Tag Archives: Middle East Online

Security and Trust vs Suspicion and Scapegoating

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In the Name of the Kind and Beautiful Precious Beloved Lord

Ever since 9/11, the American Muslim community has been placed under a tremendous amount of scrutiny. Even now, more than ten years after those terrible events, the cloud of suspicion has not lifted over the community. According to a months-long investigation, the Associated Press has published an article claiming that the New York Police Department, with apparent help from the CIA, has engaged in an aggressive intelligence-gathering operation within the Muslim community. According to the article:

The department has dispatched undercover officers, known as “rakers,” into minority neighborhoods as part of a human mapping program, according to officials directly involved in the program. They’ve monitored daily life in bookstores, bars, cafes and nightclubs. Police have also used informants, known as “mosque crawlers,” to monitor sermons, even when there’s no evidence of wrongdoing…Many of these operations were built with help from the CIA, which is prohibited from spying on Americans but was instrumental in transforming the NYPD’s intelligence unit.

An enormous amount of taxpayer money, $1.6 billion since 9/11, has been spent on such an operation. In addition, Wired magazine reports that highly inflammatory anti-Islam materials have been used to paint the entire American Muslim community as “violent” and “radical.” According to the article: “The FBI is teaching its counterterrorism agents that ‘main stream’ [sic] American Muslims are likely to be terrorist sympathizers; that the Prophet Mohammed was a ‘cult leader’; and that the Islamic practice of giving charity is no more than a ‘funding mechanism for combat.’”

The facts, however, consistently belie the contention that the American Muslim community is a violent “fifth column.” According to a U.S. Justice Department study conducted by two North Carolina Universities:

Although the vast majority of Muslim-Americans reject extremist ideology and violence, a small number of Muslim-Americans have radicalized since 9/11. In the eight years following 9/11, according to our project’s count, 139 Muslim-Americans committed acts of terrorism-related violence or were prosecuted for terrorism-related offenses that involve some element of violence. This level of approximately 17 individuals per year is small compared to other violent crime in America, but not insignificant. Homegrown terrorism is a serious, but limited, problem.

The reasons for this, according to the study, are: (1) public and private denunciations of violence, (2) robust self-policing practices and community building, (3) heightened political engagement, and (4) an assertive Muslim-American identity which, the study has shown, has served to undercut the radical message that American values and practices are hostile to Islam. Moreover, opinion polls have consistently shown American Muslims to overwhelmingly reject violence against innocent people, much more so than their Christian and Jewish compatriots.

A recent Gallup survey asked if attacks on civilians by individuals or small groups is ever justified, 89% of Muslims said it is “never” justified. This is more than Protestants (71%), Catholics (71%), Jews (75%), Mormons (79%), or those without any religious affiliation (76%). Asked if it was “sometimes” justified, Muslims were the least in saying yes. A more recent Pew survey has reiterated these findings, with 81% of American Muslims believing that suicide terrorism is never justified.

Further, according to Michael E. Rolince, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of Counterterrorism in the Washington D.C., field office:

“We conducted about a half a million interviews post-9/11 relative to the attacks of 9/11, and this is important because your community gets painted as not doing enough and you could have helped. I’m not aware — and I know 9/11 about as well as anybody in the FBI knows 9/11 and that’s not bragging that’s just the reality — I’m not aware of any single person in your community who, had they stepped forward, could have provided a clue to help us get out in front of this.”

He said this in 2005 at the Muslim Public Affairs Committee’s annual convention.

So, why the continued suspicion and mistrust of the Islamic-American community? Leave aside the fact that making sweeping generalizations and painting an entire community with the sins of its criminals is patently un-American. Making all Muslims out to be “terrorists-in-waiting” hurts our national security. As the article in Wired says:

The FBI isn’t just treading on thin legal ice by portraying ordinary, observant Americans as terrorists-in-waiting, former counterterrorism agents say. It’s also playing into al-Qaida’s hands. Focusing on the religious behavior of American citizens instead of proven indicators of criminal activity like stockpiling guns or using shady financing makes it more likely that the FBI will miss the real warning signs of terrorism. And depicting Islam as inseparable from political violence is exactly the narrative al-Qaida spins — as is the related idea that America and Islam are necessarily in conflict.

Now, I am under no illusion of the daunting task of preventing another terrorist attack placed before law enforcement officials all across this country. I think I can safely speak for all Americans when I say that I expect nothing less than a relentless effort on the part of law enforcement to root out every single potential terrorist or terrorist plot. But training law-enforcement officials to fear every single peaceful, law-abiding Muslim citizen sends a chilling message of deep suspicion and mistrust, as well as frank betrayal, when what is needed is even stronger collaboration and cooperation.

The American Muslim community is a willing partner in the fight against terrorists who seek to harm innocent Americans. Many domestic terror plots by Muslims, in fact, have been foiled by the American Muslim community itself. I can see how most Americans would think it to be understandable, if not logical, to spy on the Muslim community, given that Muslim extremists successfully attacked NYC twice. Yet, I fear that such spying will further damage an already frail relationship between the Muslim community and law enforcement, and this is the last thing that either party needs. I hope and pray that, through these revelations, smarter heads in our law-enforcement agencies will prevail.

This article first appeared in Middle East Online.

Middle East Online: Hopes and Fears Ten Years After

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In the Name of the Kind and Beautiful Precious Beloved LORD

This was published in Middle East Online.

I was a bit sleepy as I walked into the resident physician lounge. I was just finishing up my overnight duties, and I was preparing to discuss the patients with the morning team when I saw it. On the TV screen, I beheld smoke billowing from the second tower and asked, “What idiot would fly a plane into a building in New York?” “They’re saying it’s deliberate,” was the reply, and the dread fell over me like a ton of bricks. As I drove home, I listened on National Public Radio as the chaos of those initial hours unfolded, with my fear growing by the minute. When I went home, I watched the towers fall and prayed that I was going to wake up from a terrible dream. Tragically, I was not dreaming.

My eldest daughter was enrolled in an Islamic parochial school, and it closed that day and remained closed for several days out of fear of reprisal attacks. The hospital actually called me back to stay the night, in case of another attack in Chicago, as medical back up. Thankfully, I was not needed. But the shock and awe of that day and what had happened remained with me for many, many months.

As it became clear that so-called Muslims were behind the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, it hurt me on multiple levels. As an American, I was horrified at the evil manifested on that day; I was horrified that any human being would have the gall and depravity to kill almost 3,000 innocent people at one time. It was unconscionable that such horror could ever be committed in my name as a Muslim. Further, however, it hurt to be lumped together with such criminals in a cloud of suspicion and hatred. Although, thankfully, not widespread, there was a backlash against innocent American Muslims (and even non-Muslims) by some fellow Americans, in revenge for the attacks. The fear of attack at our homes, places of work, and houses of worship was palpable for a long time.

That is when the beauty of the American people became manifest. An overwhelming number of fellow Americans came through for their Muslim neighbors, making them feel safe and at home. Everyone at work was making sure I was all right. When some people marched on a suburban mosque here in Chicago, the police response was prompt, peacekeeping and protective, sending the message that they are committed to keeping us safe. All across the country, non-Muslims formed human chains around mosques, in a show of brotherhood and solidarity. The whole country came together in those days and weeks after 9/11, and for the most part, American Muslims were welcomed into the fold.

That togetherness, that sense of unity — I am afraid — has been seriously eroded ten years after September 11. There is a concerted effort on the part of a small, but very well-funded, cadre of people that seeks to marginalize and even criminalize the American Muslim presence in our country. Some of their efforts, it seems, may have worked, as polls show an increasing discomfort with Muslims, even though misunderstanding about even the basic tenets of Islam abounds. This despite the fact that American Muslims are quite mainstream and very similar to other faith groups, according to a recent Pew poll. And despite perceptions to the contrary, the poll showed negligible support for extremism in American Muslim community.

As the weeks and months pass after the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the calls for hatred and division will only increase. Many of the Republican candidates for President have outwardly declared “Sharia law” as an existential threat to the United States, and I suspect this will only get worse as the campaign for the nomination heats up. I am sure that many will recall the horrible events of 9/11 to smear American Muslims. Let us not wait for another tragedy to come together and reject this sentiment. In the Pew survey, most American Muslims (80%) say other Americans were either friendly or neutral towards them. That is true, and I hope and pray the goodness inherent in our people will always win the day and drown out the hate of the extremists.

AGENCE GLOBAL

Ramadan, the Essence of Jihad

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In the Name of the Kind and Beautiful Precious Beloved Lord

This was published in Middle East Online (http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=47376).

Update: This was also published in the New York Times/International Herald Tribune.

Ramadan begins August 1 this year, and I must admit that it begins with no small amount of dread for me. Fasting, an essential pillar of ritual in Islam, consists of abstaining from food, drink, and other sensual pleasures from dawn (before sunrise) until dusk. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar one, Ramadan travels backwards along the solar calendar, and this means that for the next ten years Ramadan will fall during the summer months.

That will mean very hot and very long days, and distressingly short nights. I remember Ramadan being in June when I was about 12 years old, and it was hard then. I have since become much older, and thus, fasting during the summer has become much more difficult for me. Last year, when only a part of Ramadan was in August, I had a tough time. This year, all of August is Ramadan, and therefore — although I hate to say it — I am scared.

Of course, if fasting poses bodily harm on a person, he or she should not fast, and can feed the poor instead. In addition, pregnant and nursing mothers, people with chronic illnesses, and those traveling do not have to fast. Indeed, I could contemplate traveling the entire month of Ramadan, but I would likely not have a job waiting for me when I come back. And I have to make up the days I missed later.

So, I am going to have to suck it up and fast.

It shames me to admit that I am so scared to fast, because, the month of Ramadan is chock full of blessing and reward from God. The sins of the fasting person are completely erased, and Prophetic tradition is full of tremendous benefit for those who fast. In addition, the act of forgoing food and drink during the daylight hours allows one to reflect upon the poor and hungry who — out of sheer poverty — may quite often have to forgo food and drink. My hunger and thirst should remind me and motivate me to help relieve their suffering through charitable giving and work.

Moreover, there is a tremendous spiritual cleansing that comes with the fast of Ramadan. More than just depriving myself of food and drink, if only for a few (or rather this year, several) hours, I must not engage in bad behavior. Ideally, I should finish the month of Ramadan a better person than when I started it. Thus, I really should be happy that Ramadan is coming up so quickly, and I should be looking forward to fasting.

But, I am not. It is going to be hot, I will have to stop eating at around 4 AM, and the sun will not set until well after 8 PM. The only saving grace is that the days are getting shorter. Normally, this makes me sad. During Ramadan, however, it brings me no small amount of joy. Yet, that is the point of the fast, if one is able to do it. It is a physical and spiritual challenge, and God knows it is difficult. That is why He says in Muslim tradition: “Fasting is for Me, and I give the reward for it.” Struggling a little to fast for the sake of God is the essence of jihad, not violence and murder, as some radical Muslims believe.

All throughout August, Americans will see “Sharia law,” which some are wont to ban through legislation, live and in person by the throngs of Muslims waiting until after sunset to eat, drink, and be (very) merry. There is no threat at all in this. By making American Muslims better neighbors, better friends, better co-workers, and better people, the fast of Ramadan is only a good thing, for both the country and the world.

Middle East Online: Muslims and Socialists

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In the Name of the Kind and Beautiful Precious Beloved Lord

This was published in the Middle East Online.

I was blessed to attend this year’s Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Conference in Chicago without having to be on call. It was an uplifting experience. In the past I have attended the conference while I was on call. And racing back and forth from conference to hospital does not provide the full experience and delight. This year’s conference was also a great chance to see friends with whom my only correspondence has been on Facebook. It was also a great chance to say hello to the “stars” of the American Muslim community, such as Dr. Tariq Ramadan (to whom I gave a copy of my book, Noble Brother), Michael Wolfe, Alex Kronemer, Native Deen, Kareem Salama, among many others. It was a great time.

Interestingly, at the exact same time of our ISNA conference, there was the “Socialism 2011” conference at an adjacent hotel. As I thought about a conference on socialism, and then beheld the many numerous attendees, all the preconceptions I had about “socialists” came to my mind. It caused me to remember that many socialists always show up at pro-Muslim rallies, and for this I would be grateful to them. But, thoughts about their belief systems crept into my head: Do they believe in God? Would they see me — a devout believer — as “naive”? Are they — by virtue of their socialist beliefs — misguided? Do we have anything in common?

Indeed, our respective conferences could not have been more different: The theme of ISNA was “Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Living in Harmony,” and the theme of Socialism 2011 was “Revolution in the Air.” I thought it a curious juxtaposition, given my preconceptions about them. But when I began noticing the many talks they were having during their conference, I was astounded by the number that dealt with current events in the Muslim world. They were concerned about justice all over the world, and the paths of intersection with the Muslim world were many.

While all these thoughts swirled in my mind, I was reminded — in a very personal way — about the American Muslim experience. I am certain that fellow Americans of other faiths see Muslims — such as my wife and me — and that they probably have their own preconceptions about Muslims swirling around in their heads. I am sure they wonder about similar things as I did about Socialists, when it comes to me, my wife and my fellow American Muslims.

And so herein was the challenge: Could I see past people’s overt particulars and focus in on their humanity? They were people just like me. They had families, and friends, and lives that were — very probably — very similar to my own. Yes, they were at a “Socialism” conference, which is very much not religious, and I was attending an overtly religious gathering. Yes, on Saturday night, many of them were drinking in the hotel bar, which is something, by virtue of my Islamic faith, I will never do. Yes, perhaps some of them are indeed atheists, and I am very much an enthusiastic believer in God.

But regardless of all these differences, we can still — just like our conferences — live and exist side by side in peace and harmony. Moreover, we can work together on issues that interest us both. Some of the attendees of the Socialism 2011 conference actually came to ISNA, and a few of the speakers at Socialism 2011 were Muslims (or, at least, had Muslim names). So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim, when it comes to justice for all people? So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim, when it comes to fairness for workers and their families? So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim, when it comes to freedom for the people of Egypt, or Libya, or Syria, or Palestine? So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim? So what?

I am very glad to have had this experience. It taught me — in real time — how to look past differences and see our common humanity. Our country needs more of this. It needs more Americans to see past the particulars and focus in on the common humanity of our fellow Americans — and the common good of our society.

American Muslims and Protestants, Can We Talk?

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In the Name of God, the Subtle, the Loving

This article was published April 26 on Middle East Online.

American Muslims and Protestants have a lot of work to do. There needs to be more dialogue between the two faith communities.

Last week, the Pentagon rescinded their invitation to speak at a National Day of Prayer event for pastor Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham, because of his past and current sentiments about Islam. Speaking about the decision, Army spokesman Col. Tom Collins said, “This Army honors all faiths and tries to inculcate our soldiers and work force with an appreciation of all faiths and his past comments just were not appropriate for this venue.” In 2001, Franklin Graham said, “We’re not attacking Islam but Islam has attacked us. The God of Islam is not the same God. He’s not the son of God of the Christian or Judeo-Christian faith. It’s a different God, and I believe it is a very evil and wicked religion.”

In 2006, he didn’t back down saying, “I know about Islam. I don’t need an education from Islam. If people think Islam is such a wonderful religion, just go to Saudi Arabia and make it your home. Just live there. If you think Islam is such a wonderful religion, I mean, go and live under the Taliban somewhere. I mean, you’re free to do that.” Then, in a Wall Street Journal piece, Graham wrote: “the persecution or elimination of non-Muslims has been a cornerstone of Islamic conquests and rule for centuries. Graham also said the Quran “provides ample evidence that Islam encourages violence in order to win converts and to reach the ultimate goal of an Islamic world.”

Pretty tough talk from a major Christian pastor. It also seems that a majority of Protestant ministers agree with Franklin Graham. Nashville-based LifeWay Research conducted a poll of 1,000 Protestant ministers and read them a negative statement about Islam from Franklin Graham and then read them a statement by George W. Bush that Islam is a religion of peace and charity. Forty-seven percent agreed with Graham’s statement, twelve percent agreed with both Graham and Bush, and about twenty-five percent agreed with Bush alone.

“This means a majority of Protestant pastors chose statements that agree with Franklin Graham’s statement,” said Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, to the Tennessean newspaper. Stetzer also said, “This should not surprise us — Protestant Christianity is, in a sense, a competing faith, and that comes through in the survey.” Most ministers also said Muslims and Christians do not pray to the same God.

This means that American Muslims and Protestants have a lot of work to do. There needs to be more dialogue between the two faith communities: not to convert each other’s flock, but to promote increased mutual understanding. American Protestants need to understand that their American Muslim neighbours do worship the very same God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, and Jesus. They need to understand that the name, “Allah,” is just the Arabic form of the Aramaic “Alaha,” which is what Jesus Christ called God. American Protestants should know that Islam reveres and honours Jesus Christ, who is mentioned more by name in the Quran than the Prophet Muhammad himself.

Contrary to the contentions of Franklin Graham, Islam does not preach the “persecution or elimination of non-Muslims.” Rather, Islam sees itself as the culmination of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and it honours its Prophets and traditions. The Quran says, “Verily, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Christians, and the Sabians — all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds-shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve” (2:62) More of our Protestant brothers and sisters need to understand this.

Are there some Muslims who believe that Christians and Jews are Islam’s enemies? Yes, most definitely. But they twist and distort the message of Islam and the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Their misunderstandings should not be projected upon the whole of Islam any more than, for example, the crimes of pedophile priests should be projected upon all of RomanCatholic Christianity.

The poll’s findings, however, were not all negative. Despite the fact that most pastors held negative views regarding Islam, 60 percent believed Muslims and Christians should coexist peacefully in the United States.

Said Ed Stetzer, “The fact is Protestant pastors tend to hold a negative view of Islam, but they also believe they should seek to coexist.” This should be the starting point of Christian-Muslim dialogue. Once both communities come to learn about one another, bonds of friendship and trust will develop, and the forces that seek to divide our people along religious lines will be resisted and their voices of discord can be muted for good.