Muslims gather to pray and discuss racial injustice at Government Center

The Islamic Center of Charlotte held a prayer service in front of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center on Friday to discuss racial injustice after the killings of Black Americans that have sparked protests across the country.

The Friday prayer, called Jumuah, is held every week in the Muslim faith, and Islamic Center of Charlotte spokesperson Jibril Hough said this week’s Jumuah was held at the Government Center as a “public statement” of the Muslim community’s stance on racial issues.

“Hopefully, the message will get out, so our friends, our neighbors (and) our fellow Americans can know where we stand when it comes to Black Lives Matter,” Hough said.

About 75 people, from infants to older adults, heard the message delivered by guest speaker Imam Abdul Malik. His sermon, titled “Justice On Demand,” focused on the Muslim community’s role in fighting racism in America.

“Muslims in America, our silence is almost like betrayal,” Abdul Malik said.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden spoke to the group before and after the service. He opened the event by telling attendees that he is willing to listen to anyone who wished to speak to him.

McFadden also mentioned Monday night’s announcement that the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office will no longer be using tear gas during protests or other law enforcement encounters.

“I’m your sheriff,” McFadden said. “I listen to you.”

McFadden said his motives were not political and that he “can’t be a politician,” but urged attendees to hold their politicians accountable.

Abdul Malik didn’t shy away from politics in his hour-long message, however, which encouraged the Muslim community to be vocal in the fight against racism.

“If you don’t want to talk politics, you should have never had Jumuah in front of the government center,” Abdul Malik said.

After denouncing the officer who killed George Floyd by pinning his neck to the ground in Minneapolis, Abdul Malik stood at the front of the group with three young boys and said they should not be brought up in fear.

“They need to know who they are – that they are creatures of creation empowered by Allah,” Abdul Malik said.

Hough, the public prayer’s organizer, said the Islamic Center may hold more public events in the future. For now, he said it was important for the Muslim community’s response to the social movement to be “on the record.”

“If we don’t take advantage of this moment, the next time may be too late,” Hough said.

This story was originally published June 12, 2020 at 7:12 PM.