6 Imams removed from plane due to ignorant passenger

[Alonzo]

MINNEAPOLIS --Six Muslim imams were removed from a US Airways flight at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Monday and questioned by police for several hours before being released, a leader of the group said.

The six were among passengers who boarded Flight 300, bound for Phoenix, around 6:30 p.m., airport spokesman Pat Hogan said.

A passenger initially raised concerns about the group through a note passed to a flight attendant, according to Andrea Rader, a spokeswoman for US Airways. She said police were called after the captain and airport security workers asked the men to leave the plane and the men refused.

"They took us off the plane, humiliated us in a very disrespectful way," said Omar Shahin, of Phoenix.

The six Muslim scholars were returning from a conference in Minneapolis of the North American Imams Federation, said Shahin, president of the group. Five of them were from the Phoenix-Tempe area, while one was from Bakersfield, Calif., he said.

Three of them stood and said their normal evening prayers together on the plane, as 1.7 billion Muslims around the world do every day, Shahin said. He attributed any concerns by passengers or crew to ignorance about Islam.

"I never felt bad in my life like that," he said. "I never. Six imams. Six leaders in this country. Six scholars in handcuffs. It's terrible."

Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, expressed anger at the detentions.

"CAIR will be filing a complaint with relevant authorities in the morning over the treatment of the imams to determine whether the incident was caused by anti-Muslim hysteria by the passengers and/or the airline crew," Hooper said. "Because, unfortunately, this is a growing problem of singling out Muslims or people perceived to be Muslims at airports, and it's one that we've been addressing for some time."

Hooper said the meeting drew about 150 imams from all over the country, and that those attending included U.S. Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, D-Minneapolis, who just became the first Muslim elected to Congress. Shahin said they went as far as notifying police and the FBI about their meeting in advance.

Shahin expressed frustration that -- despite extensive efforts by him and other Muslim leaders since even before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- so many Americans know so little about Islam.

"If up to now they don't know about prayers, this is a real problem," he said.

Reached by cell phone just after his release, Shahin said he didn't know where they would spend the night or how they would try to get back to Phoenix on Tuesday. Hooper said US Airways refused to put the men on another flight.

Hogan said more information would likely be released Tuesday.

The other passengers on the flight, which was carrying 141 passengers and five crew members, were re-screened for boarding, Rader said. The plane took off about three hours after the men were removed from the flight.


http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/11/21/6_imams_removed_from_twin_cities_flight?mode=PF

There should be a law, that when someone makes a report such as this that the next time they're on a plane they will be pulled off right before takeoff and detained. It seems all that you have to do nowadays is just say "He's muslim and he scares me!" and you can get pretty much anyone removed.

[ECW]

I'm in favor of making the passenger who made the complaint financially responsible for any future arrangements if their complaint is found to be worthless. That will make people think twice before running off with the mouth or going hysterical because there are Muslims on the plane.

[Labrocca]

Oddly Minnesota is a very liberal state (I grew up there). I wonder if the complaining passenger was a native.

Yeah it's not cool that the 6 were detained and removed from the flight. The gap between Muslims and the vast majority of Americans is widening ever so fast.

[wonder cow]

Glenn Beck will see no problem with this.

[Labrocca]

Glenn Beck will see no problem with this.


Glenn Beck is an entertainment personality. I don't care what he thinks.

[CheesyMuslim]

Sorry bout that,

1. They are doing this to start a law suit.
2. These muslims want to sue.
3. They all conspired to do this outrageous stand up and pray all at once.
4. To alert the secret cop on board.
5, Which he came forward and took these outlaws off the plane.
6. Just a test run on another terrorist action.
7. With a law suit to cover it all up.
8. These bastards are pure evil if you were to ask me.
9. So don't ask, there's my answer.
10. I know they are up to something.

Regards,
SirJamesofTexas

[lily]

Yep, Chess......it's all a conspiracy.........that's why they phoned the police and the FBI. They were praying! I would think that would make you of all people happy.

[dgridley]

In spite of all that's happening in the middle east, I don't think many average Americans are all that well versed in religious observances other than their own, so you can definitely chalk it up to ignorance but it's inexcusable ignorance (and fear) in my opinion. Most people still equate Muslims with terrorism.

[bobbylien]

I'm in favor of making the passenger who made the complaint financially responsible for any future arrangements if their complaint is found to be worthless. That will make people think twice before running off with the mouth or going hysterical because there are Muslims on the plane.

Is that a joke? If you start doing stuff like that nobody would report people acting strange. Reponsibility lies on the trained professionals who overreacted and should have looked into that persons claims before taking them off the plane and causing this problem.

[Elrathin]

10. I know they are up to something.


Yes because they are Muslims they HAVE to be up to something. :rolleyes:

[ECW]

I'm in favor of making the passenger who made the complaint financially responsible for any future arrangements if their complaint is found to be worthless. That will make people think twice before running off with the mouth or going hysterical because there are Muslims on the plane.

Is that a joke? If you start doing stuff like that nobody would report people acting strange. Reponsibility lies on the trained professionals who overreacted and should have looked into that persons claims before taking them off the plane and causing this problem.


Why? Because Americans are more concerned about their pocketbook than their own safety?

Well, it was a ridiculous statement on my part in response to a ridiculous situation. I hope they do sue US Airways for the humiliation and for refusing to book them on a subsequent flight. No wonder we are having such problems in other parts of the world when we have such intolerant ignoramouses at home.

[wonder cow]

Glenn Beck is an entertainment personality. I don't care what he thinks.

Then they should give him a rubber nose and stick him in a circus tent, and take him off a 24 hour "news" channel.

[ECW]

I stopped watching Headline News when they went the Nancy Grace/Glenn Beck route. I miss Lynne Russell. *sniff*

[Labrocca]

Nancy Grace sucks...she is "outraged" at everything. When I look at her I think of an oompa-loompa. I think she is like 5'1" or something like that. She is practically a dwarf.

[wonder cow]

And Nancy Grace is taking a beating too, lately.

But I was hating Nancy Grace when the whole hating Nancy Grace phenomenon was in its infancy. As a matter of fact, I may be a founding farther of that movement.

[Professor]

In spite of all that's happening in the middle east, I don't think many average Americans are all that well versed in religious observances other than their own, so you can definitely chalk it up to ignorance but it's inexcusable ignorance (and fear) in my opinion.


I agree.Â*Â*So I've provided some basic information on Islam (the religion that Muslims practice.)


Muslims have five pillars of faith:


"There is no God but God; Muhammad is the Prophet of God."
Formal period of worship: before sunrise, after midday, at mid afternoon, shortly after sunset, at night.Â*Â*Muslims turn towards Mecca to pray.Â*Â*While praying in a Mosque is preferable, it can be done anywhere.
Almgiving- 2 1/2% of one's wealth to the benefit of the poor.
Fasting
Making the Pilgrimage to Mecca: if the Muslim can afford it and it physically and mentally able.



On prayer specifically:


Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one's own language.

Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.

A translation of the Call to Prayer is:

God is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)!
Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.


For more information: http://www.islamicity.com/



I'm in favor of making the passenger who made the complaint financially responsible for any future arrangements if their complaint is found to be worthless. That will make people think twice before running off with the mouth or going hysterical because there are Muslims on the plane.

Is that a joke? If you start doing stuff like that nobody would report people acting strange. Responsibility lies on the trained professionals who overreacted and should have looked into that persons claims before taking them off the plane and causing this problem.


I agree with both of you.Â*Â*People need to feel like they can report things, but they also need to be held responsible for bogus reporting.Â*Â*I hope whoever reported it is forced to witness if this becomes a lawsuit.

[Labrocca]

And Nancy Grace is taking a beating too, lately.

But I was hating Nancy Grace when the whole hating Nancy Grace phenomenon was in its infancy. As a matter of fact, I may be a founding farther of that movement.


I was hating on Nancy Grace the first time I saw her...my hatred of her has only grown.

[Waffletush]

Pattern Associated With Terrorism

There is new information on why the crew of a U.S. Airways jet called for the removal of six Muslim imams from a flight last week in Minneapolis. The Washington Times reports passengers and flight attendants said the men switched from their assigned seats to a pattern associated with the September 11th terror attacks — two in the very first row — two in the middle next to the exit and two in the rear.

The Times quotes an unidentified federal air marshal as explaining that pattern would enable a group to control the most important areas in the cabin. The imams yesterday staged a protest at Washington's Reagan Airport and have characterized their removal as an act of "Islamophobia."

As the real story unfolds, one can hear the Drums of Civil Rights Being Violated fade away.

[Alonzo]

Waffle, if they're engaging in terrorism, why did they bring a blind guy?

Second, why don't you provide a link?

[lily]

Waffle, if they're engaging in terrorism, why did they bring a blind guy?

.......and let the police and FBI know what they were doing, before hand?

[BoogyMan]

Pattern Associated With Terrorism

There is new information on why the crew of a U.S. Airways jet called for the removal of six Muslim imams from a flight last week in Minneapolis. The Washington Times reports passengers and flight attendants said the men switched from their assigned seats to a pattern associated with the September 11th terror attacks — two in the very first row — two in the middle next to the exit and two in the rear.

The Times quotes an unidentified federal air marshal as explaining that pattern would enable a group to control the most important areas in the cabin. The imams yesterday staged a protest at Washington's Reagan Airport and have characterized their removal as an act of "Islamophobia."

As the real story unfolds, one can hear the Drums of Civil Rights Being Violated fade away.


Hi Waffle, I was wondering if anyone was going to point this out.Â*Â*Thanks for the update.

The Washington Post did a story on this on the 28th.

It seems there may be more to this story than those who hastily jumped on it for political purposes might have been willing to consider.


SOURCE: Link Here (http://www.washtimes.com/national/20061128-122902-7522r.htm)

Muslim religious leaders removed from a Minneapolis flight last week exhibited behavior associated with a security probe by terrorists and were not merely engaged in prayers, according to witnesses, police reports and aviation security officials.

Witnesses said three of the imams were praying loudly in the concourse and repeatedly shouted "Allah" when passengers were called for boarding US Airways Flight 300 to Phoenix.

"I was suspicious by the way they were praying very loud," the gate agent told the Minneapolis Police Department.

Passengers and flight attendants told law-enforcement officials the imams switched from their assigned seats to a pattern associated with the September 11 terrorist attacks and also found in probes of U.S. security since the attacks -- two in the front row first-class, two in the middle of the plane on the exit aisle and two in the rear of the cabin.

"That would alarm me," said a federal air marshal who asked to remain anonymous. "They now control all of the entry and exit routes to the plane."

A pilot from another airline said: "That behavior has been identified as a terrorist probe in the airline industry."

But the imams who were escorted off the flight in handcuffs say they were merely praying before the 6:30 p.m. flight on Nov. 20, and yesterday led a protest by prayer with other religious leaders at the airline's ticket counter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Mahdi Bray, executive director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation, called removing the imams an act of Islamophobia and compared it to racism against blacks.

"It's a shame that as an African-American and a Muslim I have the double whammy of having to worry about driving while black and flying while Muslim," Mr. Bray said.

The protesters also called on Congress to pass legislation to outlaw passenger profiling.

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, Texas Democrat, said the September 11 terrorist attacks "cannot be permitted to be used to justify racial profiling, harassment and discrimination of Muslim and Arab Americans."

"Understandably, the imams felt profiled, humiliated, and discriminated against by their treatment," she said.

According to witnesses, police reports and aviation security officials, the imams displayed other suspicious behavior.

Three of the men asked for seat-belt extenders, although two flight attendants told police the men were not oversized. One flight attendant told police she "found this unsettling, as crew knew about the six [passengers] on board and where they were sitting." Rather than attach the extensions, the men placed the straps and buckles on the cabin floor, the flight attendant said.

The imams said they were not discussing politics and only spoke in English, but witnesses told law enforcement that the men spoke in Arabic and English, criticizing the war in Iraq and President Bush, and talking about al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.

The imams who claimed two first-class seats said their tickets were upgraded. The gate agent told police that when the imams asked to be upgraded, they were told no such seats were available. Nevertheless, the two men were seated in first class when removed.

A flight attendant said one of the men made two trips to the rear of the plane to talk to the imam during boarding, and again when the flight was delayed because of their behavior. Aviation officials, including air marshals and pilots, said these actions alone would not warrant a second look, but the combination is suspicious.

"That's like shouting 'fire' in a crowded theater. You just can't do that anymore," said Robert MacLean, a former air marshal.

"They should have been denied boarding and been investigated," Mr. MacLean said. "It looks like they are trying to create public sympathy or maybe setting someone up for a lawsuit."

The pilot with another airline who talked to The Washington Times on condition of anonymity, said he would have made the same call as the US Airways pilot.

"If any group of passengers is commingling in the terminal and didn't sit in their assigned seats or with each other, I would stop everything and investigate until they could provide me with a reason they did not sit in their assigned seats."

One of the passengers, Omar Shahin, told Newsweek the group did everything it could to avoid suspicion by wearing Western clothes, speaking English and booking seats so they were not together. He said they conducted prayers quietly and separately to avoid attention.

The imams had attended a conference sponsored by the North American Imam Federation in Minneapolis and were returning to Phoenix. Mr. Shahin, who is president of the federation, said on his Web site that none of the passengers made pro-Saddam or anti-American statements.

The pilot said the airlines are not "secretly prejudiced against any nationality, religion or culture," and that the only target of profiling is passenger behavior.

"There are certain behaviors that raise the bar, and not sitting in your assigned seat raises the bar substantially," the pilot said. "Especially since we know that this behavior has been evident in suspicious probes in the past."

"Someone at US Airways made a notably good decision," said a second pilot, who also does not work for US Airways.

A spokeswoman for US Airways declined to discuss the incident. Aviation security officials said thousands of Muslims fly every day and conduct prayers in airports in a quiet and private manner without creating incidents.

[Alonzo]

One of the passengers, Omar Shahin, told Newsweek the group did everything it could to avoid suspicion by wearing Western clothes, speaking English and booking seats so they were not together. He said they conducted prayers quietly and separately to avoid attention.


That makes more sense, and looking at the actions through paranoid eyes could result in what people claim. Besides, common sense indicates that a large group of muslims would be more suspicious. Sounds like the attempts to avoid an issue backfired.

6 imams, one of which is blind, all of which alerted the FBI, and then behaving in a way that shows they're muslim (would be interesting to know how they dressed), doesn't seem like intelligent terrorist, or even stupid terrorist, behavior.

[lily]

Probably not important..........but here is a copy of the note.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/11/22/us/22muslim_lg.jpg