LONDON – In the latest terrorist incident to hit America, Uzbekistan-born Sayfullo Saipov, is reported to have called out “Allahu Akbar,” meaning God is Great, just before driving headlong down a bike-path in lower Manhattan. God is indeed Great, but saying “God is Great” while doing what God specifically prohibits – murdering 8 people & injuring 11 – is not greatness, it is terrorism.
Greatness would be to live by the best and highest of standards.
When Stephen Paddock murdered dozens of Americans in Las Vegas, President Trump was restrained in his commentary on Twitter. However, with Sayfullo Saipov’s act of murder, President Trump is fiercely vocal. This divergent response demonstrates that President Trump is also, not great. Shannon Watts compared the two in her tweet, which has gone viral:
1) What Donald Trump tweeted after a white man shot 600 Americans in Las Vegas vs what he’s tweeted about Manhattan. pic.twitter.com/NMERsP9GEr
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) October 31, 2017
American Muslim commentator Wajahat Ali observed that it is “Worth noting that since 9-11 the ‘terrorism’ label has less to do with the violent act and intention and more to do with the identity or suspect.”
Expressing solidarity, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, “London stands in grief and solidarity with the great city of New York tonight after the despicable and cowardly terrorist attack in Manhattan.”
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families. New Yorkers are strong and resilient – I know they will not be cowed by this assault on the innocent, and on our shared values and way of life.”
Transformation
Speaking of Saipov’s actions, Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo said, “There’s no evidence to suggest a wider plot or a wider scheme. These are the actions of one individual meant to cause pain and harm and probably death.”
The Independent newspaper reports that Kobiljon Matkarov, who met Saipov in Florida five years ago, said, “He is a very good guy, he is very friendly… he is like little brother… he looks at me like a big brother. My kids like him too, he is always playing with them. He is playing all the time.”
What transformed Saipov from a well-liked individual to a terrorist will become apparent over the upcoming weeks and months, as thankfully he has been captured alive. He will be prosecuted and rightly imprisoned indefinitely.
Speaking of this recent attack, British Muslim Gulrukh Khan writes, “Lone wolf attack – similar to Parliament Bridge. #prayers for those affected. Let’s hope Trump doesn’t take OTT measures and fuel more ‘war on terror’ tactics… creating more issues for those of minority groups.”
While another British Muslim Noreen Hussain adds, “Wherever there is violence, bloodshed & mindless atrocities in any part of the world, may there be peace. May the suffering of anyone, anywhere due to ANY reason come to an end. Ameen. Syria, Iraq, Paris, London, New York, Las Vegas, Afghanistan, Palestine, Israel, Pakistan, India, Somalia, Kenya, Turkey, Egypt.. the list goes on. “
In a perfect summary of the NYC spirit, Pervez Lone writes, “On a New York street, if you ask a passer-by for directions to your destination, s/he will quickly check maps on phone. Even if it takes him/her ten minutes to explain, yet won’t leave unless you are sure of your way. ‘The city which never sleeps’ is an abode of compassionate and loving people. In a gruesome incident yesterday, some sick man pounced on the street in Manhattan and killed eight innocent people. May Almighty bestow courage to those who lost their dear ones and may the wounded heal soon.”