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Muslims Around the World Speak Out Against Terrorist Attacks in Paris

2 minute read
By Nash Jenkins
Updated: | Originally published: ;

Before the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria had even claimed responsibility for the shootings and explosions that killed more than 120 in Paris on Friday night, Muslims around the world took to social media to condemn the perpetrators and defend Islam as a faith of nonviolence.

The bloodshed was linked to Islamic extremists early on, following reports that the perpetrators had referred to French policy towards Muslims and screamed “Allahu Akbar” during the attacks. President François Hollande officially named ISIS as the group behind what he called an “act of war” just before noon local time.

Several Muslim religious and political leaders officially denounced the attacks before the group took responsibility, including Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, who called them a “crime against humanity,” and Qatari foreign minister Khaled al-Attiyah, who said they were “heinous.” Rouhani had been scheduled to visit France as part of a wider European trip this weekend but has postponed his plans.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, leader of the world’s most populous Muslim nation, said that”Indonesia condemns the violence that took place in Paris.”

More spirited responses came from ordinary people. On Twitter, many referred to the hashtag #TerrorismHasNoReligion, seeking divorce Islam from the dogma espoused by extremists.

Many cited the Quran to prove their point.

Witness Paris Mourn the Day After Deadly Attacks

The Eiffel Tower turns off its lights in memory of the more than 120 victims the day after the terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower turns off its lights in memory of the more than 120 victims the day after the terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.Marc Piasecki—Getty Images
Bono and band members from the band U2 place flowers on the pavement near the scene of yesterday's Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.
Bono and band members from the band U2 place flowers on the pavement near the scene of yesterday's Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.Jeff J Mitchell—Getty Images
A woman is comforted by others outside the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris on Nov. 14, 2015.
A woman is comforted by others outside the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris on Nov. 14, 2015.Jerome Delay—AP
France Paris Attacks
A man places a candle in front of the Carillon cafe in Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015.Jerome Delay—AP
Significant Death Toll Feared In Paris Terror Attacks
The interior of the Casa Nostra Cafe, the day after the attacks on the city, on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.Christopher Furlong—Getty Images
Dozens of burnt motorbikes and bikes are pictured on the corner of Albert Thomas Lancry streets, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, on November 14, 2015, few hours after a series of terror attacks that occurred across the city. ©MAXIME JOUY/NEWZULU/Al
Burnt motorbikes and bicycles on the corner of Albert Thomas Lancry streets, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015, the morning after the attacks across the city.Maxime Jouy—Newzulu/Alamy Live News
France Paris Attacks
Police forensic experts work on the scene at the Cafe Comptoir Voltaire in Paris, Nov, 14, 2015. Marius Becker—EPA
France Paris Attacks
Police are seen near the Cafe La Belle Equipe at the Rue de Charonne in Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015.Lic Venance—AFP/Getty Images
France Paris Attacks
A pair of abandoned shoes seen left in the street near the Bataclan concert hall the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris, Nov. 14, 2015. Charles Platiau—Reuters
France Paris Attacks
Flowers and candles are placed in tribute outside Le Carillon bar, in Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015. Antoine Antoniol—Getty Images

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