Attempted seizure of Mosques

As the recent attempt to seize Islamic places of worship by the administration made headlines across the nation, Muslims were quick to respond. Most if not all Islamic organizations expressed concern that the constitution itself was being violated citing the fact that such a tactic had no precedence in the nation’s history.

Not surprisingly, the mainstream media provided ample space in its headline news to give the story broad exposure. As if the tragic news of the events in Fort Hood, Texas were not enough, the charges levied against the mosques across the nation gave Muslims all the reason to brace for severe media backlash. A website headline in a local San Antonio CBS-affiliate station read, “Houston mosque seized in massive counter-terrorism move” (http://www.kens5.com/home/Houston-mosque-seized-in-one-of-biggest-counterterrorism-moves-in-US-history-69962222.html). Such loaded verbiage is bound to send a chill down the spine of the community at large.

Had the reporters been more objective about the role these mosques and centers play in the life of the Muslims who have been frequenting them for years, they would have been able to portray a more comforting image to their readership. For most of us our Masjid is our second home where we pray, listen to speeches, intermingle with other families and friends regularly. Furthermore, we conduct Sunday school classes, special programs, organize youth camps, feed the homeless, house volunteer based medical clinics, dispense funds to those who are not well to do and in some instances run a full time school.

Unfortunately, the image one would perceive from reading the aforementioned headline would be diametrically opposite to the workings of the mosques. The T-word and mosque juxtaposed in the same sentence would scare anyone whether Muslim or otherwise. Many Islamic organizations explicitly stated that the media was being quite irresponsible and perhaps even an instigator of violence against innocent Muslim citizens.

Precisely what the administration expects to accomplish by such tactics is difficult to comprehend. If the places emphasizing morality, justice, virtues, and education are targeted then what does it say about our future as a nation? How does it aid in bridging the gap between Muslim and non-Muslim Americans who already have differences over the policies of the government toward Islamic nations in general? It is not reasonable to assume that Muslims are being singled out and having to pay for their beliefs? The government would also do well to realize that Muslims are an integral part of the American landscape and contribute to society in myriad capacities. Mosques across the nation have made tremendous efforts to welcome non-Muslims in order make them better informed about the pristine teachings of Islam, which is considered one of the three Abrahamic faiths. Therefore, alienating Muslims would certainly dishearten well wishing and law-abiding citizens.

Muslim Congress advises you to:
1. Respond to the biased media reports that give a misleading unbalanced image of Islam and Muslims who are as sharing and caring as anyone else and an integral part of the fabric of the American diverse society.
2. Conduct open forums in your community centers to clarify misunderstandings and dispel rumors that may have been created as a result of this undertaking by the administration.
3. Reach out to the non-Muslim community to raise awareness about Islam, Muslims and the role of the Masjid in the life of Muslims

Summary Points
The US government hopes to improve our security as Americans however due to the manner in which the recent events unfolded it has succeeded in alienating and stereotyping Muslims.
Muslims are going to continue to exercise their constitutional right of freedom of religion and such incidents would only divide and weaken America.
Given that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world it would be best if Muslims and Non-Muslims tried to reach out and understand each other.
Such incidents lead to the opposite conclusion and much could have been done by the Muslims, the Government and the media to avoid spreading rumors and mis-information.

Muslim Congress is a federally registered non-profit, grass roots organization with a mission to establish a strong Muslim community in North America based on Islamic beliefs and values where individuals can develop and succeed without compromising their Islamic identity. It has maintained financial and ideological transparency honoring the law of the land and will continue to abide by its by-laws to the best of its ability. We appeal to all Muslims to be aware of their responsibilities and work to advance the message of Pure Islam.