The survival of Islam in America is the pre-eminent challenge for the Muslims who have chosen to make this land their home. The sudden outburst of patriotism, expressed in waving flags, rendition of patriotic songs, solemn memorial services, has frightened many in the Islamic community into maintaining a low profile. But Muslims must stand up, assert their identity and not only accommodate to life in America but become champions of liberty and justice.
The crisis created presents the Muslims with a golden opportunity to step forward and show their commitment to the nation. Reaching out to their fellow Americans, in sympathy and prayers, such as the nationally televised church service in which a Muslim imam delivered a benediction (du’a), was admirable. Cooperation with political leaders and law enforcement authorities has been commendable, and condemnation of the despicable act of September 11, the human thing to do.
The activist segment of the community have donated blood, made contributions to the Red Cross and collected funds for the support of the victims. A number of Islamic centers and mosques have held open house and reached out to the neighbors at the grassroots.
A recent open house at my own Islamic center attracted a capacity crowd of 400. Fully half of those in attendance were people of other faiths. They had come to show support and to learn. The political leaders who spoke included a Senator, a Congressman, three mayors and several local elected office-holders. They all warmly embraced the community.
There is an overwhelmingly high degree of support and goodwill for the community in almost all the parts of the nation. Heart-warming stories have been told of how people have reached out with flowers and candies and, in some places, Muslim women have been escorted to shopping. At some places non-Muslim women have donned hijab to show solidarity with their Muslim sisters.
The leadership of the major Muslim organizations, AMC, CAIR, AMA and MPAC, has been particularly active in maintaining communication with the nation’s leaders, including the White House. The highly publicized visit to the Washington mosque by President George Bush was a singularly significant event for the American Muslims.
The mainstream bodies that represent the Muslims, and their supporters, have always admired the American political system as an expression of the ideals of Islam. They find in many aspects of American values the realization of Islamic virtues. Their vision has been and continues to be, to bring America and Islam closer together, perhaps through sharing of their civilizations.
The WTC tragedy has turned out to be a double-edged sword for the Muslims: it has hurt the Muslims, but also put the Muslim community under a spotlight. The nation’s leaders have all of a sudden discovered Islam. Now they want to know more about the message preached by Prophet Muhammad.
This is a period of unprecedented opportunity for Muslims to present Islam to the nation, to fellow Americans. Those at the seat of power in Washington are now interested in maintaining a close contact with the community. Senators and Congressmen are eager for Muslims to join their staff and listen to their perspectives.
Sadly, only a small portion of the Muslim community is active, and is willing to reach out, to become volunteers and be of service to the public. Most Muslims are still ensconced in their little narrow, introverted villages replicated on the American soil. Many are only physically present in America but are psychologically “back home.”
Some Muslims, wrapped up in their ethnic cliques and suspicious to their neighbors, are unaware of their local mosques or of one of the national Muslim organizations. Rightfully concerned, the FBI has picked up nearly a thousand from among these groups.
The turning point of the American Islam has arrived. Muslims must become the defenders of the constitution and the Bill of Rights. These documents most clearly embody the values of Islam. They must also seize the moment to educate their fellow Americans about their faith.
It has been reported that copies of the Qur’an have been sold out. The public has been exposed to Islam through programs on PBS, NPR and Oprah. Now, it is up to the Muslims to play their role in making Islam a part of the American life.