The local Muslims also wanted to take the opportunity to answer questions and tell people about themselves, including that they condemn terrorist attacks.
Source/Credit: CBS 46
By Meghan Packer | Dec 12, 2015
NORCROSS, GA - A Gwinnett County mosque held a prayer vigil Saturday for the shooting victims of the recent California attack.
It was hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Georgia Chapter at the Baitul Ata Mosque in Norcross.
Members of the local chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a sect of Islam, gathered with people of other faiths and backgrounds.
“I wish, personally, that we never had this meeting today,” said Hazeem Pudhiapura, the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Georgia Chapter. “I wish the horrific terror that happened in San Bernardino or in Paris or elsewhere didn’t happen.”
He told the group their community promises to report any sign of radicalization or extremism.
The local Muslims also wanted to take the opportunity to answer questions and tell people about themselves, including that they condemn terrorist attacks.
Sultan Humayun, a high school student, said, “Our youth groups have really tried to educate Muslim youth about how their ideology is wrong, how ISIS is wrong , and that their caliphate is false and that we all need to oppose them.”
Community members from other faiths offered support and said it’s important to stand united.
Former Lilburn Mayor Diana Preston said, “In our community when one person’s suffering, we’re all suffering and to that end we need to support each other.”
Suzanne Sen with Khabar Magazine, said “Thank you so much for what you are doing here in this community, engaging with the mainstream and inviting people to come and understand better. It’s so important.”
Saleem Ahmad Hayat told CBS46, “We are consistent with our message of love for all and hatred for none.”
“We are Muslims but we are proud Americans,” he added.
“We are hungry for love and we are telling everyone, come talk to us,” he said with tears in his eyes. “I want to assure my American family that we are one of you.”
Copyright 2015 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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