Islamic mosques around Oklahoma and a statewide Muslim advocacy organization made statements Sunday regarding the mass shooting at a gay night club early Sunday in Orlando, Fla.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations-Oklahoma chapter, led by Adam Soltani, released the following statement:
“The Council on American-Islamic Relations Oklahoma Chapter (CAIR-OK) and the Muslim community of Oklahoma condemn the horrific mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub that left at least 50 people dead and more injured.
‘Oklahoma’s Muslim community join their fellow Americans in condemning Sunday’s horrific mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando,’ said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. ‘We stand with members of the LGBTQ community in condemning the actions of this criminal as not representative of the Islamic faith, calling for peace, love, and compassion, and calling for this to not divide as as one humanity. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Prayer and blood donations are requested for the victims.’
The Muslim community joins our fellow Americans in rejecting anyone or any group that would claim to justify or excuse such an appalling act of violence.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Council of Oklahoma, a council of Oklahoma mosques and Islamic schools serving more than 35,000 Muslims in Oklahoma, issued the following statement:
“Leaders from member organizations of The Islamic Council of Oklahoma (ICO) are distraught by the mass shooting in Orlando today.
One of the Islamic Council of Oklahoma’s member organizations is the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City. Dr. Imad Enchassi, Imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City stated, ‘We condemn this monstrous attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured. This senseless killing of innocent people is totally unjustifiable. Our hearts ache for all of the victims; for all of this violence against purely innocent people.’
According to ICO Chairperson Sheryl Siddiqui, ICO member organizations work enthusiastically with civic and interfaith organizations to diminish hate. Muslims stand together with all Americans against anyone who intends to harm innocent people.”