The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (a
federation representing over 400,000 area Muslims), joins fellow Americans and
the rest of the world in grieved shock and mourning over the senseless and
tragic loss of innocent life and peace brought about by the destruction of the
World Trade Center Towers, as well as all related acts of violence across the
nation. In the strongest terms, the
Council unequivocally condemns these grossly inhuman and monstrous attacks and
stands firm in support of an impartial and dispassionate investigation and
implementation of full justice in
bringing the perpetrators to account for these heinous deeds.
The Muslims of Chicago and
all those who would seek to uphold the spirit, law, and ethics of the Quran and
the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are distressed at this appalling
display of disregard for human life, and denounce such acts as blatantly
barbarous and profoundly against the inviolable sanctity that Islam places on
all life. In keeping with the great
injunction of the Quran to show compassion and concern for all fellow beings,
our heart-felt prayers and good will go out to the families of all who have
been effected by these evil actions.
The Council is now
mobilizing its member organizations and resources to initiate an immediate
blood collection drive to assist victims of these tragedies, and we stand ready
to further assist relief efforts in any way we can. The Council appeals to the media to be cautious and reasonable in
reporting on these traumatic events. We
fear that scores of innocent Muslims can be easily targeted for emotional, retaliatory actions by
distraught, angered, and over-zealous individuals or groups incited by incendiary comments and premature conclusions
drawn by biased and ill-informed commentators.
The Council particularly
appeals to Chicago-area citizens for a calm and informed response to this
tragic situation. Muslims, Christians,
Jews and all other faith-groups are in this situation together. We all feel the same sense of violation, of
empathy for the victims, and a burning desire for justice. All fair-minded persons will certainly
recognize that this situation transcends all religious, ethnic or geographic
boundaries and we must work together to defend the strong values of life,
liberty, and justice for which, together, we all stand.
Again, the Council and the
Muslims of Chicago denounce these barbaric acts of violence, pray sincerely for
the affected victims and their families, and demand that the true perpetrators
be swiftly and justly brought to justice.
For further reaction or comments, contact: Kareem M. Irfan (847)
867-4304); Amer Haleem (708) 599-5901; or Anthony Simpkins (312) 744-8710.