MPV's Statement on bombing of Sufi shrine
In the wake of the recent attack on a Sufi shrine in Lahore, Pakistan, Muslims for Progressive Values wishes to extend our condolences to the families and friends of our fellow Muslims who perished. We also vehemently condemn all acts of terrorism against humanity, especially those directed against Muslim minority groups regardless of their sectarian affiliations. We hold it to be true that all who call themselves Muslims are Muslims without contestation.
The scene of the attack commonly know as Data Durbar, or the court of the one who gives, was dedicated to Abul Hasan Ali Hajvery, a scholar and a traveler on the spiritual path. His impact on the spread of Islam to the Indian Subcontinent cannot be denied and his writings on spirituality and Islam have been translated into many languages and are still studied a millennium after his birth. The attack on this shrine, a place of gathering and spiritual contemplation, is a loss to all who value pluralism and respect diverse philosophical and spiritual traditions.
End Gender Apartheid
Muslims for Progressive Values, both the national organization and the local DC chapter, are staging a protest in Washington DC in support of MPV-Ottawa for the release of Nathalie Morin from Saudi Arabia.
Saturday June 26th, 2010, 1:30 pm in front of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037
To denounce the confinement of Nathalie Morin and her children, and foreign nationals, in Saudi Arabia.
Information: www.nathaliemorin.org
IN THE NEWS: Washington Times, 6/25/2010
Commendation of Kathy Lanier : Police Chief - Washington DC Police Department 6/24/10
Muslims for Progressive Values wishes to commend Police Chief Cathy Lanier and the Washington DC Police Department on the position they have taken in regard to the protests being staged by PRAY IN. In a surprise move, the DC Police Department issued a memo stating that they will not respond to calls by mosques to remove women and the Police Chief directed personnel to advise mosque authorities that they will not be escorting women out of the mosque. This action will allow the women to more effectively engage the Muslim community in promoting human and civil rights of women and promoting free expression of their religion.
See the latest article in the Washington Examiner
MPV's Statement on Killing of Ahmadis in Pakistan
We at Muslims for Progressive Values are deeply upset by the targeted attack of the Ahmadi Muslim community in Lahore, Pakistan on Friday, May 28th, 2010 in which more than 80 people were killed. (For more information, please read: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/10181380.stm).
We stand against the continued targeting of Muslim minority sects, including the Ahmadi Muslim and various Shi'a Muslim communities, as well as non-Muslim communities in Pakistan. MPV calls upon the government of Pakistan to play a stronger role in addressing these issues. Repealing the 1973 declaration of Ahmadis as non-Muslim and the 1984 ban on Ahmadis identifying themselves as Muslims is an important first step in showing support for this community and encouraging peaceful pluralism.
In the wake of this tragedy, MPV renews its call for intrafaith peace, acceptance and non-violence. We accept as Muslim anyone who identifies as such. The veracity and integrity of that claim is between the individual and God, and is not a matter for the state nor an issue which other individuals can or should judge. We affirm that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. We repudiate militarism, terrorism and violence, whether on an individual, organizational, or national level.
Draw Prophet Muhammad Day Statement
Muslims, like peoples of all faiths, have varying opinions about these and other issues. We should be wary of any person or state that claims to speak on behalf of Islam, whether that be Pakistan or the American libertarians and right-wingers who are the primary sponsors of Draw Muhammad Day and other events intended to draw a false dichotomy between Muslims and non-Muslims. Although many Muslims discourage or disapprove of the veneration of religious icons, Muslims for Progressive Values supports freedom of speech and expression within modern societies without obstruction. Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy and lively debate among its citizenry is necessary for the growth and progress of any state.
Congratulations Miss U.S. A.
Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) would like to congratulate Rima Fakih on winning the 2010 Miss America crown. MPV commends the commitment and dedication of Ms. Fakih, an American of Arab descent and a Muslim, in achieving the highly-coveted title.
In the current political climate in which Arab-Americans and Muslims are often targets of discrimination or subjects of misunderstanding, Ms. Fakih embodies the true American spirit of steadfast perseverance in achieving her goal against all odds.
In addition, MPV is delighted that Ms. Fakih has proudly and publicly acknowledged that she celebrates both Muslim and Christian traditions. In the realm of interfaith relations, Ms. Fakih has unquestionably helped advance empathy and engagement between communities - aims shared by MPV and the organization's interfaith partners since 9-11.
MPV wholeheartedly applauds and respects the determination Ms. Fakih has demonstrated in defying the stereotypical image of a Muslim Arab woman and wishes her the very best in her future endeavors.
Marriage Officiant Available
We are pleased to announce the availability of a marriage officiant for all couples wishing to be married within an open and progressive Islamic environment. Mixed faith couples are welcome to seek the officiant's services as well as gay couples, where it is legal. For more information please contact us.
Our next Literary Zikr adaptation
is based upon Scott Siraj al-Haqq Kugle's article "Sexuality, Diversity and Ethics in the Agenda of Progressive Muslims.” The author currently has a new book entitled: Homosexuality in Islam-Critical Reflection on Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Muslims.Crisis in Haiti
Our hearts go out to all those who were affected by the natural disaster in Haiti. Please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice. MPV recommends the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Welcome to Muslims for Progressive Values!
“God enjoins justice, kindness and generosity towards one’s fellow humankind.” – Qur’an 16:90
Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) is an inclusive community rooted in the traditional Qur’anic ideals of human dignity and social justice. We welcome all who are interested in discussing, promoting and working for the implementation of progressive values — human rights, freedom of expression, and separation of church and state* — as well as inclusive and tolerant understandings of Islam.
We invite you to take a look around our website,join our discussion group and / or mailing list, or meet-up with like-minded Muslims and others around the country.
What we do:
MPV is a non-profit 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
*“Why is a Muslim organization advocating separation of church and state?”
MPV endorses separation of religious institutions, whether church, mosque, synagogue, or otherwise, from state institutions. The imposition of religious codes by the state prohibits citizens from exercising their moral agency. We believe that secular government is the only way to achieve the Islamic ideal of freedom from compulsion in matters of faith.
However, we do not advocate the removal of religious perspectives from the public square. People vote according to their morals, and they derive their morals from various sources, some (or even most) of which are religious. To try and dictate where people get their morals or to deny them the right to vote according to those morals would be egregious violations of basic human rights.
In our view, two of the most important things a secular state does is to protect the moral agency of its citizens and prevent the majority from imposing specific religious views on the minority groups living within that community.
