CAIR today launched an online petition drive designed to disassociate the faith of Islam from the violent acts of a few Muslims.

The petition CAIR’s web site (www.cair-net.org), called “Not in the Name of Islam,” allows Muslims around the world to help correct misperceptions of Islam and the Islamic stance on religiously-motivated terror.

The “Not in the Name of Islam” petition states: “We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

“As it states in the Quran: ‘Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do.’” (Quran 4:135)

CAIR’s petition drive comes following the videotaped beheading of an American civilian in Iraq that shocked television viewers worldwide. A CAIR commentary published today in a number of newspapers nationwide reinforces the point that Islam should not be associated with terrorism.

“We hope this effort will demonstrate once and for all that Muslims in America and throughout the Islamic world reject violence committed in the name of Islam,” said CAIR Board Chairman Omar Ahmad. “People of all faiths must do whatever they can to help end the downward spiral of mutual hostility and hatred that is engulfing our world."

Immediate Action Requested:

1. Encourage local mosques and Islamic organizations to endorse the “Not in the Name of Islam” petition and have their members go online to sign.
2. Promote the petition in Friday khutbas and other gatherings.
3. Send statements endorsing the petition to local media through letters to the editor or editorials. (Local communities could even hold news conference. Ask CAIR for advice.)
4. Distribute the petition action alert to friends, relatives and co-workers through personal e-mail lists.
5. Encouraging Muslim websites to link to the petition.Publish the petition action alert in Muslim media outlets.