Statement from Muslim Student Association at Furman University

On behalf of the Muslin Student Association at Furman University, the university released this statement:  “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the monstrous attack on the Orlando nightclub that occurred early Sunday morning. We pray for the victims, the deceased and the injured, and we pray for their families.  We ask that God will give them much strength and that He will also send His comfort soon.  We are writing these lines as citizens of this world and also as Muslims. Too many innocent lives continue to be lost to bigotry and hatred. The shooter was driven by both. He is also said to have called 911 before his crime and pledged allegiance to ISIS. ISIS is not only an enemy of the West; it is an enemy of humanity. Its ideas are ugly and evil and they will be extinguished. Its members are outlaws and justice will be brought to them. Around the world terrorists are claiming our attention with their horrific acts. These occur in Beirut, in Paris, in Aleppo, in Istanbul, in Jerusalem, in Orlando and in many other places. The narrative in which we live is marked too much by the evil-doings of terrorists who are often pretending to act in the name of religion. Our appeal is not to allow the terrorists to pit religions and people of good will against each other. Our appeal is to distinguish what is from what appears to be. Our appeal is to realize that we are all victims of terrorists, no matter our identity. Our appeal is to the American people and to everyone of good will. We have common cause. This tragedy must be an occasion not to divide, but to unite. As representatives of the Furman Muslim Student Association we will continue to bring people of difference together to heal and to counter all voices of hate, bigotry and violence and we will continue working for understanding, peace and unity. We close with an expression of sincere condolences to the families of the victims in Orlando.”