Many a Muslims and non-Muslims alike do not realize how much of a resource the Center for American Islamic Relations (CAIR) truly is!
One example is the extensive CAIR database of fatwas, or Islamic edicts by scholars, that shut down the possibility of terrorism and the killing of innocents being permissible in Islam. Every one should check it out as soon as they are able and share it with others.
Additionally, CAIR offers practical advice and useful information to the American Muslim during these post 9-11 times. One component of this endeavor is something called, The Community Toolkit: A step by step guide to community safety.
The guide addresses the community leader of a city, in Ann Arbor's case that would be Imam Moataz & the MCA Executive Board, and explains its main purpose, outlined below.
"This “Muslim Community Safety Kit” has been developed to better equip you and your community with the knowledge necessary to protect against anti-Muslim or anti-Arab bigotry or attacks, and to secure your basic legal rights. In times of difficulty, we ask people to depend on God the Almighty, with sincere prayers, especially for those who are suffering."
The kit offers solutions for hypothetical situations that a Muslim might find him or herself in such as: being the recipient of a 'Suspect Letters or Packages' and/or 'How to react to incidences of anti-Muslim Hate'.
Step by step, the guide instructs the community member on how to behave in a number of potential and likely scenarios. General information is also given in regards to being courteous and respectful to the mosque's neighbors and in regards to establishing a community support network.
The guide in its entirety can be found on the official CAIR website. It might be worth a read.
Protecting one's self, family, and community is no joke!
