An Opportunity for Muslims to Show Some CAIR for Victims of Violence

I was speaking yesterday in St. Louis on tensions between Muslims and the West, and I argued that Muslims in the U.S. tend to assimilate much more fully than in Europe. A short while later I heard about Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan at Ft. Hood. I felt horrified, angered and embarrassed.

Although I come from a Muslim background, I don't pretend to represent Islam, but I care deeply about Muslim family and friends who seek to balance their faith and their love for America. Ft. Hood mocks such attempts at balance.

Like with Columbine, it could take years to unpack the dynamics behind Ft. Hood. I won't even pretend to make sense of it yet.

But I have a suggestion for the Muslim-American community. Go beyond the routine condemnations. A few years back, my brother and I penned a piece criticizing xenophobia directed at Muslim-Americans, but we still made it a point to argue that Muslim advocacy organizations such as CAIR "should go further [than just condemning violence], perhaps by establishing philanthropies for communities and families hurt by extremists who have hijacked Islam."

Okay, Hasan may not be an extremist who has hijacked Islam. But hair-splitting distinctions are lost on grieving Americans right now. I wrote a positive piece years ago about CAIR's attempts to champion moderate Islam, and I do roll my eyes at the right-wing propaganda that claim groups such as CAIR are fronts for extremists--but I wish these groups were more interested in productive engagement than in getting jumpy about every possible sign of profiling against burqa-clad Muslims on airplanes.

Deeds, not words. Maybe these groups can begin to put their money where their mouth is, by offering tangible support to families of the shooting victims. Some of those families may angrily reject such aid, because Hasan's act will aggravate latent xenophobia. But still, a steadfast and long-term commitment to such a healing approach represents the generous model of Muhammad at the height of his powers.

UPDATE: See http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,573285,00.html

 

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Comments

[riff4u]

Hasan is a criminal who in no way represented Isalm. CAIR was not responsible for his actions and they should not have to pay for his damages. That would be an admission that he DID represent Islam which unlike the Catholic is not under any kind of ecclesiastical heirachery.

[Pema]

it isnt there fault! why not have christians pay for mc vieghs victims?

[guzmao12345]

Why should CAIR or any other Muslim group pay victim families. If anything that would seem like an admission of guilt on the part of CAIR and other Muslim organizations. This guilt could be easily imputed to all Muslims.

[Rob Asghar - Huffpost Blogger]

Guzmao, the idea isn't to "admit guilt," but to show in a meaningful way that groups such as CAIR stand alongside the victims and not alongside those whom CAIR claims are hijacking the religion. Their condemning the alleged hijackers seems unconvincing to many Westerners minus tangible action.

[riff4u]

CAIR should keep up what they are doing. That is continually present a true and positive image of Islam through their publications, outreach programs with Christianity and Judaism and their defense of religious rights of American Muslims who are victims of hate crimes and discrimination. They should not use their funds whenever some nut decides to go on a rampage. They should not implicate themselves with such kooks as it simply gives more fodder to the radical right to always assume guilt by association. I understand your point but you are wrong on this.

[riff4u]

All the apologies or money sent to victims will mean nothing to the radical right wing hate machine. It only gives them more venom. They will not accept any kind gesture. Those who know little about Islam and are open minded and tolerant already understand that not all of Islam or any religious creed is guilty whenever a madman goes postal.

[DirtyMoon]

I agree.