Donald Trump should learn what Islam actually teaches Judges

by Achraf Issam

In his latest controversy, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, criticized a Mexican-American federal judge, Gonzalo P. Curiel, over his ruling on the Trump University lawsuit. Donald Trump suggested that the Latino judge was biased against him simply due to his racial background. Trump further asserted that the judge was incapable of being fair and impartial due to his Mexican heritage.

Despite Trump facing criticism and condemnation from his own party leaders, he doubled down on his original contentions and further hypothesized that a Muslim judge would also be impartial and biased against him. Answering a question on CBS regarding a Muslim judge being inherently biased replying, “that would be possible, absolutely.”

Of course, it is clear as day that using someone’s ethnicity or religion alone as the foundation for criticizing or predicting their overall behavior or bias is textbook racism and clear bigotry. However, defeating this mentality and prejudice is more important than simply labeling it. To this end, there is only one way to defeat such racism and bigotry: education. It is in education where the solution to such narrow-minded prejudice lies.

For this reason, it is important to understand the value of justice in True Islam and what the Quran actually teaches Muslims, or Muslim judges, more specifically. Trump believes that his previous statements about banning all Muslims from entering the United States of America would make any Muslim judge naturally biased against him. However, the Quran clearly and concisely quells this fear as it commands Muslims to “let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.” (Holy Quran 5:9). It becomes obvious that despite Trump’s comments if a Muslim judge were indeed to be swayed by their faith this influence would only be towards absolute justice despite enmity.

In fact, not only does the Quran make it clear that Muslims should stick to absolute justice despite the hatred of any opponents, the Quran also stresses the significance of justice irrespective of family ties, social factors, or the wealth of the parties involved. The Quran firmly directs all Muslims “O ye who believe, be strict in observing justice, and bear witness for the sake of Allah, even though it be against your own selves, or against parents and kindred. Whether they be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them than you can be. Guard yourselves against being led astray by low desires, so that you may be able to act equitably. If you control the truth, or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of that which you do.” (Holy Qur’an 4:136)

Despite what Trump may think about Islam, some education about the actual teachings in the Quran reveal that the beliefs that Muslims are taught stand in stark contrast to what extremists might have him believe. It is important to seek out such education so that we can grow closer and more united as a society allowing us to better face any threats. Ignorance in turn leads to needless division and creates a weaker society which is what extremists desire.

Choosing education over narrow minded bigotry is a brave choice especially for public figures with a lot of interests to consider. Therefore, I urge Trump to choose the higher road of education instead of fanning the waves of bigotry and racism. One such avenue for education is through the True Islam Campaign. This campaign seeks to provide all Americans a clear path to distinguish the True Islam from extremism and to unite Muslims and Non-Muslims in order to strengthen not only the society but America’s national security.

Donald Trump as well as all other Americans are invited to learn more about what the Quran actually teaches and about the values and beliefs of True Islam. You can find out more on the True Islam website, Facebook, and twitter.