American Muslims & Arabs Welcome News of Osama bin Laden’s Death - updated 5/9

compiled by Sheila Musaji

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American Muslims & Arabs Welcome News of Osama bin Laden’s Death

compiled by Sheila Musaji

All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), Sterling VA Welcomes Justice For 9/11 Victims

ADAMS joins the nation and the world to thank the brave men and women serving in the military and intelligence fields whose work to secure our nation have now brought the leader of Al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden the perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks, to Justice. We hope his death will bring some relief to all the families, of every faith and walk of life, who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in every other terrorist attack orchestrated or inspired by the perverse hatred of Bin Laden’s misguided ideology.

The All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) states clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the despicable criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

ADAMS remains committed to working with government and law enforcement partners to prevent violent extremism of any type. For several years, ADAMS has served on the American Muslim Sikh Advisory Committee to the FBI Washington Field Office (WFO), and has always encouraged open dialogue and cooperation from the Muslim community with law enforcement in order to protect our nation and to protect individual civil rights. ADAMS has hosted several Town Hall meetings with the FBI at our mosque, and we have had many advisory sessions with the WFO Director and Field Agents where we have shared our mutual concerns and explored ways of strengthening our cooperation.

ADAMS also has a variety of ongoing projects, activities, sermons and educational programs to work with our youth and our entire community to prevent extremism. Our community hosts and participates in a wide range of community service activities, peace-building events, interfaith events, and Scouting activities designed to engage our youth in productive citizenship activities. We make every possible effort to keep our community focused on positive ways to contribute to our great nation.

ADAMS is also a sponsor of the Interfaith 9/11 Unity Walk that brings together Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Jewish, Latter-day Saints, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Sikh and Zoroastrian faith communities on a Interfaith PEACE walk every year on 9/11. The 9/11 Unity Walk commemorates this year 10 years since the regrettable acts of terror on September 11, 2001, but also looks forward to the next nine decades as an opportunity to build a century of strength and peace. None of us alone is strong enough to bring down walls of intolerance or build communities of respect and understanding, but we do know some things that can get us there: strength reveals itself in compassion; in compassion, we find connection; and in connection, transformation. Let us therefore move forward into a decade of greater understanding of each other, and into a century of strength, compassion, connection and transformation. Forward as one.

As the President pointed out in his address to the nation, the ideology of Bin Laden is incompatible with Islam: “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”

ADAMS is also pleased that President Obama had stated “it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.” The Pakistani-Americans in our community, and across the USA, and every other person in our ADAMS community are in complete solidarity with the President’s remarks.

We support President Obama in marking his hope that today, Americans will “think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11” and remember that “on that day, no matter what God we prayed to, we were united as one American family.”

“ADAMS joins President Obama in praying that as the nation continues to heal from the devastation inflicted upon us all at the hands of Bin Laden and his misguided ilk, we will turn to each other today united, and emerge tomorrow with an even stronger resolve to take every action necessary to protect the precious ideals of our nation, which Bin Laden sought to destroy on 9/11: peace, tolerance, respect, and freedom for all,” said ADAMS Executive Director Imam Mohamed Magid.

 

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Statement

National spokesman Harris Zafar said: “As a Muslim, I am happy that a known terrorist like Osama bin Laden has been brought down and his reign of terror has come to an end. His actions ran counter to the true, peaceful, message of Islam, and he created so much mistrust and misconception of Islam. I hope other Muslims will realize that he was not a leader of Muslims. He was only a leader of extremists.”

 

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)

Washington, DC | http://www.adc.org | May 5, 2011 - The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) congratulates President Barack H. Obama and his Administration Team for the successful operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden. Justice has been rendered to the leader of the terrorists who killed thousands of innocent people on the worst foreign attack on American soil in our Nation’s history.

To paraphrase the President’s own statements: We will never forget our loss, or waiver in our commitment for equality and justice, or the pursuit of peace and human dignity for all people. On that day of 9/11 and today – no matter where we came from or what our citizenship is, no matter what our faith is, or what race or ethnicity we are – we are united as one family in our commitment to each other, our love of community and country, and our standing up for our values in our pursuit of liberty and justice for all.

We remain: “E Pluribus Unum,” or “Out of Many, One.” 


American Islamic Congress (AIC) Statement

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/—The American Islamic Congress today welcomed the news that Osama Bin Laden has been brought to justice by U.S. Special Forces. Executive Director Zainab Al-Suwaij issued the following statement:

“It is a sad truth that one man’s death can represent a step forward in the progress of human relations. But in the case of Osama Bin Laden, Americans take comfort that our military has at last served justice to a man who terrorized the United States, as well people of all backgrounds around the world. In fact, Bin Laden and his followers have massacred and maimed tens of thousands of Muslims.

“The world may at last be free of Bin Laden, but the danger he represented has not gone away. The ideology he embodied and promoted is still out there - and we must do everything in our power to combat it. Muslims and Muslim-Americans in particular have an important role to play in this struggle, standing up unequivocally against terrorism and for individual rights.

“Bin Laden’s death fittingly comes as new bursts of freedom are emerging in Muslim-majority countries around the world. Dignified nonviolent struggles against tyranny and in celebration of individuality are a powerful rebuke to the threatening forces of Bin Ladenism.

“The American Islamic Congress was launched in the wake of the terrible attacks Bin Laden orchestrated on September 11, 2001. Founded with a commitment to challenge radicalism and promote human freedom at home and abroad, the American Islamic Congress today recommits itself to the struggle to build a more tolerant and free future.”

The American Islamic Congress is a civil-rights organization promoting tolerance and the exchange of ideas among Muslims and between other peoples. With the motto “passionate about moderation,” the organization leads initiatives around the world and has offices in Washington, Boston, Egypt, and Iraq.

 

American Society For Muslim Advancement (ASMA) Statement

“As president Obama reminded us that this terrorist was not a Muslim leader and did not represent Islam. He caused many to question the fundamental core beliefs we hold dear-love of one’s fellow neighbor; respect for others’ ways of life, and; mutual dialogue and understanding.”

We are grateful to President Obama and all others who were instrumental in the demise of a global terrorist who created unbelievable tragedy here in the United States and around the world.

Today, we speak not as Muslims, and not even as Americans. We speak as human beings who are committed to democracy, and the rule of law.

This act was carried out in the name of religion and was an affront on the human condition. As president Obama reminded us that this terrorist was not a Muslim leader and did not represent Islam. He caused many to question the fundamental core beliefs we hold dear-love of one’s fellow neighbor; respect for others’ ways of life, and; mutual dialogue and understanding.

We are heartened that the human condition has triumphed over this attack. Despite continued challenges, the world has come together and billions of people of different nations, races and beliefs embraced one another in the common bonds of brother and sisterhood.
 
Today, we stand with these same voices and hope that the demise of a global terrorist will usher in an era of peace and tranquility for us all.

 

Arab American Caucus Welcomes News of Bin Laden’s Death

(SACRAMENTO, CA, 5/2/11)—The California Democratic Party’s Arab American Caucus (AAC) today welcomed the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death and applauded President Obama for fulfilling his promise to bring Bin Laden to justice.

In a statement issued following President Obama’s announcement of Bin Laden’s death, the Arab American Caucus said:

“We join our fellow Americans in welcoming the announcement by our President that Osama Bin Laden has been killed by the actions of our armed forces. We hope his death will bring some relief to all the families, of every faith and walk of life, that suffered from Al-Qaeda’s campaign of terror over the years.”

In the President’s address to the nation, he pointed out that Bin Laden’s ideology is incompatible with Islam:  “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, Al-Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”

“As the Arab American community stated repeatedly since the 9/11 terror attacks, Bin Laden never represented Arabs, Muslims or Islam. In fact, in addition to the killing of thousands of Americans, Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda caused the deaths of countless Arabs and Muslims worldwide. We also reiterate President Obama’s clear statement tonight that the United States is not at war with Islam.”

 

Arab American Institute (AAI) Statement

As we approach the ten-year anniversary of the horrific attacks of 9/11, the death of Osama bin Laden represents an important milestone for the U.S. in its war against al Qaeda. While nothing can adequately address the pain of people who have lost loved ones—whether here or abroad—bin Laden’s death is justice served.

Bin Laden was the leader of a movement that has, for years, been responsible for terrible crimes committed against not only Americans, but also thousands of Arabs and Muslims worldwide.  Indeed as President Obama noted, “The United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam.  Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.”

While al Qaeda remains a serious worldwide threat, we are mindful that their ideology—embodied in bin Laden—is increasingly failing.  Our challenge now is to develop an effective strategy against this terrorist clique that has metastasized into a larger and more diffuse movement whose recruiters still prey off alienation and anger at the West.

 

Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) Statement

CSID Hopes for a New Era after the Death of Osama Ben Laden

(Washington D.C. 5/3/2011)—The death of Ben Laden—the mastermind and the iconic face of al-Qaeda which has caused death and destruction in the name of Islam for the past 15 years - has led to a collective sigh of relief among Muslims and non-Muslims. However, we have to remember that al-Qaeda still exists as a loose network of regional groups fiercely committed to militant operations against their perceived enemies. These regional units can and will no doubt continue to operate. Why? Because each of them is focused on specific, regional grievances—usually having to do with non-representative, unpopular governments whose power is supported by foreign countries. This situation leaves their subjects feeling powerless, and the fanatical few believe that they can resolve the issue through terrorist tactics. Many of these regional grievances remain.

Still, his death comes at a pivotal point in history. Majorities have taken to the streets in the Arab world to air their grievances through peaceful demonstrations, calling for the end of autocracy and demanding three things: freedom, dignity, and jobs. These popular movements have been successful in Tunisia and Egypt, and the U.S. under President Obama has stood with the majority—as it is doing in Libya right now. The success of these popular revolutions—and U.S. support for them—has done more to neutralize al-Qaeda than all the drone attacks in Pakistan. We must keep the momentum going. Continued support for popular, representative, civilian governance—rather than the non-representative autocracies we have often supported in the past for “stability” or “strategic interests”—will further erode what little support al-Qaeda retains.

The deliberate killing of innocent civilians to strike terror in people so that they will change their system of governance is a politically motivated tactic, not a religious one. Respect for religion requires that we strive for the peaceful resolution of grievances, the fostering of justice, and the improvement of living conditions for all. Contributing to efforts to make a better future for Islamic countries that are trying to find their way toward a more democratic governance based on mutual respect, justice, and tolerance is something all of us can do. This is why CSID was founded 12 years ago, is open to people of all faiths, and has had programs in virtually all of these countries. Our recent annual conference focusing on improving the governance and economy of Egypt and Tunisia exemplified these ideals. As we approach the tenth anniversary of September 11, we at CSID remain as committed as ever to our fundamental mission.

 

Cordoba Initiative Statement - Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf on the Demise of Osama Bin Laden

(Manhattan- New York- May 2nd 2011) 9/11 created a wound that aggravated the divide between the Muslim World and the West. The demise of Osama bin Laden, coinciding with the wave of revolutions in the Arab world, is a hopeful milestone. We hope it will bring to a close the chapter of terrorism, whether committed by non-state actors like Al-Qaeda or state actors like Libya’s Qaddafi.

I applaud President Obama for his resolute efforts in the war against terror, including bringing Bin Laden to justice and supporting the aspirations of the Arab world to establish democratic regimes responsive to the needs of their people.

As our President reminded us, Bin Laden did not represent Islam. The Quran explicitly states that no soul shall be responsible for the sins of another. Terrorism, which targets innocents who had no part in a crime, fundamentally violates this Quranic commandment. Thousands of innocents, including Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been the targets of al-Qaeda’s actions.

Terrorism breaks down the structures of civic society, destroys lives and economies. What we all need now is to build the vibrant bonds of community and commit to peace work.

I join my fellow human beings of all faith communities in praying for a more peaceful world to come.

 

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) Statement

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) welcomes the end of a dark era and the bringing of justice to the victims of 9/11 with news of the death of Osama bin Laden.

“This is a historic moment not only to the families of the victims of 9/11 but for the whole world. A mass murderer who served as the face of global terrorism is gone,” said Kiran Ansari, Communication Director of CIOGC. “We pray that his death will bring a measure of relief to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 and to everyone, from every faith and walk of life, who has suffered from Al-Qaida’s terrorist attacks.”

“His actions and those of Al-Qaeda violate the most fundamental teachings of Islam, the sanctity of human life, and his repeated acts of terror have been met with moral outrage by Muslims worldwide,” said CIOGC Chairperson Dr. Zaher Sahloul. “We thank President Obama for overseeing this operation and his reiterating that ‘the United States is not - and never will be - at war with Islam’”.

The operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden is one of the most important achievements of President Obama and his national security team. We are also hopeful that the “Arab Spring,” the widespread movements in the Middle East of peaceful protestors demanding democracy and freedom, has signified the death of Al-Qaeda’s ideology of violent extremism. However, as the President noted in his statement, we must continue to be vigilant in the fight against extremism. The Council will continue to play its part.

“We stand together with our fellow Americans, as part of one family, in remaining vigilant against any and all threats to our country and we will continue to work hand in hand with our friends and neighbors to protect the values upon which our nation was founded: peace, tolerance and freedom,” said Ahlam Jbara, the Associate Director of CIOGC.

 

Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Welcomes Elimination of Osama Bin Laden

“We join our fellow citizens in welcoming the announcement that Osama bin Laden has been eliminated as a threat to our nation and the world through the actions of American military personnel. As we have stated repeatedly since the 9/11 terror attacks, bin Laden never represented Muslims or Islam. In fact, in addition to the killing of thousands of Americans, he and Al Qaeda caused the deaths of countless Muslims worldwide. We also reiterate President Obama’s clear statement tonight that the United States is not at war with Islam.”

CAIR coordinated one of the first joint American Muslim statements condemning the 9/11 terror attacks, issued just hours after they occurred.

 

Islamic Center of Nashville, TN Statement

“The Islamic Center of Nashville (ICN) congratulates the US government and our neighbors on the death of Osama Bin Laden, a tyrant who was responsible for the death of several thousand innocent lives. We commend our forces that conducted a successful raid that brought justice to this culprit. We share the joy and sense of relief with the nation that this evil person met his end. We again reiterate that we denounce the act that killed American-Muslims and Non Muslims. We appreciate President Obama that US is not at war with Islam and Osama Bin Ladin did not represent Islam.

We hope the death of terrorist AlQaeda leader Osama Bin Laden will lead to a decrease in the number of civilian deaths worldwide. The violent actions of Bin Ladin and his followers violated basic Islamic teachings and resulted directly or indirectly in the deaths of many innocent lives.

ICN endorsed the fatwa (religious ruling), against terrorism and religious extremism issued by the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and endorsed by hundreds of U.S. Muslim groups, leaders and institutions. The fatwa stated in part:

“Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians’ life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is haram - or forbidden - and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not martyrs.”

 

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Statement


“Osama bin Laden posed a serious threat to the security of America and the world, and the removal of this threat is a significant turning point in the post-9/11 global War on Terror.

Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families of those killed on 9/11 and the countless innocent men, women and children who have died in the ensuing wars. We pray this news brings closure to these families and ultimately ushers in a new chapter of peace and understanding in America’s history.

“ICNA hopes that the Obama administration will use this pivotal moment as an opportunity to rapidly end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and ensure the safe return of our troops.

“We reiterate President Obama’s statement that America is not at war with Islam and Osama bin Laden was not representative of Muslims. We must remember with conviction the unity that brought us out of the devastation of September 11, 2001, and work to preserve that unity in coming days.”

 

Islamic Council of Oklahoma Statement

“While Osama bin Laden, like hatemongers everywhere, had followers, mainstream Muslims reiterate their commitment to our communities where law abiding individuals can lead empowered wholesome lives. 

His message was an outrageous deviation of everything Islam stands for. He is no martyr — he is a criminal, a terrorist of the worst kind.

Our hearts go out to all of the people hurting here and abroad who lost family members, friends and co-workers as a result of his maniacal leadership.”

 

Islamic Networks Group (ING) Statement

ING Hopes Recent Events Herald a New Opportunity for Peace

ING responds to Osama Bin Laden’s death with a sense of hope that a dark chapter in the history of the world may now come to a close. For too long Bin Laden’s actions and rhetoric have created a threat to the lives and security of all people of the world, in violation of Islamic teachings that clearly condemn terrorism and unequivocally forbid the targeting of civilians and indiscriminate violence.

We hope that this brings closure for the families whose loved ones lost their lives on 9/11/01 as well as in previous and subsequent terrorist attacks in other parts of the world.

Bin Laden’s tactics of indiscriminate violence and hate were rejected by the vast majority of Muslims and condemned repeatedly by Muslim leaders and organizations both here at home and abroad. Millions of Arabs and Muslims have chosen peaceful protests as their path to change and reform in the last few months, a path which made Bin Laden irrelevant long before his death. Now with the Arab revolutions and aspirations for democracy in the Middle East, the ideology and methodology of al Qaeda will hopefully also soon be obsolete.

It is important to note as President Obama emphasized in his address to the nation “that the United States is not—and never will be—at war with Islam…Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader, he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.”

“We hope this begins a new day of peace and dialogue for the nation and the world and help end the cycle of violence and hate,” said Maha Elgenaidi, president of ING. “We reaffirm ING’s continued dedication to its mission of promoting religious literacy and understanding, and working with our allies and partners towards increasing mutual respect and nurturing peaceful communities.”

 

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Welcomes Justice For 9/11 Victims

(Plainfield, IN: May 2, 2011) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) joins all Americans in thanking President Obama for fulfilling his promise to bring Osama Bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, and perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks, to justice.

We hope his death will bring some relief to all the families, of every faith and walk of life, who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in every other terrorist attack orchestrated at the hands of Osama Bin Laden. 

Over the past decade, ISNA has stood firm on our stance that ISNA and Muslims in America condemn the actions of Bin Laden on 9/11 and all acts of terror at the hands of Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and all others who spread fear and hate through violence.  We have repeatedly condemned the calls of Bin Laden and others like him for mass bloodshed and the attacking of innocent lives across the world. 

As the President pointed out in his address to the nation, the ideology of Bin Laden is incompatible with Islam:  “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”

President Obama marked his hope that today, Americans will “think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11” and remember that “on that day, no matter what God we prayed to, we were united as one American family.” 

“ISNA joins President Obama and prays that as the nation continues to heal from the devastation inflicted upon them at the hands of Bin Laden, we will turn to each other today, united, and emerge tomorrow with an even stronger resolve to take every action necessary to protect the precious ideals of our nation that Bin Laden attempted to destroy on 9/11: peace, tolerance, respect, and freedom for all,” said ISNA President Imam Magid.

 

Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Greets bin Laden’s Death With Sense of Relief

(Washington, DC - 5/1/11)—The Muslim Public Affairs Council tonight greeted the news of the death of Osama bin Laden with an immense sense of relief. This is a time when our country must stand together, and turn the page on a decade of terror led by bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. MPAC also commends the service of President Obama and his national security team, who have made bringing bin Laden to justice a top priority.

“We hope this is a turning point away from the dark period of the last decade, in which bin Laden symbolized the evil face of global terrorism,” said MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati. “His actions and those of Al-Qaeda have violated the sacred Islamic teachings upholding the sanctity of all human life. His acts of senseless terror have been met with moral outrage by Muslims worldwide at every turn in the past decade.”

The mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks and the founder of Al-Qaeda, bin Laden represented the global menacing face of violent extremism and his death represents a defining moment in the fight against terrorism.

“We support President Obama’s statement that bin Laden was ‘not a Muslim leader, he was a mass murderer of Muslims,’” said MPAC Senior Adviser Dr. Maher Hathout. “We stand together with all Americans and all peace-loving people around the world in remaining vigilant against any and all threats against our country.”

In light of the widespread democratic protests sweeping the Middle East which have demonstrated the power and effectiveness of peaceful protests to enact political change and realize the aspirations of the people, bin Laden and Al-Qaeda’s pro-violence messages have been exposed as bankrupt and misguided.

 

Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) Statement

Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) expresses great relief at the news of the death of Osama Bin Laden as President Obama announced in a special report. Osama Bin Laden has singularly disgraced Islam and dragged our faith through the mud with his promotion of terrorism throughout the world from Indonesia, the Middle East, Africa and here in the United States

MPV applauds the resolve and dedication of President Obama in pursuing Osama Bin Laden. “As Muslims we hope that the death of Osama Bin Laden will forever put out the flame of terrorism”, says Ani Zonneveld, who heads the organization, “and that with the rise of democratic self governance throughout the Middle East we can finally begin to heal the wounds caused by the evil actions committed by him”.

Our condolences continue to go out to the families of those who perished on September 11, 2001 as well as all the victims of terrorism committed in the name of Al Qaeda throughout the world.

 

Muslim American Society (MAS) Statement

Osama Bin Laden is Dead: Justice Has Been Served

The Muslim American Society welcomes the news of the death of Osama bin Laden. The intentional killing of civilians for political ends is terrorism, and this has been the mode of operation of Al Qaeda. We pray that this development leads to a reduction in radical extremism in the world, and that fewer people fall victim to it. Indeed, fighting against acts of terror, radical extremism, and its root causes must continue to be part of our nation’s agenda. Finally, we pray that the death of bin Laden will bring some solace to the thousands of families, Muslim and non-Muslim, who have been victimized by Al Qaeda’s crimes.

For the last ten years Americans, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike- all of us; collectively and individually, have been worn down and afflicted by years of violence and premeditated death initiated by Osama Bin Laden. His crimes were against all humanity. It is correct and fair that Bin Laden should be held accountable for his crimes and we hold the opinion that justice has been done.

The Muslim American Society apprecites President Obama’s reaffirmation that “the United States is not—and never will be—at war with Islam… Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. We concur with the president that his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.



Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) Statement

“Few will mourn the reported death of Osama bin Laden, least of all Muslims. Many Muslims will reflect on the ten years that have passed in which our faith and our community have been seen through the prism of terrorism and security. The Muslim Council of Britain has consistently stood firm against terrorism and violence, and will continue to do so. His extremism has been responsible for the deaths of many people, including many Muslims around the world. The actions of his movement which have no basis in the teachings of Islam have led to the pursuit of unjust wars and untold suffering.

Today our thoughts must be with the families of all those who suffered in the terrorist attacks around the world as well as of thousands of innocent lives lost in the wars against terrorism. It is unfortunate that his assassination has deprived them of the opportunity to see him brought to justice in the court of law.

Al-Qaeda’s ability to sow discord and mistrust between Muslims and others has caused untold damage. We must restore our belief in human dignity and peace by ensuring that we stand firm against all forms of hatred, injustices and violence.”

 

Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Statement

The Secretary General of the OIC said “Bin Laden ... was responsible for many unjustified bloodshed and attacks against innocent civilians,” and emphasized the OIC’s condemnation of terrorism. He stated the necessity of bringing terrorists to justice, but said that counter-terrorism activities should focus on the causes of terrorism.

Individual Muslims Speak Out



NOTE:  This will be updated with further statements as they come in


SEE ALSO:

The 5 stages of Muslim-American emotion, Aziz Poonawalla http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/b/4266 
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf: Bin Laden death paves way for healing (

New York

) http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVaCkYX5Lh8Lyr7kXnBhunqnVcAQ?docId=91f3ae8e47a24590a16323395a20897d
The Ability to Kill Osama Bin Laden Does Not Make America Great, Kai Wright http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/05/02-11
Administration clarifies bin Laden’s sea burial http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/02/initial-confusion-among-muslims-over-sea-burial-for-bin-laden/
After Bin Laden: Duke Faculty React http://today.duke.edu/2011/05/binladen
After Bin Laden’s Death, Pakistan Remains a Security Hotspot (video with Farhana Qazi)  http://www.youtube.com/user/PBSNewsHour#p/u/1/DTg2CiTq8xE
After Osama bin Laden’s death, time for a new poster child for Islam, Hedieh Mirahmadi and Mehreen Farooq http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/0503/After-Osama-bin-Laden-s-death-time-for-a-new-poster-child-for-Islam
Al Qaeda is over, Fareed Zakaria http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/02/al-qaeda-is-dead/
After Bin Laden’s Death: A Fist, a Heart and a Guitar, Eboo Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eboo-patel/after-bin-ladens-death-a-_b_856382.html
An Ethical Reflection on Osama bin Laden’s Death, Andrew Gardner http://www.ethicsdaily.com/an-ethical-reflection-on-osama-bin-ladens-death-cms-17855
Arab Americans, Muslims rejoice at death of bin Laden (

Detroit, MI

with photo - Imam Hassan Al-Qazwini), Niraj Warikoo http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-05-02-bin-laden-americans_n.htm

Atlanta’s

Muslim Community Speaks Out About Bin Laden’s Death http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/27747456/detail.html

Australian

Muslim leaders pleased and hope for new beginning http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/us-president-barack-obama-announces-osama-bin-laden-is-dead/story-e6freuy9-1226048729929
Michelle Bachmann Hails Beginning of End of “Shari’ah-Compliant Terrorism”, Sarah Posner http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/sarahposner/4566/bachmann_hails_beginning_of_end_of_%C2%A0%E2%80%9Cshari%27ah-compliant_terrorism%E2%80%9D
Bin Laden & Beyond, Rabbi Arthur Waskow http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-arthur-waskow/bin-laden-beyond_b_856493.html
Osama bin Laden and the Arab Uprising, Hisham Hellyer http://www.illumemag.com/zine/articleDetail.php?Osama-Bin-Laden-and-The-Arab-Uprising-13611
Bin Laden death prompts celebrations, reflection. William Welch http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-05-03-reaction-bin-laden-death_n.htm
Osama Bin Laden didn’t deserve Muslim burial, says Muslim family of 9/11 victim, Nancy Dillon http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/05/03/2011-05-03_osama_bin_laden_didnt_deserve_muslim_burial_says_muslim_family_of_911_victim.html
Bin Laden: Father of American Islamophobia, Dean Obeidallah http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/05/03/obeidallah.muslims.binladen/
Osama Bin Laden is Dead. MuslimMatters Writers & Scholars Chime in (Updated as we get statements)  http://muslimmatters.org/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-is-dead-muslim-matters-writers-shayookh-chime-in-updated-as-we-get-statements/
Bin Laden is dead, Muqtedar Khan http://ispu.org/detailed_publication.php?type=articles&id=589
Bin Laden’s death cheered by Muslims, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi  http://www.detnews.com/article/20110504/OPINION01/105040320/1008/Bin-Laden%E2%80%99s-death-cheered-by-Muslims
Bin Laden’s death, Chris Hedges http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/chris_hedges_speaks_on_osama_bin_ladens_death_20110502/
Osama bin Laden’s death: The US patriot reflexGiven 9/11, a desire for vengeance is a legitimate emotional response. But it is not a foreign policy, Gary Younge http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/03/bin-laden-death-us-patriot-reflex
Bin Laden’s death is good for the cause of peace, Palestinian Authority http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/palestinians-bin-laden-s-death-is-good-for-the-cause-of-peace-1.359375
Osama bin Laden’s death gives

Montreal

Muslims ‘hope for future’: But burial at sea could fuel anti-American sentiment, James Mennie http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Osama+Laden+death+gives+Montreal+Muslims+hope+future/4714510/story.htm
Bin Laden’s death a victory,  Imam Mongy El-Quesny says (

Indiana

) http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/merrillville/article_8e0e7bfd-d05e-5600-9c82-3af0680cc107.html 
Bin Laden’s death may ease anti-Muslim tensions (Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini, Imam Ihsan Bagbyhttp://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bin-laden-muslim-impact-20110503,0,3514849.story?track=rss
Osama Bin Laden dead: Mission Accomplished?, Robert Salaam http://www.theamericanmuslim.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1988%3Aosama-bin-laden-dead-mission-accomplished&catid=250%3Apolitics&Itemid=1
Bin Laden, Gaddafi and Modern Warfare: On the Highway of Death,  John W. Whitehead http://www.rutherford.org/articles_db/commentary.asp?record_id=709
Bin Laden death brings reflection, relief (Seyed Ali Ghazvini,

Fresno, CA

& Muslim 9/11 family response)  http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/05/02/2372920/valley-reaction-mixed-emotions.html
Bin Laden’s Death More Symbolic than Operational, Hussein Rashid http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/husseinrashid/4560/bin_laden%E2%80%99s_death_more_symbolic_than_operational
Osama bin Laden death: The conspiracy theories http://m.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/05/osama-bin-laden-conspiracy-theories?cat=world&type=article
Osama bin Laden Largely Discredited Among Muslim Publics in Recent Years, PEW Research http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1977/poll-osama-bin-laden-death-confidence-muslim-publics-al-qaeda-favorability
Bin Laden’s theology a radical break with traditional Islam, Eric Marrapodi http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/04/bin-ladens-theology/ 
Osama bin Laden was go Geronimo, Debbie Reese http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/05/04/osama-bin-laden-was-no-geronimo/?mod=google_news_blog

Boca Raton, FL

Imam Mohamad Ali talks about bin Laden’s death http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_s_palm_beach_county/boca_raton/boca-raton-muslim-imam-talks-about-bin-laden’s-death
Burial at sea shows compassion of Islamic law, Imam Khalid Latif http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/02/my-take-burial-at-sea-shows-compassion-of-islamic-law/
Car horns honk in the night as Arab-Americans in

Dearborn, MI

celebrate death of bin Laden, Jeff Karoub http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/ac68b998e2ef473e9911eebedd181d56/MI-Bin-Laden-Michigan/
Celebrating a death?, Paul Brandeis Raushenbush http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/celebrating-a-death_b_856124.html?ref=fb&src=sp

Chicago

Muslims: ‘Finally, justice is done’ (Imam Abdool R. Khan), Duaa Eldeib http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-muslim-community-reaction-to-bin-ladens-death-20110501,0,2454811.story
Complications after a night of jubilation (Maryland), Petula Dvorak http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/complications-after-a-night-of-jubilation/2011/05/02/AFue42XF_story.html

D.C.

Muslim leaders respond (Imam Johari Abdul-Malik) http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DC_BIN_LADEN_MUSLIM_GROUPS_VAOL-?SITE=WVEC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Danbury, CT

responses ( Imam Kashif Abdul-Karimhttp://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Local-response-to-bin-Laden-s-death-tempered-1362485.php
Death of Osama Bin Laden ‘pretty irrelevant’: Robert Fisk http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/05/02/3205479.htm
Death of OBL, Keith Olbermann (video) http://foknewschannel.com/video/a-special-comment-the-death-of-osama-bin-laden/
Death and deliverance, Rafia Zakaria http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/a/4272
Death of a Terrorist (video interview with Kamran Bukhari)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zALEVLZbWFE&feature=share 
The decade of bin Laden politics,  Steve Kornacki http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/index.html?story=%2Fpolitics%2Fwar_room%2F2011%2F05%2F03%2Fbin_laden_decade&source=newsletter&utm_source=contactology&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Salon_Daily+Newsletter+%28Not+Premium%29_7_30_110
Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemies Fall”, Sarah Posner http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/sarahposner/4561/%E2%80%9Cdo_not_rejoice_when_your_enemies_fall%E2%80%9D
Don’t downplay Osama’s death, Hussein Ibish http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=266935
Don’t Get Cocky, America, David Gartenstein-Ross http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/05/02/dont_get_cocky_america
Don’t Waste Osama’s Death, Qasim Rashid http://www.huffingtonpost.com/qasim-rashid/dont-waste-osamas-death_b_856153.html
The drowning of bin Laden, Haroon Moghul (burial) http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/guest_bloggers/4572/the_drowning_of_bin_laden
Egypt, Tunisia, and The Death of Osama Bin Laden, Muqtedar Khan http://www.huffingtonpost.com/muqtedar-khan/bin-laden-egypt-tunisia_b_856161.html
Enough Blood, Says NYC Pastor, Donna Schaper http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/guest_bloggers/4562/enough_blood%2C_says_nyc_pastor

Estonia’s

Head Imam Ildar Muhhamedshin: Bin Laden Mass Murderer under Islamic Law   http://news.err.ee/politics/611730b3-279c-4224-949a-0d6f76f33053
Euphoria over Osama’s death, VIDEO interview with Mona Eltahawy (reaction) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkMxNHVtPsc
Faith Leaders Cite Justice, Caution Celebrating Bin Laden’s Death (Imam Mohamed Magid) http://www.ethicsdaily.com/news.php?viewStory=17858 
Firemen and imam (Nassem Mahdi) express caution over killing of Osama Bin Laden (

NYC

http://www.canada.com/news/Firemen+imam+express+caution+over+killing+Osama+Laden/4712211/story.html#ixzz1LOEIGyYH
For Muslims, a reason to rejoice, Arsalan Iftikhar http://us.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/05/02/iftikhar.binladen.killing/index.html?hpt=T1
Good riddance, Hisham Hassaballa http://godfaithpen.com/2011/05/02/good-riddance/
Hamas reaction to Bin Laden killing disgraceful, Ray Hanania http://networkedblogs.com/hmfUa
Hamas leadership mourns OBL’s death http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4063407,00.html  (shameful)
Hate Osama, But Do Not Rejoice in His Death, Rabbi Shmuely Boteach http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-shmuley-boteach/hate-osama-but-do-not-rej_b_856130.html
How to Make Al-Qaeda Irrelevant http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/05/02/972322/-How-to-Make-Al-Qaeda-Irrelevant
How We Respond to the Death of Our Enemies, Candace Chellew-Hodge http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/candacechellew-hodge/4564/how_we_respond_to_the_death_of_our_enemies
How Bin Laden’s Assassination Highlights Flaws in Our ‘War on Terror’: interview with Ahmed Rehab (Video) (burial, foreign policy) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7lcWkhx_OE&feature=player_embedded
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf reacts to Osama Bin Laden’s death http://www.pri.org/politics-society/religion/imam-feisal-abdul-rauf-reacts-to-osama-bin-laden-s-death3647.html
Imam Johari Abdul-Malik talks with CNN about the reaction to Osama bin Laden’s death and what’s to come http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2011/05/03/osama.abdul.malik.cnn.html
Imam Sharif Sahibzada: bin Laden’s death ‘a relief’  (

Grand Rapids, MI

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Imam-bin-Ladens-death-a-relief
Imam Salahuddin Muhammad: burial at sea appropriate, photos might cause problems (

Newburgh, NY

) http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110504/NEWS/105040357/-1/SITEMAP
In Arab World, Bin Laden’s Confused Legacy, Anthony Shadid and David D. Kirkpatrick http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/world/middleeast/03arab.html?pagewanted=all
In

New Hampshire

, Muslims say bin Laden’s death brings hope http://www.unionleader.com/article/20110504/NEWS/705049981/1001
Is it morally right to celebrate bin Laden’s death?, John Blake http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/02/is-it-morally-right-to-celebrate-bin-ladens-death/
Is It Wrong to Celebrate Osama bin Laden’s Death? Religious Leaders Weigh In, Chad Garrison (

St. Louis, MO

Imam Mohammed Hasichttp://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2011/05/religion_osama_bin_laden_death.php
Islamic scholars (some) criticize bin Laden’s sea burial http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110502/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_bin_laden_sea_burial
ISNA & MPAC press conference (video) http://burke.patch.com/articles/muslim-community-leaders-welcome-news-of-osama-bin-ladens-death-2#video-5881975
The Jihadi Revolution is Dead (But Bin Laden’s Death Didn’t Kill It), Mark Juergensmeyer http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/guest_bloggers/4557/the_jihadi_revolution_is_dead_%28but_bin_laden%E2%80%99s_death_didn%E2%80%99t_kill_it%29
Justice or vengeance?, Phyllis Bennis http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/05/02-3
Daisy Khan on Bin Laden’s death http://www.more.com/Daisy-Khan-on-bin-Laden-Death
Killing a symptom http://www.dailystar.com.lb/May/03/Killing-a-symptom.ashx#axzz1LFQPzzwW

Las Vegas, NV

Muslim Leader (Imam Aslam Abdullah) Relieved at Bin Laden’s Death http://www.8newsnow.com/story/14557490/las-vegas-muslim-leader-relieved-at-bin-ladens-death
Edina Lekovic,

So. California

Muslim Official, Relieved and Grateful Osama Bin Laden was Taken Out http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2011/05/osama_bin_laden_edina_lekovic.php
Let Muhammad Ali, not bin Laden, represent Islam in America , James Kirk Wall http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/religion_theseeker/2011/05/let-muhammad-ali-not-bin-laden-represent-islam-in-america.html

Macomb County, MI

reflects on bin Laden’s death, Frank Defrank (Imam Steve Elturk) http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/articles/2011/05/03/news/doc4dc085614e454032358524.txt?viewmode=fullstory
Memo to Osama bin Laden, Parvez Ahmed http://www.huffingtonpost.com/parvez-ahmed/memo-to-osama-bin-laden-n_b_856573.html
Muslim leader, Khalila Sabra of the Muslim American Society (

Raleigh, NC

), who knew bin Laden speaks about his demise (video) http://www2.nbc17.com/news/2011/may/02/2/local-muslim-leader-who-knew-bin-laden-speaks-abou-ar-997370/
Local Muslims hail news of bin Laden’s death (

Jacksonville, FL

) http://jacksonville.com/news/2011-05-02/story/local-muslims-hail-news-bin-ladens-death?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4dbecf63d242c7ed%2C0#ixzz1LD5bfyN8
The Meaning of Bin Laden’s Death, Hasan Zillur Rahim http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/the_meaning_of_bin_ladens_death/0018525
Metro

Detroit

religious leaders speak out on death of bin Laden (Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin, Imam Abdullatif Azom, Imam Mohammed Mardinihttp://detnews.com/article/20110502/LIFESTYLE04/105020382/Metro-Detroit-religious-leaders-speak-out-on-death-of-bin-Laden#ixzz1LDBoCUrM

Michigan

Muslim, Christian leaders react: Bin Laden ‘tasted the poison’ he gave others http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/05/local_muslim_christian_leaders.html

Minnesota

Muslims Relieved by bin Laden’s Death http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/international/mn-muslims-relieved-by-bin-laden%E2%80%99s-death-may-2-2011
Mission Accomplished: Obama got Osama, Aziz Poonawalla http://blog.beliefnet.com/cityofbrass/

Modesto, CA

-area imams: “He’s hell-bound” (Imam Ahmad Kayello, Dr. Mohammad Elfarrahttp://www.modbee.com/2011/05/02/1671434/imams-hes-hell-bound.html
The most wanted face of terrorism, The Most Wanted Face of Terrorism, Kate Zernike & Michael Kaufman http://www.illumemag.com/zine/articleDetail.php?The-Most-Wanted-Face-of-Terrorism-13593

Murfreesboro, TN

mosque leaders say bin Laden’s death a relief, hope country will be more unified Imam Ossama Bahloul http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/1896a7cfb3bb41978c19f2c833771cc0/TN—Islamic-Center-Bin-Laden/
Muslim-Americans bid good riddance to bin Laden, Kari Huus http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42869844/ns/world_news-death_of_bin_laden/
Muslim Leaders Forsee New Era After bin Laden Death (VIDEO) (Imam Abdul-Azeez,

Sacramento, CA

http://www.capradio.org/articles/2011/05/02/muslim-leaders-forsee-new-era-after-bin-laden-death-(video)
Muslims react to news of Osama Bin Laden’s death, Wajahat Ali’s Goatmilk blog (Dr. Maher Hathout) http://goatmilkblog.com/2011/05/02/muslims-react-to-news-of-osama-bin-ladens-death/

Naperville

voices chime in on death of bin Laden http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/5140768-418/naperville-voices-chime-in-on-death-of-bin-laden.html

New York City

Muslim Community Reacts To Bin Laden’s Death: For Many, Relief (Imam Khalid Latif, Omar Abu-namous) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/02/nyc-muslim-community-reac_n_856600.html
No dignity at Ground Zero (reaction), Mona Eltahawy http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/03/no-dignity-ground-zero-frat-boy/print

North Jersey

Muslims react with mix of elation, relief http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/050211_North_Jersey_Muslims_react_with_mix_of_elation_relief.html

North Pennsylvania

mosque reactions emphatic in denunciations of bin Laden (Imam Mohammad Doria) http://pottsmerc.com/articles/2011/05/02/news/doc4dbf297bb0060487710478.txt
Obama began to erode bin Laden’s power long ago, Imad Amad http://www.freep.com/article/20110503/OPINION05/105030362/Guest-commentary-Obama-began-erode-bin-Laden-s-power-long-ago

Oklahoma

Muslim leaders express relief about bin Laden’s death (Imam Mohamed El Ghobashy) http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-muslim-leaders-express-relief-about-bin-ladens-death/article/3564166

Orange County, CA

Muslim leaders on Osama’s death (Imam Muzammil Siddiqi, Imam Yassir Fazaga, Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini) http://www.ocregister.com/news/graffiti-298726-kingsmill-osama.html
On the death of bin Laden, Aishah Schwartz http://www.prlog.org/11468384-american-activist-aishah-schwartz-on-the-death-of-osama-bin-laden.html
Osama’s Islam-violence link weighs heavy on Muslims http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE74119220110502?sp=true
Osama’s killing will not help in ending global terror: Muslim clerics and scholars (

India

) http://www.sify.com/news/osama-s-killing-will-not-help-in-ending-global-terror-muslim-clerics-and-scholars-news-national-lfcsEeiaeic.html

Oskosh, WI

Muslims Pray For Peace After Bin Laden’s Death http://www.nbc26.com/story/14558930/local-mosque-members-pray-for-peace-after-bin-ladens-death
Praying for an End to the Chapter of Terrorism, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imam-feisal-abdul-rauf/bin-laden-terrorism_b_857345.html
Praying for our enemies: First thoughts on the death of bin Laden, Rev. Pamela Dolan http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/civil-religion/pamela-dolan/article_405b0fcc-74c3-11e0-a970-001a4bcf6878.html 
The Psychology of Revenge: Why We Should Stop Celebrating Osama Bin Laden’s Death, Pamela Gerloff http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-gerloff/the-psychology-of-revenge_b_856184.html

Raleigh, NC

Muslims support bin Laden’s death http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/9534837/
Reflections on the Death of Bin Laden, Khuram Zaman   http://allahcentric.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/a-new-day-reflections-on-the-death-of-bin-laden-khuram-zaman/
Religious leaders weigh in on Osama bin Laden’s death (

Columbus, OH

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/05/02/1561963/religious-leaders-weigh-in-on.html#ixzz1LDBXOJE8
Religious leaders warn of gloating over bin Laden death (Imam Joe Bradford,

Jacksonville, FL

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-05-04/story/religious-leaders-warn-gloating-over-bin-laden-death#ixzz1LOH9RLq5

San Francisco, CA

Muslims express relief over bin Laden death http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_17976538?nclick_check=1

Savannah, GA

Muslim Leader on bin Laden: I’m Glad It’s Over http://www2.wsav.com/news/2011/may/02/local-muslim-leader-bin-laden-im-glad-its-over-ar-1793151/
Seek Interfaith Engagement Following bin Laden’s Death, Charles Kimball http://ethicsdaily.com/seek-interfaith-engagement-following-bin-ladens-death-cms-17842
Should the death photos be released? VIDEO interview with Mona Eltahawy and Heba Ahmed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qej2oYEQy2I

Sioux Falls, Iowa

Muslim holds own parade http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=114534

St. Louis

Muslim community responds to bin Laden’s death http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_df5848b4-74d8-11e0-a5bb-0019bb30f31a.html
The Slippery Story of the bin Laden Kill http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/05/the-slippery-story-of-the-bin-laden-kill/238261/
Spilling Drops for Osama bin Laden (reaction), Joanna Brooks http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/joannabrooks/4558/spilling_drops_for_osama_bin_laden
Spiritual Response to the Assassination of Osama bin Laden, Peter Gabel and Rabbi Michael Lerner http://www.tikkun.org/nextgen/tikkuns-spiritual-response-to-the-assassination-of-osama-bin-laden
The Symbol is Dead, Let the Symbolized Die Too, Hussein Rashid http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/husseinrashid/4565/the_symbol_is_dead%2C_let_the_symbolized_die_too

Texas

(Imam Samer Altabaa) reacts to bin Laden’s death http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2011-05-02/good-news-everyone-lubbock-imam-reacts-bin-ladens-death
Thoughts on the Death of Osama Bin Laden, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi  http://muslimmatters.org/2011/05/02/thoughts-on-the-death-of-obl-by-yasir-qadhi/

Tucson, AZ

Imam (Watheq al-Obeidi): bin Laden’s death personal http://www.kold.com/story/14558471/tucson-iman-bin-ladens-death-personal
U.S. Muslims hope bin Laden death will ease pressure,  Richard Allen Greene http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/02/u-s-muslims-hope-bin-laden-death-will-ease-pressure/?hpt=T2
U.S. Muslims hope for better days after bin Laden ( Imam Muhammad Musri ), Andrew Stern http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/02/us-binladen-usa-muslims-idUSTRE7416KG20110502?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews
U.S. Muslims React: Relief, But Not For All http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135926276/u-s-muslims-react-relief-but-not-for-all
U.S. Muslims relieved at death of bin Laden (Imam Mohamed Magid) http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-Muslims-Relieved-at-Death-of-bin-Laden-121109154.html
The US Needs to Focus on Not Creating Any More bin Ladens: interview with Samina Sundas http://www.alternet.org/story/150821/the_us_needs_to_focus_on_not_creating_any_more_bin_ladens?page=1
“USA! USA!” is the wrong response (reaction), David Sirota http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/05/02/osama_and_chants_of_usa
Vatican statement on death of Osama Bin Laden http://www.osvdailytake.com/2011/05/vatican-statement-on-death-of-osama-bin.html

Virginia

Muslims Happy to Hear of Bin Laden’s Death (Mohammed Mehboobhttp://lakeridge.patch.com/articles/local-muslims-happy-to-hear-of-bin-ladens-death
Was Osama bin Laden my neighbor?, Dawud Wharmsby http://www.emel.com/article?id=85&a_id=2375
We’re Not at War With Islam, But Let’s Do Everything We Can to Make it Look Like We Are, Chris Rodda (SEALS statement) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-rodda/were-not-at-war-with-isla_b_857018.html
What Should the U.S. Have Done With Bin Laden’s Body? (burial), Azeem Ibrahim http://www.huffingtonpost.com/azeem-ibrahim/bin-laden-burial_b_856146.html
When an Enemy Falls, How Do We Respond?, Jonathan Clark (reaction)  http://ethicsdaily.com/when-an-enemy-falls-how-do-we-respond-cms-17848
When This Cruel War Is Over, Ta-Nehisi Coates http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/05/when-this-cruel-war-is-over/238175/
White House Revises Account Of Bin Laden’s Final Moments http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/03/white-house-revises-bin-laden-final-moments_n_857073.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%7C212063
Why Osama bin Laden was buried at sea, Jeff Brumley (Imam Enrique Rasheed http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-05-02/story/why-osama-bin-laden-was-buried-sea#ixzz1LOI3oCjS
Why Haven’t More Muslim Countries Spoken About Bin Laden’s Death?: Interview with Haris Zafar (video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSbXoJ0H9CM&feature=share 
Why partying over bin Laden’s death made me cringe, Stephen Prothero (reaction) http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/03/my-take-why-post-bin-laden-partying-made-me-cringe/
Wikipedia entry bin Laden and his death http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osama_bin_laden
Will bin Laden’s Death Finally Quell Obama Conspiracy Theories?, Anthea Butler http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/antheabutler/4559/will_bin_laden%E2%80%99s_death_finally_quell_obama_conspiracy_theories
Will bin Laden’s Death Make A Difference? Please Let It Make A Difference!, Dr. David Liepert http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/will_bin_ladens_death_make_a_difference_please_let_it_make_a_difference/0018526 

 

 

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