On Sunday August 5th, 2012 at a Sikh temple south of Milwaukee
a gunman killed six worshipers and critically wounded three others, including a police
officer. The gunman was identified as Wade Michael Page, a 40-year-old Army veteran with reported links to the white supremacist movement.
Muslims from across the country are speaking
out against this hate crime.
Dr. Aslam Abdullah, director of the Islamic Society of Nevada said in a press statement "The Muslim community is deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy and seeks Almighty God's mercy for those who are victims of this tragedy. We stand together in solidarity with those who were murdered and whose families would continue to live the trauma for the rest of their lives."
Dr. Aslam Abdullah along with other members of
the Muslim community will break their fast at the local Gurduwara (Sikh place of
worship) to show support for the Sikhs. Members of the Muslim community in Las Vegas
will stand in solidarity with the Sikh community on Wednesday, August 8, at 7:30 PM at the local Sikh Gurduwara. The Community will pray for the victims and the families who were killed. Other religious communities
will also join the Muslim community in the prayer services. The services would take place at
Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji, 6341 W. Lone Mountain Rd,
Las Vegas, NV 89130.
The Islamic Shura Council
of Southern California (ISCSC) in a press release said that it grieves with the Sikh community for the senseless killing of innocent worshippers at their Milwaukee temple. "We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community and pray for them at this time of pain and sadness. May peace and goodness prevail here and all over the world." said Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of
ISCSC.
ISCSC is requesting for flowers or
sympathy cards to be sent to local Gurdwaras. List
of Gurdwaras in USA.
Indian
American Muslim Council an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding India's
pluralist and tolerant ethos has expressed its unequivocal condemnation of the
shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin that has claimed the lives of
six worshipers and the gunman himself.
"Today is a day of mourning for all who
value human life and cherish freedom of religion," said Shaheen Khateeb,
President of IAMC. "An attack on innocent people in a house of worship is
an attack on our collective humanity and common values," added Mr. Khateeb.
Michigan
Muslim Community Council (MMCC) joins the nation and Michigan's Muslim
community in condemnation of the killings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and expresses
solidarity with the Sikh community at this trying time.
"Our
heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims of this senseless tragedy. May God
grant much patience to the families of the victims. To God we belong and to Him
is our return. (Quran, 2:156)", said Dr. Muzammil Ahmed, Chair, MMCC.
Council on American Islamic Relations
(CAIR) has issued a statement saying that American Muslims "stand with their Sikh brothers and
sisters" following the deadly shooting attack targeting a house of worship of that faith this morning in Wisconsin.
The statement said "While details of the attack and the motivation of the attacker are still emerging, American Muslims stand with their Sikh brothers and sisters in this time of crisis and loss. We condemn this senseless act of violence, pray for those who were killed or injured and offer sincere condolences to their loved ones. CAIR officials are in contact with the Milwaukee Muslim community as it offers support to its Sikh neighbors.
Muslim
Public Affairs Council (MPAC) has also released a statement expressing their condolences.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the victims," said MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati.
"This is a horrific crime, and we hope the police and FBI will be able to bring this case to a close. MPAC has reached out to its partners at the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and The Sikh Coalition in Washington, DC, and New York to offer our sympathies and assistance. We stand united with our brothers and sister of
faith."
The Council
of Pakistan American Affairs (COPAA) expresses its solidarity with the
Sikh community on the tragic shooting in Wisconsin. Although a difficult and
emotional time for the victims, the families, and our nation, we must continue
to strive even harder to build bridges of peace and understanding. This
senseless act of one misguided individual must not deter us from the path of
nation-building, forging partnerships with our nation's rich and diverse
communities, for a stronger United States of America. This, indeed, is a time
for reflection, a time to say a prayer for the victims and time to stand
together with all faith and non-faith based communities, and to let our Sikh
brothers and sisters know that we stand with them at this critical hour.