The day of Arafah is the day on which Allah (swt) tells us He perfected our religion.
As Muslims in America, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees us freedom of religion.
But what happens when law enforcement treats some people differently because of their religious beliefs?
What happens when your faith becomes the cause for being detained, banned from airplanes, denied government benefits, having your bank accounts closed, or even prosecuted for crimes you did not commit?
Like all religions, Islam is legal in America. But we cannot ignore the fact that Muslims are treated differently in the American justice system.
Consider for example the issues Muslims face with regards to:
Freedom of Religion – Muslim prisoners are denied halal meals and other religious accommodations. Federal employees who identify as Muslim are treated with suspicion and often lose their jobs as a result.
Freedom of Movement – Muslims face unique travel restrictions in the form of the No-Fly List and "special security screenings" without due process.
Freedom of Assembly – Groups are abusing zoning laws to take away the right to build and expand mosques.
Freedom of Speech – More than 300 nonprofits lost status since 2011 as Muslims charities receive undue scrutiny. Individuals have been investigated for their free speech activities.
Freedom to Give – Banks are closing accounts of Muslims because of new regulations making it more difficult to provide humanitarian aid overseas.
Opportunity – Immigration delays, denials or other harmful actions on the basis of the applicant being Muslim.
MLFA is holding institutionalized bigotry and xenophobia accountable to America’s promise of freedom, liberty and justice for all, by:
Defending constitutional civil rights and liberties of Muslims in America.
Providing free legal representation to Muslims facing religious discrimination.
Restoringjustice for innocent Muslims and their families.
Empowering and protecting American Muslim institutions.
Supportingthe common, central value of Islam and America: Justice.
We ask Allah (swt) to enable Muslims to establish justice to the best of their abilities, to continue to fight for the weak and the oppressed, and to strengthen our families and our institutions.
We write to you with a simple ask on this sacred day:to give sadaqah, fulfill your zakat, or make a donation in the name of justice.
Here's some inspiration from American Muslim leaders and scholars in support of MLFA's work:
There are many ways to earn blessings with Allah (swt). Consider volunteering or making a donation to fund the work that makes justice possible, and with Allah’s help,
defend the rights of Muslims to continue to practice the religion Allah perfected for us, freely, confidently, and securely.
John, can I count on you during this most blessed day of the year to support justice?
In faith and for justice,
Khalil Meek Executive Director Muslim Legal Fund of America
