What American Muslims Must Do -- Pronto

American Muslims can not solve the world's problems.  They have little say in the Sunni and Shiite divide we see in many Muslim nations.  But, what they can do and must do is tell themselves and fellow Americans not only what is, but what is not Islam.  It is doubtful as to whether they can do this for Muslims globally, but they must do it for American Muslims.

Here is what must be transmitted.

1. Sharia is a voluntary code of law.  If Muslims wish to deal with one another within the context of Sharia, that's fine, provided they accept it as subordinate to the laws of America.  For example, within Sharia there is no prohibition against having more than one wife.  Under American law there is.  In this instance, Muslims must accept American law.  Within the context of Sharia, the male has a dominance vis a vis the female in terms of to whom children are assigned in cases of divorce that is largely unacceptable within American law.  Here again, American law must prevail.

2. In America, possession of weapons is acceptable, provided it is for legally acceptable hunting, for self protection, and as an item for collection.  However, when collection includes weapons clearly intended for the mass destruction of human life -- when it includes bombs and bomb making equipment -- it is something that is unacceptable.

3. What standards are observed in other parts of the world by Muslims may not be acceptable in America.  There may be instances where the policies of the American government may not be to the liking of American Muslims.  In those instances, Mulims may protest, but only in ways acceptable within American law.

4. Among the ideals of a democratic state is that of free speech.   This should not be trampled upon even if that speech is disagreeable to one or more segments of the American public.  For example, depicting Mohammad in a graphic manner may be repugnant or sacrilegious to Muslims.  Nevertheless, to do so can not be prohibited.  It can be discouraged in legal ways, but it can not be prohibited.

American Muslims may understand their faith to be a peaceful one.  But that carries little weight if individual Muslims act in ways that harm fellow Americans.  Even if acts of violence by Muslims are rare, it is the responsibility of the Muslim community to work with American law enforcement to ferret out Muslims who would do violence.

There is one more feature of Islamic practice that deserves greater attention; namely, the bringing into American mosques Imams educated in Muslim countries.  Religions are an amalgam of theology and culture.  Speak to a Catholic priest from Ireland and then speak to one from Brazil and you will inevitably see differences in cultural references.  That should come as no surprise.  To teach, religious leaders speak to their followers in terms in which their followers can relate.

But, what happens when a religious leader is transferred from a nation of one culture to a nation of another.  Can such a leader, or teacher, relate to his new environment?  Can an Imam  from Saudi Arabia, who's never lived outside of Saudi Arabia. be sent to America and be expected to understand American culture.  Can such a teacher's understanding of Sharia and the teachings of the Quran, the Hadith, and the Sunnah make sense within the context of American culture.  American Muslims must give this matter far more serious thought than it appears they have done to date.

Shalom Aleichem.