The Islamic Society of Carroll County (ISCC) condemns unequivocally the attempted terrorist attack on innocent people in Portland, OR and praises the FBI and the Portland police for stopping the would-be attacker from carrying out a senseless killing of innocent Americans gathered to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree, a symbol of peace and hope. The ISCC calls on all Muslims to stand up and be vigilant and report any misguided individuals who harbor hateful feelings and ill will toward our nation.

As president of the ISCC, I have already asked our Imam (leader of prayer) to dedicate his sermon at next Friday’s prayer on December 3rd to the topic of “The Rights and Obligations of American Muslims.” A good American Muslim is loyal to his/her country and does not plan anything that can harm the common good. He or she rejects all forms of extremism and adheres to and respects the laws of our nation.

One of the missions of the ISCC is to educate young Muslims in Carroll County about the peaceful nature and humane values of Islam, our responsibilities toward each other, and respect for human life. As American Muslims, we will stand up and defend the values of this country enshrined in our Constitution.

The ISCC encourages all American Muslims to reject all kinds and forms of terror and violence in the name of religion. Furthermore, we ask all Muslim congregations to reach out to their local communities and reassure them that they are an integral part of their community. At the core of Islam are peace, tolerance, compassion and love, and not war, violence and hatred.

Individuals like Mohamed Osman Mohamud, the would-be mass murderer of Portland, do not and cannot represent millions of ordinary and peaceful Muslims. Nothing can justify this kind of deliberate and cowardly slaughter of innocent Americans.

Islam does not support, preach, or advocate violence, discrimination, or terrorism in any way, shape, or form. In addition to this, there are clear rules of combat and war, which are taught by the Qur’an and which Muslims must adhere to. Only a legitimate authority and not an individual or group can declare war, and it should be the last and not first resort. Muslims must respond to peaceful initiatives. There shall be no attacks on non-combatants (children, men, women, monks, nuns, rabbis, trees, crops, buildings, natural resources, etc.) and all those who are injured must be treated humanly.

We again salute the great work and vigilance exhibited by the FBI and the Portland police in stopping this dangerous young man. We ask our fellow Americans not to collectively associate an entire community and religion with the acts and crimes of deranged individuals and extremist groups. In a news conference, Portland Mayor Sam Adams said "Bad actions by one member of any group does not and should not be generalized or applied more widely to other members of that same group."