DETROIT – About 150 people gathered in front of the Theodore Levin Courthouse in downtown Detroit on Friday, January 8, waving American flags and wearing t-shirts bearing the slogan of the day, “Not in the Name of Islam,” in response to the attempted bombing of Flight 253 to Detroit by Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.

Demonstrators hold a sign in front of the Federal Court building in Detroit on Jan. 8.            REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

The rally coincided with the arraignment of Abdulmutallab and was attended by local Muslims and friends as well as a handful of Nigerians.
It was also preceded by a press conference at the New Center One Building in Detroit put on by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan featuring a coalition of local imams condemning the attempted bombing as well as all acts of terrorism and crimes against humanity.

Media coverage both local and national was strong on both the print and TV sides for the rally as journalists from outlets ranging from CNN and the BBC to Al Jazeera and local news stations were all present.

Arab-Americans hold signs saying ‘Islam Is Against Terrorisim’ as they demonstrate outside the Federal court building in Detroit, Michigan January 8, 2010. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

“We wanted to send a message to the world that Islam is against terrorism,” said Dearborn attorney Majed Moughni, who organized the rally.
“I’m very happy with the turnout; we’re getting the message sent here today.”

Signs held at the event included messages such as “We are Americans” and “Terrorists have no religion.”

CAIR-Michigan executive director and imam of Masjid Wali Muhammad in Detroit, Dawud Walid, said that the record of the Muslim community in Michigan stands for itself.

“Muslims have been in southeast Michigan for over 100 years and have been overwhelmingly peaceful, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens,” he said. “We are against all forms of extremism and those who falsely claim Islam or any other religion.”

Nigerian Remigius Obi of Ypsilanti also attended the rally, carrying a banner stating that “Nigeria condemns terrorism” and “disowns Abdulmutallab.”

Haider Koussan (L) and Ali Sayed hold signs at a demonstration in front of the federal court building in Detroit, Mich. January 8. REUTERS Rebecca Cook

“We condemn the attacks and any act of terrorism,” Obi said. “Nigerians are good, loving, hard-working, highly-educated people.”
Hassen Baydoun of Dearborn also marched back and forth down Lafayette before speaking to local media. He spoke of the importance of conveying the message of Islam’s shared core values to fellow Americans.

“I think that this rally is absolutely crucial for Muslims in America to show that they share a brotherhood and the same moral principles,” he said. “At the same time, we would like to live under the rights and privileges as everyone else.”

Baydoun added that Americans should be cognizant of defending their rights as they relate to the case of Abdulmutallab.

“This event does not tell us that we need more security and legalized profiling, it only tells us that the system we have in place should have worked. I understand the concerns of the American people but on this issue the staff was the problem, not the system.”