In the name of the One God, the Compassionate and Merciful
I extend my warmest wishes of peace and blessings upon you all.
And I would like to say a few things 'for the record.'
We attended a dinner tonight hosted by one of our local Islamic Centers. They invited people of all faiths to come share a meal with us during the month of Ramadan. It was well advertised, and well attended. Alhumdulillah - all thanks are to God.
There were many questions, but the one that got me tonight, the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back, was the often repeated query: "Why don't so called 'moderate Muslims' do more about 'extremist Muslims,' and speak out more loudly against them."
So here you go:
I condemn the killing of innocent people. I ESPECIALLY condemn the killing of innocent people by Muslims because THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER. Read the Qur'an.
I condemn ANY interpretation of my religion which leads to unkindness, lack of compassion and mercy, and disrespect for any of the residents of this world, alive, dead, human, animal, plant, and so on...you get the idea. Read the Qur'an.
This is indeed a religion of peace and love, but if people do not want peace and love, no matter what religion they are, they will not have it. And they will do anything to justify their anger, and to place the blame for it on the next convenient target. We got a little bit of that tonight, and we can have it every day on Fox News. Read the Qur'an.
Our Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) was a man whose light radiated through the universe. If you were near him, you felt loved by him. You felt that light, that compassion, that mercy. You still feel it today in the city of Medina where he is buried.
That does not mean that the Muslim community of the time never had to make difficult choices. That does not mean that there was never war, for sometimes a war must be fought for the sake of justice and to fight oppression. But that is only a small fraction of the story and of the history. Read the Qur'an.
The Muslims today who get the most media attention do not reflect that love. I stand against them, and for our Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him). Their way is NOT his way, for it is filled with hate and devoid of light and love. Read the Qur'an.
And to you, o' questioner:
What more do you want me to do? What more do you want US to do? How many books do we need to write that you do not read? How many websites do we need to create that you do not visit? How many events do we need to host, interviews do we need to give, full or half-page ads do we need to purchase in our local papers?
We are mothers, fathers, volunteers, doctors, lawyers, service people, PTA members, council men and women, relgious leaders...and on and on and on. We have lives and families just like you do. Many of us were born and raised in this wonderful country, and we cherish its goodness and ideals. This is our home as much as it is yours.
The very small percentage of Muslims who can be labeled as 'extremist' are NOT our friends, and in fact probably would rather see us dead before you just for the crime of being willing to dialogue with you at all.
And that is the truth.
Look in the mirror o' people of this world. Look at your life and your society, and reflect on them in light of the situation of others, especially those who are disadvantaged, forgotten, and forsaken.
Do not let bigotry and fear prevent you from examining your own heart. For if you do, it will make you a better person, and will help you create bridges of love and peace with all people.
And pray for the forgiveness of your Lord, for you, and for us all. We will need it, no matter who we are.
With peace,
Sheikha Munira von Briesen
