(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/17/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an attack on Christians in Pakistan that left a church and several houses burned and many Christians displaced.
CAIR said the attacks violate Islamic principles protecting houses of worship and religious minorities.
Mobs in the city of Jaranwala in Pakistan’s Punjab region attacked Christians in a riot on Wednesday. Rioters burned Christian houses and a church. The riot was allegedly instigated by rumors of a Quran desecration. 129 rioters have been arrested.
SEE: Targeted Christians found shelter with Muslims during Pakistan rampage
https://news.yahoo.com/targeted-christians-found-shelter-muslims-112450489.html
In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We condemn this senseless violence targeting members of the Christian community in Pakistan. The actions of the rioters are a violation of Islam’s sacred laws regarding the protection of houses of worship and of religious minorities, and we thank authorities for arresting those involved in this affront to our faith and morality.”
He quoted a verse of the Holy Quran, Islam’s revealed text, which states:
“Had God not repelled ˹the aggression of˺ some people by means of others, destruction would have surely claimed monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which God’s Name is often mentioned. God will certainly help those who stand up for Him. God is truly All-Powerful, Almighty.” Quran,22:40
Awad also quoted a narration (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in which he stated:
“Beware, if anyone wrongs (a person of another faith granted the pledge of protection by Muslims), diminishes his right, burdens him beyond his capacity, or takes from him anything without his consent, I shall plead for him (the one who’s rights were violated) on the Day of Judgment.” Sunan Abu Dawud
He noted that CAIR has previously condemned similar targeting of churches in Egypt, Nigeria and other nations.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Attacks on Christian Worshippers and Others in Sri Lanka as ‘Outrageous, Despicable’
CAIR Condemns Deadly Attacks on Egyptian Churches
CAIR Condemns Church Attacks in Egypt, Nigeria
CAIR Condemns Attacks on Nigerian Churches
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cair-condemns-attacks-on-nigerian-churches-136208268.html
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected], CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]