February 16, 2009

The Muslim Public Affairs Council, alongside the American Muslim community at large, was stunned to learn about the gruesome murder of Aasiya Zubair Hassan, wife of BridgesTV founder Muzzamil Hassan. That her husband has been arrested as the prime suspect has sent shock waves in the community.
SEE: "U.S. Muslim TV boss 'beheaded wife'" (BBC)

MPAC-WNY and the local Muslim community is shocked and horrified at this brutal murder of a wonderful upstanding member of our community. Our hearts go out to her children and her family at a time of great anguish.

SEE: Responding to the Killing of Aasiya Hassan: An Open Letter to the Leaders of American Muslim Communities(Islamic Society of North America)

Reports of domestic violence faced by Aasiya, as reported by several media outlets, are very troubling and call for a thorough investigation by the law enforcement agencies. The Muslim community unreservedly condemns domestic violence of all types. Such crimes are despicable and unequivocally prohibited in Islam. Islam celebrates and protects human life. Muslims of all shades and opinions know that.

MPAC-WNY is gravely concerned about the ever-increasing domestic violence taking place in our country. It is reported that in the U.S., one in every four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime with an estimated 1.3 million women being victims of physical assault by their intimate partner each year. That is an alarming number.

The situation is even worse in New York State, where in excess of 50,000 cases of domestic violence are reported every year. In 2006 in New York State alone, there were 133 homicides as a result of domestic violence. Regretfully, Aasiya has become another statistic in an ever-growing problem of spousal abuse in New York. We all need to be vigilant and on guard against this scourge and report documented cases to the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

So as we mourn the loss of her life, let’s all remember Aasiya's vibrant presence when, on behalf of Bridges TV, she accepted an award from MPAC-WNY a couple of years ago at the annual banquet.

Founded in 1988, MPAC is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans.