Condemnation of anti-Shi'a Muslim Hate Crime in New Mexico and Call for Action

In the Name of God, the Most Generous, the Uniquely Merciful

The Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) offers our sincere condolences and unequivocally condemns the anti-Shi’a hate crime and terrorism resulting in the murder of four Shi’a Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico. No one, irrespective of their religious or political beliefs, should live in fear or be subjected to such senseless attacks and violence. We ask the Almighty to grant healing and comfort to the victims' families: Mohammad Zahir Ahmadi, Muhammad Afzaal Hussein, Aftab Hussein, and Naeem Hussain.

These horrific killings did not occur in a vacuum and are the natural result of long-standing dehumanization, mischaracterizations, and falsehoods spread against Shi’a Muslims and their beliefs. Such misinformation and misrepresentations, unfortunately at times, are intentional and an active part of the content and contours of speakers and spaces within the Muslim-American community.

We call upon the Muslim-American community and, in particular religious leaders, mosques, community organizations, and the general public to openly commit and coordinate against the continuation of such vitriol and systemic dehumanization of Shi’a Muslims and express their unequivocal solidarity with and support of Shi’a Muslims. The time to move beyond platitudes and performative solidarity is now. Leaders and organizations must commit to educating themselves and their respective communities by allowing space and programs wherein Shi’a Muslims scholars, leaders, and community members can educate them on Shi’a beliefs and experiences. It is time for others to stop speaking on behalf of Shi’a Muslims and end misrepresentations and charged language against this community. Anything other than this will continue this cycle of hatred and vitriol that has generated animosity, distrust, and violence against Shi’a Muslims in the United States and abroad.

ICCNC has long been a leader in intra-faith and inter-faith unity and solidarity, and our programs and prayers are attended by both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. This should be the norm and not the exception. The Muslim community must also address historical texts and contestations that have led to the present moment and correct falsehoods and vitriol aimed at the othering of Shi’a Muslims. We pray for unity, respect, and dialogue within the Muslim community and other communities so that this country and beyond blossoms as a place of safety, opportunity, and equality for all of us human beings. May the Almighty guide us and illuminate our hearts.

With prayers and a commitment to justice for all.