In the midst of an American election cycle where Islam and Muslims have become a primary target, President Obama made a courageous visit to the Islamic Society of Baltimore, delivering a 45-minute speech that CNN broadcast in full. He spoke about the inclusiveness of American values, the tremendous contributions of Muslims to this nation, and the fact that Muslims should never be treated with bigotry or excluded from the American fabric.
Islam Is Not the Enemy: Education Is the Solution
The media has exploited the actions of uneducated, misguided individuals to paint 1.8 billion Muslims as violent extremists. Before Muslims became the scapegoat, it was the Communists during the Cold War. The pattern repeats: find a visible group, blame everything on them, and use fear to sell newspapers and win elections. But Islam never gained power through violence. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, could have gathered his strongest companions and taken Mecca by force, but that was not the Islamic way.
“The Islamic way fundamentally is educating. All of the prophets of God were educators. They taught the message of God which guided human society and put human lives on the right path, a path which is beneficial to society.” — Dr. Bilal Philips on the correct approach to sharing Islam
Thomas Jefferson and the Quran
- President Obama noted that Thomas Jefferson was also accused of being a Muslim, and Obama said he was in good company
- Congressman Keith Ellison took his oath of office on Thomas Jefferson’s personal copy of the Quran
- The word “extremist” is misapplied to Muslims when the true extremists are those espousing principles that have nothing to do with authentic Islam
- Over 2,000 mosques and every major Muslim organization in America have condemned groups like ISIS
Conveying the Correct Image of Islam
“As the Quran says, there is no compulsion in religion. Islam is about educating humankind to the way of God, to the Deen.” — Dr. Bilal Philips
The challenge before Muslims in America is clear: convey the correct understanding and practice of Islam through education, patience, and exemplary character. For those who do not know any Muslims personally, extend your hand, visit a mosque, and discover for yourself that the reality of Islam is the polar opposite of what fear-driven politicians and media want you to believe.
