“Let there be no compulsion in religion.” Surah al-Baqarah (2):256

Islamic beliefs certainly do not preclude freedom of speech. The Qur’an is replete with verses denouncing, for example, the use of force to compel belief, and the Prophet Muhammad is consistently told that an individual’s faith is a matter between him/her and God. Not surprisingly, Muslim history is full of believers challenging mainstream thought and practice. Of course, as in the context of other faiths, many of these individuals were persecuted; others, however, thrived and made an enormous impact on their communities and the Islamic faith as a whole.

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As an American Muslim woman activist, I’m letting out a resounding, “Let’s chill out!”

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s statement that Great Britain should consider accommodating aspects of Islamic law (or Shari’ah law) into its civil law was not a declaration against women or liberty. Rather, he merely proposed his own solution to the ongoing processes of reconciling the integrity of a secular state with the widely-held religious beliefs of people within that state, which may include certain legal provisions. This is, by definition, complicated, and different nations have offered different solutions. While we can disagree with the Archbishop’s conclusions, by simply (and without sufficient knowledge) disparaging Islam and Islamic law, we are frankly missing the point of this larger debate.

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I am thankful that the issue of religious leadership was raised. I am so passionate about this issue’s monumental importance, especially in contemporary Muslim communities, that it literally consumes me.

When religions are represented by bad leadership, faith is often corrupted and poisoned, and its adherents become disillusioned. Whenever I read statements by certain Muslim leaders promoting hate, I cringe. Not only does this offend the Divine and His love of peace and tolerance, it has real implications for humans in this world, Muslims and otherwise.

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Barack Obama continues to elicit responses of profound passion and enthusiasm from many Americans. He evokes hope and inspires people to act. In this sense, whether or not we agree with his particular policies is irrelevant, because surely we must recognize that his person and candidacy represent much larger phenomenon in American society.

Millions of Americans who have heard Obama speak – in person or on their TV screens – feel a visceral connection with something greater: CHANGE and the hope for a government that can restore the luster of the American Dream.

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