A Muslim group from Silicon Valley on Saturday hosted a prayer and candlelight vigil in honor of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.
The organizers, who are part of the Ahmadiyya group in the Bay Area, said they hosted the event to make it clear that their religion doesn’t condone violence – despite the actions of extremists and jihadists.
"Islam’s message is love of all, hatred for none," said member Aftab Jamil. "Islam does not condone any such violence."
The vigil included a reading from the Quran, a moment of prayer and a lighting of the candles. About 50 people came to pay their respects to the victims, who died in a series of attacks in Paris on Nov. 13.
Organizers went on to say that while they were aware of the backlash facing the Muslim community in other parts of the world, they had yet to experience any prejudice or hatred in the Bay Area due to residents' "better understanding" of the religion.
