Statement on Orlando Shooting

Statement on Orlando Shooting

In light of the tragic incident in Orlando last night, I would like to offer my utmost, sincere condolences to the friends and families of those massacred. I am saddened and disturbed by this act of brutal violence against innocent people.

The killing of innocent life is never justified by religion. I reflect on the following verse in relation to those who kill innocent life, 5:32 reads ā€œ…it is as if he had slain mankind entirely…ā€
The perpetrator of this shooting has directly violated this holy commandment and displayed a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life and divine values.

Since the shooting in Orlando, I have been receiving death threats and disturbing messages in relation to a slanderous news story about me that that completely misrepresents my statements and beliefs. This ā€œnews storyā€ is currently being spread on the internet as being connected to the sentiments of the Orlando shooter. Such a connection is impossible, because had the shooter listened to my lecture, he would have clearly heard me condemn hate and violence multiple times and endorse compassion towards all humankind.

I invite my friends to help in supporting the humanitarian needs of the families of the victims of the shooting during such a period and share with their grief. This is an Islamic value in all cases where people are being oppressed – whoever they are! I pray for the unity and strength of the Florida community in the face of such atrocities and may we not let such a terrorist act compromise the peopleā€™s harmony with one another.
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