The Imam Council of Metropolitan St. Louis (ICMSTL), a council which represents the St. Louis Muslim community, expresses deep heartbreak and outrage over theTrump administration's inhumane policy of separating children from their parents. As parents, we believe that separating families is beyond cruel as well as a form of psychological torture. Ripping families apart who are trying to make a better life for themselves while pursuing the American dream is atrocious and immoral. Family is the building block of any society which is sanctified by God Almighty.
God captures the tremendous heartbreak of Joseph’s father when his two sons are ripped away from him. He turns to God and says, “’O my sorrow for Joseph!’ And his eyes became white (blind) on account of grief, and he was a repressor (of grief) …I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God what you do not know” (Quran 12:84-86). How many fathers today are in cold isolated cells with no one to listen to their sorrow except the Lord on high? How many mothers are physically sickened by grief after having their children ripped from their arms? How many frightened children cry out for their parents longing to be held?
Recently, the Trump administration has announced an Executive Order which claims to stop the policy of separating children at the border. However, this may not stop the separation of families, will not reunite the thousands of families already torn apart, and aims to lock up even more children and families. In fact, Speaker Paul Ryan and the Republican Party are working on a bill that would sanction mass immigrant family detention. The bill would dismantle the protections against jailing of children and families in mass prison camps. This is not the solution.
We call on all peoples of faith and conscience to rise and have their voices heard in the halls of Congress. Call your elected officials to vote against Speaker Ryan’s bill and demand all people be treated humanely. That separating families is cruel and unusual punishment. Let them know that we want to live in a Country that treats all people with dignity, respect, and love.