The growing obsession with American Muslims exhibited by President Trump and various other politicians is a sign of political desperation and deep insecurity. American Muslims make up a small percentage of our nation's population, yet they have occupied nearly 100 percent of their attention. Why? Desperate politicians want to scapegoat American Muslims to distract the public from their own failures on real issues like rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. Anti-Muslim extremists who hate America's diversity want to stop American Muslims from playing an increasingly positive and prominent role in public life. Anti-Palestinian extremists want to use Islamophobia to silence American Muslims who oppose the waste of taxpayer dollars on endless wars and on Israel's human rights abuses. None of these groups care if their cynical hatred inspires more violence against their fellow Americans, like the deadly attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego, the firebombing of mosques in Minnesota, and the stabbing of a six-year-old Palestinian Muslim child Wadea Al Fayoume outside of Chicago. But we are confident that all of these hateful voices will ultimately fail. President Trump can mock the name Muhammad all he wants, but it will not change the fact that the name Muhammad is mentioned with respect across our nation and will be mentioned with respect long after he leaves office and long after anti-Muslim hysteria joins anti-Catholic hysteria in the dustbin of history, God willing. Americans named Muhammad will continue to contribute to our nation as doctors, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and more. Americans of all backgrounds will continue to honor Muhammad Ali as one of the greatest athletes of conscience of all time. The U.S. Supreme Court will continue to identify Prophet Muhammad as one of history's great lawgivers. And American Muslims will continue to proudly practice their faith, treat their neighbors well, and advocate for causes of justice, all inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him. reuters.com/world/us/trump-m…

We welcome this strong, principled letter from 119 Members of Congress. American Muslims serve this nation in every capacity and are entitled to the same constitutional protections as every other community. We thank the Members of Congress who stood up today against discrimination and against legislation that stigmatizes Muslims for practicing their faith. The so‑called ‘Sharia‑Free America Caucus’ is not a serious policy effort. It is an anti‑Muslim hate group and election‑year distraction masquerading as a congressional caucus. Its proposals are rooted in Islamophobic conspiracy theories, not any legitimate legislative need. Congress is right to reject attempts to single out American Muslims and undermine our Constitution. In championing this letter U.S. Representatives @RepJamesClyburn, @RepAndreCarson, @rosadelauro, @RepHankJohnson, @RepRoKhanna, @RepJerryNadler, and U.S. Senator @ChrisVanHollen – and the 113 other Members of Congress who joined them – have demonstrated principled leadership making it clear message that this anti‑Muslim hate caucus has no place in Congress.

To God we belong, and to God we return. We have learned from @CAIRSanDiego that at least one person was killed by a shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego today. May Allah grant him the highest rank of Paradise and protect everyone from harm. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school. We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers.

President Trump’s deranged mocking of Islam and his threats to attack civilian infrastructure in Iran are reckless, dangerous, and indicative of a mindset that shows indifference to human life and contempt for religious beliefs.    These statements are not made in a vacuum. They follow a long pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies that have dehumanized Muslims at home and abroad. The casual use of ‘Praise be to Allah’ in the context of violent threats reflects a disturbing willingness to weaponize religious language while simultaneously denigrating Islam and its followers.   Congress must not remain on vacation while the President openly promises to commit war crimes that could trigger even more regional and global conflict. Lawmakers have a duty to reconvene and to reassert their authority over matters of war and peace and to ensure that no president can unilaterally drag our nation into war.