Source: ISNA

(Plainfield, IN – November 01, 2009) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is disturbed by the recent shootout involving a local imam in Detroit, MI. Luqman Abdullah of Masjid Al-Haqq, an active imam in the Detroit area and member of the board of the Muslim Alliance of North America (MANA), was killed on Wednesday. The details of the incident are still sketchy but the way the incident has been reported in the media is worrisome. A joint statement issued by the Detroit FBI and the U.S. Attorney links the suspects to "a group that is alleged to have engaged in violent activity over a period of many years and known to be armed." Criminal charges were also filed against 11 followers of Imam Abdullah, eight of whom are already in custody.

The federal complaint accuses Luqman Abdullah of being a member of a group with the mission of establishing a separate Islamic nation within the United States. However, authorities cite criminal charges as the basis for the arrest and have indicated that none of the official charges are terrorist-related. It is still not clear why the incident is presented as a terrorism case when the actual charges involve criminal conduct, including alleged fraud and theft.

ISNA supports the vital work carried out by law enforcement agencies to protect the public against violence and criminal activities, and finds no justification for resisting duly executed arrest warrants. It further calls on all Muslims to reject any attempts that aim at undermining the rule of law or subverting the constitution.  The only morally and legally acceptable way to challenge the actions of law enforcement agents is by working through the justice system and the court of law.

ISNA also calls on the FBI and other law enforcement agencies involved in Wednesday's raid to conduct a full investigation and to bring clarity into circumstances that led to the shootout and the killing. The Muslim community must be brought fully on board in the fight against violent extremism and must be persuaded that FBI agents do not use excessive force or act out of an unfounded suspicion and exaggerated fear.

We urge the community leaders to convene community meetings to explore ways and means to prevent the repeat of this troubling incident. The defendants live in a downtrodden part of Detroit, and the community’s long-term response must address the underlying conditions that give rise to alienation and mistrust. We urge privileged Muslim communities to take greater interest in improving the conditions of disadvantaged communities and to join local leaders in dealing with the long standing plight of inner cities.