A horrific war has begun, and we pray to God Almighty to save the innocent civilians and all those who are placed in harm's way. As Muslims, we believe that war should be the last resort and only for self-defense against aggression that threatens life, property and the dignity of mankind. The Islamic Center of Southern California is emphatically against the dictator of Iraq who has committed many ghastly acts even against his own people. However, a preemptive attack against Iraq cannot be justified as self-defense even if the goal is to liberate the suffering Iraqis from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein. "Fight in God's cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression, for God does not love the aggressors." (Quran, Chapter 2, Verse 190).

As American Muslims, we stand for liberty and justice for all, enjoining goodness and forbidding evil. However, we firmly believe that this honorable and moral end should be pursued with equally honorable means. We pray that this war will end soon and peace will prevail over the region. We pray for the innocent Iraqi men, women and children who have suffered decades of oppression, and are now the victims of a horrific war. We pray for the safety of the young American men and women who will be placed in harm's way. We pray to God Almighty to help President Bush keep his commitment to safeguard the life and dignity of the innocent Iraqis as he declared: "We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people".

As American Muslims, we reaffirm our commitment to the peace and security of our great country. We also stand for the territorial integrity of Iraq and the safety of its people and resources.

Peace Be On Earth!