There is a narration that once the Prophet Muhammad was sitting with some of his companions when a funeral procession passed by. The Prophet stood up in respect. The companions remarked that this was a funeral for a Jew. The Prophet responded, “Was he not a human being?”
This past Sunday night, Jewish Americans across the country celebrated the start of Hanukkah with sadness and horror. In a most despicable manner, terrorists killed at least 15 at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia.
The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad offered the following statement:
“On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I condemn in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack targeting innocent members of the Jewish community in Australia. Nothing can ever justify such acts of violence. Islam upholds the absolute sanctity of human life and declares that the killing of one innocent person is tantamount to killing all of humanity. Acts of terrorism and hatred are therefore completely contrary to the true teachings of Islam. As Muslims, our faith requires us to show love, compassion, and grace to the people of all faiths and beliefs.
Our heartfelt sympathies are with all those affected by this tragedy, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who have been injured.”
Ijaz Ahmed, PhD, West Hartford