Local Muslims: bin Laden Was A Criminal
DEARBORN (WWJ) - Southeast Michigan's Islamic community is praising President Barack Obama and the U.S. military for the successful elimination of Osama bin Laden.
Dawud Walid, Executive Director for the Michigan Chapter of the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR), says bin Laden was a criminal.
"Osama bin Laden was illegitimate in what he taught as a Muslim and he in no way represents the aspirations of the vast majority of the Muslim world, which makes up one-point six billion people," Walid said.
Walid says while a burial at sea is not exactly Islamic law, he believes the U.S. didn't have much of a choice.
"Our administration said that they couldn't find a country to bury him in. Therefore, if he can't be buried under the earth, the only other place for him to go without cremating him is the water," he said.
"At the end of the day, Osama bin Laden was a criminal, he was a murderer, he met his justice -- and he's going to meet the ultimate justice when he faces God," Walid said.
In a statement issued shortly following President Obama's announcement Sunday night, Walid said this:
"We welcome the announcement that Osama bin Laden has been eliminated as a threat to our nation and the world through the actions of our military personnel. In addition to the killing of thousands of Americans, he and Al Qaeda caused the deaths of countless Muslims worldwide. We also welcome President Obama's clear statement tonight that the United States is not at war with Islam."
Speaking to reporters, Monday, Walid was joined in his statement by four local Imams.
In a comment posted on WWJ's Facebook wall on Monday, "Peinck" had this to say:
The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services in Dearborn released this statement:
"For the past decade, the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, have been what defined our country, both at home and abroad. The death of Osama bin Laden thankfully closes out this long winter of political upheaval, social turmoil and economic disparity - so much of it precipitated by 9/11. ... This is, indeed, a new day in America. Osama bin Laden is dead. We must not allow his legacy to live on by continuing to divide us. Extremism of any type demands our ongoing vigilance and our attention as a nation.'"
WWJ Newsradio 950 has been taking your calls, as Southeast Michigan reacts to bin Laden's death. Share your comments at 248-455-7230.
- Read about reaction in New York City at this link.
- Read about reaction in Washington D.C. at this link.
