If a Muslim neighbor speaks…

Though the title may only reflect half of the story in the guest column American Muslims must speak honestly, it speaks to multiple needs in America that are imperative to its safety and cohesiveness. In a post 9/11 world, the fact is that American Muslims must speak loudly and clearly about the unacceptability of acts of terrorism and, yes, all violence against innocent civilians. These acts being disassociated from having any justification in Islam is paramount. Simultaneously, fellow Americans of all faiths and cultures must realize that without listening, learning and willing to participate in the conversation, void of defensive or abusive attitudes, is a crucial path to breaking the self-destructive cycle of mistrust and unjust violence.

How many Americans know that the Islamic Society of North America has published an anti-terrorism and extremism brochure which can be downloaded? Not many as the coverage it has received in our mass media has been zero. How many Americans know of the Islamic religious ruling or Fatwa endorsed by over 120 Islamic organizations, including the Council on American Islamic Relations, condemning terrorism and extremism and calling people who commit terrorism in the name of Islam as “criminals, not ‘martyrs.”’ ? This was, rightly so, something called for by people of all faiths to differentiate Islam and everyday Muslims from the hate-mongering individuals who abuse Islam for their personal or political objectives. Yet, this goes virtually unknown as letter after letter and editorial after editorial is certain to coin the phrase ‘why don’t Muslims condemn atrocities of 9/11 and other acts of terrorism’.

Majority of American Muslims, like their neighbors of various faiths, have lived the American life while being committed to their faith and country in a very private way. Though many of them would much prefer to continue to do that, it seems they do not have that option. The evil actions of some, who might claim to be of their faith though their actions are completely un-Islamic, have dominated and forced many of them to share their faith in a very public way in order to promote understanding while they try to exercise their right to continue to live in mutual peace.

Are we willing to listen?