Our hearts are heavy with grief following the tragic killing of three Muslims at a mosque in San Diego during the sacred first days of Dhul Hijjah, among the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. As families and communities prepare for Eid al-Adha, a time of worship, sacrifice, and unity, innocent worshippers were instead met with violence and hatred inside the house of Allah (swt).

Hizb ut Tahrir extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Muslim community shaken by this horrific act. No believer should fear for their life within the sanctity of the mosque. Most importantly, no believer should feel utterly defenseless and vulnerable.

This tragedy did not emerge in isolation. It reflects years of anti-Muslim rhetoric, dehumanization, and narratives that have normalized suspicion and hostility toward Islam and Muslims. Constant portrayals equating Muslims with terrorism, alongside political exploitation of fear and war against Muslims, have contributed to an environment where blind hatred can flourish. These are the consequences when media and government work hand in hand to vilify Muslims in order to create an atmosphere of fear and hate to legitimize their subjugation of Muslims at home and abroad.

At this painful moment, we ask Allah (swt) to grant our Shuhada (martyrs) His mercy, grant them Jannatul Firdaus and give patience and strength to their loved ones. May He (swt) unite the Ummah upon Islam, behind the shield of a Caliph, and protect all people from hatred, injustice, and violence.