YOUR SAY: Muslims worldwide are offended by terrorism that hijacks their religion
The Muslim community here in Middle Georgia is appalled and deeply saddened by the recent terrorist attack in San Bernardino. The heinous and tragic event left the Muslim community in the U.S. with twice the sorrow and the outrage felt by other Americans. On one hand, we, as Muslim Americans, identify with the victims whose lives have been senselessly and brutally destroyed through death, loss of a loved one, injury, or extreme trauma. On the other hand, we are deeply disturbed by the claims and distorted mind-set of the perpetrators who gave themselves the right to destroy innocent lives in the name of a religion they obviously misunderstood and criminally abused. We experience the pain of this senseless terrorist attack because it offends us not only as humans and Americans but also as Muslims whose religion is being hijacked and unjustly marred.
Islam is the religion of one and a half billion followers around the world, six million of them here in the U.S. Its message is one of fellowship and friendship among peaceful societies and nations. The Quran says: "Oh humankind; I have created you as male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you can get to know one another. Indeed the best among you is the most pious" (49:13).
The history of Islam as a nation, imperfect as it may be, attests to a reality in which Islam has been a religion inclusive and tolerant of other religions and worldviews. The sanctity of human life and commitment to promises, agreements and pledges of allegiance are sacred and vital components of what it means to be Muslim. The distorted image presented by the hateful individuals and groups reflects only an imaginary religion that God can never condone: "God commands you to fulfill the trusts of others" (4:58). "For God surely does not like the treacherous" (8:58), "Do not transgress for God surely does not like transgressors" (2:190). While praying and grieving with the victims and their families, we like to emphasize that we, as Muslim Americans, are partners in the war on terror; in fact, we are the first line of defense against violent radicalism in our midst. We are also its victims directly in worldwide attacks by terrorists on fellow Muslims in mosques, markets and schools, and indirectly by wrongfully claiming the name of our religion as the terrorists' presumed ideology. The Muslim community is an essential component of the tapestry of modern day America.
Muslims are professionals, business owners, investors, educators, government employees and fellow citizens committed to the laws and values of this great country that was built around immigrants by immigrants to be inclusive and to embrace diversity. Although the global political situation is too complicated and tangled for individuals to resolve, there is much that can be done to combat terrorism locally.
Building bridges and establishing partnerships with other faith groups and concerned citizens are vital steps in truly understanding where the Muslim community stands and how it can help in fighting terrorism and fulfilling the common goal of peaceful coexistence that is based on respect, understanding, constructive dialogue and cooperation. As a country rooted in religious diversity, we as individuals and communities need to work harder to create a culture that deplores bigotry and violence, pursues peaceful and cooperative resolution of problems and refrains from assigning blame indiscriminately.
Adam Fofana represents is the Imam at Islamic Center of Middle Georgia.
This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 8:04 PM with the headline "YOUR SAY: Muslims worldwide are offended by terrorism that hijacks their religion ."