Questions of faith

Re “FBI losing trust of some Muslims,” April 20

I was surprised by the statement by Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations for Greater Los Angeles, that “our mosques are off-limits ... our Koran is off-limits.”

If Islam is a universal religion, why would a Muslim spokesperson declare their mosques and their sacred book off-limits? On the other hand, if Islam is a political force, intending to subject us all to harsh Sharia law, then it is understandable that Muslims would want to keep their meetings closed and their handbook for accomplishing their objectives out of the hands of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

If Shakeel Syed, head of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, urges his audience to not take the surveillance of mosques lying down and to fight, then exactly whose side will Muslims be fighting on -- the side of law enforcement and preservation of our freedoms, or the other side?

Chris Chrisman

Los Angeles

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The American Muslim community has felt betrayed by the FBI because of its lack of transparency and treatment of all Muslims as suspects. In sending informants into places of worship and disrupting the sanctity of places that are designated for prayer and community gatherings, the FBI has undermined core American values.

Although American Muslims are deeply disappointed by the actions of the FBI, they remain a strong force in protecting our homeland from threats.

Diana Doss

Pomona