GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Sharif Sahibzada, the imam of the Islamic Center and Mosque of Grand Rapids says he is not surprised by violent uprisings in Libya following an American-made film that insults the Islamic religion and the prophet Mohammed.
Wednesday, four Americans were killed at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, including U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens. Stevens is the first U.S. Ambassador killed since 1979.
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While not surprised by the violence, Sahibzada says he does not condone it.
"God says you have to live as human beings-- brothers and sisters, children of Adam. You have to do such action which creates a peaceful environment, not such an action that creates violence," says Sahibzada.
Sahibzada, who was born in Pakistan and educated in England, said the violence was, "a natural reaction, it's not planned or instigated." He adds, "we have to work for peace and harmony and to serve humanity. God doesn't say you have to kill each other."
About 15,000 people in and around Grand Rapids are followers of Islam.