The American Islamic Forum for Democracy

The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) is a Muslim-led organization founded in 2003 by Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, primarily aimed at promoting the separation of mosque and state and advocating for universal human rights within the Muslim community.

Mission and Activities

AIFD's primary mission is to advocate for the preservation of the founding principles of the United States Constitution, emphasizing liberty and freedom through the separation of mosque and state. The organization is known for confronting the ideology of political Islam and promoting universal human rights such as gender equality, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech. AIFD is involved in several projects, including the Muslim Liberty Project, which focuses on empowering American Muslim youth to reconcile their American and Muslim identities while promoting universal human rights. Additionally, AIFD is part of the Muslim Reform Movement, a global coalition dedicated to combating Islamism and promoting secular governance .

Stance on Islam and Islamic Countries

AIFD seeks to distinguish between Islam as a faith and political Islam (Islamism), emphasizing that the former should not be inextricably linked to the latterThe organization supports economic principles of free markets and capitalism, aligning them with Islamic values. However, AIFD's stance has been criticized by some as aligning with radical-right political agendas and Islamophobia networks.

Perspective on Iran

While AIFD does not specifically focus on Iran in its mission, its broader stance against political Islam and its support for secular governance could imply opposition to states like Iran's, which combines religious and political authority. However, specific statements or initiatives directly addressing Iran are not prominently featured in available literature about AIFD.

==Criticisms and Controversies The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) has faced significant criticism and controversy regarding its work and objectives. Here are some of the critiques:

1. Critique of Anti-Muslim Activities: AIFD has been labeled as an anti-Muslim lobby group by some critics. It has been accused of undermining the genuine fears of the American Muslim community by supporting aggressive counter-terrorism policies and defending surveillance programs targeting Muslims. AIFD's involvement with groups like the Coalition to Stop Shariah, which includes known anti-Muslim organizations, further fuels these criticisms .

2. Alignment with Radical-Right Agendas: Critics argue that AIFD aligns with radical-right political ideologies, often targeting mainstream Muslim organizations and labeling them as fronts for Islamist agendas. This alignment is seen as part of a broader Islamophobia network, with AIFD's founder, Dr. Jasser, being described as a "Muslim validator" for these groups .

3. Lack of Support and Credibility: AIFD is noted to have limited support beyond right-wing publications and lacks credibility within the broader Muslim community. Its membership has historically been very small, with only a few members, including its founder.

4. Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation: AIFD has been involved in promoting conspiracy theories, such as the notion of "cultural Jihad" aimed at infiltrating American society, as seen in the film The Third Jihad. This kind of rhetoric is criticized for spreading misinformation and fear about Islam and Muslims.

5. Political Objectives: Some critics view AIFD's work as serving political objectives that are not aligned with the interests of the Muslim community. For instance, AIFD's support for laws like the Oklahoma anti-Sharia law, which was later ruled unconstitutional, has been seen as part of a broader effort to vilify Islam.

Overall, these critiques suggest that AIFD's work is perceived by many as divisive and aligned with agendas that are hostile to mainstream Muslim organizations and communities.

Conclusion

The American Islamic Forum for Democracy plays a unique role in advocating for the separation of mosque and state and promoting universal human rights within the Muslim community. While its stance on Islam and political Islam is clear, its specific views on Iran are less defined. Criticisms surrounding its political alignments and accusations of Islamophobia highlight the complexities and challenges faced by organizations navigating these issues. References