Faith seeks strong ties with others
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
M. Ali Khan made a pilgrimage to O'ahu to begin a new movement, the organization of the Muslim community in Hawai'i.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
Khan, the executive director of the American Muslim Council, an Islamic civil-rights group with chapters in almost every state, traveled from his home in Chicago to attend Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice that is the culminating event of the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Hawai'i Muslims participated in a morning prayer service yesterday at Kapi'olani Park to celebrate Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice. A local Muslim official estimated there are between 4,000 and 6,000 Muslims living in Hawai'i.
Khan said that the post-Sept. 11 world has created a need for Muslims to organize and forge bonds with other residents and elected officials to solidify safe standing in the community. He said it is imperative that people understand the Islamic culture and afford members of the Muslim community the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all Americans.
"If a terrorist situation develops in Hawai'i, who better to have strong ties with than the Muslim community?" Khan said. "We can help find the few people who have hijacked our religion."
Khan has been subjected to the intense scrutiny that has befallen much of the Muslim community. Two years ago the FBI detained him for hours in a Las Vegas airport.
Khan said he was stopped by a security guard once he noticed Khan's Muslim name.
"You shouldn't be harassed here; this is America," Khan said. "Prior to 9/11 we were an ignored community."
On Sept. 28, the founder of the American Muslim Council, Abdurahman Alamoudi, was arrested at Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia on charges of illegally accepting money from Libya and making numerous trips there on a Yemeni passport. The federal government bans travel to Libya.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI, among other agencies.
Ehsan Reza, president of the local AMC chapter, which is housed in an office on Ala Moana Boulevard, said he hopes to get the word out about Hawai'i's Muslim population. Reza, originally from Bangladesh, said there are between 4,000 and 6,000 Muslims living in Hawai'i.
"We are looking to have close relationships with all Muslims," Reza said.
Khan said he hopes that Hawai'i lawmakers and law enforcement officials consult the AMC's Hawai'i chapter on legislation and enforcement practices.
"We welcome either party including us and asking our opinion on issues," Khan said.
Yesterday, Muslims from many countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Egypt, and the Caribbean, congregated at the Diamond Head end of the Kapi'olani Park tennis courts to celebrate Eid through prayer, food and games.
Children played volleyball in an open field and others bounced about in three large inflatable castles that were brought in for the festivities.
"I think we will establish contacts with the local representatives here. They should know that we are here," said Rafique Islam, who is from Bangladesh. "If our (community) is straight, everyone will be straight."
Several people attending yesterday's celebration said Hawai'i is much more accepting of the Islamic faith and its ceremonial tenets than the Mainland.
"I know some people they look you up and down, people are curious," said Zeeshan Ahmad, a Honolulu resident originally from Pakistan. "Generally, we feel very at ease."
Warren Kundis, a half-Mexican, half-Russian Islamic convert said he hopes the AMC can bridge understanding between the Muslim community and Hawai'i's diverse ethnic population.
"It's been a wonderful challenge being a Muslim in Hawai'i," Kundis said. "The dialogue goes on. You don't win anyone over by beating them over the head."
Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8110.
