By Kawthar Ijai

The first thing you notice is the warm and welcoming smile. Any brother standing in the doorway is sure to get a big smile, hearty handshake, and some sort of kind conversation. Sure to be spotted around town in his white thobe and kufi, Elton Simpson (or as we know him, Ibrahim) is the kind of person who always has a positive word for everyone and a bright outlook, especially when you start talking about his favorite topic - Islam. Once, I remember discussing the topic of madhab and both of us reflecting on the possible answer to a question we both had. Maybe 3 weeks later, he came back to me with a 3-page answer – though I had already forgotten the question! That is just the kind of character he is. Always researching and always studying his favorite subject.

The most common references I hear about Ibrahim are humble, pious, well liked in the community, and a regular attendee at the masjid. He plays soccer on Sundays with the brothers at the park and he volunteers as a teacher for Sunday school at the ICCP Masjid. Kids adore him. He is always talking to the kids on their level, throwing a ball around with them, and playing games with them. They actually come home from their classes with some knowledge about the character of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and they remember it because of Ibrahim’s enthusiasm when explaining his lessons. His dream has been to travel to further his studies in Islamic education and he was just ready to live his dream when everything came to a grinding halt.

The FBI arrested Ibrahim on Thursday January 7th - one day before he was due to fly to South Africa. Just a short time before, the FBI had visited him with questions regarding his upcoming trip. The charges? Lying to a federal agent. What was the "lie?" Even after the arrest, after the continued questions, after the constant mental replay of the event, after meeting with his attorney, and after the first court hearing – even Ibrahim does not know.

As I sat in the courtroom listening to the hearing on Tuesday, January 19th at the Sandra Day O’Conner courthouse, I saw Ibrahim as calm and composed as can be. I listened to the FBI agent testify that they asked him questions to which he willingly responded. I heard them say that they did not have a subpoena to talk with him and it was a voluntary interview. When asked, "What would you have done if Mr. Simpson wouldn’t willingly talk to you?" the agent replied, "We would have gone on about our business."

This was my big realization that we, as law abiding and conscientious Muslims, want to talk with the FBI because we have nothing to hide; but we cannot because anything we say can and will be used against us. Law enforcement officers are human - and as humans can make mistakes or have their own agendas. They can twist, change, or even forget exactly what you said. Without a witness to your conversation, such as an attorney, it becomes your word against (usually) two government officials. Who is more likely to be believed? CAIR has sent out media alerts to advise our community to use caution when speaking with the FBI. It is for our own protection.

Still, while in the courtroom I also witnessed a great display of a fair judge and a great legal system. Thought the prosecution clearly did not want a bond to be posted, the judge was not swayed by any of their impassioned arguments and followed the law to the letter. The judge could not find the stretch they were looking for to keep Ibrahim detained. The judge posted bond for $100,000 - quite normal with a federal court case.

I am asking our community to help with that bond; we need to raise 12% ($12,000) to process the bond so that our brother can remain free on bail while awaiting his hearing. NPR [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122725771] recently presented a story on how those that make bond, being free until trial, are more likely to receive a fair trial and receive shorter sentences even when convicted.

"The result is that people with money get out. They go back to their jobs and their families, pay their bills and fight their cases. And according to the Justice Department and national studies, those with money face far fewer consequences for their crimes.

People without money stay in jail and are left to take whatever offer prosecutors feel like giving them."

We have started a collection for Ibrahim’s bond. You can contact Adnane Ijai at 602-570-3044 or Kawthar Ijai at 602-570-3054 to add to his fund. Our brother Ibrahim’s hearing is set for March 14th but the time to act is now. We would appreciate as much support (physical, spiritual, and financial) from our brothers and sisters as possible.