Originally Published in San Jose Mercury News
As a Muslim, I condemn the horrific attack that occurred in Paris as inhumane and un-Islamic. I express my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of the victims. It is very troubling that there has been a rise of such horrific acts being carried out in the name of God and Islam. There is no room in Islamic teaching for such violence. The Prophet Muhammad taught his followers to be kind and show justice to everyone. He endured persecution during his prophethood and responded with patience and forgiveness. Although Charlie Hebdo’s publications have hurt the sentiments of Muslims, this does not in any way give Muslims the right to retaliate with violence. The response to the irresponsible usage of the freedom of speech shown by such publications should have been through a pen, not a gun
