FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 5, 2010  

What:    

On the day of the U.S. District Court hearing in Detroit for Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 23-year-old charged with attempting to detonate an explosive device on Northwest Airlines flight 253, Michigan's Muslim community leaders will stand together to voice their strong opposition to extremists. 

According to Islamic teachings, 'killing one innocent person is like killing all ofmankind.' The Muslim American community condemns all acts of terrorism as crimes against humanity, and we support our law enforcement agencies in their efforts to protect our fellow citizens from such acts of violence while conserving civil rights. We stand together to defeat the threat of Alqaeda and are committed to the security of the people of this great nation. 

We call for all faiths to join Muslims across the nation to pray for peace and justice. 

Muslim Americans will participate in a rally later to demonstrate against the committing of acts of terror and the taking innocent lives in the name of their peaceful faith.   

When:   

Friday, January 8th, 2010, 9:30 a.m.Friday is a day of congregational prayers. The imams will speak to the media before the Friday sermon, scheduled at mid-afternoon in the area mosques.   

Where:   

The Michigan Round Table for Diversity & Inclusion

New Center One Building

3031 West Grand Boulevard, Suite 525

Detroit, MI 48202-3025   

Contact:   Victor Ghalib Begg at (586) 808-2864

               Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan   

CIOM's Mission Statement:   

As a Council our mission is to coordinate and communicate key issues for Michigan's Islamic organizations through positive collaboration with government, law enforcement, civic, interfaith and media organizations. We strive to present Islam in all its facets and to constructively respond to any negative or stereotypical portrayal of Islam and Muslims.