Ahmadi Muslims belong to a sect that has been denounced and persecuted by extremists for adhering to an interpretation of Islam propounded more than a century ago by the sect’s messianic founder. A New York Times article gave an overview of the community during one 2010 campaign to present Islam as a religion that abhors violence.

On Thursday, the group issued a statement from a leader of the community about the San Bernardino shooting.

“This senseless loss of life is tragic,” said Nasim Rehmatullah, the senior vice president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. “We extend our condolences to the victims and their families. The Quran teaches us the killing of an innocent is like the destruction of mankind. Humanity was destroyed far too many times today.”

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The Community condemns massacre in San Bernardino

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA urges calm after 14 were killed and 17 were injured.  This was the second mass shooting in America today, and the 351st of the year.

“This senseless loss of life is tragic,” said Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, Senior Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, “We extend our condolences to the victims and their families. The Quran teaches us the killing of an innocent is like the destruction of mankind. Humanity was destroyed far too many times today.”

We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 206 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the oldest American-Muslim organizations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.

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