WE CONDEMN and DENOUNCE, in the strongest terms, the deadly shooting attack at the office of French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. This brutal attack has no place in Islam.
Unfortunately, for some Muslims, the principle of freedom of speech and expression has no place in Islam. They adhere to the belief that fear of God should be observed by all people, even by non-Muslims.
The proliferation of uneducated, self-taught and self-righteous followers of Islam who consider themselves “experts” insanely and erroneously believe that they are already qualified to give Fatwas or religious edicts with their limited, misguided, and dangerous interpretations of the teachings. Often, these Fatwas allow violence against Muslims and non-Muslims, all in the name of Allah and prophet Muhammad (SAW).
It is true that no Muslim can ever bear insults against the beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). But it is also true that our generation have opened the doors of Takfir (excommunicating other Muslims) simply because of differences in religious interpretations. It is also true that the essence of Islam calls for mercy, compassion, knowledge, patience, and tolerance
In the Qur’an, Allah reminds all Muslims:
Thus, have We made of you a Middle Ummah, that you might be witnesses over the people, and the Messenger a witness over your selves
(al-Baqarah 2:143)
Muslims are called Ummatan Wasatan. Commentators of the Qur’an explain the word wasat as justly balanced, the most kind nation or khiyar or khayr.
We live in a diverse society with different cultures, religions, and political beliefs. Thus, we must be reminded of the call for living in a justly balanced society.
We stand by the call of world leaders and journalist society in demanding justice for the victims.
