The Bay Area Shiite-Muslims Association Withdrew From So-called 'Muslim Unity Day'
September 14, 2005 (Press Release) --
Basma Withdrew From So-called 'Muslim Unity Day'
By Al-Hajj Samer Mohamad Bazzi
September 4, 2005
On September 3, 2005, The Bay Area Shiite-Muslims Association (Basma) has formally withdrawn from the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day' (MUD) event at Paramount Great America. The chief reason for our decision to withdraw from the MUD is the refusal of the organizers of the event to include a Shiite speaker in the MUD program. We consider the MUD organizers' decision to disallow a Shiite speaker to be an act of sectarian discrimination. The MUD organizers have apparently made this decision
many months ago and prior to inviting the Shiite organizations to participate in the MUD event. Yet, the MUD organizers kept quiet and did not
inform the Shiite organization that they will not be able to provide a speaker to the event. The MUD organizers have made their decisions
unilaterally and without involving the Shiites.
Furthermore, the MUD main contact, Mr. Aamir Waheed, has refused to formally identify the core decision makers of the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day.' We consider Mr. Waheed's decision to keep the identity of the MUD organizers hidden an irresponsible action, especially at the present time.
We have also noticed that the organizers of the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day' are using the event to promote their personal commercial businesses and projects. For instance, the main contact of the MUD, Mr. Waheed, is using the event to promote his InodPak.com business. We consider
the commercial usage of events launched in the name of Islam to be a contradiction with the spirit of religious and non-profit work.
In Addition to Basma, the following Shiite organizations have also withdrawn from the event:
* The Iraqi Community Association (ICA)
* Masjid Al-Rasool
* The Shia Association of the Bay Area (SABA)
The ICA is the main representative of the Shiite Iraqis living in the Bay Area. Masjid Al-Rasool is a Shiite Islamic center located in Campbell, CA. SABA is the Bay Area's oldest and largest Shiite organization.
We most certainly do not consider the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day' to be an act of unity between the Sunnis and the Shiites.
--END--
http://www.basma.us/site/press_releases/press_release.20050904.php
By Al-Hajj Samer Mohamad Bazzi
September 4, 2005
On September 3, 2005, The Bay Area Shiite-Muslims Association (Basma) has formally withdrawn from the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day' (MUD) event at Paramount Great America. The chief reason for our decision to withdraw from the MUD is the refusal of the organizers of the event to include a Shiite speaker in the MUD program. We consider the MUD organizers' decision to disallow a Shiite speaker to be an act of sectarian discrimination. The MUD organizers have apparently made this decision
many months ago and prior to inviting the Shiite organizations to participate in the MUD event. Yet, the MUD organizers kept quiet and did not
inform the Shiite organization that they will not be able to provide a speaker to the event. The MUD organizers have made their decisions
unilaterally and without involving the Shiites.
Furthermore, the MUD main contact, Mr. Aamir Waheed, has refused to formally identify the core decision makers of the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day.' We consider Mr. Waheed's decision to keep the identity of the MUD organizers hidden an irresponsible action, especially at the present time.
We have also noticed that the organizers of the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day' are using the event to promote their personal commercial businesses and projects. For instance, the main contact of the MUD, Mr. Waheed, is using the event to promote his InodPak.com business. We consider
the commercial usage of events launched in the name of Islam to be a contradiction with the spirit of religious and non-profit work.
In Addition to Basma, the following Shiite organizations have also withdrawn from the event:
* The Iraqi Community Association (ICA)
* Masjid Al-Rasool
* The Shia Association of the Bay Area (SABA)
The ICA is the main representative of the Shiite Iraqis living in the Bay Area. Masjid Al-Rasool is a Shiite Islamic center located in Campbell, CA. SABA is the Bay Area's oldest and largest Shiite organization.
We most certainly do not consider the so-called 'Muslim Unity Day' to be an act of unity between the Sunnis and the Shiites.
--END--
http://www.basma.us/site/press_releases/press_release.20050904.php
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