OPOW: Georgia Muslims Stand with San Bernardino...

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

In the name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

“Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32)

The Atlanta Muslim community expresses profound sorrow over the mass shooting in San Bernardino that claimed the lives of 14 innocent people last Wednesday. Violent crimes such as this have no place in a nation that prides itself on freedom and tolerance. An attack on any person, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or political persuasion, is an attack on all Americans. We stand together with our fellow citizens of other faiths in the face of this evil, and are ready to support the victims of terrorism in whatever way is needed..

Whenever our nation has faced a tragedy the American Muslim community has responded eagerly to offer relief.  Atlanta Muslims have joined a nationwide campaign led by brothers and sisters in our faith to raise funds for the victims’ families. Thus, far, the Muslim community nationwide has raised more than $100,000 within the past few days. 

Those interested may donate at:  bit.ly/United4SB

LaunchGood is committed to highlighting the incredible values of the global Muslim community with every project. For more information on this project, please visit www.launchgood.com/SB.

Given the intense climate, we understand that our fellow Georgians may have unanswered questions and concerns about Muslim beliefs in general as well as our particular position towards repeated tragedies such as the San Bernardino shooting. Therefore, several local mosques and other Muslim organizations are opening their doors to visitors. We encourage who are interested to reach out and schedule a visit. 

For assistance in reaching out to your closest masjid, or for any further questions or comments, please contact:

Edward Mitchell at 970.368.7546 or [e-mail]

This press release is supported by the following organizations. For an updated list, please visit AtlantaMuslim.com 

• Al-Farooq Masjid
• Omar Bin Abdulaziz Masjid
• Roswell Community Masjid
• Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam
• OPOW
• Madina Institute
• Islamic Center of Middle Georgia
• West Cobb Islamic Center - Masjid Al-Furqan
• East Cobb Islamic Center
• Masjid Jafar
• Masjid Al-Rahman
• Hamzah Islamic Center
• Suwanee Musallah
• Masjid Al-Ihsan
• Masjid Al- Momineen
• The Islamic Society of Atlanta, Inc.
• Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta
• Islamic Center Duluth-Masjid Maryam
• Islamic Community Center of Atlanta
• Masjid Al-Mu'minun
• CAIR Georgia

Original article:  http://www.atlantamuslim.com/

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Atlanta's Interfaith Leaders:

"We Refuse to be Enemies" 

Audrey Galex, Program Content Manager AIB Network, and Soumaya Khalifa, Executive Director,  ISB signing the "We Refuse to be Enemies" banner

On Sunday, December 6th, Atlanta faith leaders rallied together to address the need to increase interfaith communication, understanding, respect and cooperation in the community, across the nation, and around the world. The Atlanta rally was one of more than more than 50 "We Refuse to be Enemies" events in 20 countries around the world sponsored by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.

"We Refuse To Be Enemies," was the message delivered when the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta, the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Bridge Interfaith Alliance, the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta, Mercer University McAfee School of Theology, and The Temple hosted the interfaith event. Titled "We Refuse to Be Enemies: Abarahamic Faiths Interfaith Rally for Peace," the event was attended by over 100 community members from the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities in Atlanta. 

The event included short speeches by Rev. Corey Brown (Protestant Minister & Founder of Bridge Interfaith Ministries), Audrey Galex (Program Content Manager, AIB Network), Soumaya Khalifa (Executive Director, Islamic Speakers Bureau), and Rabbi David Spinrad (Rabbi, The Temple). The event also included performances by Dania Ibrahim and Hannah Zale. 

Rev. Corey Brown mentioned the importance of all faith communities to come together and "must remove obstacles to love." He also mentioned the importance of faith communities addressing issues affecting all faith communities, including police brutality against African Americans, and called for faith communities to demand accountability for police officers who do kill innocent African Americans in their custody. 

Soumaya Khalifa opened her speech by mentioning a personal anecdote about how she had felt afraid after the San Bernardino shooting until a stranger at a coffee shop simply smiled. That simple smile, she said, gave her hope, comfort and strength. 

Khalifa called for attendees to get to know two people different than their faith background. She also mentioned that the faith communities "have more in common than they have [in] differences" and further reemphasized the importance of building meaningful connections with people who are of other faiths. 

Rabbi David Spinrad spoke of the importance of faith communities challenging hate and dangerous interpretations of their holy texts. He mentioned that "fundamentalism is in each of our faith communities" and that we must do our best to speak out against dangerous and divisive interpretations of holy texts within our faiths. He further emphasized faith communities working together to build positive relationships based on common values.

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

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