The
National Community or "Ummah" was established by Imam Jamil
Al-Amin (formerly known as H. Rap Brown). It is an
association of mosques in several cities in the U.S. that coordinates religious
and social services primarily in the Black American community. Reference
to the "Ummah" as a "nation-wide radical fundamentalist Sunni
group consisting primarily of African-Americans" is an offensive
mis-characterization.
The FBI Raid and Shooting Death of Imam Luqman
by the Muslim Alliance in North America
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/mana291009.html
9-29-09
It is with deep sadness and concern that we announce the shooting death of Imam
Luqman A. Abdullah, of Masjid Al-Haqq (Detroit, MI). Imam Luqman was a
representative of the Detroit Muslim community to the "National
Ummah" and the general assembly (Shura) of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that their agents shot and
killed the Imam during a raid related to a criminal complaint alleging that
members of the mosque were engaged in criminal, but "not terrorist
activity." This tragic shooting raises deep concerns regarding the
use of lethal force by law enforcement agents.
Since the investigation was "solely criminal" based upon
"smuggling and fraud," we urge law enforcement and the media not to
take advantage of this tragedy in order to demonize American Muslims generally,
and those who are African American Muslims in particular.
The National Community or "Ummah" was established by Imam Jamil
Al-Amin (formerly known as H. Rap Brown). It is an association of
mosques in several cities in the U.S. that coordinates religious and social
services primarily in the Black American community. Reference to the
"Ummah" as a "nation-wide radical fundamentalist Sunni group
consisting primarily of African-Americans" is an offensive mis-characterization.
To those who have worked with Imam Luqman A. Abdullah, allegations of illegal
activity, resisting arrest, and "offensive jihad against the American
government" are shocking and inconsistent. In his ministry he
consistently advocated for the downtrodden and always spoke about the
importance of connecting with the needs of the poor.
It is our hope and prayer that a thorough investigation will be carried out
with the greatest integrity. We urge the Muslim community and all
Americans committed to justice to actively monitor both the investigation and
trial of the accused. Also, we urge law enforcement authorities to
release Imam Luqman's remains expeditiously so that they may be buried
according to Islamic practice.
Muslim Alliance in North
America (MANA) is an organization committed to Muslim issues and concerns that
especially impact indigenous Muslims -- issues and concerns that we feel have
been largely neglected. MANA is committed to the establishment of viable,
healthy, and dynamic Muslim communities, neighborhoods, and institutions that
meet the religious, social, economic, and political needs of the Muslims in
this land. For more information about MANA's programs including SHARE
centers, Healthy Marriage Initiative, Community Re-entry Program, as well as
the National Campaign for Healing and Reconciliation, visit our website at www.mana-net.org.
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