The Real Story behind the Boycott ISRU issueBefore the end of last semester , a few Muslims came to me and said that there were some members of the Ummaha making derogatory remarks about Shi'ite Muslims at Rutgers. This went far beyond the classic "he's this" or "shes that". The comments made were negating Shi'ite Muslims as being fake Muslims and ostracized the few from the many by proclaiming them as being disillusioned. I was asked to try to get a handle on the situation and in trying to do so I went to Shadee, the Emir of the Islamic Society of Rutgers University. He was kind enough to talk of the situation I was refering to with candor and said he would address the issue at the next general meeting the next week. I was not there due to the observance of the Shi'ite commemoration of the month of Moharaham. The people who were there at the meeting following the conversation with Shadee reported that the Emir, that week and the following week, said nothing too. Then I saw Mostafa the new Emir of ISRU at the SAC mailboxes. I asked him if the PUBLIC denouncement of anti-Shi'ite remarks and behavior was going to be heard at an ISRU meeting in the near future or not. He said "We'll talk about it." Then a month or so after the end of teh last semester, I saw Mostafa and a common friend again out side of ARC at Busch. after some small talk and some questions and answers the question was re asked; "Will ISRU make an official statement denouncing some of their members anti-Shi'ite remarks or won't they?" Once again, the answer was "We'll talk about it". Then it started.
After we came to the conclusion that nothing would happen from the Shuras end anytime soon, we sent out 8 emails to certain individuals that asked for a boy-cott of all ISRU meetings and events after the first ISRU meeting if Mostafa does not publicly condemn Anti-Shi'ite behavior and language from fellow Muslims. Then we posted the e-mail in full on the SpinDoctor.web.com and Siqafat.cjb.net web sites. After a summer long barrage of insults and improper innuendos, threats of bodily harm, one fight, many 'spammings' and a whole lot of miscommunication, I am asking you to please proceed with the boycott of the Islamic Society of Rutgers University, their events, their weekly meetings and what not if The Surah does not talk against this issue of prejiduce. We ask you once again to stand strong and hold true to the true nature of Islam, and welcome all of our fellow Muslim Brothers and Sisters without falling prey to shirk and judgeing each other instead. We have been labeled the cause of this fitna; If speaking for the right actions of Muslims toward other Muslims is fitna then so be it. This boycott is NOT '5 people causing trouble' . It is a call to action to the ONLY Islamic representaion of Rutgers Muslims to do the right thingand publicly denounce hatred from Muslims to their fellow Ummaha .
If and only if Mostafa Khalifa publicly denounces anti Shi'ite retorich will this come to end. Until then the Shura of ISRU who are causing a fitna. Their silence led to this now only they can stop it by speaking up for all Muslims; Shi'ite and Sunni alike and stand up for equality and what's right.
Frequently asked Questions.
(1) "Why are you singling out ISRU for the actions of their members?"
ALL of the assailants happen to be active members of ISRU. They all respect Mostafa and I'm sure if he would say to stop it, there just may be an end to this. Plus as a leader of this community as the Emir of the only Islamic organization of Rutgers University, it is the Emirs duty to represent all Muslims of this University.(2) "Didn't Shadee already say something from towards these claims?"
Supposedly Shadee did indeed say something against the actions of some of their members. If so, WHY NOT SAY IT AGAIN? What is there to be afraid of any way?(3) "Why now?"
Mostafa and Faran and I wanted to quell this situation in the summer. Faran and I met at Mostafas request to see him and the rest of the Shura at ARC 107. Faran and I went to no avail the metting was quickly canceled.