French Muslim Council Calls for Anti-Extremism Sermons Following Teacher’s Murder

Imams are called upon this day to base their sermons on elements and references. The text proposed by the CFCM deplores from the outset the horrible assassination of Samuel Paty, history teacher at the Bois d’Aulne college in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. It also condemns scourges such as radicalism, violence and terrorism that claim to be Islam and make victims of all ages, conditions and beliefs, reports saphirnews.com.

Continuing, this text deplores this ignoble crime with a victim who leaves behind a spouse, children and loved ones in pain and grief. The text also does not fail to invite Muslim believers to pray and reflect on Samuel Paty. This text also condemns the fact of assassinating a man under the pretext of defending the dignity of the prophet. And unambiguously, the text specifies that such a way of proceeding, "is a profanation of the prophetic message, an affront to our faith and our religion and a betrayal of all that is sacred".

To support this argument, the CFCM’s wording also refers to the Holy Quran with verse 21: 107 which recalls the prophet’s prescription. The text also dwells on verse 5: 32 of the holy book which prohibits killing. "Whoever kills a human being not guilty of murder or sedition on earth is considered the murderer of all humanity." This document urges imams not to support the promoters of hatred and barbarism. Faced with the so-called "caricatures of Prophet Muhammad", the CFCM calls on Muslims in France and elsewhere to follow the example of the prophet and to stop responding or reacting to this type of expression.

The text also calls on the preachers of hatred to stop the division between Muslims and their fellow citizens. The cardinal principle advocated by this CFCM text is based on the values that form the foundation of this republican pact, those of a secular, indivisible, democratic and social Republic, with its motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity". This CFCM wording invites the faithful not to respond to the provocation of anti-Muslim acts.