Calling all Americans to Honor 9/11 Victims by Donating Blood

September 11 was like any other ordinary day for most Americans. However, for me it carried some meaning since a friend and a cousin shared it as their birthdays. But 10 years ago it became a day in history when the world as we knew changed forever.

We were in California at the time. We had just woken up because the alarm was set for three hours behind EST. We switched on the TV and were in shock to see the twin towers burn in flames first and then collapse in front of our own eyes. I could not believe it ,especially because just a year before, my family and I were standing on top of that skyscraper appreciating the view never realizing that we or for that matter anybody else would be able to have that experience just a year later.

A day of great tragedy, innocent lives from around 90 nationalities, races and faiths were lost that day. Just this year, the mastermind behind this act of terrorism, Osama bin Laden, was brought to justice and a decade-long war against terrorism had its one of the biggest victories.

But has the world become a safe place again after his elimination? No, not all! Why? Simply because there are more like him creating chaos and disturbing peace. They may pose to be Muslims like bin Laden or a Christian like Anders Breivik or many others like them, but in actuality their religion is to spread terrorism for the sake of one worldly cause or another since there is no place for terrorism in Islam or any other world faith.

We, the Muslims belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, believe that there is no distinction between being a good Muslim and to be a loyal citizen of the country we reside in. In fact, Islam encourages to live by the rules of the country and to obey the ruler regardless of his faith (O ye who believe! obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority among you)(Quran, 4:60). When Islam condemns creating disorder or chaos (Allah loves not disorder) (Quran, 2:206) then how can actions of Osama bin Laden and his followers be acceptable?

We condemn all acts of terrorism and would like to play our part in spreading the message of peace by being loyal citizens and by creating awareness about the real message of Islam and its practices.

In view of these thoughts, two successful campaigns “Muslims for Peace” and “Muslims for Loyalty” were launched last year all over the U.S.

And this year, to mark the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, we have launched a campaign called “Muslims for Life” where blood donation of 10,000 bags will be collected by all of our 71 chapters in the U.S. to honor lives lost a decade ago. So far 237 drives have been planned including all major cities of the country. What better way to remember them but to give the gift of life to around 30,000 people?

Our local chapter (Atlanta) is also holding blood drives at multiple locations during the month of September in collaboration with Red Cross and other blood collection organizations. Please go to www.muslimsforlife.org to learn more about this initiative and to see how you can help.

I would like to urge all Americans to come together as one, irrespective of race, color or religion. It is time to say yes to life and no to terrorism by showing support to our campaign and by donating blood during the whole month of September.

In Georgia, all you need to do is to contact Red Cross and mention "Muslims for Life" campaign when scheduling your appointment. May God bless you and may God bless America! (Amen.)