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
END
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
END
I heard about this protest. I just hope it will not happen again.
Posted by: Fails Thornburg | Feb 25, 2013 at 10:15 AM
There are many ways to kill a cat.If you have something to protest,do it in a right manner.Yes we have the right to protest but it doesn't mean you do it in a violent way.The problem will never be solved by making another problem.
Posted by: Brannum Ogrady | Mar 04, 2013 at 02:37 AM
Yes of course, even though we have such freedom of speech or expression, this would not give us permit to say and to do anything that hurts people.
Posted by: Espy Garris | Mar 06, 2013 at 08:58 PM