We all need to change.
Islamism and terrorism threaten everyone’s freedom.

What is the problem?

AIFD was founded in the wake of the horrific attacks of 9/11, when a group of American Muslims recognized that it was time to amplify our individual voices as part of a collective to fight the ideology behind the attack that changed the world forever. AIFD is about strengthening the bonds between all people – Muslim and non-Muslim, religious and non-religious – who believe in the separation of mosque and state, who oppose both theocracy and secular fascism, and who stand for universal human rights.

We came together to solve a problem that threatens all of us, Muslim and non-Muslim alike: Islamism. Islamism is a theo-political ideology dedicated to the subjugation of non-Muslims and any Muslim who dissents with its aims. Islamists see the establishment of a caliphate – a world government ruled by their cruel, oppressive and bigoted interpretation of Islam – as a divine mandate and earthly goal.

Islamism is distinct from a personal faith practice of Islam which is centered on mercy, compassion, and respect for the diversity of God’s creation. Indeed, many Muslims are anti-Islamist, and stand with us on the front lines of reform against Islamism.

Islamists oppose our efforts – because even if they claim to espouse progressive ideas, we see their deeply malignant agenda.

How we got here

History
Islamism, a theo-political ideology bent on the subjugation of anyone who doesn’t adhere to its aims, is a political movement distinct from personal piety and ethics. As Islamist voices became louder and began to hold more political power, especially throughout the twentieth century, the battle of ideas within the “house of Islam” reached a fever pitch. Worldwide, the struggle against Islamist violence has become a personal concern to more people – of all religions – than ever before.

AIFD was formed in the wake of the horrific attacks of 9/11 to engage in this battle, from the side of anti-Islamist reform, freedom and human rights. For over a decade, AIFD has been working to advance reform within the Muslim community, supporting universal human rights and opposing the hateful ideologies of Islamism and fascism.

Our future
AIFD has been at the forefront of the battle against Islamism, with programs focused on engaging youth as well as adult leaders on the most important issues related to reform: freedom of conscience, gender equality, countering the Islamic State, fighting anti-Semitism and restrictions on freedom, and advancing meaningful individual liberty.

We continue to do this work through our public engagement work, support of like-minded organizations and activists, research, writing and initiatives to get youth and adults engaged and vocal about these essential issues. Ours isn’t just a movement against Islamism – it is a life-affirming movement aimed at the establishment of real and lasting peace.

Are you willing to speak up?

Your willingness to dissent with the status quo will save lives – and inspire others.

Take action

“God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves”

لَهُ مُعَقِّبَاتٌ مِّن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِ يَحْفَظُونَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ ۗ وَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ سُوءًا فَلَا مَرَدَّ لَهُ ۚ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِ مِن وَالٍ

Quran 13:11

Join the conversation

To achieve our mission we need your help, together we can lead the conversation and movement from within American and ultimately the global Muslim consciousness to embrace the tenets of liberty and freedom.