Biden Writes History for Muslim Americans
By Dr Aslam Abdullah
Joe Biden became the first major Party Presidential candidate to address Muslims through a Muslim Political Action Committee, EMGAGE. Republican and Democratic candidates regularly visit the conventions of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee to present themselves before the Jewish state's backers as well as the churches to demonstrate their commitment to Christianity. It is the first time that a candidate went outside the box to address the Muslim community and acknowledged their presence, contributions, and dedication to the US.
Joe Biden even quoted a hadith of the Prophet and appreciated Muslims for living his advice in their everyday life. He reminded Muslims that the Prophet asked Muslims to stop evil by hand or to denounce it by tongue or to condemn it one's heart.
He asked Muslims to join his campaign to create a racially and socially inclusive America. He assured Muslims that his Administration would include them in every decision that impacts America. Biden praised Muslim health workers, businesses, and social activists for their efforts in creating a better America.
Biden also touched upon the future foreign policy and categorically supported the idea of a Palestinian state. He assured Muslims of his Administration's advocacy for Muslim minorities rights, especially Rohingyas and Ughyurs.
Biden was critical of dictators in the Muslim world and said that he would not entertain dialogue with them.
Islamophobia in the US was also his concern and he said that on the day of his Presidency, he would ban the Muslim ban.
His eleven-minute talk was very positive and promising. But politicians usually show a rosy picture and make big promises. Biden, was open and appeared sincere in what he assured Muslims. No US president or Presidential candidate has ever spoken to Muslim Americans in this candid manner. He took a risk in being candid on issues that Muslims deem essential. Islamophobes, Evangelical Christians and Zionists in America would see those ideas dangerous, and they might use some of his comments against him during the campaign.
However, the significance of the event is historic. It is an achievement of Muslim American political action groups to make political parties recognize the value of the Muslim community and acknowledge their contributions to society. No longer can the politicians ignore Muslims, and no longer their voices remain on the periphery of the chambers of power. July 20 of 2020 will emerge as the day of the beginning of Muslim American political empowerment.
Kathryn Krawczyk, in another report, writes:Former Vice President Joe Biden received endorsements from several Muslim American leaders before addressing the Million Muslim Votes summit on Monday.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.), were among several Muslim American officials who signed a letter endorsing Biden on Monday. Omar's endorsement was especially notable seeing as she was a big supporter of Sen Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Biden then went on to open his speech with a request: "I wish we were taught more in our schools about the Islamic faith," calling it "one of the great confessional faiths" that "come[s] from the same root" as Christian religions.
Later in his video speech, Biden promised viewers he would end the ban on travel from several Muslim-majority countries "on day one."
The Million Muslim Votes Summit is organized by Emgage Action, the US's largest Muslim American PAC. Hillary Clinton didn't attend any Emgage events during her 2016 run, The Washington Post notes, and former President Barack Obama was "cautious" about doing so.
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