MPAC Condemns Brutal Murders over Sectarianism in Egypt

MPAC condemned the brutal murder of four Egyptian Shia Muslims, who were killed in an act of mob violence on Sunday in the Giza province outside of Cairo. Egypt has a rich history of intra-faith harmony, and this attack sets a dangerous precedent for the country and the region. Furthermore, it underscores the need for American Muslims to be vigilant against sectarian vigilantism in the U.S.

We expect a strong message from the U.S., Egypt’s strong ally, that a government which fails to protect its citizens cannot be a reliable partner in the region.

Witnesses report several hundred villagers surrounded the house of a local Shia family during a religious ceremony, accusing the participants of spreading anti-Islamic beliefs. Refusing to listen to the mob’s demands to leave the village, the family was dragged out into the street and the house set ablaze. Eight others were injured.  This latest act of sectarian savagery indicates another harbinger of violence.

“Groups promoting this type of madness are akin to the KKK in the U.S.,” said Dr. Maher Hathout, MPAC’s Senior Adviser.

To help protect the harmony of American Muslims, MPAC has re-launched its “Intra-Faith Code of Honor”, a set of standards that Islamic leaders have signed onto which encourages understanding and peace amongst Muslims. MPAC calls upon all American Muslims, whether they are Sunni or Shia or neither, to encourage their respective communities to deal with differences of opinion in the Islamic code and spirit of mutual respect and peaceful discourse.  Communities need to hold their leaders accountable for reconciliation and against any action that may lead to violence.

“We need to stem the tide of hate based on theological and socio-cultural differences among Muslim communities throughout the world,” Dr. Hathout said.

See also:  Sunni & Shiah Unity Resources http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/shia_sunni/003107