This brief essay is the first of several dealing with the Fort Hood tragedy. It is written by Shaykh J. Hashim Brown, an American Muslim convert to Islam. Shaykh Brown was blessed to have studied intimately with some of the greatest scholars of Syria for almost an entire decade. He is currently the director of research at the Tabah Foundation based in the United Arab Emirates.

It is with great sorrow and sympathy that we respond to the grief of the families connected to the tragic event at Fort Hood, Texas. The shock of unsuspected violence and death can bring about trauma in the lives of the living that is difficult to make sense of let alone bear. Muslim families are uniquely placed to empathize with the families of victims as this has been their own daily reality in some regions of the world that have been plagued by uninvited violence for many successive decades.

The actions at Fort Hood that led to the death of thirteen and the wounding of thirty people warrants condemnation. The killing of unarmed civilians is unconditionally prohibited in the sacred law of Islam. As an American citizen and a soldier in the US Army, the perpetrator has a covenant with the people of the United States who are his neighbors. Neighbors have no recourse but to trust their fellow neighbors; this relationship is sacrosanct. Additionally, soldiers - even as members of an aggressive military force - who are unarmed and outside of a combat zone do not constitute legitimate targets. They are not actively seeking to harm and remain unsuspecting of retaliation. In fact, they are in a situation in which it is hoped that they may be tempted to reconsider their own involvement in further violence. Violating this assumption of safety in a civil society environment undermines the principles of trust and reliability that are held so dearly by the followers of the Prophet Muhammad, peace upon him.

If soldier or citizen residing in Western lands find themselves unable to continue in the covenant or obligation into which they have entered, they should seek to publicly extricate themselves through the official and recognized means provided for by the terms of the obligation. Conscientious objectors’ status, honorable discharge, or if need be, the formal and public renunciation of citizenship, and exiting the host country are a correct course of action. Taking people unawares, even if not civilian, yet outside of a recognized combat zone is not acceptable.

At this time we would like to call our fellow citizens to reflect on the continuing tragic state of affairs in our combined lives domestically and globally. We are the sum of our choices and as such bear responsibility for them before God. The ongoing wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan were born out of ethical controversy. When violence is born out of ambiguity it will inevitably lead to circumstances of ethical confusion. Violence only begets more violence. Leadership and courage are required to stop the vicious circle. The global public has yet to see that leadership or courage on any side of these conflicts, yet it is they who continue to suffer the consequences; as disproportionate as that suffering may be.

There are American citizens, both Muslim and otherwise, who strongly question the legitimacy of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet they have found alternative ways of expressing that dissent than contributing to continued and deepening cycles of violence. Violence only brings more violence. If we have learned anything from the great men of history, the Prophet Muhammad, peace upon him, foremost amongst them, it is that compassion always wins in the end.

Hurt is hurt. A Muslim family that has experienced the bitterness of tragic loss would never wish that upon another. Muslim community leaders continue to implore their respective constituencies to stand by their principles, to be balanced and responsible citizens, and to renounce wanton violence. It is hoped that other leaders will likewise hold up their end of responsibility. Now is the time for healing -and just as healing is a historical trait of Muslims, resiliency is a proven trait of Americans. Would that the two came together now at this tense and critical time.

Shaykh J. Hashim Brown