editorial:

September 11 and the American Muslims

by Reza Ghadimi

My brothers and sisters in Islam, my fellow Americans Assalamu Alaikum.

As America prepares to go to war with Iraq again, the heightened emotions and anger make many of us irrational. This is precisely what the enemies of our country want. Venting our anger on our fellow Americans further divides our communities and adds to the purpose of the perpetrators. After September 11, the Islamic communities have been under much scrutiny and abuse. It therefore behooves us to have a clear understanding of the issues and protect our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. The American Muslim women are especially at risk, since their hijob makes them more visible. Our ladies should not be allowed to suffer from the ignorance of the public. But we must be cognizant of our deliberations and know what we are saying. Our biggest task right now is the education of our fellow Americans in the teachings and beliefs of our faith. Our inputs are important in reducing the ignorance of our society. Today there are more than 12 million Muslims in America. The majority of these people are US citizens who live and serve this country honorably. Contrary to the sensationalism of the media, who conveniently portray Muslims as villains, they are honorable and hard working members of our society. In Islam, self gratification and promotion is forbidden. Thus true Muslims, may not confront those who insult or admonish them. To our fellow Americans who live on melodramatic portrayal of the news by our media, this may look like admission of guilt, so we must be more outspoken and do not allow their ignorance to move them into the arena of our enemies. Our fellow Muslim Americans are doctors, PAs, nurses, dentists, airline pilots, business owners, attorneys, teachers, etc. Anyone who has ever had any dealing with any of them, attest to their fairness, professionalism, honesty and integrity. The accounts of September 11, hurt the American Muslims more than any other group except the families of the victims of this calamity. Let us not forget that more than eight hundred of those who died in New York's World Trade Center were Muslims. That is nearly a quarter of all victims. The attacks on American Muslims that followed added insult to their injury. The most appalling insults have come from some of the clergy. This is unfortunate for they should know that there is not a single religion in the history of mankind that condones violence or aggression. All religions teach us to be tolerant, forgiving, kind, charitable, and benevolent. From all religions of the Book, Islam is the most demanding in righteousness, morality and propriety. Many Muslims were part of the emergency personnel who were involved in providing care for the victims of attack on New York. Many of us work with the military, civil service and emergency agencies in preparing for any future attacks. Many more will be directly involved in the war against Iraq. So it behooves us to act and speak knowingly and sensibly during these hard times. Our fellow American colleagues and neighbors need to know that we are doing our part in providing support for our country. Especially when talking to our children. Let us teach them the truth and guide them away from stupidity, bigotry, and prejudice. Islam is the second largest religion in the world. Islam means peace and Muslims are peaceful people. Those who attacked our country were no more Muslim than Timothy McVeigh was Christian. Evil and terror has no religion. Murder of innocent people is a sin, no matter what your belief may be. The Holy Quran says: "In evil doing, leaders and followers, both will burn in the fires of hell". Islam is a beautiful and peaceful religion. Those who study and learn about it, are enlighten by it. The sheer number of believers is a good indication of it's powerful message. Islam is a forgiving religion and Muslims are God loving, down to earth and passionate people. Let's not mistake politics with religion. Let our colleagues, friends and neighbors know about our relegion. Explore the similarities between our faith and theirs. They will be surprised at how little difference there is between them. Lets build our communities based on trust and friendship. An old proverb says; "Evil can not be overcome in the world. It can only be contained in oneself.