Q: I am a student at (name withheld for privacy of school). You were our guest speaker on Wednesday. What actions are being taken by Moeslims to address the Palisades Fires or Fiers in general? After your presentation on Islam I began to do some research on islam, I have noticed that many Moeslims are rejoicing such fires. Are you of the same opinion? Thanx

Answer: I want to thank your teacher for the invitation and express my gratitude for your inquiry and desire to seek clarification on this matter.

Muslims are navigating through a wide range of emotions during these challenging times — both nationally and internationally. With a population exceeding 1.9 billion, Muslims are a diverse and complex community also known as the Ummah. Unfortunately, your perspective and analogy regarding Muslim attitudes toward the fires are deeply flawed. Muslims are an integral part of the American fabric, contributing tirelessly to the pursuit of justice, honesty, human dignity, respect and honor for all.

Many Muslims are profoundly disturbed by the glaring contradictions within our collective American value system. While emergency responses promptly attempt to and even make mention to deliver water to the victims of fires in Los Angeles—a rightful and humane act—thousands of miles away, the same resources are used to transport rockets and missiles that devastate women and children, depriving them of access to basic necessities like water. This stark contrast in priorities is deeply disheartening for any non-Zionist human, including Muslims.

No Muslim—or any person with a sense of humanity—can ever condone the destruction of property belonging to innocent individuals who stand for justice, human dignity, and safety for all. However, there is understandably little sympathy for figures like James Woods and others whose statements have at times justified or dismissed the indiscriminate killing of mothers and children. For example, Mr. Woods wrote in an X post in October 2023: “Bomb the savages who did this back to the Stone Age. There are no grey areas. Kill them all.” For clarification, if one were to advocate for targeting Hamas in such a context, it is a sentiment many understand and can relate too, even if they disagree. However, the phrase “Kill them all”—indiscriminately targeting every individual—is both appalling and unacceptable from a notable public figure. We all just expect better from ‘people of notoriety.’

Thus, what you are witnessing in segments of the Muslim community is not hatred for the homes lost to fire but a profound aversion to those who have supported or justified the mass murder of innocent civilians. The frustration is directed at the hypocrisy and lack of accountability for these injustices, not at the rightful aid provided to those in need within our own communities.

I appreciate that you have sought clarity from a ‘Muslim.’ Please feel free to call me for further discussion or clarification; your teacher has my number. Wishing you and your family – regardless of your faith a safe weekend and continual success and prosperity.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.