Muslims in Manila decry attack against Saudi cleric

Muslims in Metro Manila staged a rally on Friday (March 4) to condemn the attack against Saudi nationals last Tuesday (March 1).

Iligan City (CNN Philippines) — Hundreds of Muslims in Metro Manila staged a rally in Greenhills, San Juan at around 2 p.m. on Friday (March 4) to condemn the attack against Saudi nationals Dr. Aid Al-Qarni and Sheik Turki Assaegh.
The rallyists asked for a thorough investigation and swift justice for the cleric and his companion. They reasoned that although the shooter was killed on the spot and two of his companions were already jailed, there must be a mastermind who ordered the assassination — one who should answer to the crime.
The rally was organized by the Ulamah Council of the Philippines, Muslim community leaders in Manila, and Muslim Greenhills Traders Association.
They said that Dr. Al-Qarni visited the Philippines for peace, and the shooting incident caused them too much sorrow.
Wilson Baunto, a Muslim missionary who joined the rally, also cried foul as some media outlets reported that Dr. Al-Qarni is calling for jihad against the United States. He said he is alarmed that some reports made it appear that the attempted assassination was justifiable.
The cleric and his companion came to the Philippines following the invitation of the Ulama Council of Zamboanga Peninsula. On their Facebook page, the council posted an official statement asking for restraint and urging against inciting people to violence.
"This is a time for sobriety and solidarity of the Muslims and non-Muslims alike and not a casue of strife and division," according to the council.
Dr. Al-Qarni and Sheik Assaeg were shot at as they were leaving Western Mindanao Univesity campus in Zamboanga City last Tuesday (March 1) after giving a free lecture called "Don't Be Sad" to 5,000 attendees at the Dr. Juanito Bruno Gymnasium.
Related: One killed, two other suspects arrested in shooting of Saudi nationals in Zamboanga City
Dr. Al-Qarni is an internationally renowned author of many motivational and inspirational books, including his best-selling book Don't Be Sad.

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