Terrorism killed more than 130 people in Paris last Friday--not Islam. The 8 alleged attackers, and all the others connected to the horrific event represent an extreme ideology built on hate. They do not represent Islam. As the world mourns the attacks in Paris, Beirut and everywhere else ISIS has destroyed life, everyone must remember that the vast majority of Muslims are peace-loving and tolerant.
The world has to come together to eliminate ISIS, but the collective response should not be indiscriminate. The Muslim refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East cannot be abandoned. The Muslim citizens of Europe and around the world cannot be ostracized and abused. They, too, are the victims of ISIS. And they, too, want to see an end to ISIS's barbarity.
Over the weekend, Muslims around the world mourned the attacks and condemned ISIS. #NotInMyName and #IAmAMuslim began trending on social media as a way for Muslims to express love and peace.
"@MurtazaGeoNews: British Muslims send a clear message to #IS#ISIS sectarian murderers -- #notinmynamepic.twitter.com/PM8Sz1wmsR"
— MariaCriselda Cepeda (@adlesircairam) November 16, 2015
#IAmAMuslim and I condemn the attacks in #Paris#Beirut and all over the #world say NO to #ISIS#ISISisNotIslam#peace#love#care
— Rashvan (@RashvanIB) November 16, 2015
Messages from our future... Against all kind of violence, against the war... #NoALaGuerra#NotInMyName#IAmAMuslimpic.twitter.com/98bjbi5r3J
— Jose Luis Cereijo (@jlcereijo) November 16, 2015
A minute of silence for peace... #IAmAMuslim#NotInMyName#annaravell#NoALaGuerra#NousSommesAvecLaFrancepic.twitter.com/kXM5UmVSLw
— Jose Luis Cereijo (@jlcereijo) November 16, 2015
My name is Shinta Devi. I am Indonesian. #IAmAMuslim and I condemn the Paris attacks.
— Shinta Devi (@shindevi) November 15, 2015
Nothing more to say than quote this ayah from the Holy Quran.. #Iamamuslim#PrayForTheWorldpic.twitter.com/vf4qgRhIj2
— Khadeeja Kalanad (@khadeejakalanad) November 15, 2015
#NotInMyName: ISIS Do Not Represent British Muslims https://t.co/ShIFkWggBQ
— AND1 (@MUTANTAND1) November 16, 2015
Today is International Day of Tolerance. As citizens and leaders everywhere condemn ISIS and work towards its defeat, I hope that tolerance and values of plurality are not thrown out the window. ISIS is a monstrous cult fueled by intolerance. They are the very opposite of the caring, peaceful community made up of diverse people that Global Citizen advocates for.
So for today and every other day, I hope that within our collective outrage, we hold onto our collective compassion.