Muslim American Presence in the Coming Congressional Elections Should be Strong By Mohammed Khaku

Muslim American Presence in the Coming Congressional Elections Should be Strong

By Mohammed Khaku

Al-Jazeerah, September 30, 2006

This election and elections to come are essential for American Muslims. Why? Just look at the front page and editorial pages of the newspapers. What are the lead stories on the national news? What’s being discussed on talk radio?

Most likely they are talking about Muslims.

Traditionally, American Muslims have avoided mainstream politics of the land they chose to make their new home. There were several reasons for it.

1) A majority of these immigrants came to advance their economic fortunes and education. They were least concerned in political life.

2) Most had migrated to America from culture, which had no democracy and ruled by dictators, Kings, Sultans and Shahs. They did not have an opportunity to participate in the politics of their home country. Therefore they felt no need or compulsion to participate in American politics.

3) Absence of organized efforts to encourage American Muslims to become more politically pro-active.

However 9/11 changed all that overnight, rather than being silent spectators on the sideline of mainstream America, they are becoming unwilling participant. This is silver lining to 9/11, the Patriot act and mass detention. Moreover the current domestic and foreign policy of Bush Administration has pushed Muslims to be proactive and be part of the political process.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in US and American Muslims are realizing that America’s politics is about numbers. Statistic are hard to come but numerous studies have reported that Islam is growing at a rate of 3 to 6% largely due to large number of converts as well as high birth rate.

The Muslim presence in America has increase by leaps and bounds in the past 30 years. Today there are few places in the United States where one does not find Muslims living, working, and sending their children to public schools. Beautiful Mosques (Places of worship) are built in every city and town. Best estimate put the National Muslim population at 7 millions and 70 percent of those are eligible to vote.

In the 1980s, American Muslims found themselves debating whether Islam even permitted them to participate in the politics of a non-Muslim country. These concerns have disappeared due to political reality that non-participation could lead to exclusion and denial of rights.

Muslims in America have been in a state of uneasiness and it seems to be getting worse. Increasing numbers of Americans have negative views of Islam and large numbers of Muslims are experiencing harassment and discrimination. Much of the blame for this has to do with the Bush Administration and its “war on terrorism”.

These policies have created an Islam phobia and labeled all Muslims as “terrorist”.

There is good news! That is to vote in this November elections. It is for American Muslims to transform the “worst of times” into the “best of times” by reaching out to fellow Americans and presenting the peaceful face of Islam. America is democracy and being able to vote and participate in the political process is a privilege that no one should forsake.

American Muslims involvement within the political system is also a great way to present a truthful image of Islam. Muslims that are not active in voting or participating in political activities may be doing a great disservice to their fellow Muslims. Muslims should do some soul searching particularly about the Christian right which had a great impact on the last election for the republicans.

A united voice in support of particular candidates or individuals will more significant than our fragment support. Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Palestinian issues are not the only issues of concern for American Muslims. We are concerned regarding education, prayers in public schools, welfare reforms, immigration and civil rights, healthcare, equal opportunity, abortion, gun control and drug abuse, environmental issues, commerce, trade, banking and finance practices. We can strive to ensure the enactment of fair and just laws.

As Muslims, we must take advantage of our rights, and become involved –as members of school boards, on city councils, precincts committees, delegates to Democratic and Republican Party conventions, state assemblies and state senates

In America, there are virtually two party systems and American Muslims should get involved in both parties. Traditionally Muslims are socially conservative and politically liberal. Socially they are closer to the Republicans and Politically to the Democrats.

Muslims should get out of rhetoric and be vocal and proactive to gain a voice inside the party policy decision-making. Muslims should join other like-minded Americans in their fight for what they believe in.

The best way to protect our civil rights is to build bridges with other communities. United we stand and divided we fall. American Muslims must come out of hibernation to have their voices heard and opinion known. They must register as voters and join one party or remain independent. They should communicate with their Congressmen, Senators, Mayors, Governors and other elected officials. The community leaders must actively participate in improving community relations and political advocacy with their time, efforts and money.

Participation in the coming election is a form of worship (Ibadah) as well as dialogue (Dawah) for American Muslims. By taking position on issues during elections is advocating the principles of Islam of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. There will be many more elections to come and American Muslims should not consider this election as the end of the road, but the beginning of a long struggle that requires commitment, skill and resolve.

American Muslims are here to stay; the impact of their presence must be slow, steady and continuous. American Muslims should find the causes that they care about and vote their conscience. If American Muslims are to find an authentic expression of their citizenship, they must follow their conscience and vote for a better America, based on personal judgment

Earth, a planet hungry for peace

Apartheid Wall


The Israeli Land-Grab Apartheid Wall built inside the Palestinian territories, here separating Abu Dis from occupied East Jerusalem. (IPC, 7/4/04).

The Israeli apartheid (security) wall around Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, like a Python. (Alquds,10/25/03).

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