Orlando, Florida, November 1, 2017: The Orlando Islamic Center in the strongest terms condemn the violent actions of Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov who took the lives of eight innocent people in an unprovoked cowardly act. Our prayers extend to the victims, families and residents of New York City who has experienced far too many assaults by deprived, angry and mentally unstable individuals. We will not allow the actions of an individual or group to deteriorate the roots of cultural pluralism that has shaped America into being the greatest nation on earth.
Islamic Center of Orlando strongly condemns the attacks
in Paris. ICO extends heartfelt prayers and condolences to
the people of France and to the families of those murdered.
We stand with the world in strongly condemning these
criminal, barbaric, cowardly attacks on the innocent lives.
We continue to be shocked and pained by these futile,
savage attacks against humanity. The Almighty is merciful
and has placed more good and love in the world than not,
together, united upon that inherent goodness and love we can
reduce these small worlds of hate and evil.
As
Muslims, we reaffirm our belief, as emphasized in the Quran,
that whoever kills one life, it is as if they have killed
all of humanity, and whoever saves even one life, it is as
if they have saved all of humanity (Chapter 5: Verse 32).
Our prayers and hearts are with Steven Sotloff's family during this difficult time. We, Muslim Americans in Central Florida, are mortified by the terror ISIS has inflicted on this young journalist and other victims. We condemn any act of violence. As many of our brothers and sisters of other faiths, in Islam, we are advocates of love and peace.