AtlantaMuslim.com

by Georgia Muslims June 12, 2016, 3:15 p.m.

(6/12/16 - ATLANTA, GA) Georgia's Muslim community today united to condemn the horrific mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub.

"Georgia Muslims join their fellow Americans in denouncing Sunday's mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando," said CAIR Georgia Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. “Heroes like Muhammad Ali embody the world’s Muslim community, not this mass murderer."

"As proud Americans and devout Muslims, we respect religious freedom, human rights and freedom of choice,” said Imam Arshad Anwar, leader of Roswell Community Masjid. “Our community will, God willing, continue its efforts to combat extremism and encourage tolerance."

“We condemn the senseless murder that has occurred in Orlando, Florida,” Imam Nadim Ali said on behalf of the Council of Masajid (Mosques) of Metropolitan Atlanta. “Islam does not condone wanton murder or individual vendettas. We ask the Muslim community to pray for the families of those who have lost ones in this senseless act, and we ask the general community to exercise patience and tolerance as the proper officials sort out the details of this senseless act.”

"The Muslim community of Georgia is stunned by the massacre in Orlando,” said Dr. K. Khalid Siddiq, a leader of Al-Farooq Masjid. “We condemn this heartless act in the strongest possible terms. It defies the teachings of Islam and violates the principles of respect, tolerance and freedom we as Americans so highly cherish. Our hearts go out to all those affected and their families. May God give us all the courage to bear the loss and the wisdom to strengthen our common bonds of humanity."

"Since 9/11, the LGBT community has shown consistent solidarity with Muslim Americans as they faced marginalization, harassment, and misrepresentation,” said Georgia Muslim Abbas Barzegar. “To see Muslim Americans now reciprocating that solidarity is testament to the power of this country's unique ideal of social justice."

Florida's Muslim community also today condemned the massacre alongside leaders of Florida's gay community, which has often defended Florida Muslims from Islamophobia and discrimination. Georgia Muslims also plan to host a blood drive initiative in solidarity with their neighbors in Florida.

"We offer our support and condolences to our neighbors in Florida, including the families of the victims as well as the brave law enforcement officers who risked their lives to bring the massacre to an end," said Shuaib Hanief, editor of AtlantaMuslim.com.

Co-Signing Georgia Muslim Organizations Include: