In an interview with the Chairman of Islamic Supreme Council of America, Shaykh Hisham Kabbani, His Excellency explained that the people are turning towards extremism because they suffer from abuses and excesses in their countries. Naturally, in such situations victims will turn to their local mosque officials for support. Thus, whoever controls the mosques is in a position to exploit the despair of the people.

"Whoever controls the mosques is in a position to exploit the despair of the people."

Ambassador Benaissa explained the crises we are witnessing in Muslim countries is the by-product of our own negligence. "We get what we deserve. We have indulged in injustices and indiscretions, an have abandoned our values. If there is no justice, there is no statehood. The violence is just an outcry against tyranny. As a result, everyone is exploiting Islam--those carrying guns as well as those who rule. It' s not a lack of democracy in the Muslim world, it is an abundance of abuses and excesses,"he elaborated.

Ambassador Benaissa expressed his concern regarding the demise of Islamic values and its potential effect on American Muslims, yet he believed that the popularity of Islam in America would continue. He stated, "If Muslims don't succeed in America, they will not succeed anywhere. It is the only place in the world where people of all races, religions and colors are co-existing....In such a short time, they have become so powerful because of the multi-racial nature of [Islam in America]."

"Everyone is exploiting Islam-- those carrying guns as well as those who rule."

In juxtaposition with the tyranny prevalent in some Islamic countries, the Kingdom of Morocco serves as an ideal model of justice and preservation of prophetic tradition. His Royal Highness, King Hassan II, is a descendant of the family of the Prophet, and a sincere defender of the Sunnah and teachings of Rasulullah (saws).

Every year during the month of Ramadan, the King sponsors scholars from around the world to visit Morocco and give lectures at the palace on different Islamic issues currently facing the Ummah. He is a supporter of da' wa efforts here in America and a follower of the Shadili tariqat.

The Royal Family is comprised solely of King Hassan II and his siblings. To discourage corruption and nepotism in the country, no royal privileges or titles are extended to other members of his family, nor do royal family members aside from the King hold a position in the government or parliament.

ISCA commends His Royal Highness and the noble Ambassador as exemplary models of leadership and for their ardent support of the teachings of Ahl as-Sunnah wal Jama`ah. Further, we applaud them for the justice and compassion demonstrated towards the people of Morocco.

The Ambassador ended our memorable meeting with the following story of Imam Abu Hasan al-Shadili: "There once was a student who decided to give up his worldly possessions and attachments to search for the truth. He found a man along his journey who told him to follow the narrow path to the north. He traveled this path north for many, many miles until he reached an old man who asked what he was looking for. The man said, \lquote I am looking for the narrow road to north because I am looking for the truth.' The old man laughed and said, "My son, you left the truth behind you, because you found it the day you decided to search for it.' "