Roanoke mosque condemns attack at Roanoke County apartment complex

A Roanoke mosque is condemning the double stabbing that happened in Roanoke County on Saturday.

The FBI is investigating whether 20-year-old Wasil Farooqui was inspired by ISIS when he stabbed two people at The Pines Apartments on Saturday.

The Masjid An Nur Islamic Center said it "wholeheartedly" condemns the attack. The mosque also says the horrendous attack should not be used to vilify and stereotype the peaceful and law-abiding Muslim community in Roanoke.

Correlli Rasheed from the Masjid An Nur Islamic Center said Farooqui prayed at the Islamic center, but Rasheed hadn't seen him in about a year.

WDBJ7’s Amanda Kenney will have more on this tonight.

Here is the news release from The Masjid An Nur Islamic Center:

The Masjid An Nur Islamic Center wholeheartedly condemns the attack that took place in Roanoke (Saturday). We stand with our fellow citizens and wish for the speedy recovery and healing for injured and their loved ones. While an investigation is on-going as to the motives of the attacker, terrible acts such as this one violate the basic tenets of any religion, including Islam. There is never any justification for terrorism and violence. Anyone who takes or attempts to take the life of another is not following the teachings of their religion. This horrendous attack however should NOT be used to vilify and stereotype the peaceful and law abiding Muslim community in Roanoke and beyond. Our faith categorically denounces and forbids terrorism and extremism. The Quran states: “Whoever kills a person, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” Islam holds human life, the dignity of all humans, and a respect for human and civil rights in the highest regard. Islam teaches religious freedom and emphasizes the same universal moral values accepted by the majority of people of all backgrounds. These are the same principles on which the US Constitution was established and the Bill of Rights was approved. Muslims believe there is “no compulsion in faith” and we reject violence, hatred, and discrimination toward anyone on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, familial status, sexual orientation and national origin. We stand with our fellow Roanoke residents in sharing mutual concerns and exploring ways to prevent such attacks.