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Majlis AshShura (Islamic Leadership Council) of Metropolitan New York: Statement on Arrest in NYC of Three Suspects Charged with Support for Terrorism:
In light of the announcement made yesterday regarding the arrest of three young Muslims charged with attempt and conspiracy to provide material support for ISIL, and today's 22nd memorial anniversary of the bombing of the World Trade Center, the Majlis Ash-Shura (Islamic Leadership Council) re-affirms our commitment to public safety for all New Yorkers.
At the same time we remind all that in America there is a presumption of innocence until proved guilty for all people charged with crimes. In the past informants have been used by law enforcement agencies on both the city and federal level to entrap vulnerable individuals from the Muslim community. This has lead to arrests in conspiracies manufactured by the government. We will be watching to see exactly what the role of informants was in this case.
Nonetheless, violent extremism from within the Muslim community and the recruitment of young Muslims to the mis-guided and un-Islamic cause propagated by criminals is a reality worthy of our deep concern. We believe that Muslim leaders in our city must educate our youth as to the importance of standing for justice while completely avoiding violent extremes. We also believe that as leaders we must lead by example, and facilitate the development of the Ummah in ways that uphold the highest values of the Qur'an and Sunna .
By the same token, too many Muslim young people in America and beyond, like those of the Christian and Jewish faiths,are experiencing alienation from organized religion, congregations, and houses of worship. This may be a contributive factor to their vulnerability to terrorist cyber recruitment. Allah knows best . However it is certain that Muslim leaders in New York City and throughout the country must work to make mosques friendlier and more attractive to the younger generation, in order to eliminate "mosque flight". Additionally, we must consult and work with our younger generation Muslim community leaders, as we seek effective ways to counter the call to mis-guidance with a call to guidance ,using social media.
During yesterday's press conference called by Police Commissioner William Bratton, one of his officials made it clear in response to a press inquiry, that where the suspects worshipped had no bearing in this case. We appreciate that admission as it is consistent with the majority of such plots, as we have been saying for years. We said it when our houses of worship were targeted by the Bloomberg-Kelly administration, for suspicion-less surveillance. We are saying so now.
We continue to ask Allah for His guidance and protection for us all, amen.
February 27, 2015
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