Imams Use Friday Sermons
to Condemn Terror
Los Angeles, CA: On September
28, imams (prayer leaders) of a number of Southern California
's largest mosques denounced terrorism during their Friday
"khutbas," or sermons. The imams reiterated the
need for Muslims in America and abroad to stand on the side
of justice and peace, and against violence.
The sermons are particularly significant because they are
being given during the month-long Ramadan fast.
"Too often, Islamic sermons condemning terrorism receive
little or no attention, leading to the misperception that
mosques are places that breed religious extremism," said
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, religious director of the Islamic Center
of Orange County and the chairman of the Islamic Shura Council
of Southern California . "The month of Ramadan provides
an excellent opportunity for us to come together and give
a united voice to the peaceful teachings promulgated by Islam
and to share a message of goodwill with our friends and neighbors
throughout the Southland."
Speaking to thousands of worshippers, the imams' Ramadan message
stressed respect for the sanctity of life and rejection of
violence. They exhorted the worshippers to act as agents of
peace and goodwill in their local communities.
The imams also called on Muslims to reach out to their neighbors
and co-workers to build friendships and promote mutual understanding
during Ramadan and throughout the year.
"We applaud this positive initiative by the imams and
hope that such coordinated efforts will spread around the
nation and the world," said Munira Syeda, communications
coordinator for the Greater Los Angeles Area chapter of the
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA).
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