Muslim community condemns shootings
There are no words to describe the senseless and barbaric act of violence committed in Orlando early Sunday morning. As members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Pittsburgh, we condemn the Orlando shootings in the strongest terms and show our solidarity with the families of the victims and their loved ones.
Such random acts of violence carried out by lunatics like Omar Mateen do not represent the majority of Muslims who are loyal and peace-loving citizens of America. Prophet Muhammmad taught the world that love of one’s country of residence is part of faith.
Muslims are passing through the holy month of Ramadhan, during which Islam requires one to be engaged in worship and charitable acts with increased focus during Ramadhan. The prophet Muhammad taught, “If any one of you is fasting, let him not utter obscenities or act in an ignorant manner, and if anyone insults him or wants to fight with him, let him say, I am fasting.” Mass murdering countless innocents aside, even argumentation in the state of fasting is strictly forbidden.
Make no mistake, extremists are common enemies of mankind. The only answer is unity. Let’s all rise above bigotry and hatred to forward the narrative of humanity and not extremism.
Nayyar Ahmed
Pittsburgh