Release: The Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto Condemns All Forms Of Racism

Thursday, June 4, 2020

The Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto (ISIJ of Toronto) is deeply saddened by the recent events in the United States. The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of the police is a stark reminder of the need to combat all forms of racism, including anti-black racism, hatred and discrimination. ISIJ of Toronto stands in solidarity with those that are facing injustice and oppression around the world.

The religion of Islam promotes diversity, peace and compassion for all humanity. The Holy Quran says “O People! We have created you of a male and female and have made you nations and tribes so that you may know (and recognise) each other. The most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most pious of you. God is All-knowing and All-aware.” (The Quran 49:13)

As a Canadian Muslim community, we wholeheartedly believe in peaceful co-existence and are committed to doing our part to help end all forms of hate that surround us. This incident, among many others, calls for us as Canadians to recognize our own challenges particularly at a time when many Canadians, including members of our racialized community, face discrimination. This is an opportunity for all of us to commit to take action.

The guiding principles of the ISIJ of Toronto espouse and promote the core Canadian values of equality, fairness and tolerance and as such, we are committed to being an ally in this fight against discrimination. All of us have a role to play in standing up against injustice and promoting peace. We must stand united, now more than ever, and must work together to find ways to defeat bigotry in all its forms once and for all through dialogue, education and collaboration. In an era of intense division among communities, let us work together to build bridges of understanding and appreciation of the commonalities we share.

This is a time for all of us to listen to and learn from one other and find ways to build more inclusive communities here at home and beyond.