February 6, 2015

Picture by Mike Baker

At MPAC, we are firmly against government intrusion in the mosque. It is unconstitutional for law enforcement to encroach on theological issues within the Muslim community, and we do not want the government to dictate who are “good Muslims” and who are “bad Muslims."

MPAC has always maintained a strict division of labor between law enforcement and Muslim communities when dealing with countering violent extremism. Specifically, Muslim communities are responsible for focusing on theological and social issues while law enforcement should only be involved when it comes to criminal behaviors and investigations. The division of labor is further strengthened by the separation of church and state doctrine and the constitutional safeguards that prevent the government from involving itself in theology. Thus, while MPAC encourages law enforcement to engage American Muslim communities as a partner, it stands firm in not allowing law enforcement (or any government entity) in promoting or denigrating any school of thought within Islam.

The community should be the one that addresses ideological and theological issues. Not only is the community better equipped to do so, it’s constitutionally sound. Law enforcement should focus on addressing threats and apprehending perpetrators. This focus keeps us safer by allowing each entity to play to its strengths, thereby making the partnership more effective.

On the other hand, let us be clear that the US government has defended the rights of Muslims to practice their faith. On many occasions, the US prosecuted those who discriminated against or harmed women who choose to wear the headscarf. The US government has gone to such lengths to fend off hate groups who wanted to prevent the building of a mosque in Murfreesboro, TN.

If the American public views Islam as part of the problem in violent extremism, then it is our duty to demonstrate how Islam is part of the solution. The very principles that are being distorted by others to justify extremism are the very principles that need to be taken back and highlighted to combat their extreme perverted ideology. Our leadership will show that Islam is a constructive, not destructive, force in society.