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Why the Muslim community must
give priority to justice for Imam Jamil
by the volunteer staff of Justice
for All
In most media reports, Imam Jamil al-Amin's past as a
former member of the Black Panther Party is highlighted while his role
as a dynamic reformer is downplayed. This may lead a number of Muslims
to believe his cause is not really worth supporting. This is not true.
Here are five reasons why Muslims must support justice for Imam Jamil.
1. Imam Jamil is the most prominent Muslim leader in North America
While other Muslim leaders may be popular within the Muslim community,
Imam Jamil Al-Amin is respected across religious, ethnic and racial lines
on this continent. His integrity and commitment to justice and egalitarianism
are recognized by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Hundreds of people have
become Muslim through his example and efforts.
2. He is our leader, therefore, we have an obligation towards him
Imam Jamil has spoken on our behalf in the past as head of the Islamic
Shura Council of North America. Whenever he knew of a Muslim in need,
he would do what he could to help. Now it is our turn to fulfill our obligation
to him and to return his favor to us.
Before his arrest, we would say "Allahu Akbar" in support of
his speeches in Islamic conferences. But today he is being ignored by
the same Muslim community.
A similar predicament met former Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
president Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad two years ago. When the
case against him began, he received little support from the Muslim
community, which used to pronounce loud "Allahu Akbar"s after
his speeches during conventions.
Will this be the fate of our Muslim leaders? If Imams Siraj Wahhaj, Abdul
Malik Mujahid and Abdalla Idris Ali, three other dynamic North American
Muslim leaders, for instance, are being applauded today, then if, God
forbid, they get arrested or are put in a similar trial tomorrow, will
they be left alone by the community also?
3. His case could become a turning point for Muslims in America
Imam Jamil is not the only Muslim to have problems with the American justice
system. There are Muslims currently jailed because of this country's abhorrent
secret evidence law. There are also Muslims who have been victimized because
of racial profiling.
Due to Imam Jamil's prominence, his case can help shed light on discrimination
against Muslims in the American justice system. It can also be a precedent-setting
move in favor of justice for Muslims in America if he is treated fairly
by the justice system.
4. The case may serve as a unifying factor among Muslims
The struggle for justice for Imam Jamil is a cause which can become a
focal point for Muslim unity because this is a cause of justice. Fighting
for him means fighting for all of us.
5. He has made his community a better place
Imam Jamil is one of the few Imams in North America who has worked hard
to clean up his neighborhood for the good of all. Based on testimony from
non-Muslim neighbors, he has cleaned up his neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia
which was once rife with drugs and prostitution. If we lose him as a leader
to the injustice of the American justice system, we will be without one
of the few people who can spread the message of Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims
on this continent while fighting for social justice. If Imam Jamil loses,
we all lose.
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