It is always important for religious institions and prominent representatives of the world’s religions constantly to clarify the ideals and proper teachings of our faiths.  We are grateful for the prompt and clear response to the Nigeria tragedy that has us from all faiths, and all people of conscience in agonizing prayer and shared purpose over our young sisters in Nigeria

(WASHINGTON DC 05/07/2014) — The US Council of Muslim Organizations, a coalition of several leading national and local Muslim organizations, strongly denounces Boko Haram and its kidnapping of at least 200 girls in Nigeria. We call for the girls’ immediate release and safe return to their families.

Boko Haram does not represent Islam and their actions completely violate Islamic teachings and principles. The USCMO joins hands with others who have openly condemned these actions. Slavery, oppression and injustice are prohibited in Islam and Boko Haram threats to sell these girls into slavery are reprehensible.

“The actions of Boko Haram show its members to be very ignorant of Islam and its teachings,” said Oussama Jammal, USCMO secretary-general. “No one in their right mind would condone these actions, especially Muslims, as they violate everything we hold sacred.”

USCMO calls for the immediate and safe return of these girls to their families and commends President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry for intervening for these girls’ well being.
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Organizational members of USCMO include: American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim American Society (MAS), Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), The Mosque Cares (Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed), American Muslim Alliance (AMA).

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