As-Salaamu 'alaykum,

I am writing to express my grave concern that someone claiming to
represent your organization has signed a condemnation of remarks
made by a Mr. Hisham Kabbani at a State Department open forum
on Islam in America.

These rouge individuals who claim to be representatives of your
organization allege that Mr. Kabbani’s remarks “further strengthens
the impression that the Muslim community as a whole is extremist.”
Nothing could be further from the truth!

When I read the transcript of Mr. Kabbani’s presentation it was clear
that his remarks were intended to create exactly the opposite
impression.

Mr. Kabbani very plainly states “We want to tell you that the Muslim
community as a whole is innocent from whatever extremism and
extremist ideology is being spread around the world.” The overwhelming
impression I get is that the majority of American muslims support
tolerance, peace and love and reject extremism.

Mr. Kabbani warns that the majority of our mosques are being influenced
by a minority, extremist view. Consequently, the majority of tolerant
muslims are being misrepresented to the American public due to the
ranting of a minority opinion. Apparently Mr. Kabbani’s stand has struck
a nerve with some extremists who have now gone to such a length as to
try to turn the Ummah against him by using your organization’s banner.

As your organization is at the forefront of defending and raising
awareness of Islam in America, I thought I should bring this matter
to your attention before your reputation is tarnished. So that you will
be able to help correct this situation I have attached a copy of Mr.
Kabbani’s statements which you should forward to your members
so that they may make an educated assessment of Mr. Kabbani’s
remarks. I’m sure your members will appreciate being fully informed
rather than depend on a ludicrous statement made in your organization’s
name.

As an American convert to Islam, I am saddened by the fact that
there are some who would resort to slander and mis-information to
promote their personal agenda. Especially when that agenda conspires
to hide the truth about Islam and puts muslims in America at risk. I
pray
that your organization will stand with me and the rest of the mainstream
American muslims who stand for tolerance, peace, open communication
and love to set the record straight and prevent these scoundrels from
slandering our reputations.

Was salam,
Br. Bahauddin Kylberg