Apology to Non-Muslims for My Time at CAIR-Columbus

Apology to Non-Muslims for My Time at CAIR-Columbus
By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com

As I reflect on my journey from Islam to Christianity, there’s something I need to address that has weighed heavily on my heart. During my time working at CAIR-Columbus, I was immersed in an environment that, looking back, fostered an "us versus them" mentality, one that often pitted Muslims against Non-Muslims. In that role, I may have contributed to actions or words that caused offense, misunderstanding, or hurt to those who did not share my then-Muslim faith. Today, I want to offer my heartfelt apology to all Non-Muslims who may have felt marginalized or demeaned by my words or actions during that time.

When I was part of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), I was passionate about defending my faith, but in my zeal, I sometimes crossed the line between advocacy and insensitivity. CAIR, as many know, purports to stand for civil rights and combating Islamophobia. However, my involvement with the organization opened my eyes to some troubling attitudes that, in hindsight, I now realize were harmful.

While at CAIR, I often found myself in debates and confrontations with Non-Muslims who simply had different views. I didn’t approach those conversations with the openness or respect they deserved. Instead, I acted defensively, sometimes even aggressively, dismissing concerns that people had about Islam or its role in global affairs as mere "Islamophobia." Looking back, I now see that I lacked the humility and grace to understand where these individuals were coming from. I was so focused on defending my beliefs that I neglected the importance of truly listening to others with empathy.

At the time, I believed I was serving a righteous cause. CAIR-Columbus often portrayed itself as a defender of human rights, but internally, there were undertones of resentment towards Non-Muslims. We were trained to see criticism of Islam, in any form, as an attack on our identity, which led to a defensive posture. But what I’ve come to realize is that many of those criticisms came from genuine concerns or misunderstandings, and instead of addressing them with respect and a willingness to engage, I became part of a culture that silenced dissent through accusations of bigotry.

After I left Islam in 2013 and became a Christian in 2019, my worldview shifted. The road to my conversion was long and filled with soul-searching, but one of the most eye-opening experiences was understanding the importance of love, grace, and compassion—qualities that I now see as central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. My former life in Islam often lacked these elements, especially when it came to dealing with those who didn’t share my beliefs.

I am not here to condemn Muslims, but rather to take accountability for my past actions. I can no longer defend the narratives that CAIR and similar organizations promote when they frame every critique of Islam as bigotry. This mindset alienates rather than bridges divides, and for that, I am truly sorry.

To anyone I may have offended or hurt during my time at CAIR-Columbus, I ask for your forgiveness. I now see things differently and hope to be a voice of reconciliation. It is my belief that the only way we can coexist peacefully is through open dialogue, respect, and a genuine willingness to understand each other. I failed in that regard during my time at CAIR, but I am committed to making amends moving forward.

Today, as a Christian, I stand for the principles of truth, love, and compassion. I no longer view the world through the narrow lens I once did. The teachings of Jesus Christ have opened my heart to a broader understanding of humanity, where every individual—regardless of their faith or background—deserves respect, dignity, and love.

In conclusion, I acknowledge my past mistakes and sincerely hope that those I hurt during that time can find it in their hearts to forgive me. My journey from Islam to Christianity has been one of deep transformation, and I am grateful for the new perspective I have been given. As I continue this journey, I seek to build bridges, not walls, and to be a voice for understanding and reconciliation.

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Citations:

1. CAIR's Controversial Role in American Society
2. "CAIR and the Shifting Politics of Muslim Advocacy" - The Atlantic
3. Davis, Aaron. The Road to Christianity: A Testimonial Journey. Salt Lake City: Faithful Press, 2020.
4. "Defensive Posture and Dialogue in CAIR." - Middle East Forum
5. D'Souza, Dinesh. What's So Great About Christianity? Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing, 2007.