Almost like clockwork, just when I think Alabama may at least have moved into the 20th century – never mind this century, something comes along to disabuse me of that notion. Homewood, a small affluent community about 12 miles slightly southeast of Birmingham is embroiled in a community dispute over the application of the Islamic Academy of Alabama to expand.
Even Tommy Tuberville, whose chief qualification for his Senate seat was being a former football player, has weighed in, calling the school an “Islamic Indoctrination Center,” and that it should be “out” of Alabama. Reminds one of the anti-(Catholic) Irish frenzy of the 1840s. This in a town where 70% of the population has at least a bachelor’s degree. So much for education.
Bigotry runs deep. News stories always focus on Islamic identity when a violent act is done by a Muslim, but little is said about nativism or right wing extremism in attacks such as the Oklahoma City bombings or the destruction of black churches. It’s always easier to go after what we fear and don’t understand.
Prayer for the Day
Architect of Grace, help us to come together in community,
For the forces of bigotry threaten to tear us apart;
God of Abraham and Sarah, show us our commonality,
Rather than letting voices of fear rule over us.
Holy One, you have made us all in your image,
May we reflect you in our lives and work.
In the name of the One who embraces us all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It’s a kind of ridiculous paranoia to think that this immigrant group representing less than two percent of the population is somehow going to take over and impose Shariah law.
Ilya Somin, George Mason University
Personally, I like being on a historic campus that was burned down by the KKK. It feels more special than going to school in some new office building.
Yusuf Nabi, 16-year old student at the Islamic Academy of Alabama
These are the persons whom we once held in derision
And made a byword of reproach – fools that we were!
We thought that their lives were madness
And that their end was without honor.
Why have they been numbered among the children of God?
And why is their lot among the saints?
So it was we who strayed from the way of truth,
And the light of righteousness did not shine on us
Wisdom of Solomon 5:4-6