Hundreds of Muslims pray Monday in Bhopal, India, following the holy Eid celebrations. Photo by Sanjeev Gupta/EPA-EFE
We want to express our concern for the People of Kashmir. We have been long-acquainted with them because of the humanitarian activities on their behalf by our late leader Imam W. Deen Mohammed. They, like too many of the world's peoples, have been forced to endure abuses to their humanity for extended periods. The recent policies of intimidation of the Indian government toward the Kashmiris, who are our brothers and sisters in Islam and humanity, are blatant and brazen, and these acts are recognized for the provocation they intend.
The African-American people know well the tactics of oppression against self-determination. Our Islamic sensitivities are pricked when we know that these actions isolate and target them generally as a People of faith different from the majority. We, Muslim-African-Americans, wish to draw increased international attention to their plight, and their humanitarian needs. These struggles of innocent People are the business and interest of all of us who believe in G'd and the rights of mankind, and who cherish the notion of an international morality. We intend to keep our attention on this matter, and our prayers to Allah will not cease for relief for the Kashmiri People from these evil tactics against them.