On Immigration and Humanist Values

Immigration (hijra) in the Islamic consciousness is first and foremost an act of liberation. The Prophet Muhammad migrated from his native city, Mecca, to the city of Yathrib (later named Madina) to escape persecution and preserve his faith. So crucial was that journey to the formation of the budding religion that it marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar, which was moreover named after it (First Hegira year = 622 CE).... 

It is thus both perplexing and depressing to witness the confusion caused by President Trump’s executive orders, popularly known as the “Muslim Ban.” The disappointment stems less from the virulent rhetoric used by President Trump and his inner circle of conservative advisors, who never hid their demagogic intentions, against all immigrants. It is rather directed at the American political and intellectual classes who should be much more alert to the dangers the “Muslim Ban” represents to the core values of the American civil system and its Constitutional safeguards.

Rabbat, Nasser. "On Immigration and Humanist Values." MIT Faculty Newsletter. March & April 2017. Accessed June 15, 2017. http://web.mit.edu/fnl/volume/294/rabbat.html.