Terrorism has no religion

With hearts gripped by pain, we mourn those we lost in this painful terrorist incident, and we extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims. We ask God for mercy for those who have passed, a speedy recovery for the injured, and patience and strength for everyone affected by this tragedy.

Targeting a church or any place of worship is not only an assault on specific individuals, but an assault on the sanctity and dignity of the human being, their right to life and safety, and the values upon which civilized societies are built. Religion, in its essence, is a message of mercy and love. Hence, confronting terrorism begins by rejecting it morally and humanely, and by standing firmly against any ideology that seeks to spread hatred and tear apart the social fabric.

Jordan is not merely a geography that brings its people together, but a story of deep-rooted brotherhood, and a history of coexistence, partnership, and belonging. For many decades, Jordanians, Muslims and Christians alike, have lived side by side, sharing joys and sorrows, and standing together in times of adversity. National brotherhood was not a slogan raised when needed, but a daily practice embodied in homes, schools, universities, state institutions, and in relationships of neighborhood, friendship, and work.

In Jordan, we believe that the homeland is a home for everyone, that true citizenship is based on equality and mutual respect, and that human dignity is indivisible regardless of religion or belief.

In the midst of this pain, the national stance of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein was manifested in his swift and urgent visit to Karak Governorate, to be among his people in a moment where sadness and pain are mixed with anxiety, and to confirm that the Hashemite leadership does not stand far from the pain of Jordanians, but is at the heart of the event, close to the Jordanian citizen, and present in times of adversity.

His Majesty's visit carried a message deeper than merely checking on the injured; when he leaned down to listen to them, held their hands, and listened with interest to the details of what happened, the image of a leader who sees every citizen as a trust and a responsibility was embodied before us, giving his people the feeling that they are not alone in facing pain. These are moments that summarize the meaning of humanitarian leadership and reveal a sincere closeness to the citizens and a firm commitment to their lives, dignity, and security.

This humanitarian embrace was accompanied by royal firmness, which vowed to confront anyone who dares to tamper with Jordan's security or terrorize its people. Karak, with its ancient national history and its firm place in the conscience of Jordanians, is not just a Jordanian governorate, but a symbol of dignity, loyalty, and belonging. Any attack targeting its security and its people targets Jordan as a whole and clashes with the will of a state and a people who do not accept any infringement on the security of the homeland or the incitement of strife among its children.

The message carried by this stance is clear: concern for the injured, loyalty to the victims, firmness in confronting crime, and a vow of fair accountability for everyone proven responsible for this terrorist act.

The Jordanian state, which approaches the wounds of its children and listens to their pain, is the same one that protects them, preserves their security, and confronts with all strength and responsibility everyone who threatens their peace and stability.

As citizens, we affirm our confidence in the state's institutions and its security apparatus, and their ability to confront terrorism with vigilance and firm justice that does not allow those with dark ideologies to spread strife.

Terrorism may steal lives, but it will not be able to steal the love Jordanians have for one another, and it will not succeed in dividing the people of the homeland. Churches and mosques will remain symbols of faith, Jordan will remain a land of brotherhood and peace, and the forces of darkness will not succeed in tampering with its security and stability.

Jordan, with its Hashemite leadership, conscious people, and firm institutions, is capable of overcoming this ordeal, because its unity is not the result of an emergency situation, but an extension of a long history of solidarity and mutual support.

Jordanians, Muslims and Christians, will remain partners in building their homeland, defending it, and working for its strength, united by one flag, one destiny, and a deep belief that religious difference does not diminish the unity of national identity, but rather enriches it within the framework of mutual respect.

May God have mercy on the victims, grant their families patience and solace, grant the injured a speedy recovery, keep Jordan safe and secure, perpetuate upon it the blessing of unity, safety, and stability, protect His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and his trustworthy Crown Prince, and keep Jordan a model of coexistence, moderation, peace, and humanity.

May God protect Jordan, its land, leadership, and people.