May 1996 CAIR's Executive Director Visits OBK Mosque

by Fauzi Labidi

On Friday April 12, 1996, the Muslim community in Central Ohio had the pleasure to listen to Nihad Awad, the executive director of CAIR. CAIR stands for Council on American Islamic Relations. Nihad Awad is a prominent Muslim activist who champions Islamic causes and works tirelessly towards the betterment of Muslims civil rights in North American. CAIR plays a vital role in presenting and defending issues relevant to the lives and the well-being of the Muslim communities in North America. Through their Action Alerts, they keep the Muslim communities abreast of what's happening to their fellow brothers and sisters in the U.S. and abroad, as well as monitor and advise media in matters related to Muslims. In his lecture, Br. Niahd highlighted the major functions undertaken by CAIR.

1. Media Relations

CAIR works with media professionals in the U.S. to help shape a positive image about Islam. Due to the fact that the American Public is generally ignorant about Islam, there is a tendency to stereotype Muslims in a very negative way. CAIR plays a critical role in trying to reshape and straighten people's views of Muslims by empowering the Muslim communities to take a pro-active role in the American social and political arenas. For example, when CAIR became aware that PBS was about to air a show titled "Jihad in America" portraying Muslims living in the U.S. as a group of thugs whose sole mission is to terrify people, an action alert was sent to all Muslim communities in the U.s. In their action alert, CAIR directed Muslims to contact their local PBS station protesting the airing of this show. Many communities in the U.S. were successful in blocking this show from going on the air. Some others, such as the one in Columbus, were successful in making the station invite representatives from the Muslim communities to express their views on following the airing of the show.

2. Conferences and Seminars
CAIR organizes conferences and seminars for media professionals, government officials, and the academic community. These events are designed to present otherwise unavailable information about Islam and Muslims.

3. Anti-Discrimination Work

CAIR solicits Muslims in North America to inform the organization of any discriminatory act committed against them such as denying the right of a Muslim employee to attend jumah prayer, or firing a sister from her job for wearing hijab. CAIR works through its legal advisors and local activists in pursuing these cases to ensure that Muslim civil rights are protected.

4. Lobbying

CAIR lobbies political leaders on matters relevant to Islam and Muslims in North America. CAIR plays a vital role in informing the mulsim communities about legislation that might have an effect on their rights and directing them to write and call government officials to express their feelings towards those matters.

5. Training/Outreach
CAIR trains American Muslim community activists and leaders in techniques of effective media and public relations, lobbying, and public speaking. They offer internships to students and interested individuals who wish to gain experience in media relations, political activism, and anti-discrimination work.

6. Inter-Faith Relations

CAIR plays a critical role in promoting a positive co-existence between Islam and the different religious denominations. CAIR works towards this goal through public education and inter-faith cooperation.

How can you help? You can help CAIR by doing one or all of the following: becoming a member, establishing a CAIR chapter in your community, and donating generously to help cover the expenses and costs incurred in this work. CAIR is a non-profit organization.

For more information on CAIR, please call or write to: _____________