Sohail Nakhooda posted this statement from Aref Nayed, Former Ambassador of Libya to the UAE, Member of the League of Libyan Ulema:
This is to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the late Ambassador Christopher Stevens and his fallen colleagues, and to the American people and government. I had the honor of personally knowing Ambassador Stevens, and witnessed, firsthand, in Benghazi and later in Tripoli, the care and hard work that he devoted to fulfilling his duties towards his country and towards Libya and the Libyan people. He was a man of dedication and honor, and I am shocked and deeply anguished for the loss of a dear friend and supporter of the Libyan people’s struggle against tyranny. Tyranny and darkness may wear a thousand guises, including pseudo-religiosity, but must never deceive us. Islam is a religion of peace and understanding, and Islam’s Prophet (peace be upon him) is the Prophet of Compassion. It is outrageous and totally unacceptable for criminals to kill and destroy in the name of defending Islam and its Prophet (peace be upon him). The criminals who committed this cowardly act must be rigorously pursued and rapidly brought to justice. May this tragic loss make us even more dedicated and determined to building our respective countries, based on the values of dialogue, understanding, and peace.
The Islamic Networks Group released a statement:
Islamic Networks Group (ING) and its Affiliates across the nation condemn in the strongest possible terms the extremist attacks on U.S. diplomatic compounds in Libya and Egypt on Tuesday, September 11th, one of which killed U.S. ambassador to Libya Christopher Stephens along with three of his staff members. The parties responsible for these events in both nations claimed to be reacting to an online film considered offensive to Islam.
As with previous instances of the Danish cartoons or Qur’an burning, it is important to emphasize that it is a greater defamation of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an to react with violence and murder of innocent people– one of the greatest sins in Islam–than any claimed insult from an Islamophobic film. Those who responded in such a manner should instead study the Prophet Muhammad’s example in the face of harm. On a daily basis, Muhammad was exposed to demeaning abuse for 13 years during the early years of his mission. His response was not to return insult for insult or hurt for hurt, but to pray for his persecutors and overlook their insults. In a famous Islamic tradition, he stated: “It is not allowed to cause harm to others or to return harm for harm.”
It is also an Islamic principle that one does not blame or punish another for the crimes of another. The employees at the embassies were in no way responsible for the actions of either Terry Jones or the producers of the film. Such extreme responses, in fact, can only help Islamophobic interests. Such actions and reactions are but a useless cycle of hate that benefit no one and as occurred yesterday, can be potentially dangerous and even deadly.
ING and its Affiliates are committed to upholding the right to freedom of expression and unconditionally condemn any use of violence as a means to protest offensive or hateful speech. In the United States, this fundamental, inalienable right is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The answer to speech we find deeply offensive is more speech—speech that tells the true story of Islam—not censorship or violence. Acts of violence carried out in the name of Islam are a greater offense against Islam than the content of any film or speech.
ING President Maha Elgenaidi urges both fellow Muslims and fellow Americans to “Work together for a more peaceful world and take this opportunity to redouble efforts towards peace and harmony through increased outreach, dialogue, and understanding.”
For additional insights on the topic of provocative speech and reactions to it, see: Muslim Scholars’ Statement on Danish Cartoons Controversy
Sheikh Yasir Qadhi said:
“Clerics and leaders who instigate Muslims to ‘defend the honor of the Prophet (saw)’ by attacking people who have nothing to do with insulting his honor, actually disrespect the memory of our Prophet (saw).”
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) reports that
Leading American Muslims and senior representatives of other faiths will join together to condemn the murder of U.S. diplomats in Libya and the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Cairo as well as incitement by media in Arab countries at a press conference today at noon at the National Press Club in the Bloomberg Room. Imam Mohamed Magid, president of the Islamic Society of North America, will be joined by Rabbi David Saperstein, director and counsel of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance, and other faith leaders.
The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) published a statement
The Muslim Public Affairs Council today strongly condemns the attacks on the U.S. Embassies in Cairo and Benghazi, Libya, and we grieve along with the rest of our nation over the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. These attacks were not just an attack on our embassies but on our nation as a whole.
SPECIAL NOTE: Today, MPAC is holding a press conference (4988 N. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042) at 11 a.m. PST in Los Angeles with interfaith and Libyan spokespeople.
The attacks come after a low-budget movie on YouTube called “Muhammad” incited anger by depicting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a demeaning and degrading manner. MPAC condemns the film and its desecration of religious symbols.
“This is a sad day for America as we mourn the deaths of four citizens who were living in a country to help Libyans achieve freedom,” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President. “It is deplorable and unfortunate that such an irrelevant film has succeeded in its objectives of causing violence and death in Egypt and Libya.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) published a statement asking Mideast Muslims to ignore ‘Trashy’ Anti-Islam Film
“We urge that this ignorant attempt to provoke the religious feelings of Muslims in the Arabic-speaking world be ignored and that its extremist producers not be given the cheap publicity they so desperately seek. Those who created this trashy film do not represent the people of America or the Christian faith. The only proper response to intentional provocations such as this film is to redouble efforts to promote mutual understanding between faiths and to marginalize extremists of all stripes. We condemn the attack on the American embassy, which had nothing to do with the production of this intentionally inflammatory film.”
The Arab-American Institute (AAI) published a statement:
The attack on U.S. diplomatic missions in Egypt and Libya is an outrageous and horrible tragedy. The film that the demonstrators claim to be protesting might be deplorable, but it is no excuse for the wanton murder of innocent diplomats. This was an act of murder, plain and simple. We wholeheartedly support the strong and clear position expressed this morning by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and as we reflect on this tragedy, we need to remember that it was carried out by a small mob that in no way characterizes the opinions and attitudes of people in the region.
It is good that the Libyan government has condemned this act, but now they must take immediate steps to hunt down those who committed this crime and bring them to justice. If they are to be a government, they must act like one.
If the Libyans do not act quickly, there will be no doubt be severe political consequences for their country.
A final note about Ambassador Chris Stevens: Ambassador Stevens was a model diplomat who served his country with grace, dignity, and the utmost respect for both the United States and those to whom he represented it. His career in the foreign service spanned the region, including posts in Jerusalem, Damascus, and Riyadh. Before being appointed Ambassador to Libya, he served as Deputy Cheif of Mission when the United States reopened its Libyan embassy in 2007 and later as Special Representative to the National Transitional Council. The United States has lost a kind, brilliant, and empathetic public servant.
WELL KNOWN AMERICAN MUSLIM COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS:
Shahed Amanullah of Generation Change posted on FaceBook:
“I am saddened by the death of Ambassador Stevens and his colleagues in Libya overnight. He (like many others I’ve met) cared deeply about serving his country as well as the people he reached out to. Take a look at this video to see what kind of a public servant he was. He was very supportive of our outreach efforts to young leaders in Libya and was preparing for a launch of our Generation Change program there next month. I last saw him at his swearing-in a few months ago - he was so excited to return to Libya (he helped the opposition during the transition) to help the country rebuild. Saddened by the death of Ambassador Stevens and his colleagues in Libya overnight. He (like many others I’ve met at State) cared deeply about serving his country as well as the people he reached out to. Take a look at this video to see what kind of a public servant he was. He was very supportive of our outreach efforts to young leaders in Libya and was preparing for a launch of our Generation Change program there next month. I last saw him at his swearing-in a few months ago - he was so excited to return to Libya (he helped the opposition during the transition) to help the country rebuild. Video: Introducing U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens
Rabia Chaudry of the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut said: We all have obligations to correct whatever is wrong within our circles of influence. Muslims must work to ensure that other Muslims have access to sound Islamic sources/ information, cleanse our community of religious illiterates, and preserve and re-establish the Prophet’s tradition of compassion and kindness in the face of the worst antagonism. Americans must work to encourage their fellow citizens to use their freedom of speech for good, to call out instigators and bigots, and to hold the media accountable for adding fuel to fire.
Wajahat Ali said By choosing violence as a response, the embassy attackers ironically & tragically betray the legacy, spirit & wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad - he who was repeatedly insulted, mocked, and pelted with trash and stones but chose to reply with patient etiquette and generosity. Extremism begets extremism. This tragedy in Libya calls for moderation & reconciliation. Voices of calm, understanding & peace must now rise and be heard.
