Asalamu Alaykum,
On behalf of the Islamic Association of North America, we are sending our condolences to the families of the victim, George Floyd and we strongly condemn the murder that took place on Monday evening against an innocent person. We as the Imams and leaders of our community, we are outraged and at loss of words to have witnessed the killing of George Floyd by the Minneapolis Police Department. We call for full justice for the victim, his family and an immediate arrest of all those who were involved in this heinous crime.
Imam Hassan Jama IANA Executive Director said “We welcome the arrest of the former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, even though it’s unacceptable and pit surprising to bring forth a charge in 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter. We are also demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the three former Minneapolis Police Officers who participated in the killing of George Floyd. They were there to serve and protect, not to harass and kill”
This systemic and structural racism against people of color affects all of our community, and we are ready to stand with our brothers and sisters in the African American community to make sure there is an end to this police brutality.
We have also witnessed the peaceful protests by young people and people from all over the community who reject this injustice, but once again the police responded with militarism while further escalating violence. We saw and witnessed police firing rubber bullets, tear gas at Minneapolis resident bystanders and using brutal tactics to agitate the crowd further and increase the level of chaos. These brutal tactics are also not acceptable.
We reject any form of violence or criminal activity. Those who are looting or causing property damage to our city, community businesses, do not represent the response of the community. This is a distraction from the fact, we are dealing with a community trauma and structural violation by those in law enforcement.
The Quran teaches us, Justice when we are dealing with our closest relatives or even ourselves.
“O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” [Quran 4:135]
We call on Governor Walz and lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan to order a special and independent prosecutor in the murder of George Floyd under the leadership of Minnesota Attorney General Kieth Ellison.
Additionally, the Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman has lost public trust and he is not the right person to persecute this case.
Finally, we say “enough is enough”, we ask Allah to make us those who stand for justice and facilitate mercy to mankind.
#JUSTICEFORFLOYD
Leave a Reply