Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah and Muhammed Chaudhry: Irrational fear of Shariah feeds anti-Muslim prejudice

Silicon Valley is renowned for innovation in software, social media and biotechnology — all reasons why countless flock here to work and raise their families. But the Valley of Heart’s Delight also boasts the best of pluralism, multiculturalism and interreligious cooperation, which is fertile ground for a serious discussion about the latest national debate: What is Shariah, and can it peacefully exist within America’s legal system?
Critics increasingly question religious freedom rights for American Muslims. Many call Islam and America “wholly incompatible.” While few understand what exactly they are banning, more than 20 states have discussed or passed anti-Shariah legislation. Some politicians are demanding that Muslims serving in the military be discharged, baselessly alleging that Shariah commands that “Muslims kill Americans.” When influential politicians such as Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain demand that American Muslims take a loyalty oath or “repudiate Shariah” to receive equal rights, no one wins.
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