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Muslims Reflect on Orlando (Fort Pierce) Mosque that was set on Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mike Ghouse 214-325-1916
Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org
www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

Muslims Reflect on Orlando (Fort Pierce) Mosque that was set on Fire

Washington, D.C., September 13, 2016 – American Muslims express sadness over the un-American criminal act of setting ablaze the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce (near Orlando, Florida) on Sunday, September 11, 2016 on the fifteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The Muslims at this Mosque near Orlando were getting ready to celebrate the holiday called Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice; an age old Islamic tradition to honor Prophet Abraham. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties in order to strengthen and preserve the web of our society and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from God, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

As Americans and American Muslims we condemn this act of destroying the sanctity of a place of worship. However, in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we pray primarily that each one of us, Muslim and non-Muslim alike receive guidance from God to respect the sanctity of places of worship.

A place of worship is visited by sinners and good people alike, to seek forgiveness and develop a sense of humility in the presence of the majestic God. Seeking repentance and praying for forgiveness are the key values in all religions.

We urge fellow Americans of all stripes to know each other; knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding to acceptance of each other’s God-given uniqueness.

AMI is committed to be a proactive voice for American Muslims, and our actions, writings and talks are geared to achieve the ultimate goal: where fellow “Americans will see Muslims as their neighbors and fellow citizens, committed to fighting against violent extremism and protecting the homeland.” Our vision is “An America in which all religious and ethnic communities contribute to her success while living in peace and harmony, free from prejudice and discrimination.”

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