National US Muslim Organizations Condemn Terrorism

In the course of our work, many Americans of other faiths ask us, “why do we never hear about Muslims condemning terrorism?” The following is a partial listing of US Muslim organizations who condemned the terror attacks in London as soon as they became known.

While ING does not endorse the following website or any of the links associated with it, we thought some of the information contained on the site might also shed some light on the reaction of Muslim Americans post the 9/11 terrorist attacks at home: Muslims Condemn Terrorist Attacks.

Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Condemns London Terror Attacks
July 7, 2005

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/7/05) “This morning, four explosions in central London’s public transportation system have killed scores of people and injured hundreds more. The Muslim Public Affairs Council unequivocally condemns this brutality against the people of London.

“Islam considers the use of terrorism to be unacceptable for any purpose. Any individual or group that claims that these heinous actions serve as a redress for legitimate grievances is dreadfully mistaken. MPAC condemns the exploitation of people and issues, regardless of the perpetrators and their justifications. This assault is unmistakably an act of terrorism, an attack against humanity.

“We at MPAC extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the British people. As Americans, we are familiar with the imminent and the long-term repercussions of terrorism. Here at home, we stand in solidarity with law enforcement to maintain security, and we have every reason to believe that similar cooperation will take place in London.”

MPAC is calling upon members of the American Muslim community to be on alert and take pro-active measures to protect the security of our mosques, communities, and nation. During this sensitive time, it is crucial that American Muslim institutions review and implement the Grassroots Campaign to Fight Terrorism (SEE: www.mpac.org/atc) which encourages Muslim leaders to monitor their mosque environment in order to prevent nefarious activity and to build relationships with local law enforcement in order to be proactive members of the broader community. MPAC is also calling upon the leaders of eight Islamic schools of thought currently meeting in Doha, Qatar to publicly state their opposition and condemnation of today’s terrorist attack.

Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Condemns London Terror Attacks
July 7, 2005

(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

CONTACT : Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail:  [email protected] ; Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: [email protected]

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Condemns London Terror Attacks
July 7, 2005

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: [email protected]

Muslim Student Associations Condemn London Terror Attacks
July 7, 2005

(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.