Join the Discussion "I stand with the majority of good and peaceable Muslims in defense of a better future, one where violence is nothing but a bad memory." - LEDA74

Related Resources • Backlash Escalates • Muslim Reaction to Attack • Jihad in Islam

Following the September 11th attack, Americans were angry, and rightfully so.  However, this anger quickly turned against the wider Arab and Muslim American community.  Incidents of violence, harassment, and vandalism have become too numerous to keep track of.  Arab and Muslim Americans have had to deal with their own grief over the attack, amidst the fear that we were to become the next victims.

Recognizing this danger, government and community leaders were quick to speak out against vigilantism and ethnic or religious bias.  In the first hours after the attack, New York Mayor Rudolph Guliani and other leaders made official statements condemning such widespread suspicion and hatred.

On September 17th, President Bush visited a Washington D.C. mosque for the first time, and reminded the nation that "these acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith and it's important for my fellow Americans to understand that.... The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam.''

In his address to Congress last Thursday evening, President Bush made his most forceful statement, in words that are worth repeating: "We're in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them. No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith."

It has not only been the country's leaders speaking out against this undue stereotyping, suspicion, and harassment.  Common people in every city have stood up for their Muslim community members, and reached out in love to their Muslim neighbors.  From San Francisco to Portland, Maine, I have heard heartwarming stories of outreach and support.  Mosques have received flowers and cards.  Individual Muslims are approached at the store with smiles and kind words of concern.  People all over the country have offered practical support to their Muslim neighbors, offering to escort them to the store, or pick up their children from school.  Many Muslim Americans heard from family and friends from all over the country, who just called to see if they're okay.

And you, the visitors of About.com, have spoken out as well.  I have received numerous emails expressing concern and attempts toward understanding.  In the words of one reader: "It saddens me to see a terrible event like this bring out the worst in some people.  It is the antithesis of what it means to be American.  My sympathies go out to you and your community in this time of trial."

Another reader wrote in thanks for the information provided on the About Islam site: "I wish you well in the coming months, as I am sure that this is not an easy time for Muslims in the United States and all around the world.  Please know that at least one person has come to a greater understanding of your religion through your efforts.  I will pray for you and your fellow Muslims, that we might all grow to a greater peace."

Another reader offered this prayer: "At this time I pray for compassion, peace, and the strength to not displace our fears and anguish upon fellow followers of the path of compassion."

The Islam Forum is also filled with messages from visitors, just checking in to voice their concern, support, and recognition that we as a community are not to blame for the actions of a few hate-filled criminals.  I know that such words of support and understanding mean a lot to Muslims of the U.S.  In the face of bigotry and ignorance, it is helpful for us to see and remember that the majority of people in America welcome and embrace the great diversity of this country.  As Forum member UMHANAN so eloquently wrote:  "We are all human beings.  All of us came from the same first mother, Eve/Hawaa.  We are part of a human family.  If we can one day say that anything positive came out of this tragedy, it will be, I think, that it brought all Americans closer together and bridged some sort of understanding of the unknown which was once foreign and once frightening."  Ameen.