Regarding Articles I Wrote About
    A Specific Individual in the Muslim Community
 

Assalamu-aleykum,

Sometime last year, I posted various articles in which I mentioned a specific individual in the Muslim community. I have never done such a thing before except for Tarek Fatah and a couple of others (people who no one has an issue with when they get countered in the same manner -- for good reasons). That being said, the individual is not at all like Fatah. Based from the advice I have been given by various individuals within the community (a lot of trusted colleagues included), he is a very well liked man for a reason. I only did what I did because I believe if there is something said in public that is wrong (beyond one, two or three occasions in the mainstream media), no matter who said it, and is causing tremendous harm to others, it is the duty of any human being to also counter publically, to dissect arguments put forth in public to the best of one's ability. Of course, that is judged on a case by case basis, and it is a decision that every individual has to make when they are moved to react against disconcerting media reports they are bombarded with. I also refuse to acknowledge any claimed merit that comes with working with a particular government agency (one that I have named elsewhere) before the problems with them are addressed. An agency that has a long, well-documented, rap sheet of illegal acts and outright human rights violations, domestically and on foreign lands. An organization that aims to sow the seed of distrust within vulnerable communities, not just Muslims. I refuse to give credence to the argument that the problem is not systematic. On these points nothing has changed. At the end of the day, I did what I can and I did what I felt I had to do. For that I have to face the consequences of my actions which I have made my peace with. This article explains the problem best in the American context (read here).

I have no idea who actually came across my thoughts on the matter, but if you did, this is to ensure that you hold me accountable for the things that I have said. Some people will agree and there are those who would not. That is completely fine. We don't need to agree on everything. We have venues within our community where we could speak about these matters. Or, if we choose to, to make the public arena our first choice. While I continue to insist on my personal duty to speak out under circumstances I already explained earlier, I will be taking down the articles (or editing out the name/organization) I have written because I do not want to place any unnecessary and additional burden on anyone.

Allah (swt) knows best.

If I missed an article to take down or edit, please inform me at: criticalmood@gmail.com.

Regards,
GG