(Salt Lake City, Utah, January 08, 2015) — As we look at the tragic events in Paris, and the terrible loss of life, we may experience many different reactions such as shock, anger or sadness. We want to be able to change things. Like people of all faiths, the Islamic community utterly repudiates any type of violence. Muslims, and their religion Islam, like Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and other faith traditions always stand opposed to tyranny.

But people of faith may feel powerless in the face of such violence and the retaliatory waves of rhetoric that follow. Many speak out not only against Islam, but religion in general — blaming it for the terrorism. Ironically, saying that Islam or religion itself is responsible for such actions, is of the same mindset of the terrorists. It doesn’t come from trying to understand, but from fear.

If we are going to get answers on how to find ways to end such cycles of violence, we need to ask why they take place. But when we ask that simple three letter word, “why,” we must dig deep. We can’t assume, for example, that because someone claims they committed violence for religious reasons that religion was the primary motivation. Likewise, just because someone claims to be Muslim does not mean that their individual actions are sanctioned by Islam.

When we ask why, we must also be careful not to assume that provocations are justifications. Many Muslims are, indeed, offended when people draw mocking cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him and all prophets). Mormons are likewise offended when people mock their temple ceremonies. Catholics are offended when people ridicule the Eucharist. Offenses — religious, political, racial or cultural — are everywhere around us in a pluralistic society. But these offenses or provocations are never justifications. Never.

In Islam, the actions of these terrorists was spiritually soul destroying. There is, quite simply, no justification for it at all. For when a man takes a life, for whatever reasons, he ruins all of society. This is my faith.

The world could learn a lot from the folks in Utah, who have mastered the art of open dialogue. Here people are encouraged to learn about other cultures, religions and people in general. By fostering such bridge building, we will be able to reduce animosity. Offenses will be replaced by understanding.

In today’s society we are no longer isolated from each other. We are connected. Let us come together to solve issues and grow stronger. We are not powerless. We have each other.

-Imaam Muhammed S. Mehtar is the senior religious leader for the largest Muslim organization in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is also the Imaam of Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake – the Khadeeja Mosque.
-Khosrow B. Semnani is a Utah businessman and a respected member of the Muslim faith community.