Independent journalist Paul Rowan Brian wrote a short article in the journal First Things last year entitled “Muslims in American Politics.” (Link below). In it, Brian claims that due to anti-Muslim rhetoric pervasive in the Republican party and among conservative Evangelical Christians as well, American Muslims “have no choice” but to align themselves politically with the liberal left, even though many of the left’s platform values – “gay marriage, abortion, drug legalization and infringements on the rights of religious organizations and individuals,” for example – are at odds with Islamic teaching. This tension, says Brian, puts Muslims in America “in a precarious position – caught in a dilemma between a false friend and an open opponent. Islam, at heart,” says Brian, “aligns with neither right nor left in an American political context. It is unique and comprehensive, based on a specific view of the human being, rights, and the purpose of life informed by God rather than men. Only the future will tell to what extent American Muslims define a place for themselves in American political culture.”
In this episode I talk to a former student of mine, a young, devout, seminary-educated Muslim. I wanted to find out if his own experience in the Muslim communities he is part of rang true to Brian’s claims. I would tell you his name, but I won’t. He seeks a career in a sensitive field and because of the flammable nature of social media today, we agreed it would be best to keep his identity vague. But this I will tell you: it was a most refreshing and enlightening conversation for me, and I hope will be for you, too.

LINKS:

Muslims in American Politics: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2018/11/muslims-in-american-politics

// MUSIC: Sami Yusuf - Asma Allah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhwdEtO5fJE&feature=youtu.be

// Maula Ya Salli Wa Sallim (with English Subtitles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g57bvG59ZtI&feature=youtu.be

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