Condemning Anti Christian Riots in Pakistan

Recently, Christians in Pakistan have been victims of violence against their religious communities. While the press paid relatively little attention to this bigotry (that is equal to anti-Semitism and Islamophobia) I am heartened to hear the support from Muslim—and non-Muslim--friends and organizations that do not condone and speak out against this type of religious violence. Lamentably, the interpretation –or misinterpretation – of religion has once again led to acts of violence that could never be justified or accepted by any religious ideology.

One of the first organizations to speak out against such violence was the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) by issuing a noteworthy press statement that is copied below. Intersections commends such organizations as ISNA, and their National Director of Interfaith and Community Alliances, Dr. Sayyid Syeed for their continued work in promoting peace among all religions throughout the world.

Let’s just hope that more people will heed this call.

ISNA Condemns the Anti Christian Riots in Pakistan
Washington, DC 8/03/09 - The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is appalled at the news of riots in Gojra, Pakistan during which several homes belonging to members of the Christian community were destroyed and about seven people were killed. Not only do we express our outrage at this behavior, we deplore those interpreters of Islam and leaders who use rhetoric that promotes a false sense of insecurity and paranoia in Muslim mobs.

ISNA holds the law and order authorities in the region responsible for these tragic riots. The Pakistani government should take responsibility, apologize to the victims for its failure to provide protection, bring the perpetrators to justice, and provide relief and support to victims. Muslims of Pakistan should collectively rise to the occasion, demonstrate their sympathy and solidarity with the affected members of the Christian community, and raise funds to rebuild the church that has been destroyed.

The alleged insult to the Qur'an, real or rumored, is being exaggerated to incite anger in the common people. This shameful behavior does not do justice to the healing message of respect and love for Christians and people of other faiths given by the Qur'an. The correct way to uphold respect for the Qur'an is to show respect for human life and solidarity with the poor and the weak.

ISNA congratulates and takes pride in its Muslim members who raised funds to repair the damaged church in Pakistan in the past. We at ISNA stand committed to promoting peace and harmony with other faiths and are willing to work with other organizations and individuals of all faiths to bring relief, healing, and comfort to the region.