[Ppnews] Muslim Alliance in North America on FBI Raid

[Political Prisoner News]

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 <http://www.mana-net.org/>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.
<http://www.beliefnet.com/News/2000/03/The-Jamil-Al-Amin-Who-Muslims-Know.aspx>
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 
<http://www.mana-net.org>www.mana-net.org.





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