Unjust Targeting of Muslim Americans

Category: Americas, Life & Society, Nature & Science Views: 4667
4667

As a Muslim American, I am much distressed by the constant barrage of accusations hurled against us. Some suggest our profiling based on ethnic and religious backgrounds: even that we are issued mandatory identification cards.

We are often asked to account for any criminal activity, occurring anywhere, by any of the 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide. At every incident we pray that it might not be a Muslim. As a backlash, hate crimes against us are at record high levels, as shown in a recent report of the Council of American-Islamic Relations. 

In the wake of 9/11, the US Justice Department and its associated agencies have often announced, with the greatest fanfare, incidents such as finding of a terrorist cell in a non-descript locality like Lodi, CA, or an Al-Qaeda-associated Muslim group (none of whom turned out Muslim) somewhere in the Florida panhandle, or a Middle Eastern looking fellow buying massive quantities of prepaid cell phones in the Arizona deserts in Tucson. 

What the American public is never told is that not a single of these or other incidents turned out as claimed, and no Muslim American has ever been involved in a terrorist act.

Muslim Americans are also vindicated by a 2005 secret FBI report noting that despite the widespread dragnet and arrest of some here and there, not a single true al Qaeda sleeper cell exists anywhere in the United States. 

Furthermore, as is now well-known, thousands of our overseas communications have been monitored under a controversial secret surveillance system without any warrant. Despite this, fewer than ten U.S. citizens or residents per year aroused enough suspicion of the spying agencies to seek warrants authorizing further surveillance of domestic communications. Those arrested, however, turned out to have minor immigration violations: No Muslim American has been indicted. 

Also every year, in response to some 30,000 "national security letters" issued without judicial review, businesses and other institutions provide confidential information about their customers, without them knowing. It has led nowhere.

A major reason, yet to be fully acknowledged by the administration officials, its agencies, or relevant media is that our law-abiding community, which is serving the nation in various capacities, is well educated, and well integrated into the American society. 

And that we are very alert to all incidents of terrorism, extend timely help and cooperation to the relevant agencies, and do not allow our manipulation by any extremist group. 

It is important that the mainstream media take due note of this, and rather than succumbing to the agenda of certain interest groups, help our understanding and appreciation by the larger American public.

It is time to realize that we have become the unfortunate targets in this war on terror- gone on now for very long five years. As citizens of this great country we are entitled to due respect. We ask our compatriots to voice their support for the protection of our constitutionally guaranteed rights, as the duty and responsibility of all Americans. 

Siraj Mufti, Ph.D. is a freelance journalist involved in the interfaith affairs.


  Category: Americas, Life & Society, Nature & Science
Views: 4667
 
COMMENTS DISCLAIMER & RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
The opinions expressed herein, through this post or comments, contain positions and viewpoints that are not necessarily those of IslamiCity. These are offered as a means for IslamiCity to stimulate dialogue and discussion in our continuing mission of being an educational organization. The IslamiCity site may occasionally contain copyrighted material the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. IslamiCity is making such material available in its effort to advance understanding of humanitarian, education, democracy, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.


In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and such (and all) material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.


Older Comments:
ZENA FROM USA said:
After reading that article. Many Americans..Do not want Muslims here in the U.S.. 9-11 was HORRIBLE, something in a million years we never thought would happen, and now muslims are infringing on our Freedoms. Muslims can't shove their views on us, and expect everyone to agree. I am one who has to say..Muslims want to pray..go to your Mosques and pray,,, not in a GYM, or Airports. You want people to stop profiling you, then be respectful of AMERICANS RIGHTS as well. Dont make yourselfs stand out so much.
2006-12-07

KAZI MAHMOOD FROM MALAYSIA said:
Siraj Mufti wrote:
"Some suggest our profiling based on ethnic and religious backgrounds: even that we are issued mandatory identification cards."

I would say this to the American Muslims. Stop being the slaves of an administration that does not respect you. Instead of lamenting and procrastinating on your fate in the US, it would be better for you Muslims there to make a stand, have a stance on justice and equality!

The Muslims in the US are afraid of persecutions, profiling and even of segregation acts by the administration. Islam is clear. Either you accept such immoral laws and rules or you leave the place and establish yourself somewhere more appropriate for you to exercise your freedom of Islam.

Yours sincerely

Kazi

PS: You should read www.worldfutures.info and understand what the west is really doing to Islam and Muslims rather than basking in their lies on CNN etc!
2006-12-02

SALEEM FROM USA said:
these days muslims or mexicans workers are the scape goats.

for the failed american dreams /policies /govt. etc etc.

2006-11-29