LAPD Chief Hosts Quarterly Muslim Forum NR11489mjf

Los Angeles: October 20, 2011, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck meets with Islamic leaders this evening in an open dialogue regarding Muslim-Americans and the issues they face in today’s society.   

All too often persons have indicted Muslim-Americans for pledging an allegiance to Sharia’ Law and that such allegiance usurp the United States Constitution.  The Chief’s Muslim Community Forum is meeting to discuss several topics relating to issues of mutual concern.  The most significant will be the Muslim community’s rebuttal to this assertion and acknowledgement that “Islamic teachings require respect of the laws of the land where Muslims live as minorities, including the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, so long as there is no conflict with Muslims’ obligation for obedience to God.” This acknowledgement took the form of a recent Fatwa issued by the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA).-(Click on the link)

Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Director of Religious Affairs of The Islamic Society of Orange County and the President of the Fiqh Council of North America will discuss the significance of this of this “Fatwa on Being Faithful Muslims and Loyal Americans” as issued by the FCNA.  Also joining Chief Beck will be Andre Birotte Jr., United States Attorney Central District and Fatehmah Namazikhah: Member of The Young Professional Leaders of the Iranian American Muslim Association of North America.

The Fiqh Council is a religious body of Islamic Scholars from across North America who meets several times a year to discuss issues concerning Muslims. On September 24th and 25th, 2011, the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) met in a General Body Meeting in Virginia. As a body of Islamic scholars, the members of the FCNA believe that it is false and misleading to suggest there is a contradiction between being faithful Muslims committed to God (Allah) and being loyal American citizens. The FCNA issued a declarative Fatwa (Religious Ruling) clearly defining Muslim American’s loyalty to the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.  In fact, The FCNA went a step further in the Fatwa in that it recognizes the United States Constitution as the law of the land.

Location:
Islamic Center of Reseda    
18206 Victory Boulevard
Reseda, California  91355

Hosted by Aref Abedi, President of Islamic Center of Reseda

For Further information please contact Lieutenant John McMahon at 213-486- 8780.