Shura Co-Sponsors Online Interfaith Solidarity Vigil for Kabul Sikhs
Islamic Shura Council co-hosted an online Interfaith Solidarity Vigil for Kabul Sikhs on Monday, March 30th. The vigil was joined by many community leaders, activists, social workers, and well-known Afghani personalities from the USA, Canada, Afghanistan and other parts of the world.
More than two dozen people were killed after an attack on Wednesday, March 25th, on a Sikh place of worship in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attacks were condemned by several governments and NGOs worldwide.
During the panel, Waqas Syed, a member of the Board of Directors of Shura Council, said,“These attacks are appalling. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time. We also urge the Afghan government to bring the perpetrators to justice.” Syed also spoke about the exemplary history of collaboration between the Sikh community and the members of the Shura Council, in Southern California
We remind those in authority in Afghanistan of their duty with the following verse from the Qur’an: ‘And were it not that God checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is much mentioned." “And God will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, God is Powerful and Exalted in Might." [22:40]’.
Other panelists from the Jewish and other faith communities also spoke about the sense of service among Sikhs worldwide and the danger to all communities from extremism. Dr Muzammil Siddiqi, Former Chairman of the Shura Council, spoke about how these acts go against the interests of Muslims and Islam.
Syed offered the Southern California Muslim community’s services to help any Afghan Sikhs who come to America as well as advocate for the rights of Sikhs in the US.
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