Muslim groups speak out against beheading

The latest beheading by the Islamic State has provoked strong emotions. How do you think the U.S. should respond? What more should be done? You can join the conversation on our Facebook page or tweet your thoughts using #WTOP.

WASHINGTON — Area Muslim groups are speaking out against the beheading of journalist Steven Sotloff by ISIS militants, the group that similarly killed journalist James Foley last month.

“We unequivocally condemn these brutal attacks and beheadings. These are not Islamic practices. This is just violent evil that has no religion and no faith,” says Rizwan Jaka, a member of the board of trustees of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society.

With 10 branches in Northern Virginia and D.C., the group — that calls itself by its acronym ADAMS — is one of the biggest mosques in the United States.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both journalists in this very, very difficult time and we hope and pray that ISIS can be defeated,” Jaka says.

The All Dulles Area Muslim Society is planning a peace gathering Sunday, Sept. 7, to remember victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and also to honor law enforcement officers.

The D.C.-based Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim-American civil rights group, has added its voice to the condemnations.

“No words can describe the horror, disgust and sorrow felt by Muslims in America and worldwide at the unconscionable and un-Islamic violence perpetrated by the terror group ISIS,” says CAIR in a written statement.

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