Press Release - For Immediate Release

We, members of the Atlanta Muslim community, join other Muslim organizations and leaders around the world in continuing to condemn the actions of the group that calls itself “Islamic” State, ISIS in the strongest possible terms. The heinous crimes committed by these few individuals in the name of our religion do not represent our community nor its values.

ISIS crimes go against the very nature of Islam. By murdering innocents, enslaving women and children, and forcing the displacement of minority communities, they are not only committing crimes against humanity, they are going against the basic principles of the religion they claim to practice. A letter to the ISIS leader and its members signed by 126 Muslim scholars from around the world reiterates the fundamental teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which urges Muslims to show mercy and compassion and to coexist peacefully with their neighbors.

Excerpt from the Letter to Baghdadi:

"Islam is mercy and its attributes are merciful. The Prophet (pbuh), who was sent as a mercy for all the worlds, summarized a Muslim's dealings with others by saying: 'He who shows no mercy, will not be shown mercy;' and: 'Have mercy and you will be shown mercy.' But, as can be seen from everything mentioned, you have misinterpreted Islam into a religion of harshness, brutality, torture and murder. As elucidated, this is a great wrong and an offense to Islam, to Muslims and to the entire world. Reconsider all your actions; desist from them; repent from them; cease harming others and return to the religion of mercy."

As Muslims, we constantly strive to grow with our communities. As an integral part of the greater Atlanta community, we continue to be a part of the city’s rich tradition of championing civil rights and social progress. We call for peace, open dialogue and a commitment to serve others. Furthermore, we refuse to allow the criminal actions of ISIS to overshadow the long list of contributions and accomplishments Atlanta’s Muslims have made and continue to make in our community.

Local Community Signatories:

Related Recent Community Press Release:

Georgia Muslims Denounce the Senseless Acts of Violence - ISB

For further inquiries regarding this specific topic, we direct you to the following local organizations:

Islamic Speakers Bureau

Soumaya Khalifa, Founder & Executive Director

(678) 523-5080

Roswell Community Masjid

Bassem Fakhoury, Executive Director

(770) 640-1411