The Muslim community across the state is reacting to the Portland bomb plot and the mosque fire in Corvallis.
Southern Oregon Islamic leaders say the attempted terror plot is not representative of their religious beliefs. They say the alleged arson in Corvallis is unfortunate, and the result of misconceptions.
Leaders at the Islamic Peace Center in Phoenix say Islam does not condone, promote or allow violence of any kind against anyone. They point to a quote from their holy book, the Quran: “If one kills a human being, it is like killing all of humanity. And if one saves the life of a human being, it is like saving all of humanity.”
The Islamic Peace Center believe that bomb plot suspect Mohamed Osman Mohamud is uneducated about the teachings of Islam and does not represent the ideals and values of the religion.
In a statement, the center: “If the allegations against the person in Portland are true, then he’s acting against the teachings of Islam, religions, cultures, and what we believe as Americans.”
“It is sad in our lifetime, in the 21st century, where we see something like this happening. And I wonder what… Is it people are just really ignorant, or they just don’t know what they’re doing? And it’s very sad to see this,” said Kamal Ararso with the Muslim Student Association.
Local Islamic leaders say they hope the attempted bomb plot does not create more misunderstandings about their religion.
