KARAMAH Stands in Solidarity with Sikh Community Against Violence

Throughout history, many have marveled at the ability of people to set aside preconceived ideas and differences, and rally in times of tragedy. For the American Sikh Community, this trial came on August 5th with the massacre of six Americans by a lone gunman at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, WI.

The “Muslims and Sikhs in Solidarity” event, held on the evening of September 22nd at America’s Islamic Heritage Museum, represented more than unity between two faith groups-it demonstrated shared grievance at marginalization, pain in the wake of tragedy, and determination at increasing understanding and tolerance between faith groups, and within the American public at large.

As members of the Sikh and Muslim communities greeted each other, the room became highlighted by the beautiful colors, “dastars” and scarves–a beautiful display of diversity. The program opened with a recitation of the Qur’an and Sikh hymn.

Ms. Aisha Rahman, Executive Director of KARAMAH addressed the group with the keynote speech where she talked about her personal experiences growing up in the rural south and called Muslim organizations to action—encouraging the audience and beyond to stand against injustice and violence. For the text of her speech, click HERE.

Other speakers included Mr. Amir Muhammad of the American Islamic Heritage Museum, Dr. Amarjit Singh of the Khalistan Affairs Council and Jasjit Singh of Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) both speaking on behalf of the Sikh community. From different perspectives, each speech emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and mutual support, not only in times of difficulty, but in times of peace and stability as well.
Following speeches, Mr. Haris Tarin of Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) invited several representatives from 17 Muslim organizations to be recognized in an open statement of solidarity with the Sikh community against ignorance and intolerance. Immediately following this formal recognition, those in attendance were treated to a traditional “gurbani” devotional music performance and a shared “langar” meal provided by the Sikh community.

While this unique event filled the halls of America’s Islamic Heritage Museum, continuing interfaith programming, familiarity and cooperation efforts are necessary to combat the very misunderstanding that lends itself to acts of hate and violence such as that which occurred in Oak Creek, WI. KARAMAH is dedicated to the mission of uniting faith communities against ignorance and intolerance, and looks forward to collaborating to raise America’s consciousness about and acceptance of religious and ethnic diversity.