Bismillahi-r-Rhamani-r-Rahim

As-salamu ‘alaikum Brothers and Sisters:

It is with heavy heart that I write you. I have read your press release condemning Shaykh Kabbani’s speech to the state department. I have also read the original speech. I was shocked to see than your organizations felt free to twist Shaykh Kabbani’s words and to quote him out of context. Such behavior is unbecoming of Muslims. The Qur'an tells us "And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is)." (2:42)

Your organizations are, of course, entitled to have disagreements with Shaykh Kabbani, however it is obligatory on you as Muslims to handle those disagreements with truth and with good adab. If you have facts to counter what Shaykh Kabbani has said then please make them known, but for the sake of all Muslims do not twist his words and make hostile allegations. As CAIR reminds us in its Action Alerts "hostile comments can and will be used to harm the image of the American Muslim community."

Your press release continues to cause anger and hostility within the Ummah. The Prophet (saw) said no Muslim should leave his brother (because of anger) for more than three days. Therefore I ask you as Muslims to turn away from your anger and from its cause -- Shaytan. As Muslims we must address our disagreements with truth, respect and adab. Only when we can respectfully listen to each other will non-Muslims in this country listen to us. May Allah (swt) guide us all.

Allahu Akbar!

Iman Meyer-Hoffman