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Name
Rafiq
- Canada
Profession
Question
How much the civil rights of Muslims in Canada were targeted after 9/11 events? Was the case similar to the United States?
Answer
After September 11th, there was a spike in hate activity against Canadian Muslims. That spike was well documented by police services across the country and by organizations such as CAIR-CAN. A few months after September 11th, the spike in hate activity diminished. However, it is clear that discrimination has increased. We filed more complaints now than in the past.
The Canadian government also passed anti-terrorism legislation that has been widely criticized for violating fundamental rights and freedoms under the Canadian constitution. The legislation, for example, allows for preventative arrests.
While no one so far has been charged under the legislation, there have been many reported cases of racial profiling - where, for example, security officers have resorted to a number of dubious tactics in interrogating people.
Nevertheless, the climate in Canada is not nearly as racially-charged as in the US. And to be fair, in a survey we conducted after 9/11, about two thirds of Muslims noted that there were outreach efforts by their fellow Canadians of kindness and generosity.
Name
Maymoun
- United States
Profession
Question
Assalamu`alykum brother Riad. Nice to see you on IOL. It seems to be a lot of people don’t know what civil liberties mean and how it important to talk about this subject. Can you shed some light on this?
Answer
Wa'alaykum Assalamu warahmatullah.
Civil liberties can roughly be defined as your essential rights and freedoms. In Canada, for example, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out a very comprehensive scheme of entitlements that ranges from freedom of expression to freedom of mobility.
Unfortunately, most of our citizens in Canada don't know much about their rights and freedoms. Most Canadians are legally illiterate in this sense. In part, this is understandable. The practical dimensions of these rights and freedoms are not systematically taught.
Consequently, most citizens don't know, first, if their rights are violated by the state or by private actors; and, second, if these rights are violated, what to do about it. And in the current climate, the statistics do bear out the claim that Arabs and Muslims are being disproportionately targeted by legislation and security initiatives.
After 9/11, CAIR-CAN developed a "Know Your Rights" workshop, which aims to empower Canadian Muslims by teaching them their fundamental rights as well as teaching them the avenues that exist to protect those rights.
We've delivered the workshops in almost every major city across Canada. This has been, alhamdulillah, one of the most productive avenues of our activism.
Name
Aziz
- Canada
Profession
Marketing
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum,
What do you mean by "media empowerment" ?
Thanks.
Answer
Wa'alaykum Assalamu warahmatullah.
By media empowerment I mean moving beyond a feeling or attitude of victimization and recognizing that there are spaces in the media where we can act to bring about positive change.
Name
Mahmoud
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Why are you guys talking about this subject specifically at this particular time? Are you guys in Canada witnessing certain incidents where civil liberties were violated?
Answer
Yes, as mentioned in the earlier question, there are issues of civil liberty violations in Canada.
CAIR-CAN has published a recent op-ed on this topic. If you are interested, it is posted on our site at www.caircan.ca.
Name
Amani Haider
- Canada
Profession
Question
We read about this cartoon defaming Islam and Muslims and some other editorials that insults Arabs and Muslims. I have two questions:
1. How can we know that a certain cartoon or an article have crossed the lines so we can against it?
2. What options available for Muslims to confront anti-Islamic media outlets?
Answer
Perhaps, we need to differentiate between two things here. First, a cartoon or article may be offensive, in poor taste, or even Islamophobic. Second, an article may, though this is rare, be so bad as to violate the law.
In Canada, for example, something might be classified as hate literature or violating human rights legislation.
The options available to Muslims are many, and are the tools of media activism -- for example, letters to the editor, writing op-ed or opinion pieces, drafting press releases, holding press conferences, conducting interviews, meeting with editorial boards, and so forth.
These tools are the bread and butter of media activism. It is difficult, if not impossible, to engage the media effectively without a good grasp of these tools.
CAIR in the US, and CAIR-CAN in Canada, both offer intensive media education workshops, which are designed to equip the community with the tools necessary for engaging the media.
Name
Akram Ihsan
- United States
Profession
Question
What are the laws the United States and Canada have taken against civil liberties and that which Muslims need to work together to stop them?
Answer
As mentioned earlier, the Canadian government has passed anti-terrorism legislation that has been severely criticized by many organizations. Essentially, the criticism has been that many of the provisions violate fundamental rights and freedoms. For example, provisions of forced investigatory hearings, preventative arrest, including people on a terrorist list through a closed process using secret evidence, and so forth.
Although I am not entirely familiar with the situation in the US, I believe the concerns are similar and much graver - detention without due process, institutionalized racial profiling, and the like.
The first step is education about civil liberties and the importance of protecting them. As mentioned earlier, most citizens are legally illiterate, meaning that don't know their rights and freedoms.
Second, the Muslim community needs to understand that it is their turn to stand up for civil liberties. Many minority communities have faced similar situations and were collectively tested. In their defence of civil liberties for all, Muslims can make a significant historical contribution to the countries in which they live.
Third, the community must recognize that politics and law are tightly connected. Hence, the need for political education and activism is pressing. Muslims need to participate in the political process, in part, to protect civil liberties. Indeed, virtually every gain in civil liberties has come because of a politicized struggle.
"Power concedes nothing without demand."
Name
Hammad
- Canada
Profession
Question
What is your vison for Muslims in Canada in the next few years?
Answer
Muslims need to become active, full participants in the fabric of Canadian life. We need to move beyond being an introverted community to sharing and contributing positively to all areas of life.
The values in Islam - of mercy, justice, equality, gentleness, generosity - must be manifested in all areas of our activism, be it at the media, political or social level.
CAIR-CAN has attempted to empower and educate Canadian Muslims through nation-wide workshops - and to prove, alhamdulillah, through our media and other successes, that we can contribute and that we have much to contribute.
For example, we have published 27 opinion pieces, on diverse topics relevant to Canadians, in major Canadian papers to date.
Name
Ahmed Akhtar
- Canada
Profession
Question
Brother Riad, I am a high school student in London Ontario. We face a lot of problem in the school against organizing for Friday prayer. Can you tell me the best way to deal with this, I mean from the perspective of law?
Answer
The law in Canada is clear: service providers have a duty to accommodate religious needs to the point of undue hardship. Therefore, the high school needs to provide a space for its Muslim students to pray Jumu'ah - as well as the regular prayers.
CAIR-CAN has a guide entitled, "An Employer's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices," that might be helpful.
You should approach the administration, indicate to them the nature of the Islamic prayer, the need of the Muslim students, the current law, and suggest ways to resolve this issue.
Let our office know if we can be of assistance in this matter.
Name
qadi Omer
-
Profession
Question
What happened with the C-36 Bill? How much it affected or will affect status of Muslims in Canada?
Answer
Bill C-36 was passed. While there have not been any charges under the legislation, there has, nevertheless, been much that has occurred under the "shadow of the law." For example, there have been numerous documented cases of racial profiling by the RCMP and CSIS.
CAIR-CAN and other organizations are currently monitoring the use of the legislation.
Name
Aisha
- United States
Profession
Question
If a Muslim lady is harrased in the mall.. not raped, but being bothered and called names or made fun of because of her hijab.. what is the best way to respond to this immediately?
Answer
In Canada, being called names because of your religion or place of origin is harassment and a violation of human rights legislation.
How you would respond really depends on the context. If for example, a bystander made a comment in passing, it is difficult it might be difficult to seek recourse.
However, if it is a service provider or store employee, then a complaint can be made to his/her superiors indicating the seriousness of the issue and demanding that action be taken. Most service providers have a policy against harassment.
In more severe cases, and depending on the context, other strategies might be taken. For example, filing a human rights complaint and/or getting the media involved.
Name
Hisham
- Canada
Profession
Question
Regarding political activism, what is your advice for Muslims in Canada to do in order to be politically active?
Answer
The most critical issue facing us is education. I don't think our community really understands the importance of getting involved in the political process and those sites that are important for political involvement.
Political activism includes more than voting - though voting is clear importance.
For example, in Canada, activism at the level of one's riding association is critical. And, at other levels, participation in municipal politics, even one's local school board, is critical in ensuring that our voice and concerns are heard.
At its heart, political activism for Canadian Muslims must mean sharing and exemplifying the values in Islam that are core constants: mercy, justice, equity, moderation, and equality, among others.
Name
Aymen
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Is there any law in Canada that prevents you from praying in the mall, if you are not distubing others? I see Muslims shy away from praying in the mall. Do you think we should take a corner and pray freely?
Answer
To the extent that a mall is private property, it might have its own rules and regulations.
For a specific answer, please contact our office. One of our shurah lawyers will be happy, insha Allah, to help out.
You may e-mail canada@cair-net.org or call 1.866.524.0004.
Name
Anas
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Does CAIR offer workshops worldwide? Will you be able to educate Muslims in United Kingdom about media empowerment?
Answer
To date, CAIR-CAN has offered workshops across Canada. I am unsure whether CAIR in the US has offered, as a policy, workshops overseas.
Still, if you are interested, please contact our offices. We would be glad to try and help out.
Name
Hatem
- United States
Profession
Question
If a Muslim is not given permission to pray Jumu`ah, what can he do to get his right without being scarred of losing his job?
Answer
In Canada, and I believe in the US as well, the law imposes a duty on service providers to accommodate religious beliefs.
You have right to pray Jumu'ah and your employer needs to accommodate you.
As to how to best deal with the issue, it depends on the circumstances.
Sometimes, Muslim employees have approached CAIR or CAIR-CAN to get involved and sometimes employees have approached their management directly.
In most cases that we have dealt with as CAIR-CAN, management has been responsive to the needs of Muslim employees to pray Jumu'ah.
Name
Shadid
-
Profession
Question
Some people want to limit immigrants or make new Canadians carry special identification cards. I find that disgraceful. Did CAIR do anything about it?
Answer
CAIR-CAN has spoken out consistently against racial profiling - be that at the customs or border level, in immigration practices or through law enforcement strategies.
We have recently published an op-ed on the topic which was mentioned earlier.
Name
said
-
Profession
Question
When will CAIR do TV shows about Islam and civil liberties? If the media are not giving you freedom to speak, who's gonna give you. Did you try with TV stations to make shows about Islam.
Answer
CAIR in the US has their own TV show in which they tackle pressing issues confronting American Muslims. Please see the CAIR website, www.cair-net.org, for more details.
Name
marwan
- Lebanon
Profession
salesman
Question
Are we the muslims starting to organize ourselves so we can fight off the attacks that are occuring against us and is our situation imporving or becoming worse?
Answer
After the events of 9/11, there was a recognition among Canadian Muslims that we need to move away from navel-gazing and become active participants in our community and our society.
Many Muslims have, alhamdulillah, become more involved in media activism, political education and community outreach.
Moreover, it is clear that our fellow citizens are becoming increasingly curious about Islam and Muslims -- which provides countless opportunities for outreach and dialogue.
Interestingly, in a study we conducted about Canadian Muslims after 9/11, many Muslims felt stronger in their face after the difficulties of 9/11. They found there were many opportunities to remedy misconceptions and to stress Islam as a living reality for them.
It is not surprising, however, that as Muslims become more active, they will also face more difficulties and challenges. Ibtilaa', or trials and difficulties, is the defining characteristic of life and the sunnah of Allah.
Name
Sherife
-
Profession
Question
I think CAIR need to organize training to our imams across Canada and the States on how to respond and the best way to deal with the media. I have seen many imams giving unwise statements at all?
Answer
It is essential that our scholars and activists, hafitha humullah, know how to deal with the media.
Think of media activism as learning to speak a new language. If you are unable to communicate in a language you might be misunderstood.
Media activism is not rocket science; it has some rules and guidelines that can easily be learned and, with experience, mastered.
CAIR has an annual leadership conference where top-notch speakers and media professionals are brought in to educate leaders and activists. Alhamdulillah, the conference, is very successful.
CAIR-CAN has already developed an intensive media workshop specifically tailored for community leaders. Please contact us for more details.
Name
Muhammad
-
Profession
Question
A couple of months ago, my wife was traveling and the flight was delayed. She had to stay in the airport for more than 15 hours. As she is not Canadian, she was denied the right to stay in a hotel and Canadians were given this right. She had to sleep in the flour for 15 hours. Is this a case of discrimination? How can I respond to this? I tried to phone AIR CANADA at this time, but they were not helpful at all? Is this considered discrimination?
Answer
If she was denied the right to stay in a hotel because of her religion or race, this would be discrimiatin.
If you are interested in pursuing this matter, please contact our office for an incident report form.
Name
Asjad
-
Profession
Marketing
Question
Q1. Is magic influence on human is pyscological phenomanae or is phsical
(from Islamic point of View).
Q2. Was Magic performed spell performed on Nabi Mohammad PBUH was real.
Answer
We so sorry for not answering your question as it does not relate to the subject matter of this session. Please contact Ask the Scholar service for the answer.
Yours,
Islamonline Live Dialogue Editing Desk
Name
Hani Moneim
-
Profession
Question
Does the law in North America allow the woman to wear niqab? Is it racial attitude if a woman is denied this right?
Answer
In general, the law does allow women the right to wear niqab.
There might, however, be specific exceptions.
Name
Ruya
-
Profession
Question
Does CAIR take cases to the court or is it just a propaganda campaign?
Does CAIR work with inter-faith organizations?
Answer
As a policy, CAIR-CAN does not offer legal representation. This is due to the fact that our resources, legal and otherwise, are limited.
However, in exceptional cases, CAIR or CAIR-CAN may launch a legal initiative.
Even though we don't provide legal representation, CAIR-CAN has, alhamduillah, accomplished a great deal over the last two and half years. We have published over 27 op-ed pieces; we offer numerous publications on Islam; we have provided workshops on Islam to the government and private sector; we deliver regular workshops across Canada; we lobbied against the anti-terrorism legislation; and we recently launched a national library campaign.
CAIR, being older and very well-established, has accomplished a great deal more.
The accomplishments for both are viewable on their respective websites.
Both CAIR and CAIR-CAN regular work with inter-faith organizations in areas of mutual cooperation.
Name
Ahmad
- Canada
Profession
Question
Does Canadian Law offer religious freedom in issues believed by a particular group of people though the law itself gave an opposite freedom to another group? Let me give an example, Muslims do object to homosexuality as they consider it a major crime, while Canadian law has considered it freedom to practice. My question, if a Muslim is to speak about homosexuality in a way that he/she depicts it as deviation or corruption or crime, would he be punished by the law?
Answer
CAIR and CAIR-CAN's position is that Islam prohibits all sexual contact outside the bounds of a union between a man and a woman.
Our position has been published by the Canadian media.
In Canada, the Supreme Court recently allowed gay couples the right to marry. The Court was clear, however, that religious communities cannot be forced to accept gay marriage.
Name
Hassan
-
Profession
Question
What do you feel will have to take place in order that arabs world wide will no longer be portrayed as "Emanuel Goldstien" and no longer have to live with the stigma of being associated with ruthless terrorists.
Answer
Education. And media and political empowerment, which, incidentally, is the topic of today's session.
