March 16, 2019 | Latest, Statements
SMC Denounces the Perpetrators of Death and Destruction on Worshipers at the Mosques in New Zealand
| We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were mercilessly slain during the devastating tragedy killing numerous innocent victims and injuring many more while they were praying in the two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, March 15, 2019. Even the strongest words of denunciation, of the horrific mass killings cannot possibly express the pain and anguish of all upstanding citizens of the world. By way of this statement, The Shia Muslim Council of Southern California joins other Muslim Organizations and all upstanding people across the globe, in calling for swift action on the part of the New Zealand law enforcement authorities, to bring the perpetrators to justice. We also call upon the authorities around the Globe to pool resources to rid us of this evil of wanton killings and terrorism that continues to plague us in these turbulent times. SMC also calls upon our local law enforcement authorities to be vigilant and to provide extra protections at local area mosques especially in view of Friday prayers tomorrow and special prayer activities during Rajab (7th month of the islamic Calendar). Law enforcement must protect all houses of worship in light of this devastation and ensure it is not repeated at any Mosque, Church, Synagogue, or Temple, for freedom of religion is a God given right we must protect. As we continue to come to grips with yet another tragedy of our time, we remind our fellow Americans that we all have an added responsibility to reach out to our neighbors, school friends, and workmates, to reiterate the eternal truths of all faiths, that unity and safety of mankind is the very heart of the spirit of our common humanity. In this hour of crisis, exacerbated by prevailing Islamophobia, we are becoming increasingly anxious about the potential of harassment and attacks emanating from anti-Muslim sentiments. America has millions of Muslims amongst its citizens who make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country. Together, we must send a clear message that those who may be inclined to intimidate our fellow citizens that they don’t represent the best of America. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for patience and strength for the families of those slain in this tragedy to bear this loss. Jazakum Allahu Khayran, Shia Muslim Council of Southern California |