11/29/13: Muslims condemn Beirut double suicide bombing

Muslims condemn Beirut double suicide bombing

By Natasha Dado

Friday, 11.29.2013, 02:59pm

DEARBORN HEIGHTS — American Muslims gathered at the Islamic House of Wisdom here Nov. 24 for a commemoration ceremony held in remembrance of those who lost their lives Nov. 19 in double suicide bombings that killed 25 people at the Iranian embassy in south Beirut. 

The suicide bombings were carried out by a Lebanon based Al-Qaeda linked group who threatened future attacks unless Iran withdrew its troops from Syria. 

During the ceremony members of the Muslim community including religious leaders condemned the attacks, and said the terrorist group that committed them in Islam’s name doesn’t reflect the faith’s peaceful teachings.  

Those who attended prayed for the fast recovery of people who were wounded in the attack, and others who lost their loved ones. 

Younes Makki, a 14-year-old Lebanese American recites a prayer from the Quran in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Beirut bombings

"The actions of a few do not resemble Islam. Of course we condemn this type of terrorism. People who commit acts of terrorism in the name of Islam, may claim to be Muslim, but they’re not. In Islam even animals are protected and respected," said Iranian American Ali Sharief, a Dearborn resident. 

"Definitely we condemn the attacks on the Iranian Embassy…This is a crime against humanity in our eyes, and criminal activity. And we hope the government takes these criminals and puts them in the place where they belong." Younes Makki, a 14-year-old Dearborn resident who’s Lebanese recited a prayer from the Quran for the victims who lost their lives in the attacks.  A lot of young Muslim Americans attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the victims and express solidarity with their families.  

"I feel like it is really sad. I was born here, but I still care about the violence plaguing the country I trace my roots to," Makki said. 

Imam Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom asked the crowd to also remember victims of similar attacks  in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries that have become vulnerable to terrorism in recent years. 

"We know what Islam is. It is peaceful, humble, kind and loving. The people who commit acts of terrorism against Islam add fuel to the fires of Islamophobia," Elahi said.