Islam Does Not Tolerate Terrorist Acts

To the editors:

The members of the Harvard Islamic Society strongly condemn Tuesday’s heinous attacks (News, “Terrorists Attack America,” Sept. 11). Islam has neither place nor tolerance for such vicious and immoral acts, and we consider these atrocities to be absolutely deplorable. We send our collective condolences to the families of the bereaved. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones. As members of the American community, we are shocked by these tragic events and hope that the perpetrators of these senseless acts of violence are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.

We pray that the Harvard community find the courage to meet this crisis with hope, patience and steadfastness. We hope that we have the strength to heal. In times of crisis, we all want answers. However, it is important to remember that no matter who committed these heinous acts, no community or group of people should be impugned based on the actions of a small number of individuals. Let us not rush to assign blame or succumb to stereotyping. We also pray that these trying times bring the community together, rather than rend it apart.

May we find peace and strength in the coming times.

Saif I. Shah Mohammed ’02

Sept. 11, 2001

The writer is president of the

Harvard Islamic Society.