Beyond 9/11-American Muslims building bridges of understanding

Some say that time heals, but the fact remains that even after more than a decade since the terrorist attack of 9/11, our country still seems to be in need of healing. As a Muslim it feels that fellow Americans are still judging me and rest of the Muslim population for something we did not do or approve. People who expect an apology for 9/11 from Muslims like myself because the extremists belonged to my faith need to stop. It is time to move on and get to know each other better so that another 9/11 is prevented from happening.

The tragedy of 9/11 attacks brought one good outcome- a three times jump in interfaith community service activities in the decade after 9/11.Yes, many Muslim countries are in turmoil right now and the issue of terrorism persists but Islam is not to blame. It is a small fraction of more than a billion followers who is misrepresenting the faith by their violent ways.

No wonder, actions of these few is spreading animosity against the majority of Muslims who live peacefully. In recent years we have seen examples of ever growing hate against the second largest religion of the world. The Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin, or the Hindu man who was pushed onto the New York subway because he was believed to be a Muslim, or a campaign of anti-Muslim subway and bus ads; and just a month ago, “No Muslim Parking” signs outside a Mall in Houston are all examples of the rising Islamophobia in the country.

Therefore, it is not surprising that many American Muslims have stepped up their efforts to create awareness among general public about the real teachings of Islam that revolve around peace, compassion, tolerance and kindness instead of violence, hate and destruction as portrayed by the extremists and sometimes the media.

As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I feel blessed to be part of a community that has been on the forefront of educating fellow Americans about the true teachings of Islam. It has launched campaigns such as, “Muslims for Life”, “Muslims for Peace”, and “Muslims for Loyalty”.  These campaigns highlight the fact that Islam values life, is peaceful, and teaches its followers to be loyal to their country of residence.

Currently, we are holding multiple blood drives across the nation including here in Georgia under our “Muslims for Life” campaign to promote Muslims as “Life givers” instead of “Terrorists”. This year we hope to save 36,000 lives by collecting 12,000 units of blood from August 11 to October 11 nationally.

Locally, we just took part in Compassion Games Atlanta sponsored by Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta and Neshama Interfaith Center. This is a program of the Compassionate Action Network International, a worldwide network founded on the Charter of Compassion that “transcends religious, ideological and national differences”.  In addition, we are also thrilled to be helping with the planning of an Interfaith Disaster Relief Preparedness Summit planned for Gwinnett County Faith Leaders in October organized by Joseph’s Network, Noah’s Ark and Red Cross.

As a community that categorically denounces terrorism in any form, we strive to live by the motto: ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’. Could there be a more profound message of peace and tolerance than this?