Imams’ Council of the MMCC Condemns the Killing of Ambassador Christopher Stevens

Press Release

(Royal Oak, MI, 9/12/12) – The Imam’s Council of the Michigan Muslim Community Council condemns in the strongest terms the killing of the US ambassador, Christopher Stevens, in Libya and other embassy staffers. Islam strictly prohibits killing or harming of diplomats and civilians, under any circumstance.

Such violence is against the Islamic teachings and the spirit of the Holy Qur’an.

The Qur’an teaches, “If anyone slays a human being unless it be [in punishment] for murder or for spreading corruption on earth-it shall be as though he had slain all mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind…” (5:32)

On behalf of the imams and the Muslim community we offer our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of Ambassador Stevens and other victims of violence as we pray for peace and a world free of hate and bigotry.

The imams do support our freedoms, but also denounce the abuse of such privileges, including the promotion of hatred via inflammatory literature, movie or speech by individuals or groups.  Such actions by all extremists must not be allowed to damage the emerging freedoms in the Middle East and peaceful co-existence everywhere. We urge all Muslims to peacefully oppose any provocative or aggressive acts against their faith.

The Imams Committee of the Michigan Muslim Community Council represents a coalition of Muslim religious leaders (imams) in the Southeast Michigan.

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