Utah Muslims condemn Paris attacks, say they violate Islamic teachings
Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Imam Muhammed S. Mehtar of the Islamic Society of Great Salt Lake in West Valley City Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Imam Muhammed S. Mehtar of the Islamic Society of Great Salt Lake in West Valley City Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune Crescent moon spires rise from the minaret, right, and dome at the Khadeeja Islamic Center Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune The evening sun illuminates the Khadeeja Islamic Center in West Valley City, Utah Sunday J
Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Imam Muhammed S. Mehtar of the Islamic Society of Great Salt Lake in West Valley City leads prayers on Monday, May 2, 2011, following the announcement of Osama bin Laden's death. Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Imam Muhammed S. Mehtar of the Islamic Society of Great Salt Lake in West Valley City leads a discussion following prayers on Monday, May 2, 2011, following the announcement of Osama bin Laden's death. Imam Mehtar emphasized "Be honest in everything you do," during the discussion with the small group gathered for prayers. Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune Crescent moon spires rise from the minaret, right, and dome at the Khadeeja Islamic Center in West Valley City, Utah Sunday July 21, 2013. Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune The evening sun illuminates the Khadeeja Islamic Center in West Valley City, Utah Sunday July 21, 2013.
· November 23, 2015 3:46 pm
The Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake is condemning the Paris and Beirut terrorist attacks, noting that the assailants violated Muslim scripture and arguing that the "path to peace cannot be paved with blood."
Imam Muhammed Mehtar of the Khadeeja Islamic Center in West Valley City, writing in a post on the society's Facebook page, said "tragic, senseless violence recognizes no borders, and takes innocent victims without regard for distinctions such as race, gender or religion."
Mehtar denounced the attackers and lamented their stated ties to Islam.
"It is with dread and despair," he wrote, "that we see people who align themselves to us in faith commit such acts of soul-crushing violence."
The spiritual leader pointed to verses in Islam's holy book, the Quran, that stress the sanctity of human lives.
"With this as our firm and unerring guideline," Mehtar added, "we absolutely condemn violence perpetrated upon humanity, and recognize that Islam is unequivocal in its respect for humanity and peace."