I am a part of this committee.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MI Imams Condemn Murder of Paratroopers, Rabbi and Jewish Children in France
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(WARREN, MI, 3/21/12) – The religious leaders (imams) of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM) today condemn in the strongest terms the recent murders of three French Muslim paratroopers, a rabbi and three Jewish children, which were reportedly committed by a French national named Mohammed Merah.
Merah has been named as a chief suspect in recent shootings in which he allegedly killed three fellow Muslims for serving in the French military in Afghanistan as well as a rabbi and three Jewish children due to revenge of injustices perpetrated against Palestinian children by the Israeli military.
The imams reaffirm our previously stated position the Islamic teachings stress the sanctity of all human life and that respecting the rule of law is incumbent upon all Muslims.
The Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Whoever kills a person, unless [as punishment through due process] for murder or mischief in the land, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32)
Though the imams recognize that many innocent civilians have been killed in Afghanistan and elsewhere, the imams also state that there is no justification for the wanton violence that has taken place in France in response to the previously stated injustices.
Prophet Muhammad said there is no excuse for committing unjust acts: “Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil.”
The imams offer their condolences to the families of the victims and pray for calm and peace.
The imams Council of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan represents a coalition of Muslim religious leaders (imams) in the Metro-Detroit area.
End
CONTACT: CIOM’s Imams Council Co-chairs, Imam Baqir Berry, (313) 903-1222, bberrymiis@yahoo.com or Imam Steve Elturk, (248) 210-4156,ameer@ionaonline.org. Email to CIOM: admin@ciomonline.com
SEE: Who is French shootings suspect Mohammed Merah? (CNN)
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/21/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect-profile/?hpt=ieu_t2
SEE: Prosecutor: French shooter was planning new attack (CBS)
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501714_162-57401647/prosecutor-french-shooter-was-planning-new-attack/
Revenge? Can’t buy it. Why was this Muslim not mentioned as a Muslim French National ? What are the injustics anyhow?
“Only false prophets feel the need to kill in order to spread their faith