Once again, yet another president who came to power promising to end wars, has started bombing. This time the target is Iran.
Talking Points
America is talking about wars and us Muslim Americans must participate in this conversation.
Where is this conversation taking place?
- Social media
- In the comment sections of the news media
- Pre-iftar discussions at home
Muslims must be engaged and speak out. Silence will not help anyone. As we fast in Ramadan, we must uphold our duty to stand up for justice (Quran 4:135).
Point #1: This is an Israeli war
This war is yet another demonstration of how Israel is using the United States through its lobby to achieve its foreign policy goals. Distinguished Professor John Mearsheimer says “There are only two major actors pushing for war against Iran: Israel and its extraordinarily powerful lobby in the US.”
The US-Israel war on Iran is connected with the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel, which has mastered the art of killing Palestinian children, has already bombed two Iranian schools killing at least 60 children.
Point #2: 85% Of The American Public Wants No War With Iran
- 85% of Americans surveyed did not want the U.S. to be at war with Iran when the US bombed Iran last time.
- Americans do not like wars. That is why former president Barack Obama and President Donald Trump both used anti-war messages to attract anti-war votes to get elected.
Point #3: This Is An Illegal War Violating The United States Constitution:
- Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution reads:
“[The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;?
President Trump has not gained permission from Congress to bomb Iran.
Point #4: This War Is Against American Interests
It is highly likely that war with Iran will look the same as the war in Iraq, which did not advance any American interests.
President Trump claims that Iran can build a bomb within days and that it will soon be able to hit the United States. These claims are either false or unproven. (Remember former President George W. Bush’s false statements about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which was used as a pretext to bomb Iraq in March 2003).
America’s bombing of Iran will only strengthen the “Death to America” ideology that created the Iranian revolution. It began when the CIA engineered the replacement of an elected Iranian government in 1953 by installing a pro-America king - something which resulted in the Iranian revolution less than 30 years later.
More on this here: No by Cato Think Tank. Take by Tucker Carlson.
Thinking Points
Point #1: Muslims Hate Wars
- Prophet Muhammad, God’s peace and blessings be upon him, hated war. He preferred peace treaties with his opponents. Even God Almighty recognizes this when He says “you hate war” while encouraging Muslims to defend themselves (Quran 2:216).
- Following the Prophet after every prayer, five times a day, Muslim pray for peace with the supplication.
- Even in the defensive wars the Prophet was forced to engage in to defend his peace sanctuary of Madinah, the total days spent in actual battle are six, with a few hundred dying from all sides.
Point #2: War-Terror-Islamophobia Has Killed 4 Million Muslims
Muslims have been the primary victims of wars in the vicious cycle of war-terror-Islamophobia:
- Israel’s genocide in Palestine has already killed at least 75,000 people.
- Brown University’s "Costs of War" project estimates that over 4.5–4.7 million people have died (directly and indirectly) due to the post-9/11 American War on Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen.
- Many Muslims see that despite the anti-colonial struggles to free themselves, they are not quite free. The peaceful Arab Spring, as well as armed non-state actors, translate these feelings into their rhetoric.
Point #3: It’s Not About Shia and Sunni
- America did not invade Iraq to support the oppressed Shias, nor is it bombing Iran to liberate its Sunnis.
- Sectarian differences were used in Iraq where more than 30% of Shias and Sunnis are married to each other.
- So be careful bringing in sectarian variables in the geo-political interest. (By the way Sunnis are a large population in Iran).
Action Items
Point #1: Invest In The Anti-War Movement
- America has a sense of fair hearing. That is why the majority of Americans now sympathize with Palestinians. Even 69% of American Jews aged 18–49 feel the responsibility to stand up for the Palestinian people. And only 39% of young evangelicals support Israel, which has led to Israel launching a Bible Study program targeting American Christians.
- Muslims make up just a little over one percent of America. However, thanks to the negative media coverage related to the last 25-plus years of war-terrorism-Islamophobia, our neighbors think that more than 17% of all Americans are Muslims. A higher civic engagement by Muslims can benefit from those misperceptions.
- Have you considered donating, supporting, and standing with anti-war groups, pro-Palestine Jewish groups, and others who stand for peace like CODEPINK Veterans For Peace ANSWER Coalition, and Win Without War?
- Working in a coalition with other groups was one of the major success strategies of the Prophet. Muslim organizations need to invest in coalition-building.
Point #2: Oppose warmongers In Election 2026
As American citizens, you have a right to speak and a right to vote. We should be proud Muslim Congresswomen Ilhan Omar & Rashida Tlaib for speaking up as well as
- America is already voting in the primaries. What is the stand of your Congressperson and Senators about war?
- Who are the candidates being paid by the Israeli lobby?
- Who is speaking for equal rights for Palestinians?
Point #3: Call Your Congresspersons to Block The War
Has your elected representative raised the question about this war being illegal?
In the House, Rep. Ro Khanna (Democrat), and Thomas Massie (Republican) have proposed a resolution to prevent Trump from starting a war without congressional approval. Senator Tim Kaine (Democrat), and Senator Rand Paul (Republican) are sponsoring a similar measure in their chamber.
Although war has begun, ask your elected leaders to still support and pass these measures. Call to ask them this question.
Point #4: Send a Letter of Condolences for Reverend Jessie Jackson
Reverend Jessie Jackson, who died earlier this month, was among the most prominent anti-war persons of our time. I had the honor of marching with him and speaking with him on panels. He also defended me against an Islamophobic attack. He stood with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat when he was called a terrorist. He played a critical role in helping the Palestinian cause in America.
It is important for Muslim organizations and individuals to show their solidarity on his passing.
Point #5: Dua:
Please pray that God bless our country and the world with better leaders who submit to Him for the benefit of humanity.
May God Almighty help Americans with wisdom and courage to choose the path of peace, justice, and freedom for all people.
May God Almighty bless us to see the implementation of equal rights for Palestinians, Kashmiris, Uyghurs, Indian Muslims, and Rohingyas.
