Statement on Chicago Mural Postponing

I am writing from New York having spent 4 days in Chicago for first part of the USA Tour. We are about to embark on the mural and seminars in the New York and hoping the weather will not hinder us too much, as there are severe storms going on. As many have probably heard, the Chicago mural was stopped in its first day. You probably have read various blog postings from people who were present on the day, including my blog. I have entrusted one of the participants on the day to manage the blog to report back to everyone on the progress of the murals and seminars. So where you see certain postings by myself – it doesnt necessarily mean I wrote that! (I will try to check everything and ok anything that goes up from now on!)

I make this clarification, because when I came online today I was rather surprised at the discussion of this Chicago mural on the net and a lot of people who are supporting us in this. There is supposed to be a feature in the Chicago Tribune today on this, but more so covering the work that I do. As to how much they focus on the unfortunate postponing of the mural – I do not know, as I have to get hold of a copy.

Firstly I would like to thank everyone for their support so far. This incident truly saddened me, and I have had to leave the mural only 10% done. But I have written, “to be continued….” next to it.. so I have no intention on abandoning the wall. In fact what has happened and the support from ICNA, and the islamic artists group, as well as many others, has motivated me more so in continuing the work that I do, in using Art as a means to connect communities and encourage dialogue and understanding.

However i must add, at this point, i’m not so sure what the best move is, as I think there certainly has been a lot of injustice, but also a lot of misunderstanding.

The fact is, the letters of the world Saalam/Peace, (Seen, Laam, Alif, and Meem) it seems was interpreted as depicting the toppling twin towers, when in fact it was an innocent Laam and Alif at an angle! The ones responsible for the complaint, saw this as a negative thing, and did not see that this mural was promoting peace and unity, alongside the chicago skyline, which would also feature a mosque and a church.

This is clear bigotry and hence a complaint was made regarding a “permit” that would be required for such a mural to be painted. We are still investigating whether this is really the case, as this was a private building. Anyway, Alderman Stone, reacted by personally visiting the site and stopping us due to the “lack of a permit”.

There are a number of representatives from ICNA who are negotiating and discussing with the relevant departments in resolving this issue quickly and smoothy, without any issues, or any further fitnah(arabic for trials and tribulations) caused.

I am quite confident that we will granted permission (thats if we actually do need a permit for painting a privately owned wall!). Either way, I am sure it will be resolved and I ask any of you from refraining from any judgements until further clarifications are made. Yes, this is a sad incident and I am truly disgusted by the bigotry here, but lets use a bit of Hikmah(arabic for wisdom) and not be hasty in dealing with this situation. I shall post more info on this matter soon,

Right now, i must go and check the wall location in the Bronx and see if the weather permits me to paint.

Thanks for your time in reading this. I do hope and pray the rest of our tour is a success and opens up peoples eyes. Ameen.

Mohammed Ali (Yes, this is actually me posting this!)

My USA Cell phone while i am here: 773 344 5187

~ by Mohammed Ali on April 16, 2007.