Social media has been ablaze with posts bearing the hashtag #NotInMyName, with Muslims in the UAE and across the world calling for peace and refusing to be stereotyped after the devastating Orlando attacks.

Fifty people were killed and another 53 wounded in the deadliest mass shooting in US history on Sunday June, 12, when a gunman, who was Muslim and pledged his allegiance with ISIS, opened fire inside a nightclub.

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In the aftermath, many Muslims took to Twitter and Instagram to express empathy for the victims using the hashtag #NotInMyName. The hashtag, which has been used after previous hate crimes, is a reminder that violence is not condoned in the religion.

 

Here’s a UK#NotInMyName video which perfectly sums up how the actions of terrorists are un-Islamic:

It’s not just Muslims in the region showing their support, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced its solidarity with the United States, condemning terrorism and reiterating the importance that the nations work together to eliminate terrorism.

Of course, Donald Trump used the occasion to try to champion his policies and views. Taking to social media to voice his opinions and call for more vigilance:

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The UAE took a different stance to Trump. According to The National, Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, posted a statement released on the website of the UAE Embassy in Washington DC. It read: “We condemn the hate and fanaticism behind this unspeakable violence. We must all work together to promote tolerance and peace… On behalf of the leadership and people of the UAE, our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims of yesterday’s heinous attack in Orlando.”

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs also put out a similar statement: “The State of Qatar reiterates its condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism, whatever their motives and justifications, and emphasises the need for concerted international efforts to face criminal acts that target civilians everywhere in the world.”

#PrayForOrlando #NotInMyName 🙏❤️🙏

A photo posted by Nouredine Elhaoussine (@nouredine.elhaoussine) on

💜💙💚💛❤️ PEACE NOT HATE💜💙💚💛❤️I’m deeply saddened by the horrific events that happened today at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL. My heart is heavy and Prayers and love go out to the families of the victims. In the words of Sheikh Omar Sulwiman “Senseless. Barbaric. Despicable. As the shouting wars begin on television and social media, don’t forget the grief of the families who woke up to the news that their loved ones were ruthlessly taken away from them. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today. We condemn this unspeakable horror. We just spent a week honoring a man, well known to us, who was inspired by Islam to spread peace & justice to every corner of this world, touching millions of lives in a beautiful way. I, and Muslims across this country, refuse to be involuntarily represented by some demented murderer unknown to us who ruthlessly took the lives of tens of people in Orlando today”.❤️💛💚💙💜 #NOH8 #humanity #libertyandjusticeforall #prayfororlando #prayforpulse #pulse #makeupartist #hijabi #islam #love #beautyeditor #lesbian #loveNOThate #LBGT #NOTINMYNAME #transgender #gay #huffingtonpost #cnn #buzzfeed #dallasmorningnews #muslims #preachlove #sandrasaenz #orlando #respect #foxnews #univision #idontstandforhate #awareness

A photo posted by Sandra Saenz (@thesandrasaenz) on

#notinmyname Photo by NyTimes

A photo posted by @pro_humanity on

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