...In 2022, a California family court took custody of my son from me because I had taken him with me while I prayed in a mosque. The judge treated my act of attending prayer as grounds for removing my child from my care.

When I sought help from CAIR and the ACLU, both declined. CAIR stated that the state has the authority to make such orders, and the ACLU responded that the issue did not affect enough people for them to address it. While the lack of concern is shocking, this leaves some critical questions unanswered:

• From the perspective of fiqh: If Muslims are permitted to reside in non-Muslim lands under covenant so long as they are free to practice their faith, does such an order constitute a breach of that covenant? Is a Muslim parent permitted to comply with such a ruling temporarily while pursuing legal remedies, or does such compliance itself become a failure to uphold our obligation to Allah?

• From the perspective of civil rights: Does not such a restriction violate the First Amendment guarantee of free exercise of religion? If family courts are allowed to punish mosque attendance, what does this mean for the religious freedom of Muslims and all other faith communities in America?

I believe this question deserves a clear response, and a clear statement from community leaders as to where we stand on the issue, not only for my case but for the future of every family in this country, Muslim or not.

To continue contesting this matter through the courts, I have established a legal defense fund. I know that Allah is our only helper, so what I am doing here is inviting you to stand with me.

This is not just about one family—it is about whether attending or otherwise practicing prayer can be used against parents in American courts. I ask for your words, your prayers, your voices, and your support to ensure that our families, our religious obligations and our civil rights are protected.

Jazakum Allahu khayran,

David Norman