Wednesday, November 28, 2012


  • CAIR-MI: Rep. Who Claimed Obama is Muslim Pushes Ant-Sharia Law
    The bill has been opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and [CAIR-MI]. "HB 4769 does nothing to protect our legal institutions but only contributes to the growing climate of fear-mongering against the American Muslim community which marginalizes and cast suspicion upon loyal Americans," Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-MI said on his blog.
    • Michigan Anti-Sharia Legislation Should End
      Like angry villagers in search of Frankenstein's monster, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Tennessee and Oklahoma enacted "anti-sharia" laws in recent years. The trouble, though, is targeting Islam raises legitimate concerns about religious freedom.
  • CAIR-Chicago Files Complaint Against the City Colleges of Chicago
    CAIR-Chicago filed a complaint in federal court today against The City Colleges of Chicago on behalf of an African-American Muslim instructor at Kennedy-King College, Thomas Rasheed, who was denied tenure in Fall 2010.
  • CAIR-FL Job Opportunity: Islamophobia & Government Relations Coordinator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR Seeks Federal Charges for Threat of Texas Mosque Shooting Spree
(SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, 11/28/12) -- The San Antonio, Texas, chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Antonio) today called on federal law enforcement authorities to consider bringing charges against a man arrested Tuesday for vowing to "shoot as many people as possible" at a local mosque.
[MEDIA ADVISORY: At 4 p.m. today, CAIR-San Antonio will hold a news conference about the case at the Islamic Center of San Antonio (8638 Fairhaven, San Antonio, Texas, 78229). CONTACT: CAIR-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain, 210-378-9528, E-Mail: shusain@cair.com]
The man arrested for allegedly making the terroristic threat, 44-year-old Christopher Bane, reportedly said he was going to use a .45 caliber handgun to kill Muslims at the mosque. Bane was charged with a Class B misdemeanor.
"The terroristic threat allegedly made by this individual requires more serious charges than a single misdemeanor," said CAIR-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain. "We urge federal law enforcement authorities to consider more serious charges that will send a message to all those who might consider such an attack on a house of worship."
She also suggested that Bane's bail be raised substantially due to the deadly nature of the threat.
Husain said CAIR's New York chapter recently called on the FBI to investigate an apparently bias-motivated assault on a Queens man of Afghan heritage who was stabbed repeatedly outside a mosque by an attacker shouting anti-Muslim comments.
In October, CAIR's Washington state chapter (CAIR-WA) called on the FBI to investigate an apparent anti-Muslim hate attack on a Sikh taxi driver in that state. The driver was allegedly attacked by a man shouting anti-Muslim slurs after he commented on the cabbie's turban. [NOTE: Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.]
Also last month, CAIR welcomed federal hate crime charges filed against an Indiana man who allegedly torched an Ohio mosque, causing more than $1 million in damage.
Other American Muslim institutions have been targeted during a recent spike in hate incidents. In September, CAIR called on the FBI to investigate hate vandalism at mosques in Virginia and New York. In August, CAIR asked authorities to investigate a suspicious fire at a mosque in Minnesota.
CAIR recently submitted written testimony for a Senate hearing on hate crimes and the threat of domestic extremism.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain, 210-378-9528, E-Mail: shusain@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com



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Tuesday, November 27, 2012


  • Hadith of the Day: Fear and Faith
    When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) departed from a group of people, he would often say: "O God! Grant us enough fear (of displeasing Thee) that it may serve as a barrier between us and our sins. . .and grant us enough faith that it may help us to face the misfortunes of this world easily."
  • CAIR: Ohio Muslims, Christians Seek Common Ground
    Dozens of such groups have been meeting for years across the nation and around the world, but co-organizer Karen Dabdoub thinks many Greater Cincinnatians would be surprised to learn that such an organization has been quietly at work here. Without the group, "I think there would be a lot more distance between people of different faiths in our community," said Dabdoub, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Cincinnati.
  • Florida Muslims Making a Difference in the Vote
    On Election Day, Rep. West, a tea-party favorite, suffered a devastating loss to Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy in Florida's 18th congressional district. West built his political career by defaming and insulting Muslims in America and, this month, American Muslims and their neighbors kicked West out of office.
    • Mich. Lawmakers Urged to Renew Push for Anti-Islam Bill
      Supporters of an 'Anti-Sharia' bill plan to put pressure on Michigan lawmakers this week. They want a vote on the bill, which would bar Michigan courts from citing 'foreign' laws in their decisions. The bill has sat in the State House Judiciary committee for nearly a year and a half.

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  • Hadith of the Day: Righteousness is a Traveler's Best Provision 
    A man once approached the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and said: "I am intending to go out on a journey, please (offer a prayer for me)." The Prophet replied: "May God grant you the provision of righteousness. . .And may He make it easy for you to do virtuous deeds, wherever you may be." Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 235
  • CAIR Director Named One of World's '500 Most Influential Muslims'
    Nihad Awad is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR is the most prominent Muslim lobby group in the US and is frequently sought out by the media and politicians for the Islamic perspective on events.
  • CAIR-NJ Questions Blanket Police Surveillance Not Tied to Specific Terror Threat
    The potential for blanket monitoring, rather than surveillance pegged to a specific terrorist threat or suspect, is where the line blurs between national security and invasion of privacy, said Ahmed Alshehab of the Council on American Islamic Relations' New Jersey chapter. "That's the slippery slope," Alshehab said. "Where do you stop? It's pretty much open season on anybody."
  • CAIR-MI: The Problem with Voter ID Laws
    It is our responsibility as a nation to continue to serve as a model for a political system based on common and equal citizenship, as a model for democracy. 
  • CAIR: Muslim Wishes for a Peaceful Thanksgiving (Orlando Sentinel)
  • CAIR: Muslims Have Long Condemned Terrorism
    The leading Muslim civil-rights group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, has put out a number of statements condemning terrorism and individual terrorist acts.
  • Video: CAIR Rep Comments on Gaza Ceasefire (NBC)
  • CAIR-CAN: Jewish School Faces Complaints About Anti-Muslim Textbook

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR-NY Urges Sens. Gillibrand, Schumer to Stop Supporting Attacks on Palestinians
(NEW YORK, NY 11/20/12) — Today the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) urged all people of conscience to call the offices of SenatorsKirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to demand they stop ignoring Palestinians while pandering to pro-Israel interests.
CAIR-NY sent an open letter to the Senate offices in response to a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 599) cosponsored and passed on November 16, 2012, which does not mention the Palestinian people. Instead the letter emphasizes unequivocal support for Israel's military actions.
"We will no longer allow our elected officials to pander to special and political interests while ignoring the basic human rights that we promote as Americans, nor while ignoring the concerns of their American constituents," said CAIR-NY Executive Director Muneer Awad.
The open letter sent by CAIR-NY reads in part:
"As Americans, we should condemn all attacks against all civilians—not just Israeli civilians. Your constituents do not endorse the collective punishment, economic starvation, and indiscriminate killing of the men, women, and children of Palestine; and neither should you."
Read the entire letter here.
CAIR-NY is also asking community members to call and email the offices of Gillibrand and Schumer to express their disappointment in S. Res. 599.

New York is home to one of the nation's largest Palestinian-American communities. New York has been the host of rallies in Times Square and at the Israeli Consulate by groups disappointed with America's support of Israeli strikes on Palestinians living in Gaza.
CAIR-NY is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END –
CONTACT: CAIR-NY Executive Director Muneer Awad, 347-296-7966, E-Mail:mawad@cair.com

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A Thanksgiving Message from Nihad Awad
Click here to watch the video online.
As-salaamu alaykum. Peace be to you.
Thanksgiving is a time when everyone counts their blessings and offers thanks for friends and family, even in difficult circumstances. Muslim volunteers nationwide are marking this year's Thanksgiving by helping to feed the hungry and homeless, and by giving aid and comfort to those most in need.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The first to be summoned to paradise on the Day of Resurrection will be those who praise God in prosperity and adversity."
The Quran, Islam's revealed text, urges us to offer the prayer: "My Lord! Grant me the grace that I may thank you for the favors that You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good deeds that will please You."
So this year, despite a weak economy and other domestic and international troubles, let us all count our blessings and demonstrate true thankfulness by sharing whatever we have with those in need in our nation and by assisting those suffering oppression worldwide. Peace be to you.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR: U.S. Muslim Group Distributes Thanksgiving Video, Editorial
Holiday message stresses need to give thanks each day, give to those in need
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/21/12) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations(CAIR) today distributed a video message and editorial marking tomorrow's Thanksgiving holiday and stressing the religious obligation to give thanks each day of the year and to share with those in need.
CAIR distributed the editorial below, titled "Give Thanks and Give to Those in Need,"through ISLAM-OPED, a syndication service designed to offer an American Muslim perspective on current political, social and religious issues.
ISLAM-OPED commentaries are offered free-of-charge to one media outlet in each market area. Permission for publication will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis. (Contact: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726,ihooper@cair.com)
-----
Give Thanks and Give to Those in Need 
By Nihad Awad
WORD COUNT: 608

(Nihad Awad is national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), America's largest Muslim civil rights organization. He may be contacted at: nawad@cair.com.)

During our nation's current economic downturn, and in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, many of our fellow Americans are suffering.
That is why it is so important this Thanksgiving to show thanks for all the blessings we have by reaching out to those in need.
Click here to watch the video online.
American Muslims nationwide are helping set an example of such giving.
Members of Georgetown University's Muslim Student Association are traveling to Tennessee to perform community service projects over their school's holiday break.
In New York, Muslim attendees at a church's annual multi-faith Thanksgiving celebration donated food items for distribution to the needy.
Muslims and Jews in at least 17 cities across North America will join together to provide meals to the hungry and homeless.
Groups like the Muslims Against Hunger Project and American Muslims for Hunger Relief will feed homeless people in New Jersey, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
The University of Cincinnati's Muslim Student Association and Project Downtown Cincinnati combined efforts to distribute turkeys and food packages to needy families in the Cincinnati area. They adopted this effort from the Cincinnati chapter of my own organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which has run this project since 2008.
The Columbus office of CAIR also donated Thanksgiving turkeys to the YWCA Family Shelter as part of its Feeding Families project.
These are just a few examples of what can be done by committed volunteers to help their fellow citizens who are in need. 
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, God will fulfill his needs. Whoever eases his brother's difficulty, God will ease his difficulty in this life and on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet also said: "He who has enough food for two, let him invite a third, and he who has food for four, let him invite a fifth or a sixth." He also said: "He whose food exceeds his needs, let him share it with those who do not have food." (Fiqh-us-Sunnah)
Another Islamic tradition (hadith) stresses the spiritual reward for feeding the needy. In that tradition, God is quoted as saying: "(O humankind). . .Did you not know that had you fed (those in need), you would surely have found (the reward for doing so) with Me?" (Hadith Qudsi)
In the Quran, Islam's revealed text, God said: "(The truly virtuous are those) who feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the love of God." (76:8)
God also states: "What will explain to you the path that is steep? It is the freeing of a (slave) from bondage, or the giving of food in a day of famine to an orphan relative or to a needy (stranger) in distress, and to be of those who believe, enjoin patience (in adversity) and encourage deeds of kindness and compassion." (90:12-17)
Because Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday, Americans of all faiths have an opportunity to offer their own perspective on this uniquely American gathering.
Muslims are taught to thank God on all occasions, even in times of difficulty.
The Prophet Muhammad said: "The first to be summoned to paradise on the Day of Resurrection will be those who praise God in prosperity and adversity."  He also said, "Whoever does not thank people, does not thank God." (Al-Tirmidhi)
When we celebrate with friends and family this Thanksgiving, let us all encourage deeds of kindness and compassion, count our blessings and show true thankfulness by sharing whatever we have with those in need. 
Giving thanks and performing acts of kindness should be incorporated in our lives every day of the year, not just at Thanksgiving.  
-----
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END -
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christians in the holy land

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Monday, November 19, 2012


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR Asks President to Address Attacks on Myanmar Muslims During Visit
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/13/12) – America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization today called on President Obama to use his upcoming visit to Myanmar (formerly Burma) to address the systematic persecution of that nation's Rohingya Muslim minority.
The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) says theRohingya people are denied citizenship and land rights, despite having lived in Myanmar for centuries. Hundreds of Rohingya have been killed and thousands displaced by what appears to be systematic ethnic-cleansing backed by elements of the Myanmar government.
According to a Reuters news agency investigation: "The wave of attacks was organized, central-government military sources told Reuters. They were led by Rakhine nationalists tied to a powerful political party in the state, incited by Buddhist monks, and, some witnesses said, abetted at times by local security forces."
In a letter to President Obama, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote:
"I congratulate you on your recent re-election and look forward to the strengthening of our nation's economy and security. A significant part of America's strength is derived from our defense of human rights worldwide.
"I therefore respectfully request that you speak out clearly and forcefully in defense of the human rights and physical security of Rohingya Muslims during your upcoming visit to Myanmar.
"While we all welcome Myanmar's recent move to democracy, our nation must not turn a blind eye to what is one of the worst examples of human rights violations in recent history.
"I urge you to make any upgrade in the status of Myanmar as a trading or political partner contingent on its government's willingness to recognize the rights of Rohingya Muslims and to protect them and their property from harm."
In August, CAIR sent letters to the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh seeking protection for Rohingya Muslims who faced a renewed wave of ethnic and religious persecution.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END -
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726,ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, arubin@cair.com



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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Muslims, Arab-Americans Urge President to Demand Restoration of Gaza Ceasefire Broken by Israel
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/15/12) –- A coalition* of American Muslim and Arab-American civil rights, community and advocacy organizations today called on President Obama to demand that Israel restore the ceasefire that it broke with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Since Israel began its latest round of attacks on Gaza, a number of Palestinian and Israeli civilians have been killed, including the 11-month-old son of a BBC journalist.
In a statement, the coalition said:
"We urge President Obama not to sit on the sidelines as American taxpayer-funded weapons are used to kill civilians -- including babies -- and to destroy the civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Our nation's blind support for Israel's brutal actions has done and continues to do immense harm to America's image and interests in the Middle East and worldwide.
"We regret the death or injury of any civilians on either side of this tragic conflict. It is time to tell Israel and the world that Palestinian blood and property are just as precious as that of Israelis. Until the core issue of justice for the Palestinian people is addressed by our nation and by the international community, we will no doubt witness endless repetitions of these senseless cycles of violence.
"America must not be party to this violence, either through action or inaction."
Media reports indicate that the latest violence in Gaza was triggered November 5 when Israeli forces killed a 23-year-old Palestinian man as he "approached the border fence." According to some accounts, the slain Palestinian was mentally challenged. On November 8, Israeli forces shot and killed a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who was "playing football with his friends in front of his family's house."
* SIGNATORIES of the joint statement include: (in alphabetical order)
* American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
* American Muslim Alliance (AMA)
* American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)
* Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
* Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
* Muslim American Society (MAS)
* Muslim Legal Fund of America (MFLA)
- END -
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail:ihooper@cair.com


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Muslim Vet to Make 3rd Attempt to Visit Sick Mother in Oklahoma
(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 11/16/12) -- The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today said that Oklahoma-born, U.S. Muslim Air Force veteran Saadiq Long will make a third attempt to return to the United States on November 19.
Long has been trying to return to Oklahoma since April 2012 to visit his terminally-ill mother and has been barred in his previous attempts, apparently because he is on a government no-fly list. Long attempted to board a flight on November 8 and was denied boarding.
Long's sister started an online petition via Change.org to aid in her brother's return home next week. His sister is hoping that her brother will make it home in time for the holidays.
"Thanksgiving is not about what religion you are or the color of your skin," said Anderson, "It's about spending time with your family, and we want Saadiq home with us next week. My mother's failing heart makes this an even more urgent request that our family be allowed to spend time together as soon as possible."
CAIR Oklahoma is working with Long and U.S. government agencies to ensure that he will be able to return home on his November 19 trip.
"Although it has been a challenging experience on both sides, we have not given up hope that Saadiq Long will soon be reunited with his mother in time for Thanksgiving," saidCAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. "Long has maintained a positive and optimistic spirit even in the face of difficulties, and it is our hope that this third attempt to return to Oklahoma will succeed."
CAIR, a Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization, has dealt with a number of similar cases nationwide in which Muslim citizens are prevented from returning to the United States or faced government coercion when seeking to return home.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END -
CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com; CAIR-OK Operations Coordinator Jenell Mapp-Maynard, 405-415-6851, jmaynard@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com



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