The question has arisen in the comments of this blog regarding how Virginia Muslims reconcile their devotion to Sharia law with the American constitution. Qasim Rashid, a University of Richmond law school graduate, expounded on this theme in an Independence Day celebration at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. According to the Henrico Citizen, about 10,000 citizens were in attendance. With all due recognition that Muslim views are diverse, Rashid undoubtedly reflects the views of many. Here follow some quotes from the Henrico Citizen article. — JAB

“The command of the Quran and the promise of America meet on the very same ground that every human being carries a dignity that is divine in origin and absolute important,” said Qasim Rashid in his address on Saturday. “There is no peace without justice and there is no justice without that dignity. And here is the remarkable thing, America’s all highest institutions already recognize this unity between the Islamic and the American view of justice. This is not my interpretation; this is historical affirmation.” …

Rashid emphasized the common ground between Islamic teachings and America’s highest ideals, saying: “The command of the Quran and the promise of America meet on the very same ground: that every human being carries a dignity that is divine in origin and absolute in worth.”

He also spoke plainly about current important issues and challenges facing Muslims in the U.S.

“Now despite these affirmations literally carved in stone, there are people in this country working with cruelty to convince you of the opposite. A dozen or so state legislatures have passed the so-called ‘Anti Sharia laws’ built on the false premise that Islamic teaching and American law are somehow enemies, but the Quran and the Constitution turn out to be reflections,” said Rashid in his address connecting America’s Founding Fathers’ writings, specifically Thomas Jefferson’s defense of religious liberty.

“When someone tells you Islam has no place in America, you may tell them respectfully that the father of the First Amendment already disagreed – in Richmond, Virginia no less.”