The Islamic Society of Akron and Kent released a strongly worded statement condemning the cold-blooded massacre inside an Orlando gay bar.
"The heinous act act of violence by a deranged man with a Muslim background is utterly indefensible," the statement reads.
ISAK said members of the Muslim community in Northeast Ohio will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with members of other faith communities to pray for and share the pain of the loved ones who were killed or injured.
"The morally reprehensible act is also unquestionably wrong and doubly misguided, particularly when it is committed in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan," said Ghulam N. Mir, ISAK director of public relations.
"This month is meant to instill patience, empathy and self-restraint among the followers of the faith, not to act out of anger, cruelty and disregard for life and dignity of honorable men and women the terrorist just murdered," he said.
ISAK President Faheem Shaikh also offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
"This sad occasion is particularly tragic when it comes only days after Americans and people around the world celebrate the life and mourned the death of Muhammad Ali," Shaikh said.
