"A Muslim cannot be a Terrorist and a Terrorist cannot be a Muslim"
The titled phrase was quoted from influential Turkish Islamic Scholar Fethullah Gülen and we share his comments at the Lehigh Dialogue Center. We are disgusted & appalled by the alleged terrorist plan with plotting to kill U.S. soldiers at Fort Dix in New Jersey.
We strongly condemn any violent and terrorist activities perpetrated under the name of Islam. Terrorism in any form has no religion, nationality or justification. Islam says that human life is the most sacrosanct, and there is no way that Islam would allow a suicide mission, and would allow the killing of innocents.
If allegations are true, this incident stresses once more time that it is a call to Muslims to a greater awareness that Islam teaches the need for dialogue and that Muslims are called to be agents and witnesses to God's universal mercy. That is what our mission is in Lehigh Dialogue Center and that is what we are trying to accomplish in the community. It underscores the urgent need for dialogue among people of faith one more time.
We do not intend to allow extremists and terrorists to hijack this peaceful religion and exploit Islam to advance their own agendas. As Muslims, we want to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror in the name of Islam are betraying the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad. It goes without saying that it's an obligation for Muslims to root the terrorist elements out.
The Lehigh Dialogue Center is a non-profit organization established by a group of volunteers to organize various cultural, social and religious activities, and conferences among all types of religious and ethnic groups to support and advance the harmony and cooperation in the Community. LDC believes that better integration with local communities will contribute to the peace, prosperity and harmony in our area."
Abdullah Bozkurt
President
Lehigh Dialogue Center
Bethlehem
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