U.S. Muslims trying to make voices heard

By Rachel Zoll
The Associated Press

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ROSEMONT, Ill. — American Muslims opened their largest annual gathering yesterday, emphasizing the importance of voting as the Muslim community struggles for political recognition.

More than 30,000 people were expected at the three-day meeting organized by the Islamic Society of North America, an umbrella association representing Muslim groups and mosques nationwide.

Voter-registration booths were set up, and American Muslims who have been elected to public office will discuss their campaigns. Two sessions have been dedicated to getting out the vote.

"We are this nation," said Kareem Irfan, chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.

The conference is the third for the Islamic Society since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and organizers planned to address many of the problems that have plagued the community since then.

Presentations will be made on defending Islam against prejudice, creating ties with leaders of other faiths and preserving Muslims' civil rights during the domestic war on terrorism.

Sheik Muhammad Nur Abdullah, president of the Islamic Society, opened the session with a prayer asking God to "heal the wound from 9/11," and urged U.S. Muslims to build relations with other faiths as a model of tolerance for fellow Muslims overseas.

As recently as the 2000 election, some Muslim immigrants debated whether their religion even allowed them to participate in democratic elections. American Muslim leaders say those questions are no longer being raised, and they are working for high voter turnout in their communities.

Muslims have sizable populations in swing states such as Ohio, Michigan and Florida and hope this will help them gain visibility in the tight presidential race.
 
Already, they have been pleased with their representation at the Republican and Democratic conventions, said Sayyid Syeed, secretary-general of the Islamic Society. Muslims gave invocations or benedictions at both events. In 2000, major Muslim organizations made their first collective endorsement of a presidential candidate, backing George Bush. However, many Muslim leaders said they came to regret that decision after Sept. 11.

They said the broad new powers the federal government gained through the USA Patriot Act have made all Muslims suspects. The Bush administration has defended the law as critical for national security.

Community leaders say they have not yet decided whether to make an endorsement in this year's presidential campaign. Polls indicate that most U.S. Muslims plan to vote for Democrat John Kerry.

Syeed said his organization has made gains, working with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Council of Churches, which represents mainline Protestant and Orthodox churches.