Muslims for Progressive Values define acts of terrorism as un-Islamic

Los Angeles, CA - September 23, 2013 - Muslim for Progressive Values in the USA, France, Chile, Australia and Canada condemn the terror attacks that began on September 21, 2013 at the Westgate Shopping Mall, in Nairobi, Kenya, killing 62, and that took place on September 22, 2013 at the All Saints Church, in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing 81. Scores of others were injured.

We convey our condolences to the loved ones left behind by the victims of the terror attacks in both countries. Words will never be enough to erase the horror of the shooting at the Westgate Mall nor the suicide bombings at the All Saints Church.

We, as Muslims, regard the ideology of the people who resort to terror and violence, who have stated that they are engaging in a jihad for Allah, as un-Islamic, wrong and contrary to the teachings of our Holy Scriptures. We invite Muslim communities all over the world to join us in our condemnation of such terrorists and to denounce their acts as un-Islamic.

We at MPV remain firm in our pledge to our sisters, brothers and family in both Islam and humanity to not just denounce acts of terror, but to work to extinguish the intolerant ideologies and the political and economic conditions that manifest such violence. And, we shall continue without fear, to promote an authentic understanding of Islam that spreads harmony, universal love and peace, and one that regards all human beings as worthy before God.

Islamically, we regard these terrorists as criminals and their acts of terrorism with disdain. We reject any assumption that there exists a “clash of civilizations”. Words describing the terrorists as “Muslims”, “Islamic terrorists” or “Islamists” insinuate that the actions of the terrorists are Islamic and generally approved by Muslims. We regard this as an insult to the 1.2 billion peaceful Muslims. We request the elimination of words “Islam”, “Islamic”, “Islamist” and “Muslim” to describe acts of terrorism as it only facilitates the propagation of their false ideology.

Further, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our peaceful Somali Muslim sisters, brothers and family everywhere, particularly in the United States and Canada, who have done no wrong. We remind everyone that hatred and violence do not discriminate and that innocent people should not become target of retaliation for a crime that they did not commit.

We pray for the safety and well-being of the hostages that remain held in Nairobi, the religious minorities who remain in danger in Pakistan, as well as, all persecuted minorities both in the Muslim world and elsewhere.

And we remind ourselves, our communities and the world of the words of our Holy scripture:

“In the name of God, The Kind, The Merciful…Because of this did We ordain unto the children of Israel that if anyone slays a human being (unless it be [in exercise capital punishment by law] for murder or for spreading corruption on earth) it shall be as though he had slain all humankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he has saved the lives of all humankind.And, indeed, there came unto them Our apostles with all evidence of the truth: yet, behold, notwithstanding all this, many of them go on committing all manner of excesses on earth.

- The Holy Quran, 5:32”

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We at MPV affirm the equal worth of all human beings, regardless of race, sex, gender, ethnicity, nationality, creed, sexual orientation/gender identity/gender expression, or ability. We affirm that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. We repudiate militarism and violence, whether on an individual, organizational, or national level. We embrace religious pluralism and the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace social justice. We believe that one’s religion is not the exclusive source of truth. As such, we will engage with a diversity of philosophical and spiritual traditions in pursuit of a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.  http://www.mpvusa.org