justice

Imam Khalid Fattah Griggs accepted Islam in 1972. He is the Imam of The Community Mosque of Winston-Salem in North Carolina. This is a position he has held since 1984. He is also co-chairman of the North Carolina-based Black Leadership Roundtable of Winston-Salem-Forsyth County.

While Muslims love and deeply respect Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, others regularly heap abuse on him in ways that are very painful for Muslims to bear. This requires patience and fortitude.

Hate never limits itself to one stop. It keeps looking for the new targets. Just as KKK targets were not limited to African-Americans as it attacked Catholics, Jews and other immigrants, the current phase of hate, ethnic bigotry and religious intolerance is looking for new targets.

America's reaction to the torturous sexual abuse of Iraqi prisoners of war is a sign of a nation living its ideals. Although they are reacting to something extremely abhorrent and horrible, it gives me confidence in humanity and in America.

With wars around the world, occupations, genocides and refugees, the state of peace in the world looks very bleak. Here are some practical things Muslim communities, particularly Masjids can do, to promote peace and security in the coming days.

The Fourth of July commemorates America's independence from England. The event is celebrated with much fanfare, fireworks, and festivity. But it's also an important time to remember the many blessings that God has given this country and how we are benefiting from them. 

America has always been able to liberate itself from tyranny and fear. This is the beauty of this nation and its people. American can and will do it again, but it will take a willingness on the part of all citizens, Muslim and non-Muslim, to fight the fear mongering.