It isn’t straightforward to be an American Muslim right this moment. At a time when america is engaged in yet one more battle involving a Muslim-majority nation, rhetoric from a rising variety of public figures, together with a few of our highest officers, continues to vilify Islam and solid suspicion on Muslims as disloyal or harmful. Too typically, nationwide conversations about Islam proceed with out Muslims on the desk. But regardless of this, American Muslims stay dedicated to some easy however highly effective beliefs: that our religion makes us higher residents and that this nation affords us the chance to follow our religion freely.
The issue isn’t Islam, neither is it America, each of that are based mostly on the foundational rules to uphold justice, dignity and the equality of all individuals. The issue lies within the political, ideological and financial forces that profit from division. Warfare, particularly, amplifies these distortions. It thrives on falsehoods: that Islam and the West are destined to conflict, that Muslims are inherently disloyal and that domination and surveillance are vital for safety. These narratives marginalize the overwhelming majority of Muslims who search peace whereas empowering the extremists on all sides.
The truth tells a unique story. America maintains deep strategic and financial ties with Muslim-majority international locations, together with longstanding alliances and intensive commerce relationships that underpin the worldwide financial system.
And but even whereas america is dependent upon partnerships with Muslim societies, it steadily portrays those self same areas as major sources of world threats. The result’s a reliance on authoritarian regimes to suppress standard actions — an strategy that breeds anti-American sentiment overseas whereas fueling anti-Muslim prejudice at house.
On this surroundings, American Muslims occupy a novel and indispensable house. We’re firmly rooted in American civic life whereas linked to a world neighborhood that spans continents. We perceive each the promise of American pluralism and the aspirations of individuals in Muslim-majority societies. This twin identification isn’t unusual; it’s akin to Irish Individuals, Greek Individuals and Jewish Individuals. Neither is it a legal responsibility; it’s a strategic asset. It positions us to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s most urgent challenges, together with international coverage and nationwide safety.
American Muslims have lengthy contributed throughout each sector within the U.S. — medication, regulation, schooling, enterprise and public service. A 2017 Institute for Social Coverage and Understanding research discovered that American Muslims are among the many most civically engaged non secular communities within the nation, collaborating actively in charitable giving and neighborhood service.
We envision an period through which American Muslims assist inform the work of the president, the secretary of State and Congress — providing perception on tips on how to advance U.S. nationwide pursuits whereas stopping navy confrontations. We additionally see ourselves on the desk with leaders from Muslim-majority international locations, serving to to advance diplomacy on points resembling nuclear nonproliferation, non secular freedom and democratic governance.
Historical past reminds us that transformative actions not often start with the bulk. They start with a principled minority dedicated to reality. From the civil rights motion to the wrestle in opposition to apartheid, progress has all the time trusted these prepared to problem prevailing narratives. Immediately, American Muslims are known as upon to play that position — standing in opposition to struggle, rejecting falsehoods and striving for equality in any respect ranges of society.
This isn’t a second to retreat. It’s a second to steer.
After 9/11, American Muslims helped construct partnerships with native communities and authorities to guard our nation. Through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Muslim voices known as for accountability and justice. Within the face of extremism from teams like Al Qaeda and Islamic State, Muslim students and communities have been among the many strongest voices rejecting violence and defending the true teachings of Islam. In the event you go to the shrines of Iraq, you will notice hundreds of images honoring Iraqis who gave their lives within the struggle in opposition to the Islamic State group. This actuality stays largely unknown to most Individuals.
Immediately, as new conflicts emerge and outdated narratives resurface, American Muslims should as soon as once more be a part of the answer. Our dedication to religion calls us to justice; our patriotism calls us to service. Collectively, these commitments place us to advance each peace overseas and pluralism at house.
That is our second — not solely to defend ourselves in opposition to mischaracterization but in addition to assist form a greater future, a future through which America lives as much as its beliefs, a future through which Islam is known not as a risk however as a supply of ethical readability and social good.
For the sake of ending wars, strengthening our democracy and upholding human dignity all over the place, American Muslims usually are not on the margins of this dialog: We’re at its heart. Different Individuals shouldn’t solely acknowledge our presence but in addition be certain that Muslims have their rightful and revered seat on the desk shaping America’s future. The nation’s leaders have to reject the language of division and vilification.
Salam Al-Marayati is the president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council.
