The Holy Quran reminds us: “The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Apostle. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise. (Quran 9:71)

SMC and Islamic Shura Council of Southern California worked together to develop the following position statement about the deadly atrocities being inflicted upon innocent lives in Syria and Yemen. The humanitarian plight of the innocent in Syria and Yemen is heartbreaking and we condemn all acts of violence and killings of innocent people for political gain by all sides. We appeal to all community members to contact U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth asking them each to convey our voices to the administration and to U.N.

March 6, 2018 “Oh Allah bless us in our Shaam, Oh Allah bless us in our Yemen“

Prophet Mohamamd PBUH The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California strongly condemns the latest attacks and killing of innocent civilians in east Ghouta, Damascus, Syria, as well as the ongoing attacks, lack of aid and the associated casualties of people in Yemen. The wars in these two countries have been devastating, causing the loss of thousands of lives due to bombardment, chemical weapon attacks, famine, and disease outbreaks. The lack of medical services has added to the disastrous outcome of the conflict. The political division between world powers as well as between countries in the region, have contributed to worsening of this situation. Efforts to promote peace and to institute a cease-fire have been elusive as a result. The American Muslim community in Southern California, with its diverse political affiliations, multi-ethnic and multi-denominational backgrounds , are unanimously outraged. We, along with people of conscience of all faiths, are in deep sorrow for the death of thousands of innocent people in both Syria and Yemen. We will not tire of raising awareness about and condemning the egregious human rights violations for as long as they are being committed. We caution all to not become desensitized to the news and accepting it as normal and we will keep working with our allies and partners to find solutions to champion peace everywhere. At the same time, we should try our best to avoid being dragged into political arguments that cause divisions within our community, and focus on what we all agree upon, which is rejecting the attacks and inhumane conditions imposed on innocent civilians as a result of fighting factions. We are committed to the causes of justice, fairness and mercy, regardless of sides. We pray for the families of the victims, who have perished. Each person whose life was lost was an individual with God-given special attributes. We also pray for those who were injured. We urge all Khatibs to dedicate a portion of their sermon time this Friday to address this subject and educate the local community about ways they can help. We also appeal to Muslim organizations to reach out to their interfaith partners to collectively voice our concerns to the political leadership of our country. We appeal to all community members to contact U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth asking them each to convey our voices to the administration and to U.N. officials as they meet tomorrow, March 6th, to discuss the situation in Ghouta. We urge everyone to take measures to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the victims in both countries and help allow relief agencies access to the affected areas. Please donate for much needed medical supplies, food and other emergency aid at the links below. Shura Council member and affiliated organizations providing relief in Syria and Yemen are: www.baitulmaal.orgwww.hhrd.orgwww.irusa.orgwww.lifeusa.org
www.purehands.org Finally we conclude with the prophetic prayer made for the people of Shaam (the Levant) and the people of Yemen: “Oh Allah, bless us in our Shaam, Oh Allah bless us in our Yemen“, Ameen! Dr Ahmed Soboh Chairman
Islamic Shura Council of Southern California