Syria Church Suicide Attack Strongly Condemned: No Religion Supports the Killing of Innocents – Shabu Zaidi

June 22, 2025, a suicide attack during a prayer gathering at Saint Elias (Mar Elias) Church in the Dweila area of Damascus, Syria, claimed 15 lives and injured many others. We strongly condemn this cowardly act, which is not only an attack on humanity but also a violation of the core values of all religions.
No religion—be it Islam, Christianity, Judaism, or any other—justifies the killing of innocent people, especially women, children, and the elderly. The Quran, in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32), clearly states, “Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if they have killed all of humanity.” Additionally, the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasizes protecting innocents even during times of war. This attack appears to be the result of geopolitical and diplomatic forces aiming to sow religious discord in society.
The attack occurred at a time when global tensions are at their peak, with geopolitical alliances and conflicts involving countries like Iran, Israel, the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea. Some intellectuals suggest this attack could be a plot to isolate Iran from its allies, such as Russia. However, the Syrian Interior Ministry has attributed the attack to a suicide bomber linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), who opened fire before detonating themselves.
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of minority communities, particularly Christians, in Syria. Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mustafa called it a “cowardly attack against national unity and brotherhood.” We believe such events are conspiracies to divide society and destroy religious harmony. All communities must unite to confront forces that spread violence in the name of religion.
Conclusion: We strongly condemn this suicide attack and express our condolences to the families of the victims. No religion endorses the killing of innocents. It is time for the global community to promote religious unity and expose political conspiracies.