US: Group of imams endorse Kamala Harris, cites commitment to peace, justice
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 22, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
A group of 25 imams, including Imam Mikail Stewart Saadiq of Detroit, have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, citing her commitment to a ceasefire, an independent Palestine, and stabilizing democracy.
The endorsement comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its impact on the Muslim-American community.
In an interview with the Michigan Advance, Imam Saadiq emphasized that their stance aligns with Islamic teachings, which promote finding a middle ground to minimize harm.
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He acknowledged that other faith leaders may hold differing opinions, referencing a separate letter encouraging third-party votes.
The imams’ letter stresses the importance of electing leaders who prioritize their community’s well-being and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict.
By endorsing Harris, they aim to mobilize Muslim-American voters and promote a leader who shares their values.
“We felt that this needed to be said and published widely because this is more consistent with our faith,” said Saadiq in an interview this week with the Michigan Advance. “Of course, other faith leaders, they have their opinions. There was another letter that went out that was encouraging people to vote third party. But according to our opinion, and we cite our religious references in the letter, Islam promotes the middle course, to do your best to minimize harm or relieve harm.”
Michigan has the highest share of Arab Americans and one of the highest shares of Muslims in the nation.
On the raging conflict in Gaza, he said ““We cannot tolerate [Israel] committing what it has all of the signs of a genocide to wipe the people of Gaza off their land,” he said. “Over 40,000 dead now, and disease is setting in, no water resources. We cannot tolerate that. If we’re really the flag-bearers of democracy and equality and unalienable rights, then we have to really stand for that.”
