In solidarity with Muslims: US ambassador visits Faisal Mosque

E-Paper | October 01, 2026

In solidarity with Muslims: US ambassador visits Faisal Mosque

Dawn.com Published December 11, 2015

ISLAMABAD: As reports of hate crimes against Muslims fuel tensions in the United States, a video released on Facebook by the US Embassy in Pakistan shows US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale visiting the historic Faisal Mosque in the capital – a visit widely seen as a gesture of solidarity with Muslims.

The tense environment in the US has been bolstered by remarks from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who recently called for banning Muslims from entry to the United States.

But President Obama in an address on Tuesday asked Americans not to depict the fight against terrorism as a war between Islam and America.

“We cannot turn against one another by letting this fight be defined as a war between America and Islam,” he said.

The anti-Muslim sentiment in the US surfaced after the California shooting in which a Muslim couple gunned down 14 people at a San Bernadino gathering.

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Amer RAO

Dec 11, 2015 05:26pm

Excellent Goodwill gesture by US Ambassador, we should make bridges for love , peace and humanity. Together we can make a Difference.

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Saeed Masood

Dec 11, 2015 05:33pm

We the Muslims have done great favors to America please go and study History... by visiting the Faisal Mosque it is only propaganda...What about killing the innocent by drone attacks is this love for Pakistan...

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ahmed

Dec 11, 2015 05:35pm

As an American Muslim, I pray that one day my country of birth - Pakistan - becomes as politically stable and as respectful of freedom of thought and expression and equal rights and responsibilities before the law as is the case in the US.

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Khalil Jat

Dec 11, 2015 05:42pm

This is a good gesture of friendship and is appreciated.

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M. Saeed Awan

Dec 11, 2015 06:01pm

If States has followed such healthy practice in the past, certainly the picture of the world would be different today. Its good gesture that now Americans and Europeans differentiate Islam and Terrorism.

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Just here

Dec 11, 2015 06:17pm

Thanks

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Baba

Dec 11, 2015 06:42pm

A good gesture to strengthen the relation between not only in between both countries but with entire Muslim world especially when there is anti Muslim lobby active right in the USA.

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Canada

Dec 11, 2015 06:43pm

@Saeed Masood If you turn every positive gesture into a negative one full of cynicism there will never be any progress for humanity. Let us not be critical of every single thing.

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Muzaffar Ali

Dec 11, 2015 06:57pm

Lets not criticize USA or the West! Answer this question:How do "we" treat our poor and oppressed? Then point a finger to others!

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Saima Siddiqui

Dec 11, 2015 07:35pm

@Saeed Masood - hateful rhetoric all the time. Why why why. As a nation we have become so negative minded. Let's think positive as well. Let's start a process of improving our own selves. Have you ever thought what we do to our minorities and women in Pakistan.

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M.Saeed

Dec 11, 2015 07:57pm

Is it a counter trump-card play ?

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Baba

Dec 11, 2015 08:55pm

Thank you your excellency , the entire world needs the healing. Now back to where we stand: we the people of pakistan and not honest to eacother so why to blame others. its Might is wright situation in the country, Politicians busy packing up boxes with money and taking it to the west

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Muzaffar Ali

Dec 11, 2015 08:55pm

@Canada Well said....we should look within us for answers! How do we treat our poor? How do we treat our minorities? Are people receiving justice?

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Proud Pakistani

Dec 11, 2015 10:07pm

@Saeed Masood - What about the terrorists killed by drones. Kill those terrorists instead of providing them shelter then no one will use drones. The day when you will declare them non-muslims and accept them terrorist, instead of muslim brothers everything will be okay.

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anony

Dec 11, 2015 10:31pm

Thank you Mr ambassador.

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Shakil USA

Dec 11, 2015 10:43pm

@ahmed - Well said. Agreed.

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Thrutheeyesofhistory

Dec 11, 2015 11:27pm

Awesome.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Dec 12, 2015 12:26am

Hypocrisy !!!

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J.Niaz

Dec 12, 2015 01:25am

Very good gesture. Thank you.

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Khwarezmi

Dec 12, 2015 01:51am

American government and military industrial complex must end the mindless war against Muslim countries and communities. Only then will the American people become tolerant.

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Pradeep

Dec 12, 2015 03:08am

One crappy Trump does not make USA intolerant!

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Patrick Sarsfield

Dec 12, 2015 03:48am

@Saeed Masood What favours are you talking about?

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Patrick Sarsfield

Dec 12, 2015 03:50am

@Shaukat Ali Khan At least he is not killing your people

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Cyrus

Dec 12, 2015 04:52am

Americans are not in solidarity with Muslims or American Muslims. After the attack in San Bernardino the lastest static says 63% of Americans are now afraid Washington will not do enough to prevent Muslim immigration. US Senate and Congressional offices know what that means.

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dawn

Dec 12, 2015 05:36am

Nothing more than PR.

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dawn

Dec 12, 2015 05:37am

@ahmed - USA is respectful of freedom? Think again Sir.

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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.S.A

Dec 12, 2015 09:13am

Very commendable act by the U.S ambassador.

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Sami

Dec 12, 2015 10:09am

@Saeed Masood Man you are a bitter person! Learn to let it go and not hold on to the past, unless you want to live in the past.

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Sami

Dec 12, 2015 10:11am

@ahmed Ameen! I too pray that my country of birth learns and adopts many of the principles that make my adopted country the greatest in the world.

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Sami

Dec 12, 2015 10:18am

@Muzaffar Ali Well said! I would add to it by saying that your character is reflected not in the way you tread the rich and powerful, or your equals, but how you treat those who are downtrodden and those who are weaker, in minority, and those who can not offer you anything. Ask yourself, how do we rank?

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Sami

Dec 12, 2015 10:22am

@Khwarezmi Stop killing each other! Do that before you point fingers towards the outside world!

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Sami

Dec 12, 2015 10:24am

Thank you Mr. Ambassador :-)

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yawer nazir

Dec 12, 2015 11:36am

gud

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rehan

Dec 12, 2015 12:42pm

So why are we making such a big deal out of this? This is just another hollow gesture from USA which means nothing.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Dec 12, 2015 05:39pm

@Patrick Sarsfield US is killing us and other countries' citizens. We don't kill anyone for nothing.

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Dec 12, 2015 08:13pm

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Google-CEO-Sundar-Pichai-writes-open-letter-supporting-Muslims/articleshow/50149838.cms

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M.ASIF

Dec 13, 2015 03:39am

Goodwill gesture should always be respected. Negative comments breed hate and distrust. Ambassador's visit is a positive step. Appreciate Sir, thanks.

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