Colorado Imam Makes Controversial Remarks About Jews, Citing Quranic Verses

In a recent sermon, Imam Muhammad Ashraf of the Colorado Muslim Society in Denver delivered remarks that sparked widespread controversy. During his July 11, 2025, sermon, Ashraf accused Jews of killing 70 prophets daily and nightly, referencing Quranic verses to support his claims. He cited Quran 4:155 and 3:112, which he used to argue that Jews have a history of rejecting divine messages and prophets, leading to their disgrace and anger from Allah. Ashraf further alleged that Jews have a propensity for violence, including the killing of women and children, and accused them of breaking promises and treaties. He referenced historical events, such as the attempted assassination of Prophet Muhammad, to support his assertions. The Imam's statements drew comparisons to historical antisemitism and raised concerns about incitement to violence. Public reaction was swift, with some calling for deportation of the Imam, while others criticized his comments as promoting hatred and violence. The sermon has reignited debates about the role of religious leaders in fostering dialogue and the boundaries of free speech in addressing such sensitive topics. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing religious expression with the need to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence.

Published: 8/3/2025