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| Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 08:22 pm Hi. My name is Kady Barrington and I am a student in New York City. I am currently writing a paper on the relationship between the United States and the religion of Islam, concentrating on the relationship post- 9/11. I would be very interested in getting personal feedback from anyone here. If you are a Muslim, what you have gone through since (or before) the attacks. Discrimination? Being stereotyped? Victims of terrorism or rioting or bigotry? If you are not a Muslim, how has your perception of the religion changed? Thank you all in advance for anything you might be able to share with me. Please feel free to contact me at KDB5801@yahoo.com.
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| Tuesday, July 16, 2002 - 03:22 pm Received from Internet A Wave of Conversion to Islam in the U.S. following September 11 Excerpts from "Muslim American Leaders: A Wave of Conversion to Islam in the U.S. Following September 11" © Middle East Media & Research Institute Muslim American reports in the Arab press indicate that Muslim proselytizing efforts have been unusually successful since the September 11 attacks. 'Alaa Bayumi, Director of Arab Affairs at the Council for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), wrote in the London daily Al-Hayat that "non-Muslim Americans are now interested in getting to know Islam. There are a number of signs...: Libraries have run out of books on Islam and the Middle East... English translations of the Koran head the American best-seller list... The Americans are showing increasing willingness to convert to Islam since September 11... Thousands of non-Muslim Americans have responded to invitations to visit mosques, resembling the waves of the sea [crashing on the shore] one after another... All this is happening in a political atmosphere that, at least verbally, encourages non-Muslim Americans' openness towards Muslims in America and in the Islamic world, as the American president has said many times in his speeches..." CAIR chairman Nihad Awad told the Saudi paper 'Ukaz that "34,000 Americans have converted to Islam following the events of September 11, and this is the highest rate reached in the U.S. since Islam arrived there." According to Dr. Walid A. Fatihi, instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston has recently become a center of Islamic proselytizing aimed at Christians. On September 22, 2001, Al-Fatihi sent a letter to the Egyptian weekly Al-Ahram Al-Arabi, in which he described the unfolding of events since September 11: "...From the first day, the media began to insinuate that Muslim Arab hands were behind this incident. At noon, the directors and administration of the Islamic Center of Boston held an emergency meeting, and I stayed on the line with them from my clinic. We decided to hold a blood drive, and we set up a committee to contact the Red Cross and organize it for us. We invited the media to cover the event..." "All of us tried to grab onto every scrap of information that would indicate that Muslim Arab hands were not involved in the loathsome crime. Yes, my brothers and sisters, we tried to prove our humanity on the day we found ourselves attacked from all sides. Our hearts bled and our spokesman said that proselytizing in the name of Allah had been set back 50 years in the U.S. and in the entire world..." "On Saturday, September 15, I went with my wife and children to the biggest church in Boston, [Trinity Church in] Copley Square, by official invitation of the Islamic Society of Boston, to represent Islam by special invitation of the senators of Boston. Present were the mayor of Boston, his wife, and the heads of the universities. There were more than 1,000 people there, with media coverage by one of Boston's main television stations. We were receivedlike ambassadors. I sat with my wife and children in the front row, next to the mayor's wife. In his sermon, the priest defended Islam as a monotheistic religion, telling the audience that I represented the Islamic Society of Boston." "After the sermon was over, he stood at my side as I read an official statement issued by the leading Muslim clerics condemning the incident [i.e. the attacks]. The statement explained Islam's stance and principles, and its sublime precepts. Afterwards, I read Koran verses translated into English... These were moments that I will never forget, because the entire church burst into tears upon hearing the passages of the words of Allah!!" "Emotion swept over us. One said to me: 'I do not understand the Arabic language, but there is no doubt that the things you said are the words of Allah.' As she left the church weeping, a woman put a piece of paper in my hand; on the paper was written: 'Forgive us for our past and for our present. Keep proselytizing to us.' Another man stood at the entrance of the church, his eyes teary, and said, 'You are just like us; no, you are better than us.'" "On Sunday, September 16, the Islamic Society of Boston issued an open invitation to the Islamic Center in Cambridge, located between Harvard and MIT. We did not expect more than 100 people, but to our surprise more than 1,000 people came, among them the neighbors, the university lecturers, members of the clergy, and even the leaders of the priests from the nearby churches, who invited us to speak on Islam. All expressed solidarity with Muslims. Many questions flowed to us. Everyone wanted to know about Islam and to understand its precepts." "Of all the questions, not a single one attacked me; on the contrary, we saw [the people's] eyes filling with tears when they heard about Islam and its sublime principles. Many of them had never heard about Islam before. Well, they had heard about Islam only through the biased media. That same day, I was invited again to participate in a meeting in the church, and again I saw the same things. On Thursday, a delegation of 300 students and lecturers from Harvard visited the center of the Islamic Society of Boston, accompanied by the American Ambassador to Vienna. They sat on the floor of the mosque, which was filled to capacity. We explained to them the precepts of Islam, and defended it from any suspicions [promulgated in the media]. I again read to them from the verses of Allah, and [their] eyes filled with tears. The audience was moved, and many asked to participate in the weekly lessons for non-Muslims held by the Islamic Center..." "On Friday, September 21, the Muslims participated in a closed meeting with the governor of Massachusetts. In the meeting, a discussion was held on introducing Islam into the school curriculum, to inform the [American] people and to fight racism against Muslims arising from the American people's ignorance regarding the religion. With the governor's support, measures to examine implementation of this goal were agreed upon..." "These are only some of the examples of what happened and is happening in the city of Boston, and in many other American cities, during these days. Proselytizing in the name of Allah has not been undermined, and has not been set back 50 years, as we thought in the first days after September 11. On the contrary, the 11 days that have passed are like 11 years in the history of proselytizing in the name of Allah. I write to you today with the absolute confidence that over the next few years, Islam will spread in America and in the entire world, Allah willing, much more quickly than it has spread in the past, because the entire world is asking, 'What is Islam!' Fatihi's reports of American Christians' crying upon hearing Koranic verses have an historical context. This type of narrative is about part of the ethos of Islamic proselytizing. It comes from the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad's invitation to the Christian community of Najran, located in what is today North Yemen, to visit the mosque. When the Christians of Najran were exposed to the verses of the Koran, the tradition says they burst into tears and converted to Islam. Fatihi also published an article in the London daily Al-Hayat: "... There are initial signs that the intensive campaign of education about Islam has begun to bear fruit. For example, the rate of converts to Islam since September 11 has doubled. There is solidarity with the Muslims on the part of many non-Muslims in American universities. For example, dozens of non-Muslim American women students at Wayne [State] University. have put on veils as a symbol of identification with the Muslim women students at the university and at the other universities of America." "One of the most important topics [in an NPR broadcast] was an interview with several young women at American universities who recently converted to Islam through the Islamic Society of Boston. They hold advanced degrees from universities in Boston, such as Harvard, and they spoke of the power and the greatness of Islam, of the elevated status of women in Islam, and of why they converted to Islam. The program was broadcast several times across the entire U.S..." Notes and references: (1) Al-Hayat (London), November 11, 2001 (2) Al-Ayyam (London), November 12, 2001 (3) The phenomenon of sincere Christians shedding tears as they recognize the truth and beauty of Islam is mentioned in the Qur'an: And thou wilt find the nearest of them in affection to those who believe (to be) those who say: Lo! We are Christians. That is because there are among them priests and monks, and because they are not proud. When they listen to that which hath been revealed unto the messengers, thou seest their eyes overflow with tears because of their recognition of the Truth. They say: Our Lord, we believe. Inscribe us as among the witnesses [Qur'an 5:82-83] (4) Al-Ahram Al-Arabi (Egypt), October 20, 2001 (5) Al-Hayat (London), November 11, 2001 Also see : A NATION CHALLENGED: AMERICAN MUSLIMS; Islam Attracts Converts By the Thousand, Drawn Before and After Attacks By JODI WILGOREN Source: The New York Times : October 22, 2001, Monday Section: National Desk http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/22/national/22CONV.html or : http://www.alhewar.com/nyt_islam_attracts.htm Another Convert for Islam : Los Angeles Times Searching Americans Embrace The Logic Behind The Teachings Of Islam "It's like seeing God without all the baggage," By Tara Dooley, Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas) Italian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Converts to Islam Fast-growing Islam winning converts in Western world : CNN . A matter of faith: Islam is fastest-growing religion in U.S. The Mosque in America: A National Portrait "Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, guide and pillar of stability for many of our people..." Hillary Rodman Clinton, Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1996, p.3 "Already more than a billion-people strong, Islam is the world's fastest-growing religion." ABCNEWS, Abcnews.com "Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the country." NEWSDAY, March7,1989, p.4 "Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States..." NEW YORK TIMES, Feb 21, 1989, p.1 "Moslems are the world's fastest-growing group..." USA TODAY, The population referance bureau, Feb. 17, 1989, p.4A "Muhummed is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities." Encyclopedia Britannica "There are more Muslims in North America then Jews Now." Dan Rathers, CBSNEWS "Islam is the fastest growing religion in North America." TIMES MAGAZINE "Islam continues to grow in America, and no one can doubt that!" CNN, December 15, 1995 "The religion of Islam is growing faster than any other religion in the world." MIKE WALLACE, 60 MINUTES "Five to 6 million strong, Muslims in America already outnumber Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Mormons, and they are more numerous than Quakers, Unitarians, Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Christian Scientists, combined. Many demographers say Islam has overtaken Judaism as the country's second-most commonly practiced religion; others say it is in the passing lane." JOHAN BLANK, USNEWS (7/20/98) http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/980720/20isla.htm "In fact, religion experts say Islam is the second-largest religion in the United States... Islam has 5 million to 6 million members, followed by Judaism, with approximately 4.5 million..... And Islam is believed to be fastest-growing religion in the country, with half its expansion coming from new immigrants and the other half from conversions." By ELSA C. ARNETT, Knight-Ridder News Service "It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Qur'aan about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from Allah, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of Allah." Professor Keith Moore, one of the world's prominent scientists of anatomy and embryology. University of Toronto, Canada. "But Islam has a still further service to render to the cause of humanity. It stands after all nearer to the real East than Europe does, and it possesses a magnificent tradition of inter-racial understanding and cooperation. No other society has such a record of success uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity, and of endeavours so many and so various races of mankind . . Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the mediation of Islam is an indispensable condition. In its hands lies very largely the solution of the problem with which Europe is faced in its relation with East. If they unite, the hope of a peaceful issue is immeasurably enhanced. But if Europe, by rejecting the cooperation of Islam, throws it into the arms of its rivals, the issue can only be disastrous for both." H.A.R. Gibb, WHITHER ISLAM, London, 1932, p. 379. "It (Islam) replaced monkishness by manliness. It gives hope to the slave, brotherhood to mankind, and recognition of the fundamental facts of human nature." Canon Taylor, Paper read before the Church Congress at Walverhamton, Oct. 7, 1887; Quoted by Arnoud in THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, pp. 71-72. "The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammed. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he? " Lamartine, Historie de la Turquie, Paris 1854, Vol. 11 pp. 276-2727 "How, for instance, can any other appeal stand against that of the Moslem who, in approaching the pagan, says to him, however obscure or degraded he may be 'Embrace the faith, and you are at once equal and a brother.' Islam knows no color line." (S. S. Leeder, VEILED MYSTERIES OF EGYPT) "My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level." Michael H. Hart, THE 100: A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p. 33. "Everything made so much sense. This is the beauty of the Qur'an; it asks you to reflect and reason....When I read the Qur'an further, it talked about prayer, kindness and charity. I was not a Muslim yet, but I felt the only answer for me was the Qur'an and God had sent it to me." Cat Stevens (YusufIslam), former British pop star. "History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated." De Lacy O'Leary, ISLAM AT THE CROSSROADS,London, 1923, p. 8. "I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion for from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." George Bernard Shaw, THE GENUINE ISLAM, Vol. 1, No. 81936. "I am not a Muslim in the usual sense, though I hope I am a "Muslim" as "one surrendered to God," but I believe that embedded in the Quran and other expressions of the Islamic vision are vast stores of divine truth from which I and other occidentals have still much to learn, and 'Islam is certainly a strong contender for the supplying of the basic framework of the one religion of the future.'" W. Montgomery Watt, ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY TODAY, London, 1983, p. ix. "He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope's pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammed, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports." Bosworth Smith, MOHAMMAD AND MOHAMMADANISM, London, 1874, p. 92. "The doctrine of brotherhood of Islam extends to all human beings, no matter what color, race or creed. Islam is the only religion which has been able to realize this doctrine in ractice. Muslims wherever on the world they are will recognize each other as brothers." Mr. R. L. Mellema, Holland, Anthropologist, Writer and Scholar.
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| Friday, January 18, 2002 - 07:37 pm This is so touching to hear non-muslims speak like this. Im so happy that there are still people that care and stand up for us. You have no idea how much this means to me, i mean i heard so much bad stuff, that i completly ignored any good things that came my way. Thank you for all the support and encouragement, beleive it or not, it REALLY does help! Peace and God Bless.
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| Thursday, December 20, 2001 - 08:33 pm The events of september elevents have shaped our lives and expecally yours. Although im non-Muslim I still know that you aren't the ones who did this and none of the people reading this would ever do this. It was a terrible thing to do and all the Muslims have been blamed. Any person who did anything to anyone for their religion after and before the attack was wrong. my friends and I were talking and we agreed that a friend who was real would defanatly be one with your belefs. You are who you are and you dont need to show off was what my friend always said and after my social studies teacher made us look at who you realy are,that there's a reason for no makeup and covering everything exept your face and hands. It's what my friend said. You guys dont care what anyone thinks of you and that takes great courage. And standing up for your religion after what happened takes even greater. Buh bye! Pai Pai!
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| Friday, December 14, 2001 - 08:14 am Brother David Hinton wrote: In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, As-Salamu alaikum My daugher, Aisha Hinton brought this from school, it was a writing assignment and the topic was 9-11-2001 I am sure lots of young Muslims were and are afraid of the backlash of the attack in the country, and may try to hide their Muslim identity in response. but you cannot hide from a problem, you must face it. May Allah (swt) give our youth the strength and courage to never hide their Muslim identity in all situations, good as well as bad. InshaAllah, any negative can be turned into a positive. The paper read as follows: "A Day To Remember" September 11 was horrible, when the plane crashed into the building our class was in art. Two planes crashed in World Trade Center and one crashed in the Pentagon. After it happened they found out it was Muslims that was the one that did this to the buildings. Now they are trying to find Osama Bin Laden. When this happened my Mom was at my house driveway, she told me to check the house before I went in. A couple of days after the attack we started to bomb Afghanistan. I hope this doesn't affect all Muslim because I am one. Aisha Hinton age 10, 5th Grade.
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| Saturday, October 13, 2001 - 05:11 pm I forgot to put my e-mail address on my original message. tlmangold2@hotmail.com Thanks
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| Saturday, October 13, 2001 - 05:08 pm I wish to start by saying that I'm just appaulled by the actions of some of our fellow Americans towards innocent Muslims. I have been completely heart broken and ashamed by the hate crimes that have occured. Please know that these people do not represent a whole, just as the terrorists that attacked us on Sept. 11th do not represent Islam. I want you all to know that I feel nothing but love and respect for you. I have e-mailed my friends and family, asking them to send messages of support to Arab-Americans and to all Muslims. I feel the need to seek out Muslims to let them know that we do care about you. I have been trying to find out how I can volunteer to be an escort for any Muslim women that need to go about their daily routines, but are afraid to do so. I live in Kansas....if anyone can tell me who to contact about helping please let me know. God Bless you all. Peace, Tammy
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| Wednesday, October 03, 2001 - 02:17 pm (I got this Email with a collection of support for Muslim Community) Hello! I am contacting you with messages of unity and support from other Americans, I believe all non-Moslems themselves. I’ve been collecting them since September 12, 2001, because I knew that Moslems and those of Arabic, Pakistani, or Indian descent would most likely suffer harassment due to ignorance and anger in the wake of the September 11th atrocities. I fight that ignorance where I can, but I also wanted to offer my support and the support of anyone else I could find who would be interested in this kind of pacifist action. I have passed out flyers, emailed everyone I know, and appeared on the radio. I have also contacted Islamicity.com, who will be posting these messages on their website and doing some outreach to Moslem groups they are connected with. I obtained *your* email address from cair-net.com's islamicsearch. Please take these messages and pass them around, especially to people who do not have email. I am hoping that this effort will turn out to be much bigger than expected. I appreciate any help you can give me. Here is what everyone wrote: [ORIGINAL MESSAGE FROM ME] Hello everyone, In an effort to promote peace and unity and squash prejudice and persecution, I will be conducting a pacifistic mailing to the mosques of New York State. I will be sending my own message stating friendship and attempting to reverse the persecution that many Moslems are doubtless already suffering due to the ignorance of some passionate Americans incensed by the atrocities of September 11, 2001. I would like to make this an effort of more than one person. If you have a message of peace that you would like to send to New York’s Moslem communities, please email it to me as soon as possible. I will make sure that none of your contact information is forwarded in the mailing, and if you wish to remain completely anonymous, I will be sure to remove your name, as well. I will pay for the copying and postage myself. Please help me in this effort. I would like to send as many messages as possible in the first mailing. Confidentiality is assured. This is not my only terrorist-related cause at the moment, and I know that sleeves need to be rolled up and other, more direct actions need to be taken right now. I assure you that I am working in that direction, as well. Please help me with this effort, too. Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, and for any help you might give me. Salaam! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [OTHERS' RESPONSES] I am so grateful for this way of sharing feelings about this terrible event. Please know that most Americans know that most Muslims here and elsewhere had nothing to do with this attack. Many people are very hurt, angry and frustrated and are allowing their feelings to turn them against others, even though that is unjust and dangerous. It is also, I believe, one of the things the conspirators expected and wanted to happen, in order to increase the number of people who support them. I am so sorry that such things are happening, and I pray that you will be safe. We appreciate your expressions of sympathy and support in this awful time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I believe and accept with all my heart that the actions of a few cannot reflect upon the many. The attack on America, indeed upon humanity as a whole, on September 11th resulted from the actions of a few. We have no justification in assigning the blame for their actions to an entire national, ethnic or religious group. That is their way, not ours. I pray that we will come together and fight against hatred and the darkness that it brings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I want to express my indignation that people from Arab countries living in the U.S., Arab-Americans, and followers of Islam are being treated shabbily or even threatened because of an action taken by a misguided few. I want to let these people know that most Americans are of goodwill even though some of their leaders, and too many citizens, are speaking and acting inappropriately. Most of us understand that these people are as horrified as we are by the attacks in New York City and Washington and do not support terrorist actions. I do not think it right that they need to be afraid for themselves or their children or that they should have to stay home from work or school for fear of attack. I personally will take every action I can think of to show my support for residents and citizens of middle Eastern extraction or who are followers of Islam, and their right to freedom from fear. You may use my name. Linda Delfs ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To all Muslim friends from a Christian friend in Albany, NY: I continue in friendship with Muslim and Arabic folks in our community and around the world. We are joined as children of the one God, Allah, the God of Abraham. We know that prayer and piety will keep us together under God's all-powerful love. Carol Albright ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TIME LIKE THIS IS A TIME TO COME TOGETHER. WE MUST RESPECT ONE ANOTHER NO MATTER WHAT NATIONALITY, RELIGION OR RACE. GOOD LUCK DANNY BREWER ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To my brothers and sisters of Arabic descent: These are trying times for the American people. By the word American, I include you, as you are presently standing on American soil, breathing American air, and, hopefully, enjoying American freedom. I wish to express, in advance, my sorrow and apologies for the behaviors of the ignorant amongst us, and my abhorrence for their racist behavior. While their actions are not nearly as physically violent as those who attacked the World Trade Center or the Pentagon, they are every bit as wrong. I want you to understand that I join you in abhorrence of racism, and I pray for peace, both within our borders and without. Difficult though it may be, I ask that you please forgive those of us who step outside of the bounds of reason. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ There is a song “Let there Be Peace On Earth” and as the words continue, they say “and let it begin with me”. In this time of turmoil, short tempers, and ready, but uneducated accusations, I shall pray for tranquility in your life and mine and in our lives together to the God of my understanding. May you all know patience and love in this difficult time. Wishing you new beginnings, understanding with no judgment by your fellow human beings, and most of all peace in your daily lives. Colette Robinson ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "May the blessings of the One True God be upon you and your families. As brothers and sisters of the One True God, let us walk together into the light of Truth." Terrence Murray ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Since I was a small girl, my mother has taught me religious tolerance. She used to tell us that religion is like a stained-glass lamp; everyone is looking at the same God, but through a different-colored pane. There is no doubt in my mind that the terrorists who committed the atrocities of September 11 were warping the teachings of Mohammed. I don’t think that very many believe that Allah would call for so much death and destruction. These were the acts of man, not the requests of God. I pray that everyone else in this nation will realize that and not persecute anyone simply because they share a religion or an ethnicity or physical similarities to the people suspected of these acts. I pray for it every night. And I will be praying the 54 Day Novena Devotion for a peaceful solution to our differences. (This is a series of Rosary devotions, meditating each day on a different set of Catholic beliefs.) May God protect you. Lillian Lasher ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To all the U.S. Muslims and other Muslims worldwide: I am bothered by my country’s sudden attacks on you and your religion. I believe, as do those of my own religion, that all people should live in peace with each other and try to learn about each other’s religions so that they can better understand their lives. I think that is the only way to make this world work. Please believe that there are some of us out there who know that your religion has nothing to do with the supposed actions of some of its subscribers. Bear with us, some of us are slower to learn this than others. In Peace, Branwyn ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hello All, I am a sixteen year-old high school senior, and in the recent days, my school has been inundated with fund drives, CNN reports and people recounting their experiences and stories of their loved ones who have been lost. One of the girls in my French class mentioned something that disturbed me more than the news of the terrorism. She explained that her mosque had shut down for the time being because there was much fear that they would be the target of hate crimes. I find it horrible and painful that there is so much ignorance in our country that people would target Muslims or anyone with a similar face than those they believe attacked our country. Of course, after all, “they all look alike”. This type of attitude infuriates me and I, for one, believe that we should do all we can to eradicate opinions like this. However, as much as we try, ignorance and racism will always be present, and I think the best thing we can do is to stand up against it and not be afraid to stick our noses out in defense of innocent people who are being targeted because of ignorance. I am not a Muslim, but I have several friends who attend mosques, and I must admit that I, too, am frightened for their safety. I would just like to say that I, and many people I know are behind you, and we certainly hope that in the face of ignorance and racism, you can find the courage to fight back. I don’t really have any experience in the fear that I might be targeted in a terrorist attack, and I can hardly imagine how terrible a feeling that must be. However, I do want you to know that there are people who believe in the religious freedoms of this country, and people who believe that you should, without a doubt, be able to practice your religion without the constant fear of danger. I wish you all the courage, strength and love that you will need in the coming weeks. Stand together and do not lose hope! There are many who stand in support of you. As-salamo ‘alaikum (My friend Asia taught me to say that) Chris ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I judge individuals and not groups of people. I am behind any person who lives their lives trying to just get by and learn whatever lesson they are suppose to learn from their maker. Life is all about lessons to be learned. I stand with every group, every nationality! I judge individuals and hold only them accountable for their actions. Peace ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please accept our support and our apologies for how many other Americans are treating you. I believe that America should UNITE in a time like this-not divide into America vs. Arabs/Muslims. I understand first of all that not everyone of Middle-Eastern descent is Muslim and I also understand that terrorist actions are not condoned by Islam. What Bin Laden and his supporters are to Islam is what the KKK is to Christianity. Both religions are peaceful, good-hearted religions that a minority of followers have warped to serve their own personal needs. America is a country that (supposedly) supports freedom of religion and it is a shame that many are forgetting that fact right now. America is also a “melting pot” and I think the diversity of our citizens is what makes us so strong. So, we embrace you and your differences-and we come together as Americans. Sincerely, Janet Kraichy and Michael Danforth ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Perhaps one of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life was the evening in 1993 that I celebrated Ramadan with a group of Muslims. I was a newspaper reporter covering family issues, and I arranged do a story on Ramadan by fasting all day and breaking fast with the Muslims at a local mosque. We broke fast at sundown with a date and a glass of water, then prayed. After prayers, we shared a magnificent meal. I asked about how they viewed the terrorist acts taking place in the Middle East, and they called terrorists people who seek power, not God. I spent the evening discussing the things our faiths have in common (I'm Christian, an elder in my church and a Sunday school teacher). These people were not evil, but peaceful and God-loving. As I rose to leave after about three hours of conversation, one of the women said to me, "You are truly Muslim--a believer in God." It was one of the kindest compliments I've ever been paid. A couple of days later, terrorists bombed the World Trade Center. My editor came over to my desk and asked me to call the mosque and ask their opinion on the bombing. I told him I'd do it only if every Christian quoted in our Good Friday and Easter stories was asked about the incident in Waco. If we connect peaceful people to violent acts, we only promote the view that all people in that group are violent. We worship the same God, although we come to him by different paths. He will judge us by how we treat one another. We aren't just all Americans, we're all humans. We're all children of God. Leslie Boyd
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| Thursday, September 27, 2001 - 03:38 pm We can say 2 weeks after the crowd attacks, that the American people treat their fellow Muslims, and Arabs as usual if not, even, nicer. The very few accidents happened can't represent a wave of hate or discrimination against Muslims. This goes, mainly to the credit of Mr Bush and the officials who declared Muslims innocent. This represents also, the modernization and the well understanding of the majority of the Americans
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| Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 09:35 am A MESSAGE OF HOPE (The following is an unedited e-mail message received today by CAIR.) This past Saturday, I was visiting a close friend's grandparent in Bloomery, West Virginia. It was a short, peaceful, visit. I was the only Muslim with the hijab among my group of close friends. On our way home, we stopped by a Country Buffet Restaurant for dinner. I was alert, cautious, and aware of my surroundings...we pre-paid for our food and headed to the buffet. Ten minutes after we settled into our seats, the waitress leaned by our table with what appeared to be our money and receipt. We assumed they were going to kick us out. Although, what occurred in the next few moments was what I believed to be the blessings and mercy of Allah. She told us on behalf of the restaurant, they wanted to pay for our entire meal and give us a total refund. They were very sympathetic of the innocent lives. The waitress by her own personal expressions, was also sympathetic to the Muslim Community and did not want to see any more innocent lives lost due to war. What struck me the most, that brought tears to my eyes, were her tears. She told me she was proud that I had the courage and strength to come out and wear the appropriate veil. This experience gave me a sense of encouragement in the midst of crisis and confusion. There are many who are compassionate and understanding.
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| Tuesday, September 25, 2001 - 05:11 pm I would like to thank all of the non-Muslims who have expressed their support of the Muslim community, especially here in the United States. May Allah, All-Mighty God, give us all clear hearts through which we can view each other for what we truly are - human beings. May we not, now or ever, allow the misguided actions of a few make us forget our own humanity.
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| Sunday, September 23, 2001 - 01:22 pm As an American and a person who loves the Lord, I would like to say that my prayers are with the families and ALL people effected by the events of September 11th. I would especially like to say that during this time of tragedy and utter confusion that this country, and those who love its freedoms, unite. Unification includes all Americans, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. If you are an American and you are a true believer of love, than that is what we will need to prevent future acts of terrorism and hate. Hate breeds hate, and love breeds love. Be a breeder of love. Do not judge are fellow Americans because of their skin or their religion. I would personally like to say that until recently, I was ignorant of the messages taught by the Koran. If you are someone who thinks that Muslims are people of hate, please, I beg you to pick up a copy of this book, so that you may see this is a message of peace. Terrorism and acts of hate are NOT condoned. Since the attacks, I have tried to educate myself in the way of the Koran. I realize that even the Bible has multiple interpretations, but the Koran however is fairly clear. I have made myself a promise that in order to make any comment on anyone's religion, I must first be educated of that religion. And please know that the media is not the way to learn a religion. Pick up a copy of the Koran and you will find that it is a book of love. I am in the process of reading it, and one of the first messages I found that truly comments on the events of September 11 is: Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. This was the "proof" that I needed to know that this faith is not one that condones what has happened. In fact, it proves that it is not a supporter of hate, and that Allah does not love those who commit these acts, therefore, they cannot act in the name of Allah. I promise to my all Muslims, especially those in America, that I will not judge. I want to know more about your faith. And ultimately, I want to be someone who extends my heart to you so that you know that we will not prejudice you because of the acts of these who are NOTHING like you. I pray nothing but love for all, and I think that if we all can truly act on our faiths and our loves that we will end terrorism, because terrorism and other acts of hate, want to tear us apart. But if we show them that we only become closer to each other, they will then know that we can never be conquered.
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| Friday, September 21, 2001 - 09:56 am I do agree with President Bush in fighting the terrorism every where for the safety of the new generations. I do agree with him in considering Muslims and Arabs innocent, and asking not to lashback them, but he had not to criticize the Afghani culture. I fully disagree with Ben Laden who approves killing civilians because (America does) as he says. This is not Islamic at all, we have to follow Islam regardless what others do. I agree with Taliban who asked for specific evidence against Ben Laden, and the court to be outside the US to delete any bias. I agree with them also in asking Ben laden to leave as he is not welcome. I do advise the US to be patient, however the pain, fully investigate the situation, fully determine the camps of terrorism, and try to avoid killing innocents or unnecessary damage. I know this is hard for Americans because of the severe pain, but we trust the wisdom of Mr Bush and his people.
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| Wednesday, September 19, 2001 - 02:57 pm If the attacks are completely against Islam, so, what are the reasons, those people HATE the US, and like to give pain to the Americans, even by killing themselves. We have to find out an answer for that before declaring the war, as the war is another circle of violence. It is clear that the US is the land of freedom and justice, so, basically no one hates that. I don't have definite answer why those people HATE the US, but may be because America is the only super power in the world, others expect something to be done to establish peace and justice every where. As America is a super power, it is expected to have fair politics, and have to try to establish peace and justice everywhere. In the last few months, Arabs and Muslims hated to see the US attacking Iraq, most Arabs and Muslims are against Saddam, but they hate to see the Iraqi people suffering from poverty, destruction and diseases. The US, also, refused to send mentors to establish peace in the Palestinian areas, and hence, 3 million Palestinians, mostly civilians, are suffering under Sharon's policy.. killing politicians and kids, destroying houses and infrastructure, and so on. These factors cann't rationalize by any means the attacks against American civilians. But we have to identify the causes of terrorism before taking any decision. I think treating the cause is the best way to stop the terrorism forever.
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| Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 05:02 pm I am a Christian resident of Richmond who wants to express my support for my Muslim neighbors. Please let me know what I can do to help you in this time of crisis. We are all children of God, regardless of the name that we call him. My prayers are with you.
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| Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 12:23 pm Eric Futterman, Please contact ISGR at info@isgr.org or (804) 673-4177 and we can talk further. Thanks.
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| Monday, September 17, 2001 - 11:38 pm I am a Jewish American who would like to reach out to Muslims in this time of crisis. I am deeply hurt by the hateful language and attacks on Muslim Americans following the September 11, attack on NYC and Washington. I am looking for a way to turn a horrific negative into a postive. I believe the best way to do this is for members of my faith, the Jewish Community, to reach out to members of the Islamic faith and look for areas of agreement, love and peace. Our two faiths have much that needs to be healed. I am but one person. I am not speaking for my community, I have not discussed this with any hierarchy in the Richmond Jewish Community. However I would like to hear some response and take it to members of our community and begin a dialogue. Peace takes assertiveness, hence the phrase 'Wage Peace'. I don't expect either of us to try to convince the other to convert and agree with the tenents of our religions. However I fervently believe each of us has the right to pray, to live a cultural life of our own and to live in peace. I wish nothing but love, peace and good blessings on all Muslims and I am extending the hand of peace, through dialogue. Please let me know how we may begin this process. With kind wishes, Eric Futterman
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| Monday, September 17, 2001 - 09:47 pm I have located the 800# to call if confronted with a hate crime. It was located on the CBS site Report Hate Crimes The U.S. government set up a hotline to field to complaints of assaults against Muslims, Arab-Americans and other minorities. The number is 800-552-6843. (Reuters
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| Monday, September 17, 2001 - 04:46 pm I like to take this chance to talk about The War in Islam. Many people consider that Islam spread by war, and to them I say: The defense war to protect your country, family, property and yourself is quite understandable, and is a must. If you consider wars to spread Islam, I have to say that that was in the past, when the king or the governor of a country prevented his people from accepting Islam. In this case, the war was indicated to take this king out, then expose Islam to people; whoever wants to accept Islam can accept Islam, and whoever didn't want Islam and keep his own religion, it is OK also... No obligation in faith. even in these wars, Muslims were ordered not to attack a church, a temple, a monk or any one doing his services. They were warned also not to kill civilians, women or kids by any way. Christians in Egypt had hard times from the Roman empire, which was also Christian, they didn't get the relief except with Muslims. In our recent life, no one can forbid you from changing your religion in the US or anywhere. Islam is the only religion growing in the US and in the west in general; at least 15.000 new Muslims convert to Islam every year in the US. This can give you indication why terrorist attacks are not Islamic at all.
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| Monday, September 17, 2001 - 12:19 pm Hello, I wanted to try to find a way to express my support and concern for my Islamic neighbors. I sincerely hope that no one attempts to make you feel unsafe in any way. Certainly, I believe that most Americans understand that the acts of a few people do not reflect the true nature of the Islamic faith. I am concerned about those Americans who do not understand. Please know that they do NOT have my support. If anyone has an idea about what I can do, please let me know.
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| Sunday, September 16, 2001 - 07:17 pm After having had the national day of rememberance for those lost and deceased, let's dry our eyes and look at the facts as we know them to be. Since when do we have live coverage of a plane flying into a national structure(s)? Who tipped off these camera people, and why didn't these reporters give any warning to possible dangers? In the Oklahoma bombing we only saw the remaining rubble after it had occurred. Since when are USA time zones the same with Palestinian time zones? Where these people really reacting to the news of our attack? How can immigration officals not take some responsiblity for giving entrance to a known bombing suspect who had been previously released from an Israeli jail? (Mohammed Attar) Having answered these truthfully you may have a closer to understanding the magnitude of war on countries which may only appear as prime suspects.
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| Saturday, September 15, 2001 - 11:23 pm Understandably, the media has depicted the course of events but let us not be too quick to believe all that has been reported. This attack has been generated towards the american people in the attempts to create distrust and hatred towards arabs and muslims which has been the evident result of all this loss of life and property. This is much larger than any terrorist group in a 3rd world country. Internal protection was given to these individuals with large sums of financial support. Please be aware of the advantages some may have from the disappearance of arabs, muslims and Islamic supporters from around the globe.
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| Saturday, September 15, 2001 - 03:44 pm I would also like to express my sorrow at how a *few* non-Muslims have (and unfortunately, will in the future) treated those of Arabic descent... I am a Christian here in Richmond, and, of course, along with the actual devastation and loss of life in NY and DC, my heart has been heavy knowing that this unwarranted backlash would be happening, and feeling helpless to stop it and not wanting it to "snowball"... I ask for the same tolerance and understanding, just as we know that these acts were perpetrated by a *small, select* group that does *not* represent all of Islam, that even if it gets tough, that those that would act in a stupid fashion toward all Muslims and those of Arabic descent are also just a *small, select* group that do *not* represent all Americans or Christians. I am so happy to find this forum to be able to say what has been on my heart to those I feel need to hear it. :::Lifting prayers of peace for *all* peoples:::
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| Friday, September 14, 2001 - 06:32 pm I was recently on the CBS News bulletin board and was reading some of the postings. They are truly frightening! People are saying they would support the wholesale bombing of the Middle East. I have posted one or two responses trying to convince others that these acts were not representative of the Muslim community as a whole. And to make matters worse, someone calling themselves a blasphemous "Praise Allah" posted a message "Allah 3, New York 0". I have never been so disgusted!
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| Friday, September 14, 2001 - 02:22 pm I have heard during Gumaa prayer that the American government provided 800# to report any harrassment or untoward acts, the Islamic community may face. You are always advised to get a caller ID to get the number of any hate calls, so that they could be tracked. Any one who knows the 800 #, or any information, PLEASE POST to get safety and assurrance to the Islamic community as soon as possible.
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| Friday, September 14, 2001 - 10:19 am During hard times, You can recognize the real deals of people. I can't hide my admiration with President Bush. He is leading the nation very steadily in this hard time. He never nominated any group responsible for the attacks until he has full investigations. He never got very nervous or out of control however the severe pain, and high voices to revenge. His call for prayers this noon, and the support of Arabs and Muslims in the US is really fully appreciated. We could have some political problems with him as we think that he didn't stop Israili's terrorism in the palastinian areas with the American weapons, or because of attacking Iraq leaving kids there with hunger, poverty and leukemia. But, we really can say GOD BLESS YOU PRESIDENT BUSH.. WE ALL SUPPORT YOU IN THIS HARD TIME.
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| Friday, September 14, 2001 - 08:28 am Muslim community in Greater Richmond appreciate the down pouring of support for Muslims who are been targeted by few individuals. President Bush have made Friday September 14, 2001 as the day of Prayer and Remembrance. Friday have a special significance in Islam, Muslims all over the world pray in congregation on this special day. Mosques (Muslims prayer place) in the Greater Richmond area are planning to have special prayers for the victims. Prayer leaders will emphasize the true teaching of Islam. Many Non Muslims are planning to visit the Mosques during the Friday prayers to show the solidarity with their fellow American Muslims. Call the local Mosque for Timings of Friday prayers. ISGR Prayer Timings ISGR Directions
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| Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 07:43 pm Asalamu aliakum, I am a new convert, having converted while in Dubai after finding my birth family. I am a single mother, living here trying to practice my religion and teach my children while my support group is thousands of miles away.... Then something like this happens and it truly frightens me. This disaster not only shows the beauty that can come from people (rescuers not fearing for their safety), but also the evil (the knee jerk reaction to blame all Muslims). I admit that I too had a closed, suspicious view of the Arab community...and then lo-and-behold, I come from one! During my time in Dubai, I learned what a beautiful, gracious, and hospitable people Arabs are. I just wish that in this time people would take time to remember that Muslims, like all people, are not a homogeneous group. Just like not all stereotypes apply to other racial/ethnic groups, the same applies to the Arabs and Muslims.
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| Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 04:31 pm I am a Christian Richmond Resident. As I understand there have been quite a few incidents of attacks on Muslims in the US today. Tomorrow at noon has been announced as a national period of mourning. The President has requested people to attend their local church or mosque. I think it would be good to show not only a united front in mourning but also to show support for the Muslim community in this country that had nothing to do with this attack. Given that, how would I and is it appropriate under Islamic guidelines pray at a mosque as a sign of unity and if it is ok where are locations in Richmond where this may be done ?
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| Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 02:53 pm Thanks Bud for your feelings and support. I do understand that you are not in a minority. Most Americans fully understand the situation, however very angry from the attacks. I don't think something dangerous happened till now as most Americans we see and deal with are quite responsible. The problem, visible Muslims can face, can come from immature teenagers or young adults... This needs every one to be alert and careful. This needs the media to fully explain the situation, warn people from inappropriate misbehaviour, and the officials to declare that also. Muslims, generally, don't HATE anyone, even in the countries, with Muslim majority, they live very well with minorities with complete peace and cooperation.
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| Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 02:20 pm It's hard to know exactly how to express myself here. I'm a non-Muslim, still in shock over the recent events in NYC. Like most of us, I'm angry, hurt, and frightened about what's to come in the next few weeks, both in other countries and here. I have a bad feeling that the more visible Muslims in America are going to take a lot of heat from irresponsible morons and rednecks, and I'm very afraid that it will get uglier for a time before it gets any better. I devoutly hope not, but I've seen it happen before. But it's important to me that you, as Muslims, understand that I, for one, do NOT hate you, that I do NOT blame you for what's happened. I don't think I'm in the minority, not by a long shot, and I know that the local law enforcement agencies are gearing up to prevent and defuse any incidents. I wish I could apologize in advance for the potential actions of a few; please try to find a place in your hearts NOT to hate all of us for those few despicable people who blame you for what you didn't do. We're all in this together, in a very real way.
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| Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 12:14 pm Thanks Lisa, your message of support means a lot for Muslims in this hard time. Peace for everyone
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| Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 09:53 am Dear friends, I would like to apologize on behalf of all non-Muslim people for the hateful and pointless acts of a few who have chosen to lash out against Muslims in the U.S. during the past few days, since the devastating acts of terrorism in New York and Washington, D.C. Please don't think that those who behave in such a mean and uncalled-for fashion are representative of the non-Muslim population as a whole. Most of us think that they are acting very wrongly and are willing to speak out against such behavior if we witness it personally. I wish you peace.
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| Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 09:53 am Thank you NZollar for your positive attitude. As I said, the pain of the States is really grave, some Muslims reported that they recieved threatens, But the officials, most of the people and media understand that the Islamic community is innocent... As I said before, Be positive, Be patient, Be helpful, and Be careful.
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| Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 11:44 pm Asalamu aliakum, I urge all muslims in this community, do hide in your homes. I was the only Muslim person who showed up at my job today and I feel that my being there helped people. I was able to answer questions about Islam for people and help people understand that killing innocent people is not part of Islam. So please, do not hide. Show that you outraged but still muslim. Also, do not let you wives and daughters remove their covers to go outside. I am a woman who covers, my cover is my sheild. Allahu Akbar!
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| Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 06:07 pm Wa Salaams, Just wanted to say, (as silly as it sounds) if it wasnt for this web site an soundvision, I would be really in the dark as far information! I am military at Ft.Lee and have really no contact with any muslims. Salaams
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| Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 03:55 pm When the Oklahoma city accident happened in 1995, they talked about Arabs, and Muslims.. But it was clear, after a while, that it was done by Americans.... Does this mean that all the Americans are guilty or terrorists????. Obviously, NO. When the WTC was attacked in 1993 by some, unfortunately, Mslims, Did that mean that all Muslims are guilty????, Obviously, NO So, Be Patient and Careful guys, Don't get panic, and try to keep your Islam up. Arabs and Muslims may have some political problems with the US, as they are trying to push the States to stop Israil from attacking palastinians in the West Bank and Gaza, but the US administration gives the Arab leaders a deaf ear as described by the BBC... This, by any means, cann't rationalize for the last attacks, and killing American civilians.
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| Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 03:34 pm I understand that, this is a hard time for Muslims, especially from the Arabic background... We have to be patient. The wound of the US is really grave. The terrorists are stupid enough to kill civilians and make Muslims and Arabs all over the world in question. But, what we have to do, we have to be careful and patient... We have to try to expose the true Islam, we have to grow and never allow any Zionest to take a chance from that act... We have to be patient, when we see Americans look with angry eyes to us, this is completely understandable. But we have to be careful from teenagers and young adults who can misbehave or attack Muslims or Arabs with weapons. We have to be of any help for the US against terrorism as by donating blood. For you, single sister, BE PATIENT, and CAREFUL. DON't LEAVE HEJAB, and ALLAH SWT WILL CLEAR THAT
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| Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 02:58 pm Wa Salaam, What really annoyed me is how CNN's footage of Palestines dancing and celebrating in the street was a widespread or across the board celebration of all Palestinians. I believe it was BBC (station) that cleared up this was a very limited incident. I wish news would be reported with FULL facts. Salaams
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| Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 02:51 pm Now that the nation of American has been hit in sercurity and defense, how shall we protect ourselves as an ummah from the harrassment and violent attacks revenge seekers may make? Is this what it takes to unite us as the bipartisanship has become united? I look for strong voices here to support me in this very crucial time. I am a single sister who works in hijab. Now I am faced with either not going to work or uncovering to some extent. I continue to make dua that Allah ta'ala will let the truth be known of these attackers and there aims while shielding the muslims from the kufars discriminatory attacks. How interesting just a few days after the UN Conference in South Africa and US pull-out and just prior to Imam Jamil's rally that this all occurs. This is a mighty wake up call for all muslims around the world. We have been made a target and only Allah ta'ala can protect us.
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