American Muslim and Arab-American Communities in Portland and SW Washington Condemn Orlando Shooting

"Let us join others here and throughout our state, nation and world -- to call for an end to terrorism, hate, and violence."

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The American Muslim and Arab-American Communities in Oregon and SW Washington unequivocally condemn the senseless murder that has occurred in Orlando, Florida and offer our condolences to the victims and their families.

Islam does not condone wanton murder or individual vendettas. This abhorrent action and the like are all prohibited in Islam and in direct violation of the teachings of Islam.

We all denounce any person or group that would try to call to or justify any horrific act of terror, hate, and violence.

Please let us join others here and throughout our state, nation and world -- to call for an end to terrorism, hate, and violence.

Let us join together to build a future where all people can live safely without fearing for their safety. Vigils are being held nationwide every day this week, and the community is coming together to stand united in the face of hate, bigotry, and violence in every shape and form. We also stand united against Islamophobia, and any kind of hate or discrimination, incited by fear of "the other."

We pledge to uphold that our diversity as a nation is a beautiful blessing that should be a source of strength, unity, and great inspiration, rather than division, fear, and uncertainty.

Islam prohibits violence and killing and emphasizes time and time again the sanctity of human life. According to the Quran [5:32], the likeness of one who murders a soul is as one who has transgressed and murdered all of humanity, and the likeness of one who brings life to a soul is as one who has given life and hope to all of humanity.

Signees

• Abdisalan Muse, Oregon Somali Family Education Center (OSFEC)
• Imam Abdullah Polovina, Bosniaks Educational & Cultural Organization (BECO)
• Ahmed Omer, Masjid Ibrahim (Bethany Musalla)
• Arshad Ashfaq, Masjid Omar Farooq
• Dr. Birol Yesilada, Portland, Oregon
• Gulzar Ahmed,Tualatin, Oregon
• Hala Gores, Attorney at Law and Former President of Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon (AACCO)
• Hidayat Kisdarjono, Islamic Society of SW Washington - Masjed Al-Noor (ISSWW)
• Ibrahim Turki, Hillsboro, Oregon
• Jahed Sukhun, Beaverton, Oregon
• Jawad Khan, Muslim Educational Trust (MET)
• Dr. Khalid Khan, Islamic Society of SW Washington - Masjed Al-Noor (ISSWW)
• Laila Cully,Member of MET's Advisory Board
• Laila Hajoo, Islamic Social Services of Oregon State (I-SOS)
• Dr. Mohamed Siala, Salman AlFaresi Islamic Center, Corvallis (SFIC)
• Mohammed Haque, Oregon Muslim Citizens Alliance (OMCA)
• Imam Muhammad Najieb, Muslim Community Center of Portland (MCCP)
• Masjid Abu-Bakar
• Mozafar Wanly,Salman AlFaresi Islamic Center, Corvallis (SFIC)
• Muslims of Salem, Salem Islamic Center
• Musse Olol, Somali American Council of Oregon (SACOO)
• Dr. Nadjoua Moumen, Beaverton, Oregon
• Nick Kahl, Attorney at Law
• Omar Obaid, Iraqi Refugee Society for Greater Portland Area
• Osman Salaev, Ahiska Turkish Community Center of Oregon
• Rania Ayoub, Muslim Educational Trust (MET)
• Ronault (Polo) Catalani, New Portlander Policy Commission
• Salahuddin Kadri, Muslim Educational Trust (MET)
• Dr. Saleh Ismail, M.D. Salem, Oregon
• Salma Ahmed, Islamic Society of Greater Portland (ISGP)
• Samira Godil, SW Community Health Center
• Dr. Shahriar Ahmed, Bilal Masjed, Beaverton (BMA)
• Stephen Johnson and Khedijah Nure, Beaverton, Oregon
• Suhail Khan, Northrup Corporation
• Tom Nelson, Attorney at Law
• Wajdi Said, Muslim Educational Trust (MET)
• Dr. Waleed Vliza, M.D. Islamic Center of Eugene