“We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.” (Hadid: 25)
We at CAIR-Philadelphia have watched the tragic events unfolding in our neighboring city of Baltimore these past days with trepidation and sadness, just as we previously witnessed the injustices committed by the police in Ferguson, Staten Island, Charlotte, and countless other cities across the nation. We should not delude ourselves: these killings of Black men are not the exception, they are symptomatic of the lack of due process by which African American communities are governed in this country.
There is no easy solution to ending institutional anti-Black racism in the nation, as its roots are sunk deep into the violent four centuries of European settlement upon this continent. They were the foundation upon which the structural inequalities of American society were built. What we can say is that responding to injustice and showing compassion to its innocent victims is mandated by the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
In the last few days, Baltimore has appeared to be a city under occupation, reminiscent of Gaza, Kashmir, and Baghdad. And while we condemn all violence against our fellow human beings, whether committed by the police or protesters, we can well understand the pent up rage that erupted following the funeral of Freddie Gray, the unarmed Black man whose spine was severed, and whose larynx was crushed, while in police custody. Baltimore is the cry of the voiceless hungering for justice.
CAIR-Philadelphia extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Freddie Gray, and calls for a cessation of all violence in Baltimore so that dialogue and rebuilding can commence. We urge the Muslim community in Philadelphia to:
- Become civically engaged in your community, bringing the wisdom and teachings of Islam into the discussion of racism in America.
- Familiarize yourself with the history of racism and the criminal justice system in this country. A good place to start is the book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander.
- Read and share this column, “In Baltimore, We are All Freddie Gray” in today’s New York Times.
- View and share this video, Baltimore Protests: What the Media Isn’t Showing You.
And most important, if you are parents, discuss the unfolding events in Baltimore and our nation with your children, so that they will also learn to follow in the Prophet’s [PBUH] path:
God’s Messenger said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one.” People asked, “O God’s Messenger! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Messenger said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.” (Bukhari Vol 3,43,624)
