The Second Annual Jumu'ah On Capitol Hill (Washington, DC): Urgent Appeal To Iowan Muslims :: EsinIslam The Muslim World Portal For Islamic News And Opinions

The Second Annual Jumu'ah On Capitol Hill (Washington, DC): Urgent Appeal To Iowan Muslims

15 October 2010

By El-Hajj Mauri' Saalakhan

Assalaamu Alaikum (Greetings of Peace):

For those planning to attend tomorrow's Jum'uah on Capitol Hill, please be advised of the following weather-related forecast for tomorrow: Sunny in the morning, a few clouds in the afternoon - with the possibility of gusts of wind and a little rain. (The emphasis here is on possibility, not probability. But come prepared just in case!)

Last year's gathering was a huge success (despite the local leaders who refused to endorse or participate). For this writer, the value of this spiritual assembly in the heart of the nation's capitol, is that it sends the message to the world that Muslims (and Islam) are just as much a part of the foundational fabric of this nation called America as any other religious, political, or ideological group...and we are not going anywhere!

MS

It is also my hope that at the end of the day, those who travel to Capitol Hill (from near or far) for tomorrow's prayer gathering, will leave with a greater sense of purpose for the struggle ahead...along with a deeper appreciation for our individual and collective role in that process! As a reminder of that struggle, I urge our readers to reflect upon the following unsettling report.

Urgent Appeal To Iowan Muslims:

Imam Ibrahim Dremali Arrested. Please Call Senator Harkin's Office Immediately

Many of you may remember Imam Ibrahim Dremali who served as the Imam at the Islamic Center in Des Moines for many years before moving to Texas to take a teaching job. Many of you also may know that Imam Dremali has been battling cancer for the the past few years.

Recently, Imam Dremali completed his chemo, but is now in critical need of a liver transplant. His health is failing quickly; therefore, Imam Dremali cannot travel even a few blocks to make salah at the mosque where he lives in Arlington, Texas.

Last week, Imam Dremali was arrested by US Marshals and Immigration authorities who stormed his home. The charge? That his marriage to Sister Safah is a sham!!! As a result of this arrest, Imam Dremali has been ordered to appear in Des Moines at Federal Court on October 20 DESPITE HIS CRITICAL HEALTH.
Traveling such a distance will surely endanger him, if not speed his death!

Please CALL SENATOR HARKIN'S OFFICE TODAY AND ASK FOR HIS HELP.

TALKING POINTS:

Imam Dremali's health is critical and traveling such a distance will surely cause his condition to worsen.
The charges against Imam Dremali and Safah are ridiculous! They have been married for years and have 3 children together.

These ludicrous charges are absolutely the by-product of a vindictive grudge against Imam Dremali and Safah, and will surely find no basis in fact.

Imam Dremali has been a vital source of interfaith relations and outreach in the Muslim community throughout the US, and has worked tirelessly against terrorism, extremism, and Islamophobia, building a
solid foundation of friendship, caring, and cooperation between the major US religious groups, politicians, and civic communities.

Imam Dremali is only one of a small handful of people who hold Ph.D.s in the US in Islamic Jurisprudence, and is therefore a vital resource for the US in interfaith, national, and international relations.

Media and others accuse moderate Muslims of not speaking out or acting against terrorism or extremism. Imam Dremali did speak out--this heinous treatment is despite his activism.

Imam Dremali's arrest and persecution teaches a negative lesson for moderate Muslims that will keep them from speaking out against extremists or acts of terror committed in the Name of Islam.

Senator Harkin has appeared with and supported Imam Dremali in many events and endeavors, and on occasion voiced his appreciation of the work Imam Ibrahim Dremali has made his life's work. We ask that

Senator Harkin intercede IMMEDIATELY to stop this miscarriage of justice, and the possible death sentence for Imam Dremali.

CONDUCT OF CALLER: As always, please be polite, professional and non-confrontational. Do not use an accusatory or threatening tone, or use threatening language.

Cedar Rapids
150 First Avenue, NE
Suite 370
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 365-4504 Phone
(319) 365-4683 Fax

Davenport
1606 Brady Street, Suite 323
Davenport, IA 52803
(563) 322-1338 Phone
(563) 322-0417 Fax

Des Moines
210 Walnut Street
Room 733, Federal Building
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-4574 Phone
(515) 284-4937 Fax

Dubuque
350 W. 6th Street
315 Federal Building
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 582-2130 Phone
(563) 582-2342 Fax

Sioux City
320 6th Street
110 Federal Building
Sioux City, IA 51101
(712) 252-1550 Phone
(712) 252-7104 Fax

Washington DC
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3254 Phone
(202) 224-9369 Fax

PLEASE CALL TODAY!!! TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!!!!!!

May Allah reward your efforts,
Miriam Amer
Executive Director
Council on American-Islamic Relations Iowa Chapter
mamer@cair.com

For more inf and updates contact:
Aida Mackic
ummuamina@gmail.com
515 707-1354

As a final note, it has also come to my attention that the officers involved in the political assassination of Imam Luqman (of Detroit Michigan) have been officially cleared of any wrongdoing; and thus, in the treatment of Imam Luqman and Imam Dremali, the message is being sent that at the end of the day there is very little difference between "militants" and "moderates" - when it comes to targeting Islam. (We are also reminded of the fact that legal lynchings come in many forms!) Something to think about. - MS

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