Islamic Supreme Council of Canada

Ontario: 2126 Burnhamthorpe Rd., West, : P.O.Box 67070, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 5V4
Alberta: 28 Crowfoot Terrace NW, P.O. Box 68142, Calgary, Alberta T3G 3N8, Canada

British Columbia: 4065 Pandora Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 2B1

Date: September 18, 2006

Press Release

ISCC Thanks Pope Benedict XV1

Muslims and Catholics Enjoy the Best Cordial Relationships

Calgary) Last night, the president of Islamic Supreme Council of Canada, Syed B. Soharwardy returned from Montreal and Toronto where he discussed with his colleagues and the other Muslim leaders the crises created by Pope’s Speech. Last Friday, in his sermon, ISCC president Syed B. Soharwardy did condemn quotes from a Christian emperor. He said, “The worse quotes do exist in history books about Jesus Christ but we never mention those quotes, even in dialogue with Christians. Because we know those quotes from ruthless emperors were false. The quotes from a medieval emperor about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were false and should not have been used by the Pope”.

Canadian Muslims were saddened by the unnecessary crises created by some misunderstandings. By the Grace of God (Allah), Muslims and Christians especially Catholics in Canada enjoy the best cordial relationships. Canadian Muslims have deep respect towards Pope and they are very pleased with the wise decision that Pope Benedict XVI made in order to defuse unwanted crises. Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and its eight affiliated organizations thank Pope Benedict for expressing his regrets on his remarks about Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him).

ISCC respects the right of protest but condemns the use of violence in protests. The love and respect for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is deep rooted in the hearts of Muslims and it hurts when ill informed remarks are made about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

On Saturday, in a meeting, in Toronto, the executive council of Islamic Supreme Council of Canada has decided to send its president Syed B. Soharwardy with a delegation to meet with Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican and thank him personally for his assistance in improving Muslims-Christian relationships. ISCC requests Canadian Muslim leaders to join the delegation and present a common view to Pope on the current issue.

ISCC has asked all Islamic scholars and Imams in Muslim countries to ask fellow Muslims to stop further protest on Pope’s speech. It is the command of Allah to forgive those who repent. Since Pope has personally expressed his regrets on his speech, it will be Un-Islamic if people continue protesting and using violence. Allah loves those who repent and Allah loves those who forgive.

For further questions, please contact Syed Soharwardy at (866)-208-6898

Thanks