Thread by @CAIRNational

Bismillah. Today, we are releasing a statement to clarify how our civil rights group identifies #Islamophobia, how we address depictions of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him), and how we view the controversy at @HamlineU. Read this thread or the full statement below. 1/12

Over the past 30 years, we never hesitated to call out #Islamophobia, a pervasive form of bigotry that impacts Muslims worldwide. But we never used the word as a catch-all term for anything offensive or irreligious. To identify it, we look at intent, acts & circumstances. 2/12

We have seen no evidence that a former @HamlineU professor acted with bigoted intent or engaged in Islamophobia when she analyzed a medieval painting depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that was drawn hundreds of years after his passing by a Muslim artist. 3/12

God requires justice for all, which is why Muslims must be just when we level accusations of Islamophobia. Un-Islamic is not always the same thing as Islamophobic. Academics should not be condemned as bigots without evidence or lose their positions without justification. 4/12

To be clear, we & other American Muslim groups have always condemned those who show depictions of the Prophet to cause offense. We have also politely discouraged mainstream institutions from displaying "positive" images, like #SCOTUS art honoring him as a "great lawgiver." 5/12

Islamic iconography has a long and rich history centered largely around calligraphy and geometric designs because of prophetic teachings and scholarly rulings that limit or forbid the drawing and sculpting of living beings. 6/12

Most Muslims consider depictions of the Prophet especially sacrilegious. This isn't a new, "ultraconservative" view. It's common, widespread, & longstanding--though not universal. A minority of Muslim artists did draw such images in later history & some Muslims embrace them. 7/12

Everyone has the right to their opinions, including Muslim students at Hamline. We condemn the abuse directed at them. Students should be able to express their legitimate view that displaying images of the Prophet in class is unnecessary and harmful. 8/12
religionnews.com/2023/01/12/the…

Any schools that ultimately choose to allow the display of such images for academic purposes should give students ample warning, a chance to discuss their concerns, and reasonable religious accommodations, as the professor at Hamline University reportedly attempted to do. 9/12

We are confident that Hamline University and other schools can find a way to respect the sincerely held religious beliefs of students, treat faculty members fairly, and protect academic freedom, all at the same time. We intend to do what we can to help, God willing. 10/12

Finally, we are aware of recent comments by local CAIR staff declaring any academic display of these images Islamophobic, regardless of intent. We respect that opinion, but it does not reflect our organizational stance. This statement is now our sole official position. 11/12

Read our full statement for more information. 12/12
cair.com/press_releases…