Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Terrorists in France, this past week, committed a gross offense by murdering (and injuring) many.

     Grossness of Murder
[Quran 5:32] ... anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. Our messengers went to them with clear proofs and revelations, but most of them, after all this, are still transgressing.


God teaches us in the Quran that life is sacred (Quran 6:151, 17:33, 25:68), and there should be maximum freedom for all people, including the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression (Quran 2:256, 10:99, 88:21-22).

[Quran 2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.


The extremists claimed they were avenging insults (i.e., offensive content published by the satirical newspaper) to the prophet Muhammad. Nowhere in the Quran does it say to kill those who insult God or any of His messengers. Instead, if people speak out of ignorance, God says to disregard them and utter peace (Quran 7:199, 25:63, 33:48).

God does not advocate sin (Quran 7:28), and the religion of Submission to God (Islam in Arabic), never condones such senseless attacks nor any form of aggression. God does not love the aggressors (Quran 2:190-193).

[Quran 7:28] They commit a gross sin, then say, "... GOD has commanded us to do it." Say, "GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?"


The example we learn from the prophets of God is to pray for peace (2:126, 14:35), and we ask that God may grant us righteousness in this world and the Hereafter (Quran 2:201, 14:40, 1:5-7, 46:15, 27:19, 3:104, 26:83, 37:100, 2:286, 21:90).

     Abraham
[Quran 14:35] Recall that Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and protect me and my children from worshiping idols.


References:
True Islam, Religion of Peace, Justice and Freedom, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/striving/true_Islam_religion_peace_justice_freedom.html
What Price A Great Nation, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix36.html
Introduction to the Quran (and Submission), http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/introduction.html
Terrorism forbidden, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/terrorism/


Peace.