The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut strongly condemns the deadly suicide bombing of a Shia mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, on March 5, 2022, killing more than 60 worshippers and wounding more than 200 people at a time when the mosque was packed for Friday prayer.
Islamic State of Khorasan IS K has claimed responsibility for this heinous and cowardly act conducted by a single suicide bomber who wore a packed suicide vest with ball bearings for maximum carnage.
The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut firmly denounces all forms of terrorism. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right as guaranteed by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and we are appalled by such vicious killing and targeting of innocent people based on their religious affiliation. Islam teaches us the importance of the sanctity of life. Houses of worship should be peaceful havens, not targets. No one should be denied this basic human right.
MCCT calls on all people to stand together to oppose violence against any group of people and urges the redoubling of efforts to promote knowledge, understanding, and respect for all. The freedom to worship in a mosque, church, synagogue, or temple must be protected from fear, intimidation and violence. We also call upon the authorities to bring the perpetrators, organizers, and helpers of any kind of this reprehensible crime to justice and to take appropriate measures to prevent further attacks.
Our collective prayers and thoughts go out to our Shiite brothers and sisters who lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. We stand with and support the families of the victims whose lives were interrupted and diverted by injuries. May Allah protect and watch over all victims of wanton violence and help us overcome hurtful divisiveness through peaceful tolerance and understanding.