in the Quranic principle: “…whoever kills a soul (unjustly), it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” (Quran 5:32).
Effective intervention leading to the apprehension of a suspect by law enforcement agencies is a welcome development that is hoped to end these senseless, heinous killings that have shocked and dismayed peace-loving citizens of all affiliations.
Muslim organizations and individuals all across the US stand united as one body, vowing to not let voices of sectarian hatred sow internal discord and tarnish the immense love, respect and responsibility towards one another.
We stand committed to mutually supporting the families affected in this difficult time, exhibit resilience in the face of this adversity, and dedicate ourselves to protecting and preserving our collective identity and safety.
The type of senseless violence we have witnessed here and in many other Muslim communities around the world does not come from a vacuum. Those that use hate speech are responsible for instigating and encouraging aggression toward fellow Muslims and other religious minorities. We stand united in exposing and rejecting those who wish to dehumanize, marginalize, or harm any segment or member of our community and Ummah.
We pray for divine help and healing for the victims and their close ones. We implore that the All Merciful aids us through this trial toward recourse and reconciliation, Ameen.
Vigil Prayers for Victims of New Mexico Shooting
At the a time when Shia Muslims throughout the world were commemorating the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his legacy of justice, inclusivity, and humanity, three Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico were killed by a criminal motivated by sectarian hatred. The recent killings were proceeded by the killing of another innocent soul back in November. Three of the victims were Shia Muslim, and the fourth was killed due his last name “Hussain”
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jerrmein Abu Shahba
Director
Muslims for Peace, Inc.
jerrmein@muslims4peace.org
Umar A. Sheikh
Director
Muslims for Peace
umar@muslims4peace.org
