Militant Islam Monitor > Weblog > Muneer Arafat : Imam for hire - from Brandenton to the Islamic Center of Boca Raton
Muneer Arafat : Imam for hire - from Brandenton to the Islamic Center of Boca Raton
June 10, 2004
Mosque Watch: From Brandenton to
Introducing Imam Muneer Arafat, new Imam at the Boca Raton Islamic Center
Prior to coming to Boca Raton Muneer Arafat was the Imam at the Islamic Society of Sarasota and Brandenton.
Like the ICBR the ISSB is also planning a multi million dollar mosque expansion .
The ISSB claims it's premises have grown too small presumably because their ranks are being swelled by post 9/11 converts. In an article in the Brandenton paper, the ISSB congregants complained of what they claim is 'profiling' of Muslims at airports but : "All of them agreed, however, that the terrorist attacks generated interest in their religion that has even resulted in a few conversions."
The ISSB should take a lesson from the ICBR's truncated' mini- masjid' . The ICBR ran into some snags when one of their best fundraisers was jailed and other potential financers fled or were denied bail.
As Dr.Pipes pointed out below ,"In the post 9/11 enviornment anyone planing a resplendent Islamic Center would do well to avoid extremism".
Boca Raton's "Incredible Shrinking Masjid." The Islamic Center of Boca Raton has ambitious plans for a 3.3-acre Islamic Center complex, replete with a minaret, two domes, a 9,000-square-foot mosque, a 6,000-square-foot multipurpose hall, and a structure vaguely reminiscent of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Instead, it has had to settle for a far more modest building.
Instead, it has had to settle for a far more modest building.
What one local observer has dubbed the "Incredible Shrinking Masjid" appears to have resulted from a media scrutiny that focused on the virulently Islamist content of ICBR's website. For example, that website linked to:
- The Florida-based Health Resource Center for Palestine, closed down in April 2002 by law enforcement on account of its ties to Hamas.
- The Islam Q&A site run by Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid, a Saudi linked to Hamas.
After a critical article in the Boca News in April 2003, the ICBR website vanished nearly overnight. Two leading members of the ICBR staff soon disappeared: Co-founder Khalid Hamza and Spokesman Hassan Shareef. A third, Co-founder Bassem Alhalabi, ran afoul of the law for illegal exporting to Syria. These travails presumably hampered fundraising for ICBR's once-imagined "history making community project."
The moral of this story? In the post-9/11 environment, anyone planning to build a resplendent Islamic center would do well to avoid extremism. (
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One year after 9/11 Muneer Arafat appears to be unsure as to the background of the 9/11 terrorists as is evidenced by this quote :
: If that act (9/11) was committed by a Muslim he is not a true Muslim".
Muneer Arafat admits to being very active in ‘interfaith' and ‘outreach' on behalf of "the religion of peace.
Yet he expresses uncertainty as to the "if " the 9/11 attacks on which he obtusely refers to as "that act", was committed by Muslims. According to Arafat's Islamist weltaanshaung "that act" might have been the definitive signal that the "treaty of peace" with
Given that the majority of the 9/11 terrorists lived in
In the same article Asif Khan, the president of the ISSB, brazenly asserted that : "Sept. 11 is an incident that we want to forget."
A look at the ISSB website reveals their militant Islamist agenda, and commitment to Islamic propagation.
http://issb.net/ISSB1/links.html
Islamic Organizations:
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Muslim Students Association - National (United States and Canada) | |
Nearly all of the 12 organisational links on the ISSB website connect to websites of Al Qaeda affiliated organisations which were declared terrorist entities by the
The
"
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=5326856
WAMY -The World Assembly of Muslim Youth was raided by the FBI on
"Federal agents have raided the U.S. branch of a large Saudi-based charity, founded in Northern Virginia by a nephew of Osama bin Laden, in connection with a terrorism-related investigation, law enforcement sources said yesterday."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7918-2004Jun1.html
IANA- The Islamic Assembly of North America, whose webmaster,Sami Al Hussayen, a Saudi national, is currently on trial for links to Al Qaeda, after he urged martyrdom operations the 'flying of planes into buildings' on his websites.
"The University of Idaho graduate student, who has been pursuing a doctorate in computer science, is charged with turning the Web sites of a Muslim religious organization into an Internet network to finance and recruit terrorists."
The 34-year-old Saudi national, son of a prominent
Rafil Dhafir The director of the IANA, The Islamic Association of North America, is on trial on terrorism charges and for sending funds illegally to
Dhafir was a guest speaker at the 2003 fundraiser for the Islamic Center of Boca Raton.
"The American Muslim Council was also in the news lately due to the arrest of its leader Abdulrahman Alamoudi on terror funding charges . On
As Dr.Daniel Pipes explains:
"Alamoudi told Special Branch [for National Terrorist Financial Investigations Unit, United Kingdom] officers that on the morning of Wednesday, August 13, 2003, he received a telephone call to his room from someone who spoke Arabic with a Libyan accent, informing him he had "something" for him. The individual arrived at Alamoudi's room and handed him a small "Samsonite" style briefcase. Alamoudi said there was no conversation and the visitor abruptly left Alamoudi's room. Upon opening the case he discovered $340,000 of
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=13733
After eight months, we finally have some hints of what Alamoudi was up to, thanks to a report in today's New York Times by Patrick E. Tyler, revealing (from unnamed sources) that Alamoudi was involved with a Libyan plot "to assassinate the ruler of Saudi Arabia and destabilize the oil-rich kingdom."
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The ISSB also links to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in
The head cleric of
"The influential Qatar-based cleric is best known for his public support of the terrorist group Hamas and his religious rulings applauding suicide bombings, positions which caused the U.S. State Department in 1999 to bar him from entering the United States.
Beyond that, however, al-Qaradawi also promises that eventually Islam will prevail over all other religions and a single Islamic state will rule the world.
Al-Qaradawi says some countries will fall to the armed Islamic jihad, but in others, such as the United States, victory will come through Da'awa - the teaching of Islam to non-Muslims - which will trigger Westerners to convert to Islam "in droves."
"We will conquer Europe, we will conquer America! Not through (the) sword, but through Da'awa," al-Qaradawi told members of the Muslim Arab Youth Association at the group's 1995 convention in Toledo, Ohio.
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/001104.php
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Al -Qaradawi , is notorious for issuing a fatwa, (religious ruling), that Muslim women could also fulfill their religious obligations by becoming suicide bombers .
"Here, for example, is a man hailed by some in the West as a great Islamist force for moderation, the noxious Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
He was asked by the Hamas monthly magazine about whether women could commit martyrdom (suicide) operations: ...A woman must act even without the permission of her husband...I believe the woman can fulfill her role in this jihad, to the extent she is able. The organizers of these jihad actions have already assigned some believing women to this matter, as they are able to reach places that a man could not reach....I believe that women have a right to a role in the way of jihad, and to share in the way of martyrdom. http://www.geocities.com/martinkramerorg/2004_01_30.htm
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Muneer Arafat appears to have been questioned by a grand jury in connection with terrorist funding activities:
http://lists.indymedia.org/pipermail/imc-stlouis-editorial/2003-January/000762.html
An article appeared on the
front page of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Monday,
January 20th, which detailing a wide- ranging federal
investigation into local Muslims and two local mosques
in particular. (Go to www.stltoday.com ).
"The questions being put to
witnesses before the Grand Jury, including a well
known Muslim Imam, Muneer Arafat, centered around
fundraising for money that was sent to care for needy
Palestinians. The Grand Jury also asked if local
Muslims were training for some mythological local
Jihad movement that the Feeds are trying to invent to
justify their budgets."
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One year after 9/11 Muneer Arafat gave these startiling responses to questions about Islam and terrorism tp a journalist:
He said he came to
"For us,
In another article in the ssame year Arafat had this to say about Muslims feeling intimidated by the media and then goes out of his way to assure the journalist that "Even in wartime, soldiers cannot hurt women and children".
I still feel the media is motivated against Islam and Muslims," said Arafat, a
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradentonherald/news/local/4083165.htm
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MIM: The response reflects the Koranic doctrine of a 'treaty of peace with a which prohibits Muslims from attacking their host country... without an ultimatum (in case they violate the terms of the treaty first). "
The ultimatum has long since past, in the form of fatwas and attacks, and one can infer that if American Muslims feel threatened enough they will have every right to strike at the
As Arafat stated : "For us
According to Islam any perceived interference by US government or law enforcement regarding the closure of mosques due to extremist activity would be a violation being able to "practice their faith freely' is therefore be a legitimate reason for Muslims to break the "peace treaty" with America in order to defend their faith.
Arafat "I flew right after Sept. 11, and no one stopped me," Arafat said. "Then the next day I went to LaGuardia to pick up my friend who was flying in from
Local law enforcement officers have offered their protection to the mosque.
"The officers came here and provided us with support," Khan said. "I feel protected here."
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The Islamist concept of 'treaty of peace' ' is explained by Islamists themselves below:
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"Does the Koran justify terrorist attacks like
Without a doubt, answers Tanzeem.org.
"Ameer of Tanzeem-e-Islami explained that the Islamic viewpoint on the matter is that an attack may be launched by Muslims, without any ultimatum, against an enemy with whom the Muslims are not bound by a treaty," explains the website. "Whereas upon a nation with which Muslims have signed a treaty, it is not allowed to attack them without an ultimatum (in case they violate the terms of the treaty first). "
This view is further extrapolated in a recent interview with a member of the extremist group Al Muhajiroun in London who explained that if anti terrorism police raids on Muslims continued "it could lead to the convenant of security being broken".The AM members explains that "Islam allows us to retaliate "..." by violent means".
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1122004/posts
http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/58
Al Muhajiroun local leader :
"I want to warn that the police raids - if repeated - could create a bad situation."
"Islam is not like Christianity, where they turn the other cheek. If they raid our homes, it could lead to the covenant of security being broken.
"Islam allows us to retaliate. That would include" - he tugs his "Jihad" coat tight against the night air - "by violent means."
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Islamists often say that they came to
One of the main tenets of the religion of Islam Da'wa, (outreach to non Muslims with the aim of conversion).This is a 'fard', (obligation) incumbent upon all Muslims. The Muslims concept of practicing their religion freely means aggressive propagation efforts. Interfaith and diversity training are two of the most commonly used tactics to present Islamic at public forums and institutions such as public schools and universities .
If anyone doubts the ISSB's Islamist intentions click on "Sunnah Organisation" link which is included in the ISSB list above.
Sunnah is defined as "path and laws" http://www.thesunnah.org
The opening page shows a rotating globe with the words "The Sunnah Society of North America" and shows a rotating globe circled by the quote : " Let the Sunnah Go Forth and Don't Stop It ".
The words 'Madrastu Ahlis Sunnah' pass through the picture, which is the name of the Sunnah Organisation's mosque based in
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Below are several articles containing quotes from Muneer Arafat and other members of the Islamic Society of Sarasota and
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/4027422.htm
Re : Local Muslims feel stares after Sept. 11 attack
Imam Muneer Arafat :I still feel the media is motivated against Islam and Muslims," said Arafat, a
If that act (Sept. 11) was committed by a Muslim, he is not a true Muslim."
ISSB president Adris Khan: "Sept. 11 is an incident that we want to forget."
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Local Muslims Feel Stares after 9/11 Attacks
IRINA SLUTSKY
Herald Staff Writer
Before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, no one had asked her about the hijab.
"After Sept. 11, a boy on my street I was friends with said 'Why are you wearing that?' " said Alzubaidi, born in
Children started calling her "towel head," said
"I never felt this type of staring before," said Alzubaidi, 37. "When we go to Wal-Mart, people say, 'You're in
Many Muslims have had a difficult year since Sept. 11, enduring stares and scrutiny from fellow Americans, politicians and law enforcement. They've been yelled at in traffic, harassed in stores, fingerprinted at the airport.
As the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approaches, the
They come from
Muslims of all nationalities, ages and racial groups kneel in the mosque - a residential house on
"It's been a different year from any other year in
The center has organized numerous events to educate people about Islam.
"Over the past year, I have personally answered lots of questions about Islam," Khan said. "I have spoken at
The efforts of local Muslims to present Islam to the Sarasota and Manatee residents, Khan says, has resulted in a better understanding of Islam.
"Internationally, Islam has come to the forefront," he said. "In the community circles, we got together with people of all religions to talk about how we feel."
Out and about, shopping and driving, Khan has found both negative and positive responses toward Muslims since
"I have a beard, and my wife wears the hijab," Khan said. "Sometimes, people stare longer at her. But also, some people have gone out of their way to be nicer. To treat us with extra respect. Sometimes, when I am driving, they let me into traffic. I want to make sure to note that as well."
Mistakenly, people assume Khan is from the
Muneer Arafat is the mosque's Imam, or prayer leader, and feels that despite all the work the center has done, much remains.
"I still feel the media is motivated against Islam and Muslims," said Arafat, a
Arafat, who has lived in the
"Mostly, it is when we are driving," Arafat said. "When we stop at traffic light, I get the finger. I feel angry and hope it doesn't go beyond that."
Still, Arafat said many Muslims choose to travel by car instead of airplane if they can.
"I flew right after Sept. 11, and no one stopped me," Arafat said. "Then the next day I went to LaGuardia to pick up my friend who was flying in from
Local law enforcement officers have offered their protection to the mosque.
"The officers came here and provided us with support," Khan said. "I feel protected here."
Two bullet holes were found in the windows of the mosque not long after Sept. 11 and were investigated by police, but no one could confirm what type of gun had been used.
"No one was hurt, and we don't even know exactly when it happened," Arafat said.
Angie Ali, who attends the mosque, received death threats at her office in November.
"I had to be escorted out of my work," said Ali, 50. "Since Sept. 11, the harassment about my Muslim clothing has increased."
There still is no sign outside the mosque to identify the center because of Sept. 11.
"Some of the members felt we would be more harassed with a sign," Khan said. "But we are working on a permit for a sign."
In fact, instead of hiding from the community, Manatee- and Sarasota-based Muslims have a strong resolve for spiritual growth and a desire to join the political and social life of the area they chose as their new home.
"We have selected an architect to build a mosque here on this property," Khan said, explaining that the center will need the approval and support of both
"We are running out of room," Khan said. "Many Muslims come to this area. I think we need to develop our political arm of the Muslim society and we need to have an input and a say in our local politics."
Arafat, as a spiritual leader of the community, stays away from politics.
"Political opinions are endless and lead to argument," Arafat said. "We need to work on uplifting ourselves. Our aim is to get ourselves fixed Islamically. My position as Imam is to bring the community together - politics will not bring the community together, but politics will not go away."
This Wednesday's service will be no different than others.
"You have to remember the people who died," Khan said. "Commemorating year after year is not Islamic tradition. In Muslim religion, we don't commemorate the deaths of people. We commemorate them every day in our prayers. Sept. 11 is an incident that we want to forget."
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http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradentonherald/news/local/4083165.htm
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Moody Adams, 71, a religious writer and lecturer, presented his Christian interpretation of the Quran, also known as Koran, and addressed topics listed as: "The Seven Muslim Threats to Your Family," "Why the Terrorists Will Hit Us Again," "Terrorism, Islam and Bible Prophecy," "What Every Christian Needs to Know About Islam" and " 'A Wake-up Call From Hell.' " During a time when President Bush has urged the nation to differentiate between the religion of Islam and the acts of violent extremists, "My battle is with the Quran," The chaplain of the Islamic Society of Bradenton and "The Quran says shedding the blood of one human being is like destroying the whole human race and protecting one person is like preserving all of human kind," Muneer Arafat, imam (chaplain) of the Islamic Society of Bradenton and Sarasota, said when contacted Sunday evening. Arafat said he often gets invited to churches to help clarify questions about Islam and will speak at After they attended a "Absolutely," Dave Winn said. "They are following a doctrine where you don't have any choice." Church member Richard Lee Buckle said he agreed with "Everything he said was true," Buckley said. After the series of lectures Sunday, Allen said he invited Such scrutiny of Islam and of Muslims is common since the tragic events of last September, Arafat said. He said he came to "For us, ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
Re :Muslim fliers feel unfairly profiled
"All of them agreed, however, that the terrorist attacks generated interest in their religion that has even resulted in a few conversions.
"People are really listening, wanting to hear from us," Albargauthi said about the invitations the center has received from churches and organizations to speak. "
Muslim Fliers Feel Unfairly Profiled
By Sylvia Lim
They feel they are treated differently in airports because of their names or the way they look, some said at the Islamic Society of Bradenton and
Samir Khatib, spokesman for the Islamic Society, said sometimes security targets people with Muslim names.
"I've traveled a lot, and it pleases me that somebody's watching," he said. "But the attitude can demean the process."
He said if things could be done in a respectful manner, these security checks would be faster and more pleasant.
A British citizen originally from
The
"We followed the directions of the president after Sept. 11 on not to profile or discriminate," Stover said. "We do not just eyeball someone who's wearing a costume not native to this country and search them."
Jordanian Husni Albargauthi, 36, noted that this is a global occurrence, not just in the
"It's not very nice, being picked out in the airport and searched," he said, referring to a trip he took after the attacks to the
Besides these issues with security checks, some members of the mosque can still remember their initial fear for their safety right after 9-11.
Khatib reported of broken mosque windows, strange looks and sometimes swearing at members of the Muslim community, but no physical harm.
Muneer Arafat, a 39-year-old Jordanian born in
"If it was anywhere else besides
All of them agreed, however, that the terrorist attacks generated interest in their religion that has even resulted in a few conversions.
"People are really listening, wanting to hear from us," Albargauthi said about the invitations the center has received from churches and organizations to speak.
Khatib said his Muslim brethren tried hard to become a part of the community.
"These people are not any different from any other people," he said, adding that the
Arafat agreed.
"The beauty of this nation is built on diversity, culture-wise, race-wise and religion-wise," he said. "It's always been a refuge for the weak, the ones who want freedom and who want to make it. Please don't change this."
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/6759965.htm
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