USA: Muslim Community talks profiling; denounces terrorism

"Of course burning the buildings, killing innocent citizens woman ladies you know old people, it is totally forbidden in Islam. We understand there are some bad guys who have created the whole problems but other than that as I mentioned there are 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world and they are very peaceful." [Imam Inam Kauser]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | US Desk
Source & Credit: | CBS 21 NEWS | May 21, 2010
By Samica Knight | samicaknight@cbs21.com

Some members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community told CBS 21 News that since the most recent incident involving terroristic activity in New York, they have noticed some 'uneasiness' among local people concerning Muslims.

Earlier this month police arrested 30-year-old Faisal Shahzad, a Pakistani-American accused of trying to detonate a bomb left inside his vehicle in Time Square. The explosives never detonated.

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Community said they condemn any form of terrorism but believe they may be targets of profiling following the failed attack.


 “"Islam is nothing to do with terrorism actually and there is no room for of any terrorist activities in Islam," said Imam Ulhaq Kauser, with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. "We believe in peace we believe in harmony love, respect and honor. the teachings of the holy prophet Muhammad is very clear that love of your country is a part of your faith.

Imam Kauser is the regional missionary with the community which spans over 185 countries. He oversees mosques in York and Dauphin County as well as New York and New Jersey.

He said stereotypes linking all Muslims to terroristic activity is unfortunate because violence and terrorism is exactly what they oppose and strongly condemn.

Imam Kauser said the work of violent extremist groups like the Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the 2001 911 attacks, is what leads to profiling and stereotypes.

"Of course burning the buildings, killing innocent citizens woman ladies you know old people, it is totally forbidden in Islam," said Imam Kauser. "We understand there are some bad guys who have created the whole problems but other than that as I mentioned there are 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world and they are very peaceful."

CBS 21 News spoke to dozens of people and asked them about profiling a terrorist.

“I think a terrorist could be anybody, " said Ignacio Sandoval. "A lot of people think it’s a Taliban or someone of the Indian decent but I think [that's] really racial profiling and I don’t think it’s right.”

“When I see someone from the Middle East I think terrorist that’s my honest opinion,” said one York County man.  “I don’t approach them but I wouldn’t be comfortable in a room full of them because I don’t know.”

Like that York County man, most of the people we spoke to openly admitted to profiling.

“It's a stereotype because of the terrorism that took place in the U.S.," said the York County resident. "That’s the pictures that you see, the Muslims and the Middle Eastern and it goes right to my mind, terrorist, not that it's fair it's just unfortunately the way that it is."

So what does Imam Kauser say about the stares and suspicious glares that some of his members told us they have experienced.

"We do not react if anyone shows his hatred," said Imam Kauser. "It's up to him but we of course always give  them the smiling and show respect and honor to them that would change their minds.

Kauser said he believes that Islam is the most misunderstood religion.

"There are misunderstandings about Islam because of the handful of people who are creating a problem in the world and we suffer too,” said Imam Kauser.  “People look at us and think we are responsible for everything but we wish that peace and harmony would be practiced.”

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