Violence: As American as Cherry Pie

Every day, there are 44 homicides in the US, the majority are committed with firearms. There are approximately 5 gang-related murders in America each day. Every day in the country, an average of 110 people commit suicide, 60 of those deaths involve firearms. Of those daily suicides 20 are committed by military veterans.

On average, approximately 1,000 people are killed by law enforcement agents annually in this country, almost three people every day. The majority of the victims are white, although the percentage of African Americas killed is grossly disproportionate to percentage of the population comprised by African Americans. To get a sense of perspective on this latter statistic, since 1932, 133 people in Canada have been shot by law enforcement agents. Since 1990 in the United Kingdom only 60 civilians have been fatally shot by law enforcement agents, none in 2013.

Violence, as once stated famously stated, is as American as cherry pie. Unless and until we begin to address the root causes of the spiritual emptiness, depression, racism, hatred, wars and policies that fuel this national slaughter it is destined to continue, unabated.

Where do we start? With religion. With real, deep meaningful religion that is predicated on teaching people that all life is sanctified by Almighty God. As Muslims in this country, we cannot be shamed into behaving like the actions of crazed fanatics represent us or our religion, thereby disguising the fact that we are one of the most peaceful communities on earth. We have to raise our voices to articulate the prophetic call to respect and value life and the right every individual to be at peace within himself or herself and to live in peace with others.

"Whoever takes an innocent life, it is as if he has killed all of humanity..." Qur'an 5:32