| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
ABOUT THE AMERICAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS
What is the mission of the American Islamic Congress?
The American Islamic Congress (AIC) is a civil rights organization promoting tolerance and the exchange of ideas among Muslims and between other peoples. AIC challenges increasingly negative perceptions of Muslims by advocating responsible leadership and ‘two-way’ interfaith understanding. As Muslim-Americans, thriving amidst America's open multicultural society and civil liberties, we promote these same values for the global Muslim community. Please see our Statement of Principles.
 Are you a religious organization?
No. We are not a religious organization, and we do not make religious pronouncements. We are a civil rights organization advancing responsible civic leadership for the Muslim community. For specific examples of AIC's work, see our Milestones.
Who are your members?
Our supporters, staff, and directors come from a range of religious backgrounds - representing different strands within Islam as well as non-Muslims. Our founders include Sunnis and Shi'is; men and women; South Asians, Africans, Europeans, Arabs, Persians, and African-Americans; religious and secular. Our members reflect the diversity of American Muslim life. Anyone is welcome to join and support our civic work. See our Board and Leadership.
Why the name "Congress"?
We are proud of American democracy and want to celebrate the diversity of Muslim life in America. The term "Congress" evokes our commitment to democracy and our intention that the AIC become a platform for Muslims of different backgrounds to come together in forging a responsible American Muslim civic voice.
ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS
Is terrorism - deliberate attacks on civilians - justified in some cases?
Never. One of our central thematic campaigns is "No Buts" - a categorical and unequivocal rejection of terrorism. We refuse to condemn an attack and also say, "...but we must understand the root causes." There is no excuse, period. The State Department's list of terrorist organizations, "Patterns of Global Terrorism", is a valuable reference, as it focuses on the methods organizations use to achieve their goals without judging the justice of those goals.
What should US policy be in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Only a negotiated settlement can bring peace to Israel and Palestine. Creative, courageous people on both sides need to sit at the negotiating table and come to a just settlement, with two states living in peace. 60 years of war and bloodshed need to end. Despite inter-religious tensions created by this on-going conflict, AIC is proud to collaborate with Jewish, Christian, and other civic organizations.
 Should the US withdraw from Iraq?
AIC staff and directors have varied opinions on this difficult question. Our executive director, Zainab Al-Suwaij, is a native of Basra, Iraq, who fled after participating in the failed 1991
uprising against Saddam and who has worked on the ground in Iraq since 2003 (without the protection of US security). Her impression is that troops should leave, but not quite yet (see her interview with Katie Couric).
How many Muslims live in America?
Estimates range from 1.8 million to over 7 million. While the AIC has not conducted its own survey, we believe American Muslims should have a vital voice in America regardless of their exact numbers.
Do American Muslims have a special responsibility to lead?
American Muslims occupy a pivotal point: We are the Muslim world's cultural emissaries to the West, and the West's emissaries to the Muslim world. Specifically, we should be working with law enforcement to help root out terrorists in our midst (and we proudly note that there are many brave Muslim law enforcement officials).
We must help educate Americans on the religious, cultural, and political complexities of the Muslim world.
We must stand for interfaith understanding.
And we must devise new strategies for advancing economic development and civil liberties in the Muslim world.
ABOUT ISLAM
What does Islam say about…?
In answer to many questions about Islam, we must first say that we do not presume to set Islamic rulings or issue edicts. We are a civic, not a religious, organization. Islam draws on a range of religious materials and produces a range of interpretations. There is no one authoritative body that determines religious law for all Muslims. In fact, Muslims disagree on all sorts of religious, cultural, and political issues.
We answer the following questions as Muslims seeking to emphasize the elements in Islam that promote tolerance, self-improvement, and respect for human rights.
 What is Jihad?
Daily news headlines reveal that some people view Jihad as a war in defense of Islam. We, however, view Jihad as a personal, inner war for moral and social improvement. This requires self-criticism, introspection, and taking a stand against violent extremists.
How does Islam view other religions?
Islam claims Judaism and Christianity as spiritual antecedents with authoritative traditions. Islamic legal doctrine rejects other faiths as "polytheistic," though in practice many non-monotheistic faiths have been tolerated in Islamic civilizations. Sufism, the mystical articulation of Islam, embraces the range of spiritual experience and seeks commonality with all faiths.
The history of Islamic civilization is varied and complex. Jews and Christians were traditionally relegated to secondary legal status, yet often held important positions and enjoyed special privileges. In the 16th and 17th century, the Safavid Empire's inquisition targeted Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, and even Sunni Muslims - but at the same time the Muslim caliphate of Delhi was a model of tolerance between Muslim and Hindus.
We believe in an Islam that is compatible with other religions and serves as an asset to a multi-cultural society. We condemn those who speak in the name of Islam to incite hatred of or violence against non-Muslims.
Should Islamic law be implemented as a form of government?
No. Islam is a deeply personal faith. It can help address spiritual needs, answer moral and ethical questions, and provide guidance in raising a family. But we believe in a separation of mosque and state, and disagree with those in the Muslim world and beyond that try to force their religious beliefs on others through politics or coercion. Islam is today the fastest growing religion in the world — it does not need politicians to flourish.
|