More Than a Neighbor

Local Muslim Leadership

Sherman Nunn Abdur-Razzaq

s the spread of Islam in America continues to augment the Muslim population, areas that were once devoid of Islamic or any other “foreign” infuence are changing. The reality of credible Muslim political figures has emerged in recent times, and the growth of the Um’mah will definitely produce leadership on smaller scales as well. With much of America not yet scratching the surface of what Islam and Muslims are truly about, certain fears may continue to pose as obstacles to interaction between Muslims and their non-Muslim neighbors. Visibility and involvement are the only means to demolish the social walls that stand between the two. Such ideas when combined with the growth of a sector of society eventually requires leadership in various forms.

It has been stated on far more than a single occasion that Islam is the fastest growing religion in North America. A true indicator of this fact would be the

rise in numbers of Masjids and Islamic schools being built. One should also consider the numbers of new immigrants and new generations from past immigrants who practice Islam and the growing numbers of naturalized Americans that are accepting the faith. Each of the described factors are quickly ushering in the age of Muslim leadership. Today, there are Muslim candidates for many political offices, Muslim aides to elected officials and Imams and teachers who function in the new Masjids and schools are naturally placed into positions of leadership.

The local leadership is much more visible and accessible to Muslims in small communities. Its presence is therefore, truly integral to the local belivers but one does not have to be an Imam or a teacher to express leadership qualities. Many communities have neighborhood meetings which are open to the public and it is the rsponsibility of the local Muslims to attend such gatherings. Foremost, there is a responsibility to be involved as a resident of the neighborhood and in turn, become familiarized with fellow residents and general occurances in the area. These are the primary steps of leadership, for one can not lead without knowledge of surroundings and having direction. As Muslims familiarize themselves with one another in a community, they enable themselves to organize and have a voice in local issues. This is not to say that they should exist as a separate entity from the community at large, and their involvement in meetings and events of the masses will insure interaction and open doorways to essential communication.

It can not be denied that the presence of Muslims will make some residents uncomfortable, some more than others. This is an unfortunate but true part of Muslim coexistence in America and it is due to biased stereotyping and untruths promoted by popular mediums. Society today also wears such blemishes as hate crimes and descriminatory practices which do not exclude Muslims as victims. A lack of solid community leadership presents a less than unified Muslim body, and opens each individual up to attack, much like animals that have strayed from the herd in the midst of predators. Attending nieghborhood meetings is a means of maintaining visibility and keeping aware of who neighbors are and what their personalities indicate. This can dissuade unpleasant actions against Muslims, but perhaps greater than this, a unified presence of area Muslims can be a further deterrent to crime and descrimination. The age old wisdom of “strength being in numbers” prevails as the local Muslim leadership devises activities in which the whole of Muslim neighbors can interact with the community at large and at the same time, promote and display unification.

There may be times when Muslims find themselves without any other believers in their area, but this poses no excuse for not becoming invloved in the community. Attending neighborhood meetings and participating in neighborhood functions makes such a Muslim familiar with his neighbors and they may also come to know and respect him. Even with no other Muslims in the immediate area, the available believer still has much to offer his community in a leadership position. The ideals and values of Islam stress fairness and harmony among peoples living among each other. It would behoove a Muslim to share these traits with his community by assuming a local responsibility which may include youth mentoring, neighborhood watch involvement or organizing local events. The possibilities are indeed numerous, but it is the visibility and interaction that ultimately makes the difference.

Muslim leadership is emerging in America as the number of those acdcepting and practicing Islam increases. This leadership is needed on large scales, but the smaller scale involvement is also not to be ignored. As the presence of Muslims in American communities augments, so should those Muslims’ presence at community meetings and events. The visiblity and invlovement that results from such participation will make the believers familiar with there nieghbors and surroundings, which could prove beneficial in thwarting unwelcomed circumstances. Islamically influenced leaders may come in various forms and perform various functions, but each position is necessary for the continuing effort of peaceful and effective coexistence.