We, the Muslim Community of Madison, extend our condolences and our deepest sympathies to the families of those who were killed and injured and to those who have been left distraught. We stand together with our fellow Americans to condemn the recent terrorist attacks and to pray for the innocent victims and their loved ones. One week ago, a most horrific, tragic and despicable crime was committed against America, against all of humanity. Our freedom that we so dearly cherish was stripped from us in a matter of minutes. It is time to turn our hearts and souls over to that Higher Power, the One who provides us with sustenance and hope.
As the search for victims beneath the rubble in New York City and Washington, D.C., continues, so does the search for the perpetrators of this horrendous crime. It is natural in the midst of such anger and sorrow to lay blame and point fingers. There is speculation that Tuesday's events were committed by Muslims and in the name of Islam. Muslim citizens of America, like ourselves, are therefore suffering a second blow of terrorism that further separates us from the divine value of freedom. This time, however, the 'terrorist' attacks are from within our borders.
Islam is a religion of peace and submission to God, whose name comes from the Arabic word for peace, 'salaam.' Islam is a religion that could never condone such destructive acts. Violence of this kind, which seeks to instill terror in people by attacking the innocent, does not exist within the scope of Islam and neither does the justification for this behavior. Islam seeks to establish peace and justice on every level of human society. It seeks to ensure that fairness and prosperity are the foundations upon which communities are built, thus setting a harmonious pace for civilization and progress. Muslims across the country and the world, like all of humanity, were shocked and saddened upon hearing the news on Sept. 11, a day of infamy that will forever be ingrained in everyone's heart and mind. Muslims were among the thousands killed. Muslim children are among the ones left without a mother, father, sibling or friend. Muslims are among the heroes of the New York police force and firefighters who are sacrificing themselves in search of survivors. Muslims are among the medical workers tending to the injured. Muslims are among the displaced residents of lower Manhattan. Muslims are among those lined up for hours to donate blood and money to aid their fellow Americans in this fight against terror. And Muslims nationwide are among those who weep and whose hearts bleed as the devastation continues to present itself in body bags.
In this moment of intense emotional outpouring, we all must keep in mind that whoever the criminals are found to be, and whatever religious and/or ethnic group they claim to be from, they are not, by any means, representing the sentiments of the majority of those groups. To do otherwise would be un-American and would play into the hands of the perpetrators. It is in these trying times when we must come together, as a people and as a nation. Arabs and non-Arabs, Americans and non-Americans, Muslims and non-Muslims, we must all pitch in and truly demonstrate the strength and resilience of the core American ideals that have given rise to a diverse and vibrant community. The individuals who wrongfully carried out these acts did not share the principles of freedom and the right to 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' that are central to Islam and to American values.
The Muslim Community of Madison extends a helping hand to all those affected by the tragedy and is open to engaging in constructive dialogue with other religious groups or members of the Madison community. This is not the time to mimic the behavior of those who have brought terror into our living rooms by bringing terror to our neighbors who may be of a particular religious or ethnic group. In the face of adversity, let America stand united and show the world what it means to be American.
