Northern Illinois University Tragedy

In light of the tragedy that has befallen nearby Northern Illinois University, we offer our condolences and prayers to the NIU family, especially those directly affected by the violence. Many students at NIU are from the Muslim community here in Chicago, including one female Muslim student who was wounded in the attack. We pray for her recovery, as we do for all who were physically and emotionally injured.

The university campus in America has a long tradition of being a safe haven for the free exchange of ideas, enlightenment, and intellectual growth. For bizarre reasons that need to be honestly examined, there is a troubling increase of violence on university campuses across this county, as well as in high schools and elementary schools. This unfortunate trend raises questions that this nation must grapple with. People of education, law enforcement, psychology, behavioral sciences, and religion must all converge and start a dialogue about this alarming epidemic of deviant hostility. We must recognize the growth of a culture of violence that is glorified in the entertainment media, video games, and even political decisions and language that rush to the military as solutions for our problems. Everything should be examined, because the stakes are high.

The enterprise of seeking knowledge is among the most noble of deeds. There are many verses of the Muslim scripture (the Quran) and statements of the Prophet of Islam (God’s peace and blessings be upon him) that equate seeking knowledge with worship itself. We believe that gaining knowledge is not just a right, but an obligation upon every man and woman. To interrupt, intimidate, or block one’s access to education is tantamount to impeding worship.

Civilization depends on the advancement of knowledge and the health of institutions that offer it. The affects of violence on campuses have far-reaching implications. We would be remiss if we neglect to discuss this issue in a broad manner or simply label it as an issue for law enforcement.

Again, we express our condolences and prayers for the entire NIU community. We hope that the healing and restoration process is swift and complete.