The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia understands that while it is wrong to mock the sensitivities of other religions, it categorically condemns the barbaric attack on Charlie Hebdo in Paris, France, and mourns with the families of the victims.
The Community mourns the loss of 12 lives and those injured. We pray that may God Almighty bring patience to the hearts of those grieving the loss of loved ones.
“For the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia it is even more painful as these killings were justified in the name of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam and Prophet Muhammad both forbid any worldly punishment for blasphemy. The killings have nothing to do with the core principles of Islam. ” said Mirza Sharif, National External Affairs Secretary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia.
The fifth Caliph of Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Remember that Islam never has and never will be spread through violence and bloodshed. Rather, the spread of Islam can only be achieved by invoking blessings and salutations (Durood) on the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him). Only by offering Durood can we be successful.”
His Holiness said that following the attack on Charlie Hebdo the publication had been given a new lease of life.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said further:
“What has been gained by this evil terrorist attack? In the past many Western leaders condemned the publication of such offensive caricatures but after last week’s attack in France, many people and leaders have now changed their opinion and publicly aired their support for this indecent publication.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
“Since the attack (on Charlie Hebdo) the newspaper has received huge financial support from various sources. Previously, its print circulation was just 60,000 and it was being said that the newspaper would soon go out of business but due directly to the acts of these so-called Muslims the magazine has now been given a new lease of life and this week its print circulation is in excess of five million.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community asks all people to understand that such violence and terrorist acts have nothing to do with the true teachings of Islam. We continue to pray for peace and for those suffering.
Mirza Sharif National External Affairs Secretary Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia
