Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
\u2013 First Amendment, United States Constitution<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the words of Thomas Jefferson (quoting Locke), \u201cNeither Pagan nor Jew ought to be excluded from the civil rights of the Commonwealth because of his religion.\u201d His words represent the very foundation of this nation, which was established by a people who fled religious persecution and yearned for a nation in which they could practice their religion freely but not have it imposed on them by their government. The anti-Shari\u2018ah movement in the U.S. has shaken this very foundation, challenging the principles and values the founders of our nation espoused as the definition of America. To this date, at least 24 states have proposed laws that would prohibit the free exercise of religion, affecting not only the civil liberties of Muslims, but also those of Jews, Christians, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to this, KARAMAH has held town hall meetings and interfaith events on Islam, Shari\u2018ah, and religious freedom in the U.S. in several cities around the nation. These events were organized to address the misinformation about Shari\u2018ah and Islam and to discuss the ways this movement threatens the civil liberties of all Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To complement these events, KARAMAH has compiled this online symposium, which showcases articles on the anti-Shari\u2018ah movement by scholars, students and professionals. The articles are rich and diverse in their perspectives, addressing this movement from a variety of lenses: Some dispel myths about Shari\u2018ah and explain it from within the Islamic tradition, while others examine this movement from a civil rights perspective. A few articles reveal how the authors have been personally affected by this movement, sharing very open and honest human experiences that resulted from the misunderstanding that this movement has begotten. Lastly, a couple of pieces are more hopeful, expressing that perhaps we can turn this into an opportunity for education and understanding, and as a chance to truly embrace, appreciate, and learn from our nation\u2019s diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We welcome any thoughts, comments and inquiries, and hope that these articles will result in further dialogue and efforts towards promoting American civil liberties and combating any acts that endanger them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please find the articles below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shari\u2018ah Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat is Shari\u2018ah and Why Does It Matter?\u201d by Sherman Jackson<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShari\u2018ah: What It Is and Isn\u2019t\u201d Interview with Asifa Quraishi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSetting the Record Straight on Shari\u2018ah\u201d Interview with Intisar Rabb<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Opinion Editorials and Personal Narratives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI worry about my religion\u201d by Ahsan Pervez Daredia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBeyond Tolerance: Lessons on Religious Tension from Nigeria\u201d by Oludamini Ogunnaike<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have been called a terrorist\u2026\u201d by Samena Premjee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Anti-Shari\u2019ah Movement and Civil Rights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe \u2018anti-Shari\u2018ah\u2019 Legislation\u2019s Adverse Human Rights Implications and Other Unintended Consequences\u201d by Engy Abdelkader<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTurning insult into opportunity: Anti-Shari\u2018ah sentiments in America and their implications for American Muslims\u201d by Celene Ayat Lizzio<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho Says Shari\u2019a Demands the Stoning of Women? A Description of Islamic Law and Constitutionalism\u201d by Asifa Quraishi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n