Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6th August 2009
“A Muslim cannot be a terrorist; a terrorist cannot be a Muslim”
World renown Muslim scholar M. Fethullah Gulen
Earlier this week, we commenced our day with anxiety and distress due to the news we heard in the media. Just like all Australians, we were concerned about the unpleasant developments. However, our concern as Australian Muslims is doubled in comparison to the rest of society. Once again, we were listening to news regarding a devious plot where the name of Islam was used. As Australian Muslims, we categorically state that we condemn and denounce any action related to terrorism that cannot be justified by any religious teaching or common ethics, no matter what aim or objective they serve. In the name of Islam, we feel ashamed and afraid of these people who claim to be Muslims.
As Australian Muslims and social activists, we feel threatened by the way allegations of terror plots are conveyed by the media. No one can justify the act of harming innocent citizens of this wonderful nation by arguing that it was retaliation for the war crimes and genocides committed in various regions of the world. Moreover, no Muslim, who has a basic knowledge about the fundamental teachings of Islam, would support such an act. In our time, some nations around the world that are battling with constant conflicts and wars are the victims of a global struggle for self-interest. There is no place for Islam in these bloody and dirty conflicts which aim to serve only the interests of certain ideologies that wish to use Islam as a tool for propaganda.
We would like to thank the Prime Minister and in particular Simon Overlander, Chief Commissioner of Victoria for their sagacious statements. An entire community cannot be held accountable for a crime committed by one or a few of its so called members. Also a crime cannot be associated with the individual’s faith or racial identity. The best analogy in this case would be that the entire police force cannot be condemned due to a few police officers who take bribes. It would be great injustice to denounce the science of medicine because some of its members are charged with malpractice. It is evident that all societies have certain individuals who have human weaknesses and may be prone to obsessive behaviour, extreme views and repugnant ideologies. These types of people also exist in Muslim communities. Without doubt, this is a serious problem that occurs due to lack of proper education and ignorance.
War and humanitarian crimes committed in nations like Somalia and Afghanistan are handled and investigated by international authorities and judiciary systems. Those who commit crimes against humanity and violate human rights or commit an act of terror will be punished accordingly by laws and the judiciary system. Therefore, no individual or group has the right to declare themselves as the Judge, jury and executioner to pass judgment on others. Those who claim to act in the name of Islam should study the judicial system of Islam. They will see that these rules also apply to them as well.
The Quran says, “Killing an innocent human being is like killing the entire humanity” (Qur'an 5:32). True Muslims who possess a thorough and balanced knowledge of the Islamic references should not allow these people to stain the name of Islam with their confused minds filled with political doctrines that serve the interests of others. Correcting the wrongs and distributing good and peace is an advice conveyed to us by Prophet Muhammad, therefore, this noble duty stands before the Muslims of today.
As for those who are working in the Australian media industry and related organisations: Certain individuals insist on seeing all Muslims as a problem, to preserve their objectivity. Creating chaos by adding personal views and ideologies into the news will not solve the problem and it will threaten the many educated Muslims who are trying to peacefully adapt to the conditions and who work for the benefit of this nation. The problem of terror and crime concerns the whole of humanity and it is an issue that the mainstream Muslim society strongly opposes. This repugnant problem can only be solved by working together to abolish ignorance, and establish mutual understanding and respect. These are the days where all of us need to gather around the table of universal ethics and morals. We therefore invite all of Australia! Let us support all forms of positive social and educational activities and events that will help Australian Muslims to integrate more rapidly.
The Affinity Intercultural Foundation is a non-profit community based organisation that is committed to bringing together people of different backgrounds to help improve understanding and respect and to build greater community harmony. Affinity has been involved in many bridge building events that help to overcome ignorance and prejudice since 2000.
For more information: Phone: 02-9702 0789 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it web: www.affinity.org.au
