AMERICAN MUSLIM JOINT STATEMENT ON CRISIS IN IRAQ

Introduction

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (alternatively translated as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), abbreviated as ISIL or ISIS, is an active Jihadist terrorist group with a mission to establish an illegal unrecognized state in Iraq and Syria under the auspices the Wahhabi movement[i]. This week, militants from the terrorist group attacked and overran several Iraqi cities, including one of Iraq’s most populous cities Mosul. The Iraqi military failed resoundingly to combat the terrorists, resulting in a speedy conquest of the cities and the capture of Iraqi police and security forces. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Representatives of ISIL have stated an intention to attack Karbala and destroy it[ii]. In statements released before the attacks, ISIL declared its intention to assassinate Grand Ayatollah Sistani[iii].

Recent Timeline

On 5 June 2014, ISIS militants stormed the city of Samarra in Iraq before being ousted from the city by airstrikes from the Iraqi military. On 6 June 2014, ISIL militants carried out multiple attacks in the Iraqi city of Mosul. On 7 June 2014, ISIL militants took over the University of Anbar in Ramadi, Iraq and held 1300 students hostage before being ousted by the Iraqi military. On 9 June 2014, Mosul fell to ISIL control. The militants seized control of government offices, the airport, and police stations. On 11 June 2014, ISIL seized the Turkish consulate in the Iraqi city of Mosul and kidnapped the head of the diplomatic mission and several staff members. ISIL subsequently also seized the Iraqi city of Tikrit.[iv]

Statement

It is an undeniable reality that Iraq is in a state of crisis, and the international community has a moral responsibility to speak out and act against ISIL whilst demanding peace and safety for the people of Iraq. We, the below signed Shia scholars, community leaders, mosques, faith communities, and activists hereby call for an immediate resolution to the crisis, and the removal of ISIL from the country of Iraq.

We condemn, in the strongest terms, the violent statements and actions of ISIL, and believe that no legitimate cause can ever be accomplished by terrorism, violence against innocents, or through sectarian hatred. We reject the narrative espoused by the leadership of ISIL, and do not accept that this crisis is a war between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Instead, we stand firmly in solidarity with the countless members of the Shia and Sunni Muslim communities who call for a better Iraq. ISIL’s strategy of intimidation, abduction, torture and murder are antithetical to the teachings of Islam, and can never be supported by any rational person.

ISIL’s leadership and members must be brought to justice. The world community must spare no effort in opposing ISIL, and restoring security to the besieged regions of Iraq, and its displaced people.

We, as American Muslims, call for Iraq’s citizenry to be granted safety and security, without the fear of aggression from terrorist elements. We reiterate our support for the peace loving people of Iraq, whether they are Shia, Sunni, or from any other religious, ethnic, or historical community. The rule of law must be preserved in Iraq, and there must be a strong focus on preserving human rights throughout all of Iraq.

Signatories          

Al-Hakim Foundation

Al Kauser, New Jersey

Al-Khoei Center

Mustafa Akhwand

Sheikh Mohammad Al-Hilli

Saiyed Mehboob Mehdi Al-Najafi

Sayid Abdelsattar Almoussawi

Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini

Sheikh Fadel Al-Sahlani

Sayyid Haidar Bahar Al-Aloom

Baqee Organization

Freemuslim, Islamic Non Violence Organization

Imam Mahdi Education Center (IMEC), MD

Imamia Medics International (IMI)

Islamic Education Center, Husaini Assoc. of Greater Chicago (IEC Husseini)

Islamic Education Center of Orange County (IECOC)

Islamic Information Center (IIC)

Dr. Jafar Jawad

Mainstay Foundation

Muslims for Peace (MFP)

Organization of North American Shia Ithnasheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO)

Shia Rights Watch (SRW)

Shirazi Foundation

Wizarat Rizvi

Dr. Ali Naqi (Naqvi) Syed (Chicago, IL)

Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA)

*For individuals, names have been alphabetized by surname.