Statement on ‘Million Man March’

By Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), 15 October 1995

CAIR supports principles behind march—says Farrakhan's views are not Islamic

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
1511 K Street N.W., Suite 807
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 638-6340
Fax: (202) 638-6412
E-Mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com

(WASHINGTON, DC, 10/15/95) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Islamic advocacy group, today issued a three-point statement regarding the Million Man March to be held in Washington on October 16. The statement reads as follows:

Point Number 1 - The Council on American-Islamic Relations wishes to express its support for the noble principles of economic and social justice, individual responsibility and political empowerment outlined by organizers of the Million Man March.

Point Number 2 - Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam do not represent the Muslim community in America. Many of Minister Farrakhan's public statements, particularly those regarding issues of race and the nature of God, are diametrically opposed to basic Islamic beliefs.

In the Quran, Islam's revealed text, God states: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you." (chapter 49, verse 13)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also clearly stated Islamic principles of racial equality when he said: A white (person) has no superiority over a black (person) nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action. (The Prophet Muhammad s [PBUH] last sermon delivered on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, 10 A.H.)

Point Number 3 - We call on media professionals and political commentators to make a clear distinction between the beliefs of Minister Louis Farrakhan and those of the Muslim community in America.

There are an estimated six million Muslims in America and some 1.2 billion worldwide. Demographers say Islam is the fastest growing religion in this country and around the world. By the turn of the century, Islam is predicted to be the number two religion in America.