Muslim Americans Express Concern over United Arab Emirants Labeling U.S. Islamic Groups as Terrorist

Last week, the United Arab Emirates included two U.S.-based Islamic groups on a list of more than 80 terrorist movements worldwide. The U.A.E. named the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Washington-based group known as CAIR, as well as the Muslim American Society, in a list that also included al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

U.S. Government officials quickly responded to the claims by issuing a statement saying the government does not believe the groups are terrorist organizations.

The Muslim American Society, which describes itself as a religious community service organization that serves people in the U.S., said it would seek U.S. government help “to address this issue.” CAIR said it was seeking an explanation from U.A.E. authorities “about this shocking and bizarre report.”

“There is absolutely no factual basis for the inclusion of CAIR and other American and European civil rights and advocacy groups on this list,” the group said in their official statement.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), who was not included on the list, expressed "extreme concern" with the United Arab Emirates’ decision to include the two Muslim American organizations on their terrorism designation list.

"The list compares the two institutions to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram. These American Muslim institutions work on various advocacy, civil rights, education and community empowerment programs and are supported by various American Muslim communities", said MPAC in a released statement.

MPAC also sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry requesting a response and clarification to ensure that the inclusion of these American Muslim groups on this list will in no way negatively impact government policies toward Muslims Americans and the manner in which the government engages with American Muslim communities and individuals.

"Foreign governments should in no way impact how the U.S. government deals with legally-established domestic institutions functioning within the United States", stated MPAC. "American Muslims or their institutions should not be used as tools by foreign governments in their geopolitical goals and policies."

CAIR officials expressed thanks for the overwhelming support they have received since the list was released.

"Other than the anticipated right-wing attacks, mainstream and social media have been deeply supportive of MAS and CAIR, as have the many organizations and institutions we work with." said Roula Allouch, CAIR National Board Chair.

"Groups like the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) issued their own rejections of the UAE's action. We are incredibly appreciative of the outpouring of support we have received."

U.S. Goverment officials said they are actively pursuing clarification on why the two groups were included on the U.A.E.'s terror list.