In various statements, US Muslim Brotherhood organizations have welcomed the departure of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. A statement from the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:
We welcome the departure of President Mubarak as a first step toward freedom in Egypt. We urge our own government and the international community to now support a swift transition to a civilian administration that operates in an open and transparent manner and is representative of all segments of Egypt’s diverse society. “The struggle for freedom that began in Tunisia and spread throughout the region should be an example to all oppressed people and should help re-focus American policies in the Middle East and the Muslim world on positively engaging civil societies to promote democracy. “We call on all those whose courageous actions in recent weeks brought about such historic changes to maintain peaceful pressure until all vestiges of past political repression and the denial of human rights are removed. “Only through a clean break from dictatorship will the Egyptian people be able to begin the process of building a free and prosperous society in which minority rights are protected and the rule of law is maintained. “Once again, people in the Muslim world are defying the myths and stereotypes about Islam, democracy and the peaceful expression of a universal desire for freedom and justice.” Awad said CAIR also welcomed President Obama’s statements in support of a “genuine transition” to democracy in Egypt. “President Obama demonstrated that he is on the right side of history by supporting the will of the Egyptian people,” said Awad.
According to a statement by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA):
From all of us at the Islamic Society of North America, congratulations to the people of Egypt, who have finally won the freedom they have been denied for too long and now have the prospect of democracy in their grasp. This is a great lesson in the power of non-violent protests and how far a people are willing to push for freedom and democracy for all. For three weeks the world has watched with awe, amazement, and respect as the Egyptian people conducted a masterful lesson in courage and civic responsibility. President Obama articulated it clearly yesterday when he stated,…We sincerely hope the stance President Obama took, in support of genuine democracy in Egypt over perceived stability through support of a repressive dictator, will become the new model by which America involves itself in the struggle for democracy and freedom everywhere in the future. The world is ever connected and we hope this lesson will now give rise to the firm notion that support of freedom and democracy in the Middle East is the only way for all of us to move forward in that region of the world. This peaceful over-turn of power from the hands of a dictator to the arms of the people also lays to rest, once and for all, the myth that Arabs and Muslims do not long for democracy, justice, peace, and freedom and that the only way they know to express themselves is through violence. We call on all the people of Egypt, Muslims, Christians, and every other Egyptian, to rebuild their beloved Egypt on a new foundation of democracy, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion for all. Once again, congratulations to the people of Egypt, for you are now free to build your nation. Islamic Society of North America,
The national office of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) said:
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) National welcomes he resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a “first step toward freedom.” InshAllah we hope to see a transition to a transparent, and justice government. “Truly, God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (13:11)
The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) statement said:
JAMAICA, New York (February 11, 2011) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) congratulates the Egyptian people on the departure of President Hosni Mubarak, who resigned today after 18 days of protest against his oppressive regime. The Egyptian military has assumed rule and will aid in establishing a civilian government. President Barack Obama said today “above all, this transition must bring all of Egypt’s voices to the table.” He also appealed to the Egyptian military to serve the Egyptian people by “protecting the rights of Egypt’s citizens, lifting the emergency law, revising the constitution and other laws to make this change irreversible, and laying out a clear path to elections that are fair and free.” Unwavering support is crucial in establishing a civilian government that will uphold the law and protect the rights of Egyptian citizens. ICNA appeals to the Obama administration as well as the United Nations to assist in a smooth, peaceful and immediate transition to an all-inclusive democratic state that will represent all parties in Egypt. Egypt shines as a beacon of hope for those who oppose authoritarian rule; its historic revolution testifies to the fact that freedom cannot be shackled, as God does not reject the prayer of the oppressed. ICNA extends its deepest condolences to the families of those martyred in this cause; may God grant them the highest in Paradise. We pray that they are not forgotten, and their lives not taken in vain. We encourage protesters to peacefully endure in their plight against oppression of any form. ICNA’s partner organization Helping Hand has arranged for a local humanitarian organization to bring food and medicine to those affected by the volatile situation in Egypt. Please donate generously to the Egypt Relief Fund at www.hhrd.com/donate.
According to a Hudson Institute report, CAIR, ISNA, and the MSA are parts of the US Muslim Brotherhood. The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is a less well-known part of the Muslim Brotherhood network in the U.S., generally thought to be closely tied to the Jamaat-e-Islami organization of Southeast Asia, itself known to be allied with the Muslim Brotherhood.