The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, expresses deep concern over the killing of Imam Hussein Sharif, the imam of a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, USA who was fatally shot by an unknown assailant in the mosque parking lot after performing Fajr prayers on Thursday.

The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns such heinous acts that contribute to spreading discord and escalating hate speech, bigotry, and racism. It calls for those responsible to be brought to justice and emphasizes the need to enhance efforts to promote values of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Council extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, the local community in Newark, and the entire Islamic community in the United States, praying that the Almighty grants the Imam mercy, places him in the vastness of His gardens, and grants patience and solace to his family and loved ones.