MOA on Parade

***EVENT ALERT***

In an attempt to assert their presence and deflect negative perceptions about the group, the Muslims of the Americas (MOA), the main front group for Jamaat ul-Fuqra, are planning a parade in Binghamton, NY this coming Saturday. Make no mistake, this is a pure propaganda effort.

Here's the word from the local paper, the Press & Sun-Bulletin:

Sunday March 30, 2008
Muslims to hold celebration in city
Downtown event to mark prophet's birthday

By William Moyer
Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- The Muslims of the Americas group intends to celebrate the prophet Muhammad's birthday in downtown Binghamton.

The community traditionally observed Milad-un-Nabi (celebration of the Holy Prophet) with a parade, singing and other activities at its privately owned property in Hancock, where 35 to 40 Muslim families live.

This year, though, the group wants to expand the celebration to include a parade and other activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in downtown Binghamton.

Link to the full article.

We contacted a former member of this group for their reaction and here is what they had to say:

First off, in Islam we don't celebrate no one's birthday. Even Muhammad himself said do not do this. Second, that last statement [in the article, about the group's property being a clean, rural environment] is a lie - those lands are filthy with trash and people. No matter what they do or what they say, they created a dark cloud that will never go away until they leave the group.

Peaceful counter-demonstrations are encouraged. If anyone in this area can make it out to the event and send back a report, that would be great. We would also be interested in seeing any pictures or video if you can manage it. Please contact us at alfuqraexposed@gmail.com.

UPDATE: Another former member writes:

This group goes out of their way to hide their deep secrets by announcing to the local communities, "Look what we are doing, notice us." The reality is they know their past, they know others know their past and they are doing everything in their power to avoid the truth of their group, but the truth always will be revealed no matter how hard they try to hide it.

UPDATE: Another source connected to the group says:
I don't know why the community is celebrating Maulid again. It was already celebrated in South Carolina on the 20th of March.