Islamic principals stand for free speech

I am appalled and disappointed by the recent attack in Garland, Texas. The two gunmen not only injured people, but also attempted to injure our right for free speech and to present a construed and fabricated version of Islam.

As a Muslim American, I take it upon myself to stand up for free speech. The Quran recognizes freedom of speech many times and, in fact, frequently challenges nonbelievers to produce and present signs if they are truthful; it does not seek to silence them but encourages dialogue.

Despite the clear and direct challenges in the Quran that encourage fruitful dialogue, groups like the American Freedom Defense Initiative continue to hide behind a veil of abusive hate speech and drawings. Yet even still, as hate groups revel in their own bigotry, true Islamic principles continue to stand for free speech and await fruitful dialogue.

Ismail Ahmad

Bolingbrook