Statement of Muslim Imam at Newtown Interfaith Service

By Jason Graves, Al Hedaya Islamic Center, Newtown, Conn.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The Muslim community of the Al Hedaya Islamic Center in Newtown, in Connecticut and throughout the nation joins with our fellow Americans in grieving for those who died in this senseless tragedy and praying for them and their families.

We ask God to grant those lost a special place in paradise and we ask their families to be granted the strength to endure the unendurable.

It is in such times of almost unbearable loss that we seek comfort with our Creator and that artificial divisions of faith fall away to reveal a nation of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, son and daughters, all united in a desire to bring healing and renewed hope.

The Quran, Islam’s revealed text, tells us that God’s mercy and compassion are without limit and always available for those who ask. God says: “When my servants question you about Me, tell them that I am near. I answer the prayer of every person who calls on Me.” (2:186)

In the Quran, God also says: “Give glad tidings to those who endure with patience; who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘We belong to God and to Him we shall return.’ Such are the people on whom there are blessings and Mercy from God.” (2:155-157)

So let us all, of every faith, of every background, pray for God’s comfort at this time of heartbreaking tragedy.

“Verily, with every difficulty there is ease. Verily, with every difficulty there is ease.” (94:5-6)

Ameen

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