Predictably the House Committee on Homeland Security's hearing on March 10 unleashed a storm of response. The Committee considered the "Extent of Radicalism in the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response." Following the profile of those who testified, public debate swung between persons who questioned the loyalty of American Muslims and asserted that Islam is a breeding ground for terrorism. Other voices defended both the patriotism of Muslim Americans and their readiness to combat terror.
Committee Chair Peter King (R-NY) set this tone not only by the selection of witnesses, but by earlier remarks that, in effect, answered in advance questions the hearing would pose. King had made it clear that he believes American Islam is radicalized and that most Muslim organizations do not cooperate with law enforcement agencies. He hedged his sentiments to note that some individual Muslims cooperate to his satisfaction, but insisted most are radical and few Muslim groups root them out. These sentiments framed the day and put advocates of opposing views on the defensive. One wonders if this was King's tack.
Does Islam deserve such scrutiny? Many critics and defenders believe so: critics want to surface its ills, defenders want to illuminate its merits and dispel suspicions. The Committee's questions are central to many on both sides, despite King's apparent bias, thus galvanizing widespread interest.
But could these questions be answered adequately by this hearing, even in the absence of bias? I don't believe so. Accusations that Islam in America overflows with radicalism can be addressed only by thorough study, not broad assumptions. Such study exists to a considerable degree, but would not likely be considered in a political forum. Similarly, charges that Muslim organizations are uncooperative require informed assessments of the sort the Committee likely would not consult. For either question, bare recourse to research would refute Islam's opponents and add complexity to the debate.
For example, Akbar Ahmed's recent book, Journey into America (Brookings, 2010) offers the most thorough documentation of life in Muslim America. Professor at American University, Ahmed pulls no punches. He even notes encounters with a few strident voices. More telling, he maps the Muslim community's varieties, which are considerable, and its challenges, which are notable. But its major dynamic defies the logic of those who seek simple characterizations. Basically, American Islam, like all American religious groups before it, is engaged in a process of development that is rooting it in American society and American values. Islam is taking American form, aligning itself with religious life generally.
There is little wonder that there would be a few, militant voices. Every American religious group has had such figures and such moments. It is more significant that increasing numbers of American Muslims seek to align their faith with the best in American life and see service to this country as a natural extension of their faith. Muslim events I have attended involve speeches about Washington and Jefferson. Often local law officials attend, including law enforcement. Nor should it prove surprising that American Islam is characterized by a plethora of groups and leaders. Such is the reality of a large, culturally diverse religious community seeking American form and voice.
No one group speaks for Islam, no one voice can compel American Muslims. Inherently de-centralized, Islam is easily embraced by individuals of all sorts. Chairman King portrays an Islam in which there should be centralized authority to stem incipient radicalism. But that is not possible, given Islam's polity, nor is it accurate to Islam's reality. Far more than a breeding ground for terror, Islam is the framework of countless personal spiritual pilgrimages. Muslims with whom I meet, especially students, are notable for avid personal quests with no hint of radicalism.
Blending varied personal journeys, as well as regional and national groups, into a coherent American Islam is the task that challenges Muslims. The threat of radicalized individuals is a tiny piece of that challenge. Like the larger issues American Muslims face, it is one they are facing.
By William L. Sachs, PhD
Director
Center for Interfaith Reconciliation Learn more here.
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-- For the Common Good
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