Muslims from across the globe have condemned the attacks on Mumbai, India. However, they are forced to defend their religious faith.
In a note of sheer irony, leaders and representatives of both Catholicism and Islam had met for several days at the Vatican. The meeting lasted for three days. At the end of the meeting, “
A Common Word” was drafted. Under this manifesto, practitioners of Catholicism and Islam are called forth to bring peace, love, and tranquility to the world. At the same time, they are called to condemn and denounce acts of violence committed in the name of religion.
Ironically on the same day, the Mumbai Massacre had hit. In the span of three days, it was chaos and bloodshed across Mumbai, India. The massacre started from a train station and branched off to several five-star luxury hotels and a Jewish center.
As the aftermath ended, strong suspicions are pointing towards Pakistan. It is believed that the gunmen responsible came from Pakistan. However, Britain is looking into the possibility that two of the gunmen are British citizens.
Pakistan had warned India about the implications of placing blame on its government. The Pakistani government had agreed to send it the chief of its top spy agency to assist in the investigation.
A British security official anonymously said that this attack had caught spy agencies across the world off guard.
The Deccan Mujahideen, the group claiming responsibility, is not known on the list of terror networks. However, Indian police said that the only gunman surviving said that he belongs to the Lashkar-e-Taiba. This is alleged and reported to have ties with Al-Qaeda.
Muslims across the world are taking a stand and condemning the violence in Mumbai. However, this brutal massacre has given Islam a black-eye. They are worried that such violence will leave an almost permanent scar on Islam.
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The occupation of the synagogue and killing people in hotels tarnishes the Muslim faith,” explains Baghdad University lecturer Kazim al-Muqdadi. Al-Muqdadi adds that people that use religion to commit violence are both sick and ignorant.
Muslims are indeed taking a stand against religious violence such as the Mumbai Massacre.
22-year-old Ali Abdel Muhsen said that Muslims should raise their voice and denounce such actions.
They are taking a stand. But, they have their fears that it will further tarnish the name of Islam.
At the same time, Muslim extremists rejoice in the Mumbai Massacre. But, that should not be a surprise.
