DEARBORN — Police urged Arab and Muslim Americans to ignore the anti-Muslim protest that is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, in front of the Islamic Center of America.

Dubbed “Global Rally for Humanity: Dearborn, Michigan”, the anti-Muslim demonstration is a part of a national effort to gather with weapons in front of 22 mosques throughout the country to denounce Islam and Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam. The ICA cancelled the first day of Arabic school and its weekly brunch because of safety concerns about the demonstration. 

Community members have called for counter-protests, but police are saying it is best to avoid the anti-Muslim demonstrators.

Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad advised community members to savor the last warm days of the year away from the protesters, adding that officers are well prepared to handle the situation.

“Saturday is a nice weekend day; enjoy it,” he said. “Just keep away from any protests.”

Haddad added that Dearborn has contacted state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.

In addition to asking the community to avoid protesters, the chief also asked residents to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior.

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations in Michigan (CAIR-MI), also advised against counter-protests.

“There are a number of community projects that are going on that weekend.” he said. “The Take on Hate Campaign has advertised for some of those. They include the Islamic Relief Annual Day of Dignity. I advise the community not to engage the protesters and be involved with something productive that day.”

As a part of the Day of Dignity, volunteers will congregate at the Muslim Community Center and Mosque in Detroit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to gather and distribute food and donations to people in need. The center is located at 1605 W. Davison.

He said the protesters are “agitators” who are looking to provoke local Muslims.

“Stay far away from them,” Walid said. “Handing them roses or telling them that Muslims believe in Jesus is not an appropriate nor safe way to counter their bigotry. Leave them alone.”  

The Take on Hate campaign urged the community to stand up to “negativity” with public service.

“We encourage you this weekend to stand with us in serving the community, supporting our youth’s dreams of being leaders, discussing how to combat hate-filled movements and helping to make our neighborhoods beautiful,” Take on Hate said in a statement.

The campaign is partnering with several interfaith and civil rights organizations to promote volunteering on Oct. 10.

For a full list of the community service events, go to: bit.ly/1FVpI0W

Protesters denounced

Local and national religious and civil rights organizations denounced the anti-Muslim protesters.

Dearborn’s Littlefield Presbyterian Church said it prays that the anti-Muslim protesters hatred and fear is eliminated after meeting “some of our kind, gentle Muslim neighbors.”

“Prayers for the safety and peace for the residents of Dearborn and all who might visit us this Saturday,” the church posted on its Facebook page.

The Jewish Voices for Peace condemned anti-Muslim  demonstrators.

“We urge fellow Jews and all concerned people to reach out, in their local communities, in solidarity with Muslim institutions and individuals,” the group said in a statement. “We are heartened to see different communities condemning these horrific rallies and we hope others will also join us in the longer-term work of challenging other ways that Islamophobia manifests itself in our communities.”

The national office of CAIR put the protests within the contexts of increased anti-Muslim remarks by politicians and media personalities, urging mosque-goers to be cautious. 

“Many of these planned rallies may not take place or they may consist of only a handful of people shouting slurs at worshipers,” CAIR’s statement read. “But given the recent endorsement of Islamophobia by national public figures, it would only be prudent for mosque and community leaders to prepare for any eventuality.”