"You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in Allah." - Quran 3:110

Why this campaign?

Whether we Muslims in America like it or not, our fellow citizens continue to be confused, if not outright concerned about our community (no matter the ethnic persuasion).

Since 9/11 the detractors and foes of American Muslims have been effective in distorting Islam and Muslims. Unfortunately, their efforts are more than a mere annoyance; MPAC has seen their real impact on policy makers, law enforcement, and the public at large.

If another 9/11-like attack is committed, American Muslims will be in an untenable position amongst our fellow citizens. We must do more now before, God forbid, something happens.

This campaign is an organized, cogent and effective effort to counter the distortions of our community and faith.

It also intends to send a clear message to our fellow citizens that terrorism is not a part of our faith, and that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them against terrorism and religious extremism.

Why does this campaign focus just on Muslims?
Why not extremists amongst Christians and Jews?

Without doubt Christian extremists such as Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Franklin Graham or Jewish extremists such as Daniel Pipes and Steve Emerson need to be held accountable for their falsehoods and distortions. But let's face it, if another terrorist attack occurs Christians and Jews will not be the ones rounded up or have their civil liberties effected.

Our community must deal in reality, understand how we are viewed in the nation, and work from that context to better our situation. Deflecting legitimate questions about Muslim extremism towards extremism amongst Christians and Jews will not help protect our community.

By engaging the FBI and law enforcement, aren't we collaborating with the very agencies trampling our civil rights?

Actually, it has been MPAC's experience that working with local FBI field offices helps protect our civil liberties. In working with these offices (or local law enforcement in general) MPAC has found the office becomes educated about the community and Islam and ultimately moderates their viewpoints.

Engagement of local law enforcement and local FBI field offices is absolutely critical in protecting our civil liberties. It counters the basic human weakness to make assumptions about a person/community which they have never been in contact with before.

Is MPAC asking the community to "spy" on each other?

Absolutely not. The thought is anathema to our purpose as an organization.

Rather, this campaign asks community leaders and members to simply be aware of those who are meeting in their Mosques and institutions. This awareness should not lead to stifling of free speech or expression of thought. But it is when legitimate differences with our government's policies translate into un-Islamic and illegal behavior the Quran obligates us to speak up and act:

"O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in upholding equity, bearing witness to the truth for the sake of God, even though it be against your own selves or your parents and kinsfolk. Whether the person concerned be rich or poor, God's claim takes precedence over [the claims of] either of them. Do not, then, follow your own desires, lest you swerve from justice: for it you distort [the truth], behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do!" Quran 4:135

How do I participate in the campaign?

There are seven steps to take if your Mosque or institution would like to join MPAC's campaign:

• Read the guidelines: Have your Mosque/institution read and agree to the "Mosque Guidelines" that MPAC has created.

• Contact MPAC at (213) 383-3443 to let us know you wish to participate in this effort. We will list your Mosque/organization as a participant.
• Conduct a community meeting to introduce the campaign to your membership and answer any questions. Representatives of MPAC are available to assist in this effort.
• Conduct a press conference to announce your institution's joining MPAC's campaign.
• Initiate meetings with local police, FBI, city council members, mayor, and any other public officials to make them aware of your participation.
• Develop a series of lectures or Jumma Khutbah's around specific Quranic verses that emphasize terrorism not being a valid means of resistance in Islam.
• Give MPAC feedback throughout the process on how to improve this effort.