Dear Rev. Graham:
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations is concerned and dismayed at your repeated references to Islam as an 'evil' religion and accusation that Muslims either condoned or supported the September 11 attacks. As a religious leader and spiritual guide for thousands of Americans such comments can only been seen as fomenting religious hatred and division.
Your comments appear to be based on a few Quranic verses quoted entirely out of context, both by people who knowingly intend to misrepresent Islam and by some extreme Muslims who seek to exploit Islam to further their political goals. By repeating such misinformation you are not only encouraging bigotry and ignorance, you are also allying yourself with those who would abuse religion for inhumane purposes.
Your latest accusation that Muslims have not condemned the attacks of September 11 is entirely unfounded. I have enclosed over 40 pages of statements, excerpts and articles of Muslim condemnation of these horrific attacks.
We ask that you reflect on your father's words following the September 11 attack when he said, "But now we have a choice: whether to implode and disintegrate emotionally and spiritually as a people and a nation or whether we chose to become stronger through all of this struggle to rebuild on a solid foundation."
We again encourage you to learn more about Islam and Muslims before you repeat your erroneous and divisive statements about one of the three great Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Such statements only sow animosity and mistrust among Americans. As a religious leader you should instead work to rebuild our national foundation instead of trying to tear it down.
Sincerely,
Omar Ahmed
Chairman of the Board of Directors
