Asalamu alaykum,

I’m sure you’ve all heard about what is going on in New York with our ICNA brothers/sisters (may Allah raise them) and our dear teacher, friend and the “Imam of America” Siraj Wahaj. While we are outraged by the actions of a few zealots and misinformed folks, now is the time to stand together and come to the defense of the Imam and the Dawa with cool heads. Making it short, this battle is greater than Islam and the Neo-Cons. Since 9-11 we have allowed these people to intimidate us and until we put up a sustained, organized and unified response, they will not stop. Although they are using Islam as a cover, it seems that there is a greater objective to their plans which will harm all Americans of all faiths and walks of life. Therefore I think it is important to frame this argument around our right as Americans and the bigotry of the others. By creating  a discourse that makes the foundations of this society they key, we will build alliances with others who feel the same way. Thus, it might be wiser to frame the argument in secular terms instead of a strictly religious discourse. Malcolm X said “Let’s leave our religion at the door.” It will take a lot of wisdom to understand that we can, perhaps, serve the cause of faith by not making faith the center piece of our discussion.

We must be brave, whether the storm and take a few hits to the jaw if necessary. After the injustice shown towards our Sr. Debbie al-Muntasir, we must take a stand in front of these people and say: “Enough is enough!” An excellent example is that of the Boston community. After years of being assaulted, unity kicked in and the Muslims stood in the face of fascism and bigotry. The same can be said for what we are witnessing today. Our Imam has been plagued with this for a number of years, not allowed to travel and treated as guilty until prove innocent. Our community must unite behind this cause and offer any support to the “Imam of America” Siraj Wahaj. May Allah reward out brothers/sisters at ICNA and the New York community for having the guts to go through with this. May Allah give them strength and empower them to face this with justice, wisdom and uprightness.

Suhaib

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