In the name of God, most Benevolent, most Merciful –
November 14, – Nusantara Foundation joins our fellow brothers and sisters in humanity in condemning yesterday’s terror, attacks in Paris, claiming the lives of 128 people to date, with over 300 injured. We condemn this tragic event in the strongest possible sense, which took the lives of innocent people. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the victims and their families, and to the people of France.
As ISIL claims responsibility for this tragedy, we stand by and encourage law enforcement to get the perpetrators and bring them to justice, holding them accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and continue their fight against terrorism.
As Muslims, as citizens of every nation in this world, as mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, friends, neighbors and coworkers — we view these attacks are an attack on all of humanity and civilization.
ISIL, and other terrorist groups plaguing the world, is a group of murderers that has terrorized all of humanity. They have gruesomely persecuted, killed and dislocated millions of Muslims in the Middle East, have mercilessly killed foreigners and ethnic minorities, and now have claimed responsibility for international terror attacks against the people of France and, as is widely speculated, the lives of Russian citizens by downing the Russian plane over Sinai, Egypt. They know no God, no religion, no morals, no country, and no human fellowship.
We cannot stress enough that Islam and Muslims are innocent of these and other militants claiming to be soldiers of Islam. In fact, ISIL and their likes are simply murderers and, as hypocrites, are some of the fiercest enemies of Islam. They are the most detested type of people in the eyes of God, for “Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth of the Fire [4:145].
Their actions are in direct contradiction to the basic principles of the Quran, and the traditions of Prophet Muhammed. God says in the Qur’an: ‘And do not slay the soul [whose life] God has made inviolable…’ (Ch.17: 33); And ‘on that account We ordained for the Children of Isra`il that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole humanity: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole humanity. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear (guidance), yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land. (Ch. 5:32)
This human tragedy is in fact a reminder for all to work harder for justice for all inhabitants of our world so that peace and harmony can be established, and people who espouse good must join hands to oppose this type of tendencies in every corner of our respective communities to create a better world for all to live.
Each and every one of us is responsible for each other’s safety and well-being. Love and lookout for your neighbors. Remember to check on each other, help out in times of need, give of your wealth when necessary, and fulfill your life’s purpose as God’s stewards on this earth, protecting it and all that is in it. And if you see, know or suspect that anyone is in any type of danger – do not be complicit – if you see something, say and do something, and clear your conscience for the day you meet your Creator.
Imam Shamsi Ali
President
