Source: yourhoustonnews.com | By Petrina J. Johnson

The recent terrorist attacks in Paris are bringing people from different religions together for united prayer.

During a Thanksgiving Interfaith Service on Thursday, Nov. 19, by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Houston, victims of the attacks were remembered. The annual Thanksgiving meeting and dinner was sponsored in coordination with the Spring Interfaith Dialogue Council.

“In this way, the event had a very positive effect on the community members,” Malik said.

According to Malik, the Ahmadiyya Muslims of Houston were among the first to visit the French Consulate to express their grief and sympathy for the victims. He said they met with the Consul General of France.

“He wrote us a letter of thanks saying the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community reaffirms that terrorism and extremism are against the true teachings of Islam. He said that this message is the utmost importance,” said Malik.

The public is invited to attend the organization’s meeting on Dec. 13 discussing the noble character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad along with a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place at Baetus Samee Mosque located at 1333 Spears Road in Houston.

The blood drive is under an ongoing campaign called “Muslims for Life.” It is in remberance of the victims of the tragedy in Paris. Each year they donate blood to save lives of 30,000 people throughout the United States.

Malik wants people to know that Islam is a religion of peace and those committing murder of innocent people are criminals who have nothing to do with Islam.

“We have to unite together to eliminate criminal forces and remove misunderstandings about our religion.”