Poison in Islam

Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, a Phoenix-based physician, formed the American Islamic Forum for Democracy in March 2003. The think tank, according to its Web site (www.aifdemocracy.org), "was formed as an unmistakable expression of American liberty and freedom in an attempt to take back the faith of Islam from the demagoguery of the Islamo-fascists."

The following are excerpts of an interview with Dr. Jasser:

Question: Are Muslims hearing more about politics than religion at local mosques?

Answer: While some mosques do protect their mimbar [pulpit] from the toxicity of politics, most mosques in my experience allow their pulpits to be used as a platform for specific domestic and foreign policy agenda. From Abu Ghraib to Guantanamo Bay to the Patriot Act to American imperialism to the so-called neo-con and Zionist conspiracy, the political imams have abrogated their spiritual leadership in exchange for the political aspirations within the Islamist community. Many mosques are no longer a place to leave the stresses of this world and get closer to God in humble community worship, but have become places for imams to give stump speeches decrying the U.S. government and claiming victimization.Until spiritual, morally courageous and humble Islam can reclaim the mimbar, the Islamist and Wahhabi agenda will continue to dominate our mosque-going community. If in doubt, just check out the Web sites of many of the major American Muslim organizations. You will not find a spiritual focus, but rather a political one in the name of Muslims.One of the most effective methods at establishing a counter-jihad would be for imams to spend their time focusing on the love of God and the love from God, rather than His wrath and their hate.