Dear Ones-
As we all know, the terrible tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas has been receiving a great deal of media coverage. Particularly, there has been much focus on the fact that the alleged gunman was Muslim.
In light of this, and because I have been in contact with the local Muslim community through our Peace Through Diversity Day planning, I wrote the following to my contact:
“As we hear more and more about the events which occurred at Ft Hood, Texas, I can’t help but think of you and yoru Community. I just want to send this and tell you that there are those of us who very clearly understand that that tragic event had no more to do with Islam than it does with Christianity, Hinduism, or any other religion that espouses peace, love, and justice. I stand with you for peace, never violence.
If there is any “backlash” against you or your Community, I hope you will call on me and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Salisbury to stand by your side- to stand on the side of love.
Please know that you are held in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers for peace.”
In response, I received this lovely and gracious response:
Dear John,
Thank you so very much for the support and keeping the Salisbury Muslim community in your thoughts and prayers. As we all know that people of Salisbury are very brave and understanding. And so for it is blessing on all of us that we are all together in this and we all know there are only few in this world who take advantage of religion for their personal agendas. No religion of God teach or preach any mankind to take any one’s life like this. It is a great tragedy and a big loss to our nation. May God bless all their families and survivors who loss their life. May peace be upon them, and God give some guidance to those who are not on the right path. On behalf of whole Muslim community, Thank You. Dawood Ahmad
I hope he is correct, that the people of Salisbury are very brave and understanding. As we collectively grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, and as the awful details of this tragic event become clearer, may the citizens of our country and our community continue to be worthy of Dawood’s loving and kind assessment.
Wishing you peace and blessings,
John
You can reach John at minister@uufs.net or by calling 410-546-3964
