Santa Barbara Imam Forced to Leave the Country

Back in 2001, on two occasions I had the opportunity to meet Abdur Rahman, then the recently arrived Imam for the Santa Barbara area Islamic Community. This was in the months prior to 9-11, and then when 9-11 occurred, I invited him to join in an interfaith service of Remembrance and Prayer. He graciously accepted that invitation, serving as one of three speakers. He would reprise that role a year later, and appeared at countless events interpreting Islam to our community. We had a number of opportunities to sit and share about our respective faiths. A relatively young man, he showed wisdom beyond his years. I consider him a friend and have appreciated his willingness to go where needed.
Sometime last year he asked me to help him in an INS matter, which I did by sending a letter of reference. We hoped that his immigration status would be cleared up -- he had come into the country on a religious worker visa. Unfortunately the government has ruled against him and he must return to England. Apparently the reason is that he violated his visa -- by selling spiritual texts on line. It is true, he runs a publishing company and provides spiritual texts and guidance online, but surely this is a technicality.
My greatest concern is for the fledgling Islamic community, to which he has given leadership. They were set to finally build a mosque in the community, now that is certainly on hold. Thus, they are in my prayers. My prayers go as well to him and has family as they must make a quick exit from the country. I pray that he'll be able to return soon, for his community will need his leadership.
We talk about the need for "moderate" Islamic leadership and then when we have it, we get rid of it. Not smart!

Comments

roy said…
It is a sad time... I wrote a letter too Bob.

I attended the Imam's final service last Friday and he spoke with grace and hope both for himself and for the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara.
Unknown said…
there maust be something else there. He probabley send the money for Hizbulah or Hamas, that why he did it online. but we will never know it...
Robert Cornwall said…
I can guarantee you that it had nothing to do with funneling money to Hezbollah or Hamas. It was a matter much more mundane than that. And he has strong support in the local community, which hopes his return will be quick.
Unknown said…
Pastor Bob i do not know you but i appreciate your comment because i knew the Imam. Surely, his knowledge will be missed here. @ doctori it is not polite to judge someone negatively whom you do not know. He devoted his life to teaching the righteous Islam not the one we are shown by the media and followed by extremists. In fact, i would further say that you are the reason why we need scholars of his caliber. I appreciate the support from people like Pastor Bob Cornwall who actually knew him and I am sure that the Imam appreciate what you did for him and what you are doing for him on this site.

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