NASHVILLE, Tenn – News of the shooting in Chattanooga that left four U.S. Marines dead, has particularly impacted the Nashville Islamic community, and local leaders have been speaking out against the violence.
Friday morning was filled with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting and reflection for Muslims. However, the normally celebratory events had a somber tone.
“You have this day of celebration and you keep thinking back to tragedy and the families who’ve been impacted,” said Rashed Fakhruddin, President of the Islamic Center of Nashville. “We carry a heavy heart for what happened in Chattanooga.”
Fakhruddin said police patrols have increased at the Islamic Center of Nashville as a precaution.
“We are always in fear when something like this happens,” he added.
Paul Galloway, Executive Director of the American Muslim Advisory Council, said while the shooting suspect 24-year-old Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez of Hixson, Tennessee, was identified as Muslim —he was not representative of the Muslim community.
“When a person like this takes it on themselves to go and commit violence it’s against Islam, instead of with Islam’s blessing,” said Galloway.
Galloway said the tragedy provided the local Muslim community an opportunity to educate others about their faith.
“Our task is to continue to reach out to people and let people come and get to know our community.”
Fakhruddin said the Islamic Center of Nashville hosted 15 educational seminars for community members last month, and will continue the community outreach program.
