Communications Intern, Noor Salahuddin discusses the Republican presidential candidates’ political positions.

The idea that is being propagated by some conservative political leaders and media outlets is that Sharia is an imminent threat to American society. This is simply not true, and the recent legislative push to ban Sharia from th U.S. is not only a waste of time and taxpayer money, it’s a fear-mongering movement that only creates divisions between Americans based on ideology.

CAIR-Chicago has been a member organization of ICIRR since 2005, is widely respected for its work on civil rights, and is unequivocal in its condemnation of anti-Semitism and terrorist violence. The Illinois Republican Party statement preys upon anti-Muslim fears at a time when we are all grieving over the recent tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas.

“The Illinois GOP’s attack strategy seems to try to deflect mounting criticism from voters by smearing those who hold it accountable for its lack of spine. Additionally, the timing of this fishing expedition seeks to stoke anti-Muslim hysteria on the heels of the tragic shootings at Fort Hood,” said CAIR-Chicago in a statement.

Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR’s Chicago chapter, called the attacks “utter garbage,” “dirty politics” and part of a “coordinated misinformation campaign” by a GOP leadership “lacking in guts.”