MUSLIMS RAISE FUNDS FOR CHATTANOOGA VICTIMS

As the Muslim community rejected the attack, the family of Abdulazeez offered sympathy, condolences and prayers.

Nashville, Tenn, 9 Shawwal 1436, 25 July 2015 (MINA) – Cooperating with interfaith groups, leaders of the Muslim community in Chattanooga, Nashville, have launched a fundraising campaign for the victims of the latest attacks, sending an out loud message against these attacks as contradicting with Islam.

“The Chattanooga families lost fathers, brothers, and sons in a deplorable act of violence on July 16th. We wish to send a powerful message of unity and compassion through action,” Faith and Culture Center, Our Muslim Neighbor initiative said in a post on the charity website Launchgood.com. OnIslam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The group, in coordination with the Muslim community in Chattanooga, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and interfaith partners is leading effort to raise $20,000 for the families of the victims of July 16th attack.

The money will be used to cover college scholarships and educational expenses for the spouses and children.

The funds will be verified and dispersed through the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga 7-16 Freedom Fund.

“Faith and Culture Center, Our Muslim Neighbor will cover all administrative and processing fees associated in this effort, so your gift will have the maximum impact. We strongly urge you to take part in this action; give and help our community heal,” the group said.

Last July 16, a 24-year-old Kuwaiti-born gunman opened fire on a military recruiting station, then raced to a second military site where he killed four United States Marines.

The gunman, who also died Thursday, was identified as Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez, who became a naturalized United States citizen and went to high school and college in Chattanooga.

As the Muslim community rejected the attack, the family of Abdulazeez offered sympathy, condolences and prayers.

“There are no words to describe our shock, horror, and grief,” said a family statement, provided to the Associated Press by a lawyer representing the family of Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, who was killed by police.

“The person who committed this horrible crime was not the son we knew and loved. For many years, our son suffered from depression. It grieves us beyond belief to know that his pain found its expression in this heinous act of violence.” (T/P007/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)