It is evident that the Muslims, especially the Muslim Americans are the ones who have been affected most by the terrorist attack of September 11 and its aftermath developments; and as time passes, their sufferings and nightmares are only increasing. While terrorist attacks did take place in America before and the casualties therein were also quite significant (though not in a similar magnitude of September 11's), and the perpetrators also used the name of their religion to justify their carnage, never ever in American history, any religion or its adherents at large were blamed for the crime of few individuals and their organizations. Unfortunately, the exceptions are being made only with Islam and the Muslim American community.

Indeed, it is strikingly noticeable that what were considered to be unfair, unconstitutional and 'un-American' before, today all those are being done one after one against the Muslims, and yet there is hardly any criticism, opposition and initiative to deter those discriminatory and 'un-American' moves. Instead, we are witnessing that anti-Muslim campaign and smears have become common and pervasive, and the venomous voices are getting stronger in the media, academia and policy making circles.

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A Wakeup Call to Muslims 
in North America

Muslims are the fastest growing religious community in the world especially in the United States of America. Every fourth person on this planet earth is a Muslim. Muslims come from all races, genders and countries. Islamic civilization has made tremendous achievements in sciences and has produced some of the most prominent scientists in previous centuries.  But, Islam is still a misunderstood religion in the West.

Written by Zaheer Uddin

BOOK REVIEW

The Cross & the Crescent

The Future of Islam in America

The first thing we need to do is take a good, hard look at what we believe and how we are expressing it. Our Shaykhs tell us to support this or that cause, our activists tell us to donate for this or that crisis and our books tell us about the struggles of Muslims all over the globe. But lost in all of this is the very essence of what Islam is all about. Islam touches on all aspects of life but the core, the foundation of Islam, is a spiritual message. "O you who believe, save yourselves and your families." Over and over we are exhorted to have faith in God and to lead a virtuous life.  

Written by Yahiya Emerick  

Hope, Challenge and Perseverance:
The Case of Muslims in North America

Muslims must put their own acts together. They must rebuild their trust in Allah. There is no room for despair in Islam; it is against the Iman (faith): "…do not despair of Allah's mercy…[Q, 39:53] Allah helps when there is no help in sight.  Every scenario we encounter is a test question and must be answered with a sense of accountability by Allah (s). It is temporary: "This life of the world is but a pastime and a game. The home of the Hereafter - that is life…". [Q, 29: 64] That is, here no position permanent in this world. 

Written by M. Riaz Khan, Ph.D.  

Media And The Muslims: 
Hate-Hate Relationship

The horrific event of 9/11 gave the western media an unparalleled opportunity to turn the world against the Muslims and their faith, Islam.  America's response to 9/11attack was shaped by catchy words like "war on terrorism" and the phrase: "with us or with them". Without defining "terrorism", and without any moral justification for lumping Muslims' struggle against repressive regimes the US government initiated its war.

Written by Abul Kalam, Ph.D. 

The Duty of Da'wah

Muslims have suffered significant discrimination and provocation from misguided individuals who blame all Islam for the terrible tragedies. Unfortunately, such individuals have become confused by the sensationalism and stereotypes propagated by the media. They do not realize that the slaughter of innocent human beings is clearly condemned by Islam. Actually, this is one of several essential reasons that Muslims absolutely must become involved in da'wah (inviting others to Islam): to clarify and delineate what Islam is and what it is not. 

Written by Ama F. Shabazz

Islam in North America: 
Prospects And Problems

American Muslims are truly pluralistic because their make-up comes from many nationalities. They could thus demonstrate the value of diversity to the American society, as well as engage in valuable work for their universal Ummah. The Muslim Americans have the moral sensitivity; they must now provide the moral leadership to the American society. 

Written by Siraj I. Mufti, Ph.D.