(WASHINGTON DC -- August 27, 2010) The Islamic Information Center strongly condemns the inflammatory remarks made today by New York's Governor Paterson, and calls for him to issue an apology. “This group who has put this mosque together, they are known as the Sufi Muslims. This is not like the Shiites,” Governor Paterson told CBS. “They’re almost like a hybrid, almost westernized. They are not really what I would classify in the sort of mainland Muslim practice.” Source: CBS  Shia (sometimes referred to as 'Shiite') Muslims are peaceful, hardworking residents of New York, and law-abiding citizens of the United States. Governor Patterson builds no good will by implying that the followers of one branch of Islam are superior or inferior to another branch of Islam. Furthermore, it is reckless for Governor Paterson to make the implication that Shia Muslims are in any way lesser or worse than Sufi Muslims, the general Muslim population, or other Americans in general. In light of the recent assault on a New York City taxi cab driver on the basis of being a Muslim and the desecration of a mosque in Queens, it is irresponsible for the leader of the state of New York to contribute such misguided remarks against his own constituents. IIC is joined by the Universal Muslim Association of America ( UMAA) in speaking out against the Governor's remarks. |
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