\nAmidst the complex dynamics of the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the potential threat of Donald Trump\u2019s return to power, 25 Islamic leaders in the U.S. have made a public appeal to American Muslims. On Sunday, they encouraged the community to “look at the bigger picture” and support Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.\n<\/p>\n
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\n“Our hearts are shattered by the devastating war in Gaza and the rising violence in Lebanon. We join the global calls for an immediate halt to the ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian people,” said the group of religious leaders, which includes several imams, in a message to Muslim voters. “The atrocities offend the collective moral and ethical standards, disrupt worldwide peace, and unify us in our shared outrage.”\n<\/p>\n
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\n“In our view, the long-term benefits of electing Vice President Harris significantly outweigh the potential damage from other candidates.”\n<\/p>\n
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\nThe clerics referenced teachings from Prophet Muhammad in their letter, emphasizing the importance of controlling anger to maintain goodness and clear thinking. “Our existence in the United States is interlinked with the broader society, and thus, our electoral decisions have far-reaching implications,” they wrote.\n<\/p>\n
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\nThe leaders continued, advocating for a forward-thinking, strategic approach to voting: “We must support candidates who promise a ceasefire, the independence of Palestine, the stabilization of our democracy, and who will stand by our community.”\n<\/p>\n
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\nTheir letter elaborated:\n<\/p>\n
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\nFor us, this election is not about choosing the lesser of two evils. As Muslims, and more broadly as people of faith, we are guided to weigh the potential harms and benefits (Qadar). Our decisions should strive to maximize benefits and minimize harm…<\/p>\n
\nWe reiterate: popularity does not equate to correctness. The anticipated future benefits of supporting Vice President Harris greatly surpass the potential harms of the alternatives. We must consider not only our immediate circumstances but also the broader context.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\nAddressing the threat posed by Trump, the clerics expressed concern: “We must avoid returning to a divided America reminiscent of the Jim Crow era\u2014a scenario our community cannot afford.”\n<\/p>\n
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\nThey highlighted the risks of indirectly aiding Trump’s election by voting for third-party candidates, especially in swing states, which could decisively impact the election outcome.\n<\/p>\n
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\n“In 2016, Trump narrowly won Michigan by just 11,000 votes, largely due to third-party votes, which brought substantial harm to our communities,” the letter pointed out. “Trump has received significant funding from donors who support Israeli territorial claims over the West Bank and has made promises to Netanyahu about Gaza, along with threatening to deport pro-Palestinian activists.”\n<\/p>\n
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\nThe clerics forcefully argued against allowing emotions to cloud judgment, given Trump’s historical and potential future policies against Muslims and Palestinians.\n<\/p>\n
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\nTrump\u2019s prejudicial stance against Muslims was evident even before his presidency, with numerous instances during his campaign and presidency where he expressed hostile sentiments towards the Muslim community.\n<\/p>\n
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\nAs president, Trump implemented several travel bans on predominantly Muslim countries, measures that were upheld by a Supreme Court that included justices appointed by him. He also lived up to his promise of aggressive military action against the Islamic State, which led to significant civilian casualties.\n<\/p>\n
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\n“We must not turn away from our diverse Muslim community in the U.S. and those globally affected by U.S. foreign policies,” the clerics stated, emphasizing their duty to protect their community from harm.\n<\/p>\n
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\nThey noted Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, represent a progressive step forward and urged support from other leaders within the Muslim community.\n<\/p>\n
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\n“We are committed to moving forward,” they concluded, “and we invite other imams and our communities to join us in this direction.”\n<\/p>\n
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\nContrasting with this stance, the Abandon Harris campaign\u2014a Muslim-led initiative in swing states\u2014has criticized the Biden-Harris administration for its policies on Gaza and endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Meanwhile, the Uncommitted National Movement, a coalition advocating for Palestinian rights and peace, has opted not to support Harris but emphasized the mistake of voting third-party in opposition to Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n