About 10 years ago, the term “paradigm shift” was the buzz phrase heard in speeches, conversations, and readings. It was symbolic for a change, a need to disrupt, or that a theory of change must occur, meaning that organizations and leaders should implement a new vision, so the “Future of Things” could become a reality. We had various eras of Muslim leaders, both indigenous and overseas, that motivated thought leadership here in the United States. The paradigm shift of October 7th ushered in a new global reality, and in the United States, especially for Muslims. 

The following 10 open source insights come from 10+ years of community organizing in policy, civic engagement, social service, and community-interfaith dynamics in Los Angeles County. Observing how power is strategically built, especially by groups who utilized and have redesigned the African-American narrative for their own causes. These 10 points are for encouraging a shift in thought leaders.  

“And so what we are witnessing in the world today – the tensions which are witnessing – are indicative of the fact that a new world is being born and that an old world is passing.” – The Papers of Martin Luther King Jr. Volume IV, pg. 75.

• Create a collective political agenda: Many communities find it difficult to support a Muslim organization that does not address the political needs of their communities. In 2024, the Muslim American vote was split. The largest Muslim Civil Rights advocacy organization in the US, reported that “Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein received 53% of the Muslim vote, followed by President-elect Donald Trump with 21%, and Vice President Kamala Harris with 20%.” An effective political agenda would centralize its leaders’ focus and plans for action around the domestic needs of their base.
• Form Collaborations between other Muslim organizations: As an organizer, I rarely see collaborations between Muslim organizations to form a collective strategy that addresses the plight of Muslim America in order to shift policy and build power. “The 2020 United States Religion Census estimates that there were about 4,453,908 Muslim Americans of all ages living in the United States in 2020, making up 1.34% of the total U.S. population.” Existing organizations can say that they effectively represent certain demographics, yet collaboration should be created to intentionally guide and mobilize the Muslim American community as a whole. There’s an old saying “Many hands make light work”, signifying the benefits and effectiveness of teamwork.

• Listen to the Blind Man: Once a blind man approached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while he was in a discourse with the city’s elite leaders. For whatever reason, the Prophet did not give the blind man the attention he gave to the elite. The Most High revealed 10 verses about the experience (Abasa 80: 1-10). As leaders we should acknowledge and respect elite members of society, but also give our sincere attention and respect to the people. As an organizer, the one who is closer to the pain should be given a platform to be heard. The life experiences they share can provide inspiring, organic insights into matters that could not be generated by those who are not truly affected by social injustice.

• Identify Quranic social models for change: The Creator’s Speech (Qu’ran) can inspire deep wisdom into today’s global problems. His speech can unlock chambers of understanding for humanity to share The Most High’s power over His creation. It holds models for social needs, finance, leadership development, creating peace, and more. We can launch prophetic campaigns that promote social justice for all who subscribe to its Wisdom. An example is Project 21:92, a community organizing theme for solidarity, unity, and purpose. 

• Move resources and build a base for the cause: Here is where we build power for our work. Create a base of supporters who believe in your vision. Identify resources for the sustainability of the mission or journey ahead. This mode of power building helps to develop local leaders, create awareness, align with allies, and provide support to those who are affected by political injustices.  

• Build Political Influence: The act of building “Power” is defined as when “Will and Ability” come together for a meaningful action. Over the past ten years, Muslim organizations built political influence among politicians, yet in 2024, Muslim organizations faced an increased state of Islamophobia. 

• Public Narrative: Say one word on how your community is perceived. Now say one word on how it should be perceived. Perception of one’s character is a very vital perspective to have. Allow your narrative to precede you: about its good work, the community’s true nature and intent, and historical facts. All we have is our Reputation and it must counteract any and all negative stereotypes that others have portrayed about your purpose. 
• Host summits and gatherings: Here is an opportunity to share the vision and mission of a collective purpose, to provide local leaders with direction toward that broader purpose that will motivate, inspire, and empower “many hands.” 

• Empower and build new leaders. There is a need for younger people’s voices and involvement at the table. New perspectives are needed to attract and put forth powerful ideas and create symbiotic relationships for change. Elder leaders can become advisory and help guide new generations with their wisdom.
• Acknowledge and Embrace the African American Narrative: The struggle and plight of Africans in the United States is an inspiring story of resilience and triumph, and a blueprint for how to navigate our collective journey. The accomplishments of the African American community form the backbone of the American tapestry. “Diamonds are born under pressure”, meaning that the wisdom of a struggle can produce power for humanity moving forward.

These points are only insights and/or suggested learning for those needing to build personal understanding or better comprehend local community organizing efforts. Each point can be internalized differently according to each user’s community and/or organization. This is based on 12+ years of providing advisory services and leading community organizing actions in California. #INKERIJ

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