Why is it important for American liberals to support progressive Muslim Americans here at home?
Over the past two years I have recognized that my greatest support comes from the world in which I was raised – this pluralistic, peaceful community that is America has informed my values and my vision for the world. That’s why, when the men at my mosque preach fundamentalism and intolerance, I am offended both as a Muslim and as an American. Progressives in America need to support progressives within the Muslim world so that they understand that they are not alone – fundamentalists are so intimidating and ostracizing. Americans are so polite that when I ask them to come to the mosque they are afraid of offending people by doing the wrong thing. No, we need your support; we need your physical presence. CP: Why is this movement towards gender equality in Islam an essential issue for all Americans? I think that people are afraid of Muslims right now. We can’t pretend that they’re not. They misunderstand Islam and they feel under threat by Muslims and I don’t blame them – I get scared too
