A Texas imam sided with Republican presidential front runner Donald Trump after his controversial call to temporarily stop admitting Muslim immigrants into America.
“I certainly see it to be wise (to) stop temporarily accepting any new Muslim immigrants (refugees and non-refugees) into the United States,” Nidal Alsayyed, who leads the Islamic Center of Triplex in Beaumont, Texas, tells 12 News Now.
Alsayyed justified his argument by saying it “is based on the fact that we can hardly distinguish who is Muslim and who is not. Islam is not about an ID card or last name or shouting ‘Allahu Akbar.'”
“When it comes to peace and safety,” a ban would be acceptable, according to Alsayyed.
“We American Muslims need to be sincere in our religion and to the country we are living in. Peace comes before religion. We need to be truthful and transparent when we express a viewpoint or feedback. It does not matter whether Trump said it or anyone else,” the imam said.
Alsayyed’s statements come as Trump said Monday that there should be a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.”
The Republican front runner said, “our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life.”
Trump may have the support of the Texas imam, but he’s being attacked by his fellow Republicans.
Jeb Bush called Trump “unhinged,” and said his idea was not “serious.”
Donald Trump is unhinged. His "policy" proposals are not serious.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 7, 2015
Fellow single-digiter Lindsey Graham said “downright dangerous.” In an interview with CNN, Graham said the Republican Party should tell Trump to “go to hell.”
.@Realdonaldtrump has gone from making absurd comments to being downright dangerous with his bombastic rhetoric.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 7, 2015
Alsayyed urged Trump “not to agitate and differentiate Muslim versus non-Muslim refugees. Terror acts are usually plotted and managed by individuals who are residing, living, and knowing their way around, not refugees that are mostly children.”
Watch the news story here:
Western Journalism notes Alsayyed expounded on his appearance, writing on Facebook, “I only said what I believe is right. Trump is not against American Muslims; He is against any new Muslim immigrants (refugees and non-refugees)! There is a big difference here!” he wrote.
“I believe there is a great confusion and lack of understating nationally and among Muslim themselves for what Mr. Trump is calling for. Refugees in general have no clear identity or belief. They are seeking shelter and opportunity; but America cannot take this risk NOW!” he said.
“My advice to Trump to stop differentiating among Christian vs. Muslim refugees; only because he may get surprised to see all refugees claiming to be Christians!” he wrote.
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