SPECIAL EID GREETING FROM MAHER ARAR TO CANADIAN MUSLIMS
Monday, November 24th 2003
As-salaamu Alaykum,
My dear brothers and sisters:
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you happy Eid and I ask Allah (SWT)
to accept from you your fasting and your good deeds. Also, I would like to thank
those of you who have helped me get back home.
You are all aware of the terrible ordeal that I went through this past year.
What happened to me could have happened to any other Muslim. I thank Allah (SWT)
for choosing me for this test because it is now that Muslims in North America
are beginning to realize how important it is to stand up for their rights.
When I was detained in New York, I was in a very terrible emotional and mental
state. Three days later the mercy of Allah (SWT) came upon me and I had an
incredibly strong feeling that Allah (SWT) will save me from this and that I
will be able to tell my story to the world. Alhamdullilah, with the help of
organizations like CAIR-CAN and others, I have conducted media interviews and
exposed the wrongdoing of our security agencies. I have also had meetings with
MPs and politicians, and I can tell you they were all outraged about what
happened to me. They have promised to support my call for a public inquiry.
I would like to take this opportunity and share with you some advice that I have
regarding our future in this wonderful country:
1. Be aware that as a Canadian citizen you enjoy the same rights as any other
Canadian. Don't feel you are a second class citizen because you are a Muslim.
2. I urge all of you to speak out and complain to organizations like CAIR-CAN
when you are harassed and intimated by RCMP and/or CSIS. Know that you have the
right to a lawyer when RCMP and/or CSIS requests to talk to you. If you are
approached by the RCMP and/or CSIS make sure that you consult a lawyer
experienced in security matters immediately. Remember as a Canadian citizen you
are not under any obligation to speak to the RCMP and/or CSIS. You have the
right to remain silent. Exercise your rights as a Canadian.
3. Support Muslim organizations that defend and protect the rights of Muslims.
These establishments are as important as Islamic schools and mosques.
4. Read, voice your opinion and be aware of what is going on around you.
5. Put your differences aside when it comes to supporting Muslim causes.
Finally, I urge all of you to write letters to the incoming Prime Minister Paul
Martin and ask him to conduct a full public inquiry into my case. You can also
contact your MPs and show them that you are concerned and that you want a public
inquiry.
I ask Allah (SWT) to allow us to reach next Ramadan in good health and well
being.
Wassalaamu Alaykum,
Your Brother, Maher Arar