Ground Zero Mosque Imam: US Rights Mirror Islam

The imam spearheading plans for an Islamic center near the New York site of the Sept. 11 attacks says America's sweeping constitutional rights are more in line with Islamic principles than the limits imposed by some Muslim nations.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told the Al Wasat newspaper in Bahrain that the freedoms enshrined by the U.S. Constitution also reflect true Muslim values.

A portion of the interview - to be published Monday - was seen Sunday by The Associated Press.

Rauf is on a Middle East tour funded by the U.S. State Department.

He has discussed efforts to combat extremism, but has avoided any comments on the rancor over proposals for the mosque and Islamic center near the site of the toppled World Trade Center towers.

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Meanwhile on Sunday, hundreds of people on both sides of the controversy rallied near the site to make their feelings known.

A crowd of demonstrators against the project stood behind police barricades three blocks from the World Trade Center site and around the corner from where the mosque and cultural center would be.

Brooklyn plumber Steve Ayling says the people who want to build the project are the same ones who "took down the twin towers."

Nearby, several hundred people who support the mosque chanted "Muslims are welcome here. We say no to racist fear."

The Sunday rallies coincided with an annual motorcycle ride by a group that raises money for Sept. 11 first responders.

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[FP1970]

I didn't know that the U.S. constitution calls for all non-Muslims to live as 2nd class citizens or "dhimmis" and allows for polygamy and amputation for various crimes, stoning for others...it's all a rich tapestry!

[MalloryDavis]

It's so weird to read these posts. I know you screamers for ISlam tolerance is not quite as loud as your scream for Christian censorship. I am not a Christan lover...but you wouldn't defend a Christian. Actually, ya-islam-lovers kind a make me wanna puke.

[endurorob_5]

The fact is these people have a legal right to build this community center/slash Mosque here. Anyone who says they do not is trying to deny their constitutional rights. Is it a good idea for them to build a Mosque here? probably not. It is bad public relations for Muslims to buid a Mosque so close to ground zero. It is unfortunate that so many have fallen for idea that all muslims are terrorists or terrorist supporters. It is also unfortunate that this group of Muslims are ignoring the sensetivities of the families of the victims and the people who live through 9/11. However, it is their legal right. Just because someone is offended you do not deny someone else their constitutional rights.

[cmdegolier]

These people don't have consitutional rights islam is NOT a religion and yes muslims are terrorist they kill people on a daily basis, it is not just a small group but the entire religion. Answer me this would you want your daughter (if you have/had one) to be forced marry some perverted old man at the age of eight? That is islam forced marriages rapes of children stoning of women amputations enslavement forced conversions muslims don't care about American or any one who is not muslim are you really that stupid. Look around the world and you will see the acts committed in the name of islam and then tell me these people are peaceful and islam is a religion

[chattyone09]

There is a zoing issue involved in this case which means the build is up for public hearing and debate. All cites have this practice and many land owners are ultimately denied the right to build "anything" on their property. Conversely, many get the zoning changes they request, even when surrounding neighbors protest. Therefore it is not their "legal" right to build the mosque, at least in the form presented.

[pragmatist1]

This guy will say anything to make the uninformed actually believe that Islam is akin to democracy and our freedoms here. This man's system is one of oppression, barbarism, ignorance, destruction, discrimination, etc. It won't tolerate anyone that isn't of the same system.

[pragmatist1]

This link clearly establishes what this individual is trying to do to our nation as a larger part of Islamic intent to inculcate every aspect of our existence. It began on September 11th and this man is its largest promoter followed by the president, his administration, his media and the left.

Read more at http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/individualProfile.asp?indid=2462

[crprollsdwnhll]

These f@*&^&&^ will say anything to get their mosque.You would figure if this was such an issue with the American people,and they are trying to show the us that they have such a "peaceful" and "respectful"religion,they would understand the scar that was left by the attacks and move the mosque elsewhere.JMO

[harrisonAR]

Are there christian churches in Saudi Arabia? I didn't think so.

[cgirltruck]

That is because Saudi Arabia was not founded on religious tolerance. And no where does it say they have to be tolerant. However our country was founded on religious tolerance. We are a free country and whoever is the owner of the land in question is free to sell it to whomever they wish to include an organization that wishes to build a mosque and islamic center. Please, don't get me wrong, I do not agree with this propose center however we as American's can not become as intolerant and the Islamic religion is nor as fanatical as some of those who practice said religion.

[billydd55]

To me if this person had any respect for the US he would have said that Islam values mirror the US and not the other way around. It seems all the rhetoric says that Islam is first and the US is second. It could be considered splitting hairs althought how a person says something tells alot of how they see things. I am currious Why Islam is not historically mentioned in the developement of the US and now they want the US to play second fiddle to them. I guess US politicians have split hairs and told half truths so long they think it is ok with everyone.

[propitiation]

Imam Spearheading Plans for Islamic Center Near Site of 9/11 Attacks Says U.S. Constitution Is in Line with Muslim Values

CBS is 2 for 2 tonight. When the LEFTIST MEDIA starts it out with BS I won't read anymore of the article.

[notparicular]

Thank you Imam for explaining that rights in the US Constitution and Islamic principles are the same. I learned it otherwise, wrongly perhaps. Mohamed had two sets of teachings. One, the message of love from Mecca, the ones he used in his initial lonely days. The other, the final message, of hate and rage and plunder, the one he used when he got into power in Medina. Which of these two represents US Constitution?