A newly formed group of conscientious Muslims formed the Coalition of African American Muslims (CAAM) to call their first press conference at the National Press Club on September 2nd at 1PM in order to address the controversy of the Park 51 Project.Coalition members said the source of this disagreement is not new. It is an extension of the overall racism imminent toward people of color in the US. While this public discourse has its peculiarity, it is sharing the same inflammatory rhetoric used previously for different minority groups.
This was the first time that Muslims from different sects of Islam unanimously addressed the ground zero Islamic Center discourse.
According to Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, member of CAAM, and outreach director of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Northern Virginia, this is a “complex” issue which is more than racism.
Abdul-Malik said this coalition will reach out to Afro-Americans in general. Coalition members share a common legacy from slavery with the loss of their ancestry religion and return to their faith, he said.
“This arising tide of racism exists in this country whether it is directed toward immigrants to the later South, or people of the Middle East or just people who are different,” added Abdul-Malik.
The New York Islamic Center opposition is a symptom of a deeper disease which manifests in America as a nation, said Imam Zaid Shakir, Co-founder of Al Zaytuna Institute. “We commit ourselves to work with anyone regardless of race or religion as a nation to address this disease. We as people can do better,” said Shakir.
This coalition represents a broad spectrum of Afro-American Muslims who claim Islam as their religion and way of life. CAAM leaders said this group will share the missing perspective of Afro-Americans on emerging national issues.
CAAM members said there are no other ethnic groups in the US more equipped to speak on issues of bigotry and racism but Afro-Americans. Historically, their perspective, which is based on experience with America’s societal context, has long been overlooked, said Mahdi Bray, member of the coalition, and executive director of Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation.
“We are for the Muslims building this mosque wherever they want,” said Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Minister Farrakhan said a nation’s greatness is measured according to its “righteousness,” not skyscrapers, or industrialization. “America is a great nation, but we want to make it good,” he said.
America started wrong with slavery and dehumanization of people lasting over three hundred years, according to the Minister.
During a time of affliction, Muslims need to get prepared for a “duty” they need to perform, he added.
“This is our time not to be down in spirit,” said the Minister.
CAAM said there were Muslims among the Americans who died during 9/11 attacks as well as first responders. Muslims from all over the world poured their condolenses to the American people after 9/11. They also claim Muslims were equal victims of 9/11 just as other members of society.
American people of good will know Quran is the guiding light of the Muslim’s life. Minister Farrakhan said there should not be any problems for Muslims trying to establish a center which serves people who worship the creator of the world.
He satirically said along hallowed ground, one can’t fail to see a strip club, and a sex shop. “But they have a problem with an Islamic Center,” said the Minister.
Bray said American politicians need to focus on education, decreasing unemployment, and healthcare issues. The ground zero debate derives from the same “toxic soup” of hatred existing in America for many centuries but manifesting in a different way, he said.
Coalition members reminded audience that America’s greatness is exposed through its people. CAAM claimed that Americans are being awoken to the truth about Islam. Their biggest concern is how America shapes the future perceptions of the younger generations. This coalition is advocating a fair representation and treatment of Muslims.
“We are on Muslim lands to protect our freedom and then we desecrate Muslims from getting their religious freedom,” said Imam Abdul Malik, initiator of Jummah on Capitol Hill.
Imam Siraj Wahhaj, vice president of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the largest grassroots organization of Muslims in the US, said this “hatred against Muslims is good.”
Wahhaj pointed to the history of Islam where Muslims became stronger during times of struggles. He said Muslims are coming together to organize, and mobilize. This debate has caused Muslims to do what they should have been doing. “We want justice and we want peace,” said Wahhaj.
“We are glad that Muslims are learning to stand up for themselves,” said Imam Abdul-Alim Musa of Masjid Al-Islam in SE DC. Imam Musa is internationally known for his opposition to the government’s evasive foreign policies affecting Muslims.
“We love the irony of it happening during Ramadan, because Allah has used the haters to bring Muslims close, and to cause people of good will to speak up more and with the Muslims. We love it,” said Hodari Abdul-Ali, executive director of Give Peace a Chance Coalition (GPAC).
Shakir said Americans should not tolerate the ideas or public-speaking of burning of any religious texts. “It will not be too long until we hear talks about burning people,” said Shakir.
“Islam can’t be removed from people’s heart no matter how many books are burned,” said Asma Hanif, member of the coalition.
The coalition will expand its work to be the voice for all those who have been silenced. Members said they will network with other organizations and reach out to address other problems in American society.
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