American Muslims Leaders and Activists Respond to a Trump Presidency

Imam Omar Suleiman

Since Tuesday’s election results, there has been a frightening yet anticipated uptick in anti-Muslim acts and threats of violence as well as incidents of bias-based bullying in public schools and universities. Against this backdrop, however, gestures of solidarity have also emerged. Imam Omar Suleiman, President of the Yaqeen Institute of Islamic Research, reminds us we are not alone,

Omar, I am here for you. I believe in your work and I believe in you. We are better together than apart. If there is anything I can do to be a conversation partner for you or your community, I am here. Praying for you and your community.”

This was the message I received from my friend and interfaith partner, Dr. Andy Stoker, who is the Senior Pastor of one of the oldest and largest churches in Dallas. The same evening, 3 beautiful young people stood in front of our mosque with signs of love. Andy and these 3 people don’t represent the world, but their gestures meant the world to me. It’s important for us to always see the light when it seems like the voices of darkness are growing.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was always able to see good not just in a hostile people, but in the most hostile amongst them. This election gives us an opportunity to build bridges with people that now see the urgency to salvage the “United” in the United States of America. There is divine wisdom in everything, and we will not be forsaken if we continue to sincerely strive.

In the weeks, months and years ahead, enhanced collaboration amongst us as a community of Muslims and with interfaith and other allies will prove critical. On a personal note, the first verse I heard (from a good friend) the morning after the elections results was the Quranic wisdom that sometimes we hate a thing in which there is good. Like many of you, I have encountered that verse so many times since and in the post-election context. And, my recurring thought: perhaps this will help us transcend differences to achieve unity.

It must, Inshallah.