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Area Muslims Say Violence Unnecessary

122 views · Published 17 September 2012 · 2:40 · Indexed 25 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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By: Drew Bollea  Chattanooga Muslims gathered for Friday prayers. Friday for Muslims is like Sunday for Christians.For Bassam Issa, the President of the Islamic Center, today he had a heavy heart."We give our sympathy to the families of these people," said Issa, "they are our people."Protests intensified throughout the Middle East on Friday, impacting at least 17 countries. Muslim groups are reacting to a film that displays the Islamic Prophet Mohammad in a sinful manner.Issa says he condemns the violent actions of a small group of the nearly two billion Muslims world wide."If you actually read anything in the Koran, to answer any problem, it is always taken the peaceful way," said Issa. UTC Religion Professor, Steven Eskildsen, reacted to this week's events."My understanding of the proper reading of the Koran, They should not be acting this way," said Eskildsen.Issa says he feels the same way. He Quoted chapter four, verse 140 of the Koran, which states what to do when faced with negative depictions of Muhammad."That when he hear the message of Allah held in defiance and ridicule, Ye are not to sit with them, unless they turn to a different theme," said Issa, reading directly from an English translation of the Koran.Issa says the words of the Koran are of peace and not violence"For the few the demonstrated violently or attacked our embassy, I say read your Koran," said Issa, "they don't understand Koran."Issa not only blames the violent protesters, but the film makers as well "It's okay to have freedom of speech," said Issa, " but don't hide behind freedom of speech to defame any religion or any belief."

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