The Muslim US activist, Linda Sarsour, is being targeted over using the word ‘Jihad’ in one of her speeches recently.

Speaking about protesting injustice and opposing unfair policies, Linda Sarsour quoted the Prophet’s hadith that the best form of Jihad is saying the truth to a tyrant ruler.

The speech was delivered at the Islamic Society of North America convention over the weekend.
Sarsour focused in her speech about being unapologetic Muslim activist, a position she repeated in response to her critics:

“This is how it starts. We can’t be Muslims. We can’t quote Hadith and scripture. We can’t talk to our communities.

I will not be less of a Muslim because it makes others feel comfortable. I will not allow anyone to define my religion for me.” Sarsour said in a post on her Facebook page. She also shared a video of her speech:

https://www.facebook.com/linda.sarsour/posts/10155653469780572

 

“They are targeting me because I am an unapologetic Muslim American and because I am an effective leader,” she said in an email to HuffPost.

Conservatives accused Sarsour of waging Jihad against President Donald Trump. Sarsour described such framing of her speech as playing off the lack of knowledge that ordinary Americans have of Islam.

Imams Respond

Muslim scholars have defended Sarsour’s position, emphasizing the importance of not giving up Islamic terms and concepts just because the audience is not aware of their true meanings.

They also affirmed the importance of educating fellow citizens about the correct meanings of Islamic concepts like Jihad.

https://www.facebook.com/imamomarsuleiman/posts/1569190549767647

 

Imam Kiphah Mustafa, elaborated further on the term Jihad making clear distinction between it and the “Holy War”.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10155392412338745&id=597008744

 

Dr. Yasir Qadhi also showed his support

https://www.facebook.com/yasir.qadhi/posts/10155088866913300

 

Muslim activists spoke out as well:

https://www.facebook.com/hussam.ayloush/posts/10154989709274825

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154790272746699&id=507181698&substory_index=0

 

Support is not coming only from Muslim scholars and activists. Comedian Jeremy McLellan mentioned Christian grounds for defending Sarsur.

https://www.facebook.com/JeremyMcLellanComedy/posts/1584812488226587