Mass Muslims condemn Libya attacks

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The Massachusetts Islamic community is reacting with sadness, disbelief and condemnation of the attacks against American Embassies in Libya, Egypt and Yemen. 

“This is not Islam, you cannot do these things in the name of Islam.  As Muslims who believe in the Messiah, we have always condemned terrorism,” said Nasir Rana, a spokesperson from Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

During a State House event honoring Ramadan, they observed a moment of silence for four American diplomats killed in Benghazi.

“It’s particularly tragic and upsetting to see that our service men and women, diplomats, who were sent in friendship, were attacked in such a cowardly fashion,” said Nasser Weddady, the civil rights outreach director at the American Islamic Congress.

A YouTube video that mocks the prophet Mohammed is being blamed for sparking outrage in North Africa.  Regardless, Massachusetts Muslims say there’s nothing in Islam that justifies violence.

“The message throughout the Quran and throughout the Hadith and throughout all our practices and you know the Muslim culture is actually peace and charity and being humble,” said Edina Skaljic, a devout Muslim. 

Just like in all religions, Massachusetts Muslims say there are extremists who use Islam to advance their own political agendas, which is not a reflection of the broader community at large.  They say the conflict abroad encourages them to self-reflect and take action.

“For over a decade, we’ve been going on the ground in the Middle East, promoting values of interfaith understanding, free speech, religious freedom and defending those who stand for them,” said Wadaddy.