USA: MOSLEMS MUST VOTE, IT IS AN OBLIGATION

American Muslims have obligation to vote in election

''American Muslims must come out of hibernation to have their voices heard and opinion known.''

This election is essential for American Muslims. Why? Just look at the front page and editorial pages of the newspapers. What are the lead stories? What's being discussed on talk radio? Most likely, it is Muslims. Traditionally, American Muslims have avoided mainstream U.S. politics for several reasons. First, a majority of Muslim immigrants came here to advance their economic fortunes and education. Politics was a lesser concern. Next, most had migrated from cultures that had no democracy and were ruled by dictators, kings, sultans and shahs. They did not have an opportunity to participate in the politics at home. Finally, there were few organized efforts to encourage American Muslims to become more politically active.

However, 9/11 changed that overnight. Rather than being silent spectators, Muslims are becoming unwilling participants, and this is the silver lining to 9/11, the USA Patriot Act and mass detentions. The policies of the Bush administration also have pushed Muslims to be part of the political process. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States and American Muslims realize that American politics are about numbers. Statistics are hard to come by, but numerous studies have reported that Islam is growing at a rate of 3 to 6 percent a year, due to both converts and high birth rate. Today, there are few places in the United States where one does not find Muslims living, working and sending their children to public schools. The best estimates put the U.S. Muslim population at 7 million, and 70 percent of them are eligible to vote.

In the 1980s, American Muslims found themselves debating whether Islam even permitted them to participate in the politics of a non-Muslim country. These concerns have disappeared. Meanwhile, many Americans have negative views of Islam and large numbers of Muslims are experiencing harassment and discrimination. Due to Bush administration policies, there is ''Islam phobia'' and some label all Muslims as terrorists. The good news for Muslims is that they can vote on Nov. 7.

Being able to vote is a privilege that no one should forsake. American Muslims' involvement is also a great way to present a truthful image of Islam, so Muslims who are not voting or participating in political activities may be doing a great disservice to their fellow Muslims. Muslims should do some soul searching, particularly about the Christian right, which has had a great impact on elections. A united voice in support of particular candidates or issues will be more significant than fragmented support.

Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and the Palestinians are not the only issues of concern for American Muslims. We are concerned about education, prayers in public schools, welfare reforms, immigration and civil rights, health care, equal opportunity, abortion, gun control, drug abuse, environmental issues, commerce, trade, banking and finance practices. We can be involved on school boards, city councils, party committees, in party conventions and state legislatures.

America has a two-party system, and American Muslims should get involved in both. Traditionally, Muslims are socially conservative and politically liberal. So, socially they are closer to the Republicans, but politically, closer to the Democrats. In either case, Muslims should be vocal and proactive to gain a voice inside party policy decision-making. They should join like-minded Americans in their fight against abortion, homosexuality, pornography, teenage pregnancy, discrimination against women and minorities, better education, housing and employment.

American Muslims must come out of hibernation to have their voices heard and opinion known. They must register as voters, either with a party or as independents. They should communicate with their congressmen, senators, mayors, governors and other elected officials.

To me, participation in the coming election is a form of worship (Ibadah) as well as dialogue (Dawah) for American Muslims. Taking a position on election issues is like advocating the principles of Islam, to raise up the good and forbid the evil. There will be many more elections to come, so American Muslims should not consider this one as the end of the road.

American Muslims are here to stay. The impact of their presence must be slow, steady and continuous. If American Muslims are to find an authentic expression of their citizenship, they must follow their conscience and vote for a better America.

With one goal in mind, to create the ISLAMIC STATES OF AMERICA...

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1) American Muslims have obligation to vote in election