December 8, 2017

TV/Radio

Ilhan Cagri interviewed: Trump's anti-Islam tweets (Press TV)

Op-Eds

A Muslim perspective on the Masterpiece Cakeshop case (Religion News Service)

By Ilhan Cagri: American Muslims understand that in Islam, the government’s role is not to impose certain religious practices and beliefs on citizens, nor to choose which practices fall within religious freedom. Good governance in Islam establishes and protects equality under the law and can never determine a “right” religion versus “wrong” religion. Current events provide plenty of examples as to why government imposition of a particular religious view does grievous harm to a society. And there is no shortage of criticism by American Muslims of violations of human rights in the Muslim world under the guise of religious purity.

Quotes & Mentions

Rabbis speak out against Trump tweets at interfaith event (Jewish Journal)

Salam Al-Marayati quoted: “It is a sad day when European leaders are teaching the American president about tolerance,” Al-Marayati said, referring to British Prime Minster Theresa May, who criticized Trump for sharing content tweeted by Britain Frist.

Trump’s impending Jerusalem announcement is really about the Religious Right (Think Progress)

MPAC mentioned: Major American Muslim groups such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Public Affairs Council have openly decried the move, and heads of Christian churches in Jerusalem issued a letter urging the president “to continue recognizing the present international status of Jerusalem.” They added that any sudden changes will cause “irreparable harm.”

Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital hurts allies in the Middle East (Think Progress)

MPAC mentioned: While we might not see major upheaval or protests following this move, Bodine, who served in Kuwait, Iraq, and Yemen, said the distinction should be made between official policy and personal and popular feelings in Muslim countries. The Muslim Public Affairs Council released a statement on ahead of Trump’s Wednesday announcement, warning that, “Turkey has already announced that there would be severe consequences …Palestinian leaders are advocating for demonstrations and protests on the ground, which would trigger turmoil in the region.”

Rabbis Denounce Trump Tweets at Interfaith Event (Jewish Journal)

Salam Al-Marayati quoted: “It is a sad day when European leaders are teaching the American president about tolerance,” Al-Marayati said, referring to British Prime Minster Theresa May, who criticized Trump for sharing content tweeted by Britain Frist.

American Muslims reject Trump’s move to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel (Milli Gazette)

MPAC mentioned: In a statement the MPAC said the U.S.’s role in the Middle East conflict is critical, but Trump has diminished American leadership not just in the peace process but in the entire Middle East. “Because of his misguided, uninformed decision, Trump can expect political unrest, stifled peace processes, and further limitations to freedom of religion and freedom of speech.”

Protecting children from violence and building ‘a livable future’ will be the focus of a forum on Sunday (Little Village)

MPAC mentioned: Along with Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility and the UI Center for Human Rights, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Veterans for Peace, the United Nations Association of Iowa and the Iowa City Office of Equity and Human Rights are sponsoring the forum.