VERSE OF THE DAY: PEACE - TOP

“Peace! A word (of salutation) from a Merciful Lord.”

The Holy Quran, 36:58

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CAIR OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY - TOP
Senator had leading role in defending American Muslim rights

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/26/09) The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today offered condolences to the family of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“We offer sincere condolences to the family of Senator Edward Kennedy and to the nation for the loss of a great statesman and defender of freedom and justice. Senator Kennedy fought for justice and defended civil liberties, even in times of national crisis.

“He stood by the American Muslim community on issues ranging from racial and religious profiling to government policies targeting Muslims following the 9/11 attacks. He also reached out to American Muslims to ensure their inclusion in our nation’s political process.

“This champion of civil rights will be missed by American Muslims and by all those who value the freedoms offered by our great nation.”

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.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787 or 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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FBI PROBES HATE VANDALISM AT SOUTH CAROLINA MOSQUE - TOP
‘Death To Muslims’ Scratched Into Sidewalk
Fox Carolina, 8/26/09

…According to an incident report, a member of the mosque discovered the phrase “death to Muslims” scratched into a sidewalk near a side entrance to the building.

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SAME MOSQUE BURNED IN 1995 ARSON ATTACK - TOP

FROM CAIR ACTION ALERT #96 5/16/96: “…a suspect has been charged in connection with the October 21, 1995, arson attack on the Islamic Society and Masjid of Greenville, S.C. The suspect, Kenneth David Barnett, 33, faces two counts of third degree arson. According to The Greenville News newspaper, Barnett is also accused of setting a fire at a night club. Officials say Barnett claims to have set both fires in order to ‘rid the world of evil.’ His bond has been set at $15,000.”

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'DEVIL' SHIRTS SEND KIDS HOME - TOP
Four students have been sent home in the first two days of class.
Christopher Curry, Gainesville Sun, 8/26/09

More children from the Dove World Outreach Center arrived Tuesday at area public schools with shirts bearing the message "Islam is of the Devil" and were sent home for violation of the school district's dress code when they declined to change clothes or cover the anti-Muslim statement on their clothing.

School district staff attorney Tom Wittmer said the shirts violated a district ban on clothing that may "disrupt the learning process" or cause other students to be "offended or distracted."

"Students have a right of free speech, and we have allowed students to come to school wearing clothes with messages," Wittmer said. "But this message is a divisive message that is likely to offend students. Principals, I feel reasonably, have deemed that a violation of the dress code."

Wittmer said the school district allows students to express their religious beliefs but also must protect other students, such as members of the Muslim faith, from discrimination based on their religious beliefs. (More)

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CAIR-MI: MUSLIM TO FILE SUIT OVER JUDGE'S HIJAB BAN - TOP

Click here to watch the video.

(WXYZ) - A Wayne County judge who demanded that a Muslim woman remove her religious headscarf (hijab) in court is the target of a lawsuit.

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) is scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday to announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against Wayne County Circuit Judge William Callahan. The Muslim plaintiff says she felt so intimidated by the judges repeated demand that she eventually removed her headscarf.

The judge’s actions contradict both the constitutional right to freedom of religion and President Obama's recent statement in support of the right to wear hijab, said CAIR-MI Attorney Melanie Elturk. This judge targeted a Muslim woman’s religious attire, but he could just as easily have demanded the removal of a Sikh turban, Jewish yarmulke or a Catholic nun’s habit....

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JUDGE SUED OVER MUSLIM HEADSCARF FLAP - TOP
He Ordered Woman to Remove Religious Attire
8/25/09

Click here to watch the video.

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FEDS END REVIEW OF GA. COURT POLICY - TOP
Associated Press, 8/26/09

ATLANTA -- The Justice Department has ended its review of how Georgia courts handle the wearing of religious head coverings after court officials changed their policy. (Article)

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LOCAL MUSLIMS TO SERVE HOMELESS - TOP
Baltimore Sun, 8/26/09

Local Muslims are planning to fulfill their Ramadan obligation to help the needy on Saturday by giving a hot meal, clothing, health screening, contacts for job training and other assistance to more than 1,000 homeless people in Baltimore.

Organized in 19 cities nationwide by Islamic Relief, the annual Day of Dignity will be hosted locally by Masjid Ul Haqq at 514 Islamic Way. Since coming to Baltimore in 2005, organizers say, the effort has served nearly 3,500 people. (More)