Addressing religious extremism is a must, especially for Muslims. Mohammad Shammak is a Muslim religious leader in Lebanon. He manages to present a clear analysis of what is happening with Islam.
MOHAMMAD SHAMMAK
Advisor to Grand Mufti of Lebanon
'Islam has been hijacked by extremist who express extremism by committing terror and crimes against humanity. This is not Islam. We have to prove to all human beings that Islam is a peaceful religion, that Islam is open and respects and believes in all other religions and what is happening right now has nothing to do with Islam at all.â?
The 26 Islamic delegations that participated in interreligious meeting for peace in Assisi share this idea.
ABDELRAHMAN EL-ZAHAB
Former President of Sudan
'This is absolutely wrong and this is not acceptable by Islam standards. In every religion, you will find such people who don't understand or perhaps interpret certain verses for their own will which is contradicted with the teachings of Islam or other religions.â?
He strongly deplores the recent terrorist attacks in the name of Islam and expresses his solidarity, especially in regards to one of the most brutal, the murder of Father Jacques Hamel.
MOHAMMAD SHAMMAK
Advisor to Grand Mufti of Lebanon
'He is a victim and he is a martyr to all Humanity. Those who have committed that crime in the name of religion, as the Holy Father said, are satanic actions and we are against this and all Muslim religious leaders condemn this crime and I consider him a victim of our faith as well.â?
From Nigeria, where Boko Haram, a jihadist extremist also strikes without reason. Christians are also aware that this is not what the real Islam represents.
MSGR. MATTHEW HASSAN KUKAH
Bishop of Sokoto, Nigeria
'We are telling our Muslim brothers 'let us come togetherâ? because we are facing an evil and if we don't come together we cannot destroy that evil because Boko Haram does not represent Islam. He is simply manipulating and demonizing Islam. In the same way Christianity or any other religion can be subject of manipulation.â?
In Assisi, both Christians and Muslims spoke of peace and coexistence and made it clear by repeating the Pope's message: 'Peace alone, and not war, is holy.â?
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