The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut condemns the taking of hostages at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas yesterday. In Islam, all houses of worship are considered sacred ground, and there is no justification for violating the sanctity of a worship service or its attendees for any reason. We express our support and solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Colleyville and across the country. We thank God that all the hostages exited the synagogue last night with the help of members of law enforcement.
The Qur’an explicitly requires Muslims to honor and protect houses of worship and their congregants: “If God had not driven some people back by means of others: monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where God’s name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed,” Quran 22:40.
The Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) and his successors also forbade any mistreatment of non-Muslims or places of worship. Numerous traditions of the Prophet show his respect and good treatment of Jews, Christians, and people of other faiths. For example, when a Jewish man’s funeral procession passed by the Prophet, he stood up out of deep respect. The Prophet was also known to visit sick members of the Jewish community. The person who took hostages at Congregation Beth Israel acted contrary to the Holy Qur’an and the example of our Prophet.
We pray for God’s protection on the people of all faith communities and their houses of worship, and call upon all to show respect for other communities of faith.