Growing Anti Muslim Bigotry: ICNA’s 6-Point Response
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Assalamu alaikum and greetings to all,
As you are aware, there is an alarming rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric throughout the country that is guided by calculated bigotry and racism for political gain, and is aimed at excluding Muslim Americans from the economic and social life of this nation.
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We are deeply concerned by these crimes and ask members of our community to exercise extreme caution and immediately report any incidents of harassment, abuse or violence to the appropriate authorities. We also ask our government officials, both local and federal, to step up and ensure the protection of Muslim Americans. We urge especially the Department of Justice to pursue and prosecute each and every hate crime, and ensure that equal protection and due process rights are afforded to everyone, including non-citizens, in the United States.
While appalled by the level of intolerance exhibited by some, we are not necessarily surprised. Many ethnic and religious communities have been targeted and discriminated against in America’s past. The ordeals of Catholics, Irish Americans, African Americans, Jews and Japanese Americans are still fresh in the minds of many; now, as Muslims face the same prejudice, we are confident that we will also overcome and prevail, God willing.
To this end, we suggest the following to our fellow Americans, religious leaders, the Muslim community, interfaith and civil rights groups and members of ICNA:
1) Cooperation and Coordination
It is impossible to turn a blind eye to the situation described above. Islamophobia harms America; core American values, especially the ideals of religious freedom and coexistence, are at risk. We remind everyone what George Washington wrote in his letter to the Jews of Rhode Island, wherein he affirmed the essential nature of America as “a government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance – but generously affording to all liberty of conscience, and immunities of citizenship.” Can America back down from its great foundational principles? Certainly not, no matter how bigots cry otherwise. However, to protect American values, all well meaning people and civil rights groups must take a stand. We commend those individuals, religious leaders, political leaders, media personalities and interfaith and civil rights groups who have already stood up for American values, spoken out against bigotry and racism and are working to counter Islamophobia. We join with all Muslim organizations and express ICNA’s solidarity with the commendable positive and proactive responses, such as Muslim Serve, and urge others to join these campaigns.2) True to our Faith – True to our Country
We are Muslims and we are Americans. We are neither an extension nor instrument of political players in the Muslim world. Muslims have been here for centuries and have never committed those acts of which they are accused. We have invested in the infrastructure of America with our careers, relationships, lives, money and property. For decades, Muslims have been in positions of trust and authority and have honored their covenant with their fellow Americans. Muslims are everyday Americans. We are family oriented people who promote virtue and care for our neighbors. Muslims were not only among those killed on September 11th, they were also among the first responders who died trying to save others. We can be true to our faith and true to our country without conflict. We American Muslims see our future in America and care about America’s security and prosperity. Therefore, we ask our fellow Americans: Are you supportive of the ugly rhetoric and anti-Muslim rallies, or are you with common decency? There is no denying that anti-Muslim hysteria is bad for our troops, undermines our national security and national values and is profoundly irresponsible.
3) Persistence and Steadfastness
Since the current deteriorating situation began with the Park51 controversy, some suggest that choosing an alternative site would end the debate. We doubt this and rather agree with NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg as he observed, “It won’t.” For “the question will then become, how big should the no-mosque zone around the World Trade Center be. There is already a mosque four blocks away. Should it, too, be moved?” Moving the center, the Mayor rightly observed “would send a signal around the world that Muslim-Americans may be equal in the eyes of the law, but separate in the eyes of their countrymen.” Such a move will only validate the incorrect perception of those who try to relate Muslim Americans with the 9/11 attacks.
4) Muslim Family Day (MFD) and Outreach
To all our ICNA members and chapters, we ask that you make every effort to make the MFD events a success and reach out to members of all communities. Let people know that ICNA is trying its best to improve the situation in our neighborhoods through outreach activities, relief and social services such as school supply giveaways and feed the hungry programs.
5) National Campaign Against Hunger
At a time when 49 million Americans remain hungry every night, ICNA is launching the National Campaign Against Hunger in October 2010, a month-long nationwide campaign to create better social awareness and remind all of our collective and moral responsibility to those who suffer around or right beside us. The slogan of the campaign is “United Against Hunger, Standing up for Justice.”
6) Positive and Compassionate Response
Last but not the least, if the proposed misguided “Qur’an Burning” event does proceed as announced by a church in Gainesville, FL, we must transform this challenge into an opportunity to demonstrate what Islam really means and stands for. We should organize a positive and compassionate response so that the world can see the contrast between Muslims and bigots. Let us respond to their hate-filled campaign with compassion, care and wisdom. Our volunteers must not respond to any provocation even if they are the victims of hate crimes. All of our events must be organized in coordination with law enforcement. As always, our message must remain entirely positive (e.g., “We know that this does not represent Christians or their beliefs” and “We understand that people just don’t know.”) It is not unlikely that the Qur’an burning event will provoke unreasonable reactions from some Muslims who may feel that something must be done to protect the Qur’an. If we organize a positive response to the Qur’an burning, we can channel their grief and anger. After the Qur’an burning we may begin our Qur’an distribution, as people will certainly be curious about this Divine Book, God willing.
May Allah give us the wisdom to transform each challenge into an opportunity and may He help us all. Ameen.
Sincerely,
Dr. Zahid H. Bukhari, Ph.D.
President, Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
Mr. Arif Sheikh, GROUNG ZERO IS NOT MECCA OR MEDINA. I dont know what you are talking about. You are right Kathryn Buffington; these awful ppl do not represent you and the same way some handful awful ppl who claim themselves to be Muslims and do awful things anywhere in the world do not represent muslims aswell.
As a non-Muslim, I am appalled at the hateful reactions to existing, planned and under contruction Islamic centers and mosques. These awful people do not represent my friends, family or me. I’m sorry.
I think its all a lie…
what is park 51 anyways?
To counter the current Anti-Islamic propaganda, we Muslims should mount a counter media campaign that 9/11 was not a Muslim incident. And thats the truth. It was an inside job, especially designed to plant the seeds of division and use the disturbed public mood to justify invading Muslim lands.
There is ample technical evidence available about 9/11. Youtube is full of personal interviews that point to the conspiracy. We must dispassionately and catagorically argue that no Muslim is involved in 9/11. It is an hoax and a fraud on American people and the people of the world and the perpetrators should be exposed, brought to justice; so we can wipe the blame from our future generations. Or like India’s partition, the propaganda, the canard will acquire its own life and keep resurrecting itself. We must make a stand.
Let Congress pass a legislation, absolving Muslims of 9/11.
Performing Umrah was the right of Prophet Mohammad pbuh at that time, instead he accepted an apparently degrading pact (Suleh Hudaibia) with non-muslims which was immediately announced as one of the biggest victory in Islam by Allah and later on proved to be a turning point in Islamic history. Move that Park 51 Mosque some where else and save thousands of mosques in USA and show that we have the wisdom of our Prophet pbuh.
I am glad that ICNA is making a strong statement and staking a position that honors Islamic principles and American values. While I am tempted to try to ignore these bigots and islamophobes, some of whom happened to have occupied or occupying prominent national political positions in our country, I however see the danger of not speaking up on these matters and not taking a stand. It is the same bigots who vote to deny health insurance for children and unemployment to fellow citizens for political expediency. And while extending corporate welfare (2008 & 2009 bailouts) to some of the giggest corportaions in America. Let it be known that Muslim Americans are here to stay and so are our Mosques,whereever they have been approved by local authorities. We owe no one any apology about this. If you can allow strip clubs closer to ground zero, we honor the dead with a faith house 2 blocks away. Glad that there are many Americans who take believe in the constitutional rights of every citizen and also in high places. If you are looking for terrorists, they are not at Park51 or any mosque in USA.
“After the Qur’an burning we may begin our Qur’an distribution, as people will certainly be curious about this Divine Book, God willing.”
The above quoted lines from the 6 point agenda shows how serious we are to respond about the burning of Quran.
In my opinion the best time is now so that general public can read and see what this divine message stands for. I was able to mail to some non-muslims and to priests of few churches arround Gainesville, FL. English translation of Quran and some literature about concept of Peace in Islam, hoping that they will try to understand the true and peacefull message of Islam before attempting to burn Quran. viqaralam.
This is time for self-introspection. That is, to radiate the cancer within us like Major Nidal, Faisal Shahzad and our beloved brother of all Osama Bin Ladin permanently.
It is very simple, you are judged by your actions. Right now, our backyard is filthy ugly and in total disarray.
Clean your backyard first before going out publicly to conduct interfaith and Muslimserve to say how good we are.
Just focus on another underwear bomber from surfacing again would be a start. No?
Would the prophet Mohd. be so relentless to have a mosque amongst all the controversy? What is the harm in moving a few yards away or do you behave just as selfishly with your next door neighbor?
Bigot are we who don’t allow a church, temple or synagogue next to Mecca or Medinah.
On Eid and 9/11 just focus on being a good person. Conducting civic duty when you need to make yourself look good is bigotry.
I hope the Quran burning event will teach Muslims tolerance and that Islam is not a superlative religion.
If you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen. Now the shoe is on the other foot, see how it feels?
Jazak Allah O Khairan for your works. We will inshaAllah follow your instructions. Can you also offer (and/or encourage) other Muslims to distribute Quran in their areas. Can you ship them a few boxes of Quran so that they can distribute it.
I am ready to distribute Quran copies(English only) in my area, here in New Haven, CT inshaAllah.
Excellent response. I pray our community implements these 6 points and continues with the teachings of compassion of our noble Prophet, peace be upon him.
Why do you keep on deleting my posts? You have deleted my two previous posts. ICNA claims to be standing up for the rights of muslims In USA but you are not willing to give me those very rights of asking a simple question?
How hypocritical.
I am an American muslim and would like to know that if ICNA is claiming to be standing up against the bigotry and racism of these fringe lunatic “Christians” then but what about the bigotry of fringe lunatic “musims” who are worst then these christians because these christians would not kill you and destroy your houses but these “muslims” will and laught at that destruction and praise each other.
My question to you – ICNA – is does your consistution guarantees equal rights for all muslims or is it only for certian muslims because if it doesnt how do you claim to be standing up for the very rights that you yourself dont guarantee to others?
I would like to know the answer?
ICNA hit the nail on the head with this writeup. I commend the Br. Bukhari for the 6 steps. It is practical and of utility, and shows a clear position on the situation.
May Allah (SWT) give us all success in our efforts.
Why was my previous post deleted?
I simply mentioned the bigotry that exists from Wahabi sect of Islam towards either Baralvi, Sufi or Shia sects of Islam. I mentined that atleast the lives and properties of muslim are safe in America and are not been declard heretics and hence to be murdered.
So how can you ISNA claim to be fighting Racism and bigotry unless and untill you fight it among your own ranks first. Start from your own home first. You claim to be fighting the Christian bigotry and racism but how about the racists among us? So my question to you was:
Does ICNAs constitution guarantees equal rights for all and if it does, do you really implement it?
Please dont delete my post again?
And what about the Bigotry and Hatred that exists between the differnt two sects of Islam itself? What has ICNA done to confront the bigotry within Islam. The two latest incidents in Pakistan in Ramadan 2010 are a wake up call for entire Ummah.
Fringe lunatic minority of Wahabis ideologists of TTP, SSP and Lej aka Salafis aka Deobandis are killing Shia muslims, demonizing them as Heretics and hence wajib-ul-Qatal. Saudi Clerics are on top of the list with their fatwas. They are even doing more harm to the Shia and Ummah that then the above mentioned harms that this christian lunatic frindge is doing to us all in America.
Atleast Sunnis life and Property are still protected in America.
Have ICNA tried to bride that crossing? Have you issued a rejection of those tactics? Shouldnt we be putting off the fire in our own house first before worry about the neighbours?
I would like to know?
Does ICNAs constituion have equal rights for all and do you really implement and practice it?
Please dont delete my post and reply publically to my post.
ICNA’s 6 Points
This is quite a change from the usual appeasing statements we get from CAIR, ISNA, CIOGC.
Br Bokhari has conveyed the point without having to sacrifice the truth.
I would advice him to go one step further and condemn the media and the corrupt politicians of this country.
We are not guilty of anything on the contrary it is “they” who have destroyed this nations constitution and its credibility in the world.
Wa alaikum as Salaam Wa Rahmatullah
Jazak Allah Khair