An Open Letter to President Obama and the Muslim World

May 29, 2009

Dear Mr. President:

As you prepare for your historic address to the Muslim world in Cairo on June 4th, I would like to offer an American Muslim perspective on what governments, leaders and individuals can do to improve the prospects for international peace and prosperity.

As an American, I will first focus on what you can do to help repair relations with the Muslim world that have suffered such damage in recent years. Your statements since the inauguration have raised the level of hope for real change in our nation’s foreign and domestic policies.

It is imperative that your positive statements now be backed up with concrete policy initiatives that will help move us all toward a more peaceful and prosperous future. Otherwise, we as a nation risk wasting the good will that has been garnered by your ongoing outreach to Muslims.

First, America must champion political and religious freedom, human rights, the growth and stabilization of democratic institutions, and respect for the rule of law for everyone, not just those we favor. For too long, we have claimed to be champions of freedom and democracy, while turning a blind eye to repression, occupation and authoritarian rule. We must hold every nation, even those we regard as allies, to a uniform standard of justice and equality. No other action will do more to restore America’s international reputation.

Second, we should do what is necessary to resolve long-standing conflicts, and particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, that are the main source of anti-American feeling in the Muslim world.

Now is the time to tell Israeli leaders that we will no longer support the denial of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and that we will take concrete actions to back up that declaration. Israel’s wall of separation must come down, humiliating roadblocks must be removed, the illegal settlements must be dismantled, food and other essential supplies must flow freely, Palestinian rights must be restored, and a viable and independent Palestinian state must be created and supported.

We should address the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan based on a reduction in our nation’s intervention and on increased support for indigenous solutions based on the will of the people and the decisions of democratic governments.

Third, our nation’s elected representatives, religious leaders, commentators, and citizens of all faiths must speak out forcefully against the rising level of anti-Muslim rhetoric and discrimination in our society.

Prior to the 9/11 attacks, Islamophobia of the type we see today was at the margins of public discourse. Unfortunately, today it is quite common to see and hear the faith of Islam denigrated in newspaper columns, on talk radio and in religious sermons nationwide. Few in the Muslim world will listen to our calls for openness and reform while the faith they hold dear is being vilified.

Silence on this growing phenomenon is un-American and betrays the values of inclusiveness and religious tolerance that we all hold dear.

Finally, America needs to engage in internal reform to re-establish our reputation as the world’s standard bearer of justice.

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, national security legislation and policies related to detention, surveillance, torture, the shutting down of American Muslim charities, FBI agent provocateurs in mosques, citizenship delays, politicized “terror” trials, Justice Department guidelines allowing race and ethnicity to be factors in opening an investigation, and the dubious activities of so-called terrorism “fusion centers” have all contributed to a contraction of civil liberties. Any legislation or government policies that diminish constitutional rights must be re-evaluated and reversed. We should also change our visa policies to allow Muslim intellectuals and business leaders to travel to America without fear of humiliation or harassment at points of entry.

As an American Muslim, I ask leaders, governments and individuals in the Islamic world to make similar changes and to implement similar reforms.

First, government, civic and religious leaders must foster a culture of respect for human and minority rights, political and religious dissent, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.

Governments in the Muslim world must encourage full political participation in systems of government that abide by the separation of powers and are held in check by independent judiciaries. Leaders and individuals in Muslim nations must also respect the results of free and fair elections.

Non-governmental entities in the Muslim world must seek partnership with elected officials and other leaders in each society exclusively through peaceful means.

Second, Muslims worldwide must offer themselves as personal examples of the Islamic values of compassion, tolerance and moderation. Each individual and family should exemplify the verse in the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, which states: “And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that [with your lives] you might bear witness to the truth before all humankind.” (Quran, 2:143)

Each nation should focus on internal dialogue with all members of the society, including ideological, political and religious dissidents. Good works and public service must replace overheated rhetoric and wasteful internal power struggles.

And finally, each individual in the Muslim world and elsewhere should dedicate themselves to the personal improvement that is reflected in the Quranic verse: “Verily, God will never change the condition of a people until they change that which is within themselves.” (Quran, 13:11)

True peace and understanding will only come when we all - Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths and philosophies - cast off the prejudices and preconceptions of the past to engage each other based on what we have in common, not on what has separated us for so long.

I ask you to accept this advice in the sincere spirit it is given and I hope your address in Cairo will help change the direction of our world from the path to conflict to that of peace and reconciliation.

As you stated in your inaugural address, a new way forward in partnership with the Muslim world must be based on “mutual interest and mutual respect.”

This decisive moment in history requires clarity of purpose and a commitment to practical action that will lead to real change.

Sincerely,




Nihad Awad
National Executive DirectorCouncil on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

CAIR WELCOMES ROXANA SABERI’S RELEASE BY IRAN

U.S. Muslim group planned delegation seeking ‘gesture of reconciliation’

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/11/09) A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy organization today welcomed Iran’s release of American journalist Roxana Saberi, who was freed Monday after an Iranian appeals court suspended her eight-year prison sentence on charges of espionage.

Last month, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced that it was planning to send a delegation to Iran to ask that Saberi be released as a “gesture of reconciliation” that would benefit the cause of international peace and stability.
SEE: CAIR Prepares Delegation to Iran Seeking Journalist’s Release

“We are pleased that Roxana Saberi has been released and hope this move on the part of Iran will create a political atmosphere more conducive to improved relations between our two nations,” said CAIR Board Chairman State Sen. Larry Shaw (NC).
He noted that CAIR informed President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton of its planned mission and received a letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who has been missing in Iran since 2007. Shaw said that letter will now be sent to Iranian officials.

On April 9, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad sent a letter to President Ahmadinejad calling on the government of Iran to release Saberi. In his letter, Awad wrote in part:
“We recognize the serious nature of the issues that seem to hinder an improved relationship between our two nations. We ask Iran to take this opportunity to make a gesture of reconciliation that will help create an atmosphere in which those issues may be addressed in a positive manner.”
SEE: U.S. Muslim Organization Calls on Iran to Release Journalist

In 2006, Awad and CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor travelled to Iraq to appeal for the release of American journalist Jill Carroll.

SEE: U.S. Muslim Leaders Call for Release of Journalist in Iraq
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR WELCOMES ROXANA SABERI’S RELEASE BY IRAN
U.S. Muslim group planned delegation seeking ‘gesture of reconciliation’

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/11/09) A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy organization today welcomed Iran’s release of American journalist Roxana Saberi, who was freed Monday after an Iranian appeals court suspended her eight-year prison sentence on charges of espionage. Last month, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced that it was planning to send a delegation to Iran to ask that Saberi be released as a “gesture of reconciliation” that would benefit the cause of international peace and stability. SEE: CAIR Prepares Delegation to Iran Seeking Journalist’s Release

“We are pleased that Roxana Saberi has been released and hope this move on the part of Iran will create a political atmosphere more conducive to improved relations between our two nations,” said CAIR Board Chairman State Sen. Larry Shaw (NC). He noted that CAIR informed President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton of its planned mission and received a letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who has been missing in Iran since 2007. Shaw said that letter will now be sent to Iranian officials. On April 9,

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad sent a letter to President Ahmadinejad calling on the government of Iran to release Saberi. In his letter, Awad wrote in part: “We recognize the serious nature of the issues that seem to hinder an improved relationship between our two nations. We ask Iran to take this opportunity to make a gesture of reconciliation that will help create an atmosphere in which those issues may be addressed in a positive manner.” SEE: U.S. Muslim Organization Calls on Iran to Release Journalist

In 2006, Awad and CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor travelled to Iraq to appeal for the release of American journalist Jill Carroll. SEE: U.S. Muslim Leaders Call for Release of Journalist in Iraq

CAIR Welcomes Pope’s Statement of Respect for Islam

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/8/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed Pope Benedict XVI’s expression of respect for Islam and Muslims as he began his first trip to the Middle East.

After being greeted in Jordan by King Abdullah, the pope said: "My visit to Jordan gives me a welcome opportunity to speak of my deep respect for the Muslim community, and to pay tribute to the leadership shown by his majesty the king in promoting a better understanding of the virtues proclaimed by Islam.”
SEE: Pope, in Jordan, Offers Church Help for Peace Process (Reuters)

“We welcome Pope Benedict’s expression of respect and hope his positive statement will be reciprocated by leaders and ordinary people throughout the region,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad is a signatory, along with 137 other Muslim leaders and scholars, to an open letter titled "A Common Word Between Us and You," which was sent to Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and more than 20 other Christian leaders in 2007.
The open letter was designed to promote understanding between Muslims and Christians worldwide.

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR WELCOMES POPE’S STATEMENT OF RESPECT FOR ISLAM 

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/8/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed Pope Benedict XVI’s expression of respect for Islam and Muslims as he began his first trip to the Middle East.

After being greeted in Jordan by King Abdullah, the pope said: "My visit to Jordan gives me a welcome opportunity to speak of my deep respect for the Muslim community, and to pay tribute to the leadership shown by his majesty the king in promoting a better understanding of the virtues proclaimed by Islam.”

SEE: Pope, in Jordan, Offers Church Help for Peace Process (Reuters)

“We welcome Pope Benedict’s expression of respect and hope his positive statement will be reciprocated by leaders and ordinary people throughout the region,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad is a signatory, along with 137 other Muslim leaders and scholars, to an open letter titled "A Common Word Between Us and You," which was sent to Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and more than 20 other Christian leaders in 2007.

The open letter was designed to promote understanding between Muslims and Christians worldwide.

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR CALLS FOR ‘IMPARTIAL’ PROBE OF AFGHAN CIVILIAN DEATHS

Dozens of Women and Children reportedly killed in U.S. air strike

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/6/2009) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today called for an “impartial” probe into reports that dozens of women and children were killed in a U.S. air strike in Afghanistan on Tuesday. That civilian death toll may be the highest since the entry of American forces into Afghanistan in 2001.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is scheduled to discuss the issue of civilian casualties with President Barack Obama today in Washington, D.C.SEE: U.S. Raids Said to Kill Afghan Civilians (NY Times)

Nihad Awad, Executive Director of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said in a statement:“The scope and impact of this tragic incident necessitate an impartial investigation to determine who is at fault and what changes need to be made to existing policy in the region. Our nation and its armed forces must do everything possible to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.”

In 2008, an Afghan government commission determined that a U.S. air strike killed 90 civilians. American officials initially said no civilians were killed in the attack, but later concluded 33 civilians died.

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR Asks Muslim Prayer Leaders to Urge Swine Flu Precautions U.S. mosque leaders called on to offer health tips after daily, Friday prayers

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/29/09) - A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group today called on Islamic religious leaders, or imams, to use daily and Friday congregational prayers in the nation’s mosques as a platform for providing information about preventing the spread of swine flu.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said imams are in a unique position to offer public health information to American Muslims because they lead congregational prayers every day in the more than 2,000 mosques nationwide.

CAIR is suggesting that imams stay up-to-date on the spread of swine flu in their areas and stress the possibility of temporarily avoiding Islamic cultural traditions such as handshakes or hugs of greeting during a local health crisis. Imams are also being asked to be aware of swine flu symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

“In times of crisis, public health and safety takes precedence over normal actions and activities that could lead to the spread of infection,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Imams, because of their access to those attending mosques every day, are well-placed to offer advice to community members based on input from public health authorities.”

Awad added that Islam’s Prophet Muhammad encouraged actions designed to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The Prophet told his community, if disease breaks out in a particular area, “do not leave that place, and when you hear of its spread in another place, do not go there." (Al-Tirmidhi) Another Islamic tradition, or hadith, quotes the Prophet Muhammad saying: "A sick person (with a contagious disease) must not be brought among the healthy." (Fiqh-us-Sunnah)

The Washington-based council is asking prayer leaders to offer flu prevention tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

CAIR, in consultation with Islamic scholars, is also suggesting that imams and mosque officials consider taking other preventive actions recommended by the CDC when swine flu is confirmed in a community, including:

Worshipers who develop flu-like symptoms should be strongly encouraged to seek medical advice by phone and to self-isolate themselves in their homes.
Cancellation of classes in Islamic schools should be considered if there is a confirmed or a suspected case of swine flu in the school population.

Gatherings at mosques, even otherwise-mandatory Friday congregational prayers, should be temporarily cancelled if there is a risk of spreading infection.

SEE: When Human Infection with Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus is Confirmed in a Community

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR Asks Muslim Prayer Leaders to Urge Swine Flu Precautions U.S. mosque leaders called on to offer health tips after daily, Friday prayers

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/29/09) - A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group today called on Islamic religious leaders, or imams, to use daily and Friday congregational prayers in the nation’s mosques as a platform for providing information about preventing the spread of swine flu.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said imams are in a unique position to offer public health information to American Muslims because they lead congregational prayers every day in the more than 2,000 mosques nationwide.

CAIR is suggesting that imams stay up-to-date on the spread of swine flu in their areas and stress the possibility of temporarily avoiding Islamic cultural traditions such as handshakes or hugs of greeting during a local health crisis. Imams are also being asked to be aware of swine flu symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

“In times of crisis, public health and safety takes precedence over normal actions and activities that could lead to the spread of infection,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Imams, because of their access to those attending mosques every day, are well-placed to offer advice to community members based on input from public health authorities.”

Awad added that Islam’s Prophet Muhammad encouraged actions designed to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The Prophet told his community, if disease breaks out in a particular area, “do not leave that place, and when you hear of its spread in another place, do not go there." (Al-Tirmidhi) Another Islamic tradition, or hadith, quotes the Prophet Muhammad saying: "A sick person (with a contagious disease) must not be brought among the healthy." (Fiqh-us-Sunnah)

The Washington-based council is asking prayer leaders to offer flu prevention tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

CAIR, in consultation with Islamic scholars, is also suggesting that imams and mosque officials consider taking other preventive actions recommended by the CDC when swine flu is confirmed in a community, including:

Worshipers who develop flu-like symptoms should be strongly encouraged to seek medical advice by phone and to self-isolate themselves in their homes.
Cancellation of classes in Islamic schools should be considered if there is a confirmed or a suspected case of swine flu in the school population.

Gatherings at mosques, even otherwise-mandatory Friday congregational prayers, should be temporarily cancelled if there is a risk of spreading infection.
SEE: When Human Infection with Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus is Confirmed in a Community
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Nihad Awad

A Biographical Sketch

Nihad Awad is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest non-profit Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

In 1997, Mr. Awad served on Vice President Al Gore’s Civil Rights Advisory Panel to the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security.

In 2004 he was named one of National Journal’s more than 100 Most Influential People in the US, whose ideas will help shape the debate over public policy issues for the next decade.

Mr. Awad is a regular participant in the U.S. Department of State’s “International Visitors Program” which welcomes foreign dignitaries, journalists and academics who are currently visiting the President of the United States.

Mr. Awad has testified before both houses of the U.S. Congress on matters involving Muslims in America.

He is a member of the United States Institute of Peace’s Advisory Committee on US-Muslim Relations and currently enjoys the position of U.S. Representative of the Vatican-affiliated International Committee on Muslim-Christian (Catholic) Dialogue.

For the 2000, 2004 and 2008 presidential elections, Mr. Awad was a key figure in the American Muslim Political Coordinating Committee (AMPCC) and, subsequently, the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections, an umbrella organization of the largest American Muslim organizations, which helped to create the first Muslim voting bloc for a presidential election.

He has also spoken at prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale and Johns Hopkins Universities. He was also a featured speaker at the 2002 Reuters Forum on global cooperation at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. In addition, he actively works with local and national interfaith leaders and organizations in the interest of promoting positive relations among people of diverse faith communities.

Mr. Awad spoke at the 2005 International Islamic Conference hosted by King Abdullah II in Amman, Jordan.

Mr. Awad spearheaded the “Not in the Name of Islam” anti-terrorism fatwa (religious ruling) issued by the Fiqh Council of North America and endorsed by the 300 largest mosques and Islamic centers in the United States, a crucial milestone in the history of the American Muslim community.

He has been frequently interviewed on national and international media such as CNN, BBC World Service, PBS, C-SPAN, National Public Radio, The New York Times, Washington Post, Voice of America and Al-Jazeera. CAIR news releases are disseminated to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide on a daily basis.After the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, Mr. Awad flew to Oklahoma to aid in the relief effort. He personally met with Governor Frank Keating and gave the governor a sizable donation for the relief effort and victims’ fund on behalf of the American Muslim community.

Mr. Awad has also personally met with Presidents William Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as former Secretaries of State Madeline Albright and Colin L. Powell, to discuss the needs of Muslim community.Numerous law enforcement agencies, organizations and Fortune 500 companies—including Nike and DKNY—have benefited from CAIR educational seminars on Islamic traditions and culture. In addition to resolving employment discrimination issues involving American Muslims, Mr. Awad has also conducted over 100 public relations and media training seminars in the US.A

A few days after September 11, 2001, Mr. Awad was one of the few American Muslim leaders invited by the White House to join President Bush in a press conference at the Islamic Center of Washington, the oldest mosque in Washington, DC.

Mr. Awad is the author of the paper, “Muslim-Americans in Mainstream America,” published in the Feb/Mar. 2000 edition of “The Link” magazine.Mr. Awad is also featured in Silent No More by former United States Representative Paul Findley (R-IL); a book chronicling the history of the American Muslim community.

To contact Mr. Awad, email: nawad@cair.com or 202-642-6419
Nihad Awad
453 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003, USA