Imam on attacks at CSD: No faith justifies violence

United against Hate and Violence – A Multireligious Prayer for Peace 
Imam Kadir Sanci – Pastor Marion Gardei – Rabbi Andreas Nachama

It is with deep shock and great sadness that we reflect on the violent attack in Berlin’s Tiergarten on participants in Christopher Street Day. Our sympathies go out to the loved ones of those who were killed, to the injured, to their families and loved ones, and to all who were forced to witness this horrific act.

All of us at the House of One condemn this act in the strongest possible terms. Anyone who abuses religion as a pretext for murder, hatred, or misanthropy is not acting in the name of God, but is opposing human dignity and the values of compassion, justice, and peace. No faith or belief can justify violence against people.

Right now, our society needs level-headedness, compassion, and solidarity. Dialogue is essential to prevent hatred from creating further stereotypes and to ensure that this act does not lead to new divisions in society. 

With this in mind, we at the House of One invite you to join us in a prayer for peace.

We pray according to Jewish tradition:

We pray for the full recovery of those who were injured and for those who are grieving the loss of their beloved mother and wife. May the Almighty grant them strength and endurance, comfort and solace, so that they may get through these difficult times with HIS help. Amen!

We pray according to Christian tradition:

You are a God who shares in the suffering of Your creatures when they suffer.

You want Your children to live together in brotherhood and sisterhood and to show love for one another; each and every one is infinitely precious to You.

You have given us Your commandments so that all people may shape their lives in freedom and grant that same freedom to others.

Do not let violence rule the world, and help us to stand together in grief and suffering.

Amen.

We pray according to Islamic tradition:

In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

“If anyone kills a person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity.” (Q 5:32).

Once again, a criminal has inflicted irreparable harm on all of humanity. We are hurting. Our pain is great. And God is our refuge from all pain. God is our refuge from helplessness and horror.

O Lord, in the Quran You encourage us to pray, to turn to You in our prayers:

“And when My servants ask you about Me, I am certainly near: I answer the prayer of the one who prays when he prays to Me.” (Q 2:186)

So we turn to you with words of supplication!

„Innā lillāhi we innā ileyhi rāǧiʿūn.“  „We certainly belong to God, and to Him we shall return.”  (Q 2:156)

“God is enough for us, and what a gracious Advocate He is!” (Q 3:173) 

“God is sufficient for me; there is no deity besides Him. In Him I place my trust.”

O Almighty One! Make us people who prevent injustice rather than perpetuate it; who build bridges rather than erect walls and fortresses; who spread peace rather than stir up hatred and violence.

Let's talk to one another instead of forging weapons!

Let's be there for one another; let's love one another and allow ourselves to be loved; let's help one another and allow ourselves to be helped; let's grieve together and allow ourselves to grieve; let's rejoice together and allow ourselves to rejoice.

Amin!

Bring us together—Jews, Christians, Muslims, and all who seek peace and mercy, meaning and justice—into a house that is open to everyone.

Amen!