Fiqh Council Fatwa
By Anila Ali
Irvine , CA
The fatwa issued by the Fiqh Council and recently announced by Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi is a huge and bold step forward for the American Muslim community and shows visionary leadership. It should be given the wholehearted support of all Muslim organizations who claim to be the leaders of American Muslims.
Unfortunately, many advocacy groups have a single agenda - to create a rift between the law enforcement agencies and the Muslim community. They take isolated incidents and use them as tools to incite hatred and mistrust. It is also in the interests of many to keep this rift because it helps in their fundraising goals. These advocacy groups should also highlight the great work being done by our law enforcement, the White House, FBI, and the DOJ.
It must not be forgotten that we, as Muslims, are freest in America and if we were to go back to our native countries we will face discrimination even if we are Muslim minorities, such as Shias face in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and Ahmedis in most Muslim countries. Thus it is in our interest to work in collaboration with our law enforcement and civil rights administrations and build bridges. Only then can we truly be Americans.
