[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA: The statement of the Islamic Society of North
America shows more respect for democratic values than the statements s far
from the U.S. government: " While we defend the right to free speech, even
repugnant speech, these kinds of messages on the internet are so clearly
crafted to provoke, to offend, to evoke outrage. The denigration of
religion, the mocking of religious leaders, the intentional framing of
religious texts and tenets in this manner must be repudiated by all
religious leaders." => repudiate? yes - but at the same time "defend the
right to free speech, even repugnant speech".]

ISNA SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

ISNA Condemns Violence in Egypt and Libya and Mourns the Death of U.S.
Ambassador Stevens and other Americans; Denounces the Creation of a Profane
Video of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=rh7fl7cab&v=001X6jYJeFlGfKc82g7lQ-CfjyRnulB8bnv5YHgZXw8wkL3XnuMMfo9zOgkcob-ecesPzWMyvtqi26iguHJqv9_RzI8Cm57Iu8DV3N9CO3gGkIsOQIb_PRJ6A%3D%3D

(WASHINGTON, DC - September 12, 2012) Earlier today, the Islamic Society of
North America held a press conference today to condemn the murder of U.S.
diplomats in Libya and the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. ISNA
President Imam Magid was joined by senior religious leaders and Libyan
Ambassador Ali Suleiman Aujali, who together mourned the loss of U.S.
Ambassador Christopher Stevens and other Americans. Imam Magid delivered
this statement:

"The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) unequivocally condemns the
killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, and his staff and
condemns the attack on US Embassy in Cairo. Reports indicate that those who
killed him did so as a reaction to a video depicting the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) in a profane manner. Although we believe that this video
is hateful and bigoted, this could never be an excuse to commit any acts of
violence whatsoever. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is loved and respected
by hundreds of millions of people across the world, and no one take this
from our hearts. No one should fall into the trap of those who wish to
incite anger. The Prophet (peace be upon him) should be our example in
everything we do, and even though he was attacked and insulted many times
throughout his life, he always reacted with compassion and forgiveness,
never with revenge or violence."

Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
added: "This loss of life in this manner is an affront to values of humanity
and tolerance that are the core of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. I also
stand here today to condemn the video that apparently spurred these
incidents. While we defend the right to free speech, even repugnant speech,
these kinds of messages on the internet are so clearly crafted to provoke,
to offend, to evoke outrage. The denigration of religion, the mocking of
religious leaders, the intentional framing of religious texts and tenets in
this manner must be repudiated by all religious leaders."

Rev. Dr. Welton C. Gaddy of Interfaith Alliance, spoke on a personal note:
"I am embarrassed and ashamed that the Christian religion has been
associated with an act as hateful as that of releasing a film intended to
incite violence and even to cause the deaths of innocent people. It is a
form of rhetorical hate crime. It has no place in our democracy or in
Christianity. And for one person to endorse a film and to commend it to the
world bearing the name of Christ, that causes this kind of loss and violence
and division, is wrong. The Christian religion is about peace, just as
Judaism, just as Islam. And I want to say for all of you to hear, that in
the name of Christianity, I condemn the promotion of that kind of hatred and
weep over the kind of deadly consequences it has provoked."

The Islamic Society of North America also issued a statement regarding its
position on the video being circulated by anti-Muslim hate groups that
depicts the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a very profane manner.
[see below]

Islamic Society of North America | 6555 S CR 750 E | Plainfield | IN | 46168
================

ISNA Statement on Profane Video of Prophet Muhammad

Special Announcement
http://www.isna.net/events/Special-Announcement/ISNA-Statement-on-Profane-Video-of-Prophet-Muhammad.aspx

(Washington, DC - Sept 12, 2012) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
is deeply disturbed to learn about an online video being circulated by
anti-Muslim hate groups that depicts the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) in a very profane manner. The making of this video presents an
extremely false narrative of American society and of American values. It
does not represent the views of the American public as a whole, nor does it
represent Jews, Christians, or people of any other faith. We condemn the
creation of such a hateful video, and we also call for an end to support for
such mechanisms of hatred and bigotry. It is inexcusable to propagate such
hateful media, and to lend a helping hand to those who would do this,
knowing full well that it may incite some to violence.

ISNA continues to work with communities of all faiths to respond to bigotry
and hatred against Muslims. When issues of anti-Muslim bigotry arise, many
people of goodwill stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us to condemn them and to
work for a better society for all people. Prominent Jewish and Christian
leaders across America are among the first to support our community, with
the perspective that to attack one religion is, in effect, to attack all
religions. We work with them day in and day out, united in a common purpose
of peace and mutual respect, and we know that the messages in this video
stand in stark contrast with their moral and religious values. We are
confident that they will continue to stand with us in condemnation of this
video and in support of Muslim communities as we face the many challenges
ahead. We urge all religious communities to publicly condemn this act and
help make clear that we are united against hatred, regardless of
circumstance.

As horrific and offensive as the video might be, nothing justifies the sort
of violent acts we have heard reported in Egypt and Libya. Already four
innocent people have lost their lives in Libya, including U.S. Ambassador
Christopher Stevens, who was a great friend and ally of the Libyan people.
As we mourn the loss of these individuals, we call on Muslims across the
world not to pay any attention to the voices of extremists such as the ones
that created this video. These individuals do not represent our American
government -- in fact, many of them crudely insult our President more
regularly than they insult Muslims -- and they do not represent the vast
majority of Americans. Our great country guarantees all of its citizens the
right to freedom of speech, and unfortunately some use this simply to
perpetrate bigotry and hatred. The words of these individuals are intended
only to create tension and to solicit violent reactions from Muslims and
people of other faiths around the world. It is critical that no one aid them
in this task. As American Muslims, we can state with confidence that these
individuals hold views which remain on the fringes of our society. The vast
majority of Americans and American news outlets completely disregard them,
and we urge all people around the world to do the same.

As ISNA President Imam Mohamed Magid stated, "As Muslims, we love our
Prophet (peace be upon him) dearly. In the Holy Qur'an, Allah (may He be
glorified and exalted) has praised the Prophet (peace be upon him). No video
could impact his status in our hearts."