Hamilton Muslims react to 9/11 remembrance

This week marks 13 years since the terror attacks of 9/11. And 13 years on, the U.S. is now fighting ISIS — the more frightening successor to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. And with a renewed push from the U.S. this week to eliminate the organization — a group in Hamilton is also coming out, denouncing the actions of ISIS.

On Wednesday, President Obama announced expanded air strikes on ISIS and it’s prompting the Muslim Council of Greater Hamilton to speak out and voice its opinion on the matter. The group encompasses all five main mosques in the city which cater to a community of roughly 30-thousand Muslims. The council usually comes together in times of crisis. It’s saying the recent violence by ISIS is such a time, and it’s now coming out and saying it is against the actions of the terror organization.

Dozens gather for the call to prayer at Hamilton’s Mountain Mosque to practice a fundamental part of Islam, a religion many in our area feel they need to step up and protect.

Imam Sayed Tora, Hamilton Downtown Mosque: “We are a people of peace, and we are here to build bridges and not to build walls, and at the same time to ensure that believe in co-existence.”

The Muslim Council of Greater Hamilton is publicly denouncing the actions of the Islamic group ISIS. It comes in the wake of the U.S. announcing it is actively pursuing the terrorist organization, which is responsible for the chilling and brutal executions of western journalists.

The Muslim Council says it wants to make sure people are crystal clear on its position.

Imam Sayed Tora: “This is not reflective of the true teachings and doctrines of Islam and Prophet Mohammed, peace be with him, and to also ensure we are always here as part of the Canadian society.”

Raza Khan, Muslin Council of Greater Hamilton: “We want our Canadian and Hamilton neighbours to know that Muslims, there’s no need ot fear Muslims, we go to Tim Hortons like all of you, we contribute to society like everybody, we pay taxes, we’re law-abiding, very peaceful people.”

Not only is the Muslim Council stepping up and voicing its opposition to ISIS, but it’s also calling on the federal government to take action, beginning right here in Hamilton.

Raza Khan: “We’re looking for support, resources and tools from the Canadian government to allow us to engage our youth so that they can choose peaceful dialogue and civic engagement in the community rather than any alternatives.”

Those working with Muslim youth say it’s a very sensitive situation, but that allocating resources to educate them will help address it.

Tariq Rahim, Muslim Association of Hamilton: “What I’m hearing most are questions about what it is they’re doing, about whether or not it’s right, to what degree is it acceptable and we want to create a place where youth can come and ask questions and we can give them the appropriate answers.”

The council says it will be seeking meetings with local MP’s to discuss allocating resources to promote peaceful dialogue. It will also be holding a town hall for Muslim youth so they can talk about what they’re frustrated about and their concerns. And it was interesting. Today at the mosque I spoke to a group of middle school students, but none of them had actually heard of ISIS, though I’m sure they’re bound to in the coming weeks.