Australian Islamic leaders call for wisdom and patience

Leaders from Australia’s Islamic community have released a joint media statement that condemns the violence witnessed at a protest in  Sydney yesterday, calling on the community to show wisdom and patience.

Sunday Sept 16 2012

Media Release: Statement from Leaders of the Australian Islamic Community regarding the protest in Sydney

Leaders of Australia’s Islamic community condemn the violent scenes that were seen on the streets of Sydney yesterday.

The protest was not sanctioned or authorised by any Islamic organisation.

Although we believe in the right to protest and freedom of speech, it cannot be seen as freedom of speech to insult religions, Prophets and the sacred values or articles of people.

Accordingly, we condemn in the strongest possible terms, the provocative and offensive content of the film depicting the Prophet Muhammad that was recently released.

However, such insults do not provide individuals with the right to react violently against others and retaliate in a manner as was demonstrated by a few of the protesters yesterday.

Although we understand that many in the world are deeply offended by the release of the offensive film, we call upon the community to react in a manner that exemplifies the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad and the spirit of Islam by exercising wisdom and patience.

Statement on behalf of:

Office of The Mufti of Australia

Islamic Council of New South Wales (ICNSW)

Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA)

Islamic Council of Victoria

Australian Islamic Mission

Australian National Imams Council

United Muslim Women Association

Australian Institute of Islamic Culture

Muslim Students Association of Australia

Australian Council of Women Association

Australian Islamic Voice

Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah Association of Australia (ASWJ)

United Muslims of Australia (UMA)

Islamic Egyptian Society

For further enquiries, please contact:

LMA – Samier Dandan 0414 998 008

ICNSW – Khaled Sukkarieh 0418 999 022

Federation of Australia Muslim Youth (FAMSY)

Quran Kareem Radio

Granville Youth Association

END