October 17, 2014

A recent New York Times op-ed published by MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati titled “American Muslims Must Champion Principles of Human Dignity and Freedom” calls on American Muslims to utilize their voices and right to worship freely to “[respond] to extremism and... take a leading role in this response.”

Al-Marayati wrote the op-ed as a part of the New York Times “Room for Debate” series where he tackled the question, “How should Muslims respond to the threat of extremism within Islam?” Other debaters included:

• Associate professor M. A. Muqtedar Khan
• Linda Sarsour, Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY)
• Sara Khan, Director of Inspire
• Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith Youth Core
• Journalist Hanin Ghaddar and
• Author Jonathan Wright

Too often, judgments about Islam are made by looking to the Middle East, which has become a breeding ground for fanaticism and extremism.

Al-Marayati wrote,

“When change arises, it will be from the West, and in particular the United States, where Muslims are free to worship without coercion by religious authorities or state power.”

Through the creation of safe spaces, American Muslims can discuss responses to anti-Muslim rhetoric, policy reforms, civic engagement, and countering political and religious extremism. This will pave the way for a better understanding of Islam.