Here's something we all know: Islamophobia is on the rise.

Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry have been established itself into our political process. Right here in Tampa, Muslims for Democracy and Fairness (MDF) is focused on combating Islamophobia and all other forms of bigotry. MDF is aimed on institutionalizing Muslim political power right here in Tampa and working with candidates and politicians to be proactive in fighting Islamophobia and all other kinds of hate. We are stronger when we are united!

Right here in Tampa, we have watched TWO Muslim candidates face islamophobia in their respective races, 2016 and 2017. In 2016, when Wael Odeh ran for Temple City Council and just before his election, anonymous hate mailers ​were delivered to thousand of voters making disturbing ill-founded statements against Mr. Odeh's Muslim and Palestinian ethnic background. In 2017, When Ahmad Saadaldin ran for FL House of Representatives, many of his supporters when texting voters would face text messages that exude hateful sentiments from some voters because of Mr. Saadaldin's Islamic faith. 

And, We all have personally face Islamophobia because our sheer existence. Many of us have seen candidates and politicians from practically every government position, from our current president and others.

It Is FAR OVERDUE that we have an established place in the political process in Tampa Bay and ensure that the frightening tide of Islamophobia and all other forms of bigotry is FINALLY halted.

About Muslims for Democracy and Fairness (MDF)

MDF is an umbrella organization, having three entities: 1. a nonprofit, 2 a political action committee (PAC), and 3. a lobbying nonprofit. We have the opportunity to sustain this precious organization. However, with this campaign, Insha Allah/Allah willingly, we can grow an institutionalized Muslim organization in our community that is advocating on our behalf in the political process.

Work that MDF does:

1.MDF PAC surveying candidates and officials on where they stand on issues affecting the Tampa Muslim community,

2.MDF PAC interviewing and educating candidates on issues affecting the Tampa Muslim community,

3.Co-hosting Florida Muslim Capital Day,

4. MDF PAC endorsing candidates that best represent the Tampa Muslim community and other minorities,

5.Hosting candidate forums,

6.Hosting town halls for candidates and government officials,

7.MDF PAC encouraging candidates to sign our pledge forms to actively stand against Islamophobia and all other forms of bigotry,

8.Voter registration drives,

9.Giving workshops and presentations to Muslim youth about political engagement,

10.Rides to the polls during voting days,

11.MDF PAC creating endorsement cards of candidates and issues that best represent our community,

12.Spreading political awareness,

13.Empowering Tampa Muslims!

MDF's mission:

Building community empowerment by establishing strong ties between local officials and the Muslim community. We believe that fairness is the corner stone of lasting community welfare, and that democracy is the vehicle to a vibrant community of citizens where no group of people are excluded based on their religion.

Now more than ever the American political sphere is plagued with Islamophobia, policies of exclusion, and blatant misinformation about Muslims. MDF is an organization that counters hate by creating lasting community empowerment for all Muslims. Empowerment that boosts civic engagement while creating strong ties between local government officials and the Muslim community.

Why do I care?

It is indescribable how exhausting it can be, just to be Muslim in this city, state, and country. It is exhausting, and at times depleting when you are explicitly and implicitly otherized and stigmatized for being Muslim. Where often times, you are incorrectly challenged to prove your Americanism. Whether it is when I personally faced weird inappropriate mircoaggressions from teachers, or when I had to literally educate my entire class, including my TEACHER seventh grade history class about the basics of Islam when we covered the religion. Because the section on Islam was inappropriately biased against us. Or most hurtfully, when you constantly hear stories from right here in our community where some Muslim sisters who wearing the hijab (headscarf) face utter disrespect from their employers and others. Or when our mosques-our scared houses of worships-face acts of hate (Examples: 1, 2, 3, & 4). I am sick in tired all of this nonsense. Our city, our state, and our country is so much more better than this. Enough is enough, and it is PAST DUE we Muslims have a strong Muslim political organization right here in Tampa to FIGHT against Islamophobia and ALL other kinds of bigotry. Now, alhamdulah (Praise to Allah) we have that organization: MDF, and we can help MDF grow, thus helping our own selves.

Like MDF on Facebook - click here / Like MDF on instagram - click here / Like MDF on Twitter - click here.

All donations will be going towards sustaining and growing MDF's 501(C)(3) nonprofit.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and donating to this important cause. Salaam alikum/peace be upon you.