For those Muslims who are concerned about the image of Islam and
Muslims in the United States I suggest a careful study of the events
going on at the schismatic Mormon community in Texas.
I believe that most Muslims are unlikely to see how the matter
concerns them. But the public image of Islam is in fact deeply
involved. These people are polygamists and, in the public eye, Muslims
are polygamists. The public, not understanding the difference, will
identify this cult with Islam. It would be well for Muslims to loudly
deny that they practice polygamy in the United States (assuming they
can - it is illegal here) and to loudly explain the difference between
Muslim polygamy where it is practiced and these cult practices. For
example, Muslims do not believe that a man will not go to heaven
unless he has at least three wives.
If, in fact, some Muslims do act more or less like this cult then
Islam would be well advised to straighten them out.
At the time of this writing the cult stands accused of abusing over
400 children. The United States does not execute child abusers - but
their social status is probably lower than murderers.
This not Islam. I know that and everyone on SRI doubtless knows it.
But the public will be confused. Islam needs to speak up. Loudly.
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