The Anti-Ignorance Law

"Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace. "

- Dalai Lama -

[retrieved from muslimmatters.org] 

It's troubling to me when I see the human mind go to waste. We've been given a brilliant and powerful tool, and we often misuse it.

Since June, Michigan State Rep. Dave Agema has been pushing for anti-Sharia legislation, following a growing trend that has spread like wildfire across the U.S. Sharia refers to Islamic Law, and it's something frequently misunderstood by the general public. Islam is considered a way of life, and subsequently, this religious law encompasses all aspects of life - from issues of criminal law to everyday issues involving prayer times and dietary restrictions. It is far more complex (and far more similar to the U.S. Constitution, if you listen to scholars and academics) than its depiction by popular media and misinformed politicians suggests.

Agema claims that the "vast majority" of Muslim immigrants "come to this country to get away from Sharia." My questions are the following:

1. Has he personally spoken with the "vast majority" of Muslims?

2. Does he understand that one must distinguish between correlation and causation? (Yep, I'm bringing up the correlation does not equal causation mantra we've all been taught fifty times throughout our high school and college careers)

Perhaps Muslims come to this country to escape poverty, violence, and oppression. Perhaps they come to America because they are tired of corrupt governments and patriarchal societies that are cultural, rather than religious, in nature. And this applies not only to Muslims, but also to immigrants and/or refugees from non-Muslim nations. People constantly look to the Middle East and assume that corrupt, power-hungry leaders who rule for decades or small groups of 9/11-sympathizing extremists are representative of all Muslims and reflective of Islamic teachings. This horribly inaccurate assumption seems to haunt the American Muslim community.

Certain countries may claim to exercise Sharia-based rulings, but wind up oppressing citizens because of their own political and economic interests. It's unfortunate that the media tends to focus solely on nations who call themselves "Islamic" and simultaneously contradict this status with their actions. Some regions with Sharia may have human and civil rights violations, but we need to recognize this for what it is: a correlation and not a cause-and-effect relationship. Sharia, based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah (life example of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), is not causing leaders to massacre innocent people or stone women for fleeing abusive husbands. 

The sad part is that immigrants or refugees who come to America may be leaving one form of oppression behind and receiving another form in exchange: Prejudicial rhetoric and discriminatory practices of "proud" Americans trying to keep our wonderful Constitution in its place. Is that how they're welcomed?

The law proposed by Agema and others is illogical, insulting, and frankly, a form of religious discrimination. Although he continuously discusses the bill in terms of Muslims and Sharia, he is careful not to include either of these words in the formal write-up. The consequence of this is that it potentially targets all who follow some form of religious law. Where is the logic in establishing a law that, as stated by civil rights blogger Adam Serwer, "would prevent courts from enforcing 'a foreign law if doing so would violate a right guaranteed by the constitution of this state or of the United States'"? Remember that document called the Constitution? I think it's already got that covered.

Many Muslims are American citizens; many are even born and raised in this country. We embrace our dual identity as American Muslims and value the freedom we have, including the right to freely practice our religion. Sharia is not something to be feared, and everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, could benefit from learning more about it. Trust me when I say that your Muslim neighbors are NOT conspiring to take over the country, implement Sharia, and impose Islamic Law on non-Muslims.

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

With that said, I'd like to propose my own bill: The Anti-Ignorance Law. Representative Agema is an example of what happens when ignorant individuals have access to resources and education, yet fail to take advantage of this. They have a tool between their ears that becomes virtually useless.

I vow to continue to expand my knowledge of humanity. To learn from those who are different from me and to refrain from passing judgment when I am ignorant. To keep my eyes, ears, and heart wide open, because only then will we know how to love.

Embrace.