Estimated reading time: 18 minute(s)
As we close Ramadan this week, the anti-Islamic onslaught is increasing by the second but Islamophobia is not new.
I was watching a report on CNN themed “Ramadan vs. 9/11 Anniversary”, discussing how some Muslims plan to “tone down” their end of Ramadan celebrations, known as Eid al-Fitr.
The closing of Ramadan this year happens to be very near the anniversary of the attacks on the WTC but one has nothing to do with the other.
One Imam in NY told CNN “Most Muslim communities will be reluctant to have something that’s perceived to be celebratory on 9/11 even though we’re not celebrating 9/11. There’s a whole cottage industry of Muslim bashers now who would seize on that. Unfortunately, these are the times we live in.”
Why should Muslims fear to celebrate Eid al-Fitr because some people will think we’re celebrating the crashing of planes nine years ago? We should move forward with Eid celebrations and not rob ourselves of the joyous celebration of striving to obey Allah’s guidance for us in the Noble Qur’an.
This does not mean we’re not sad over the loss of lives during 9/11. I remember vividly what I was doing when it happened and I stopped to say a silent prayer for those families before I knew any of the details of what had occurred. Other Muslims did as well yet we’re being treated as if all of us are heartless, cruel and insensitive.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Muslims were persecuted in the establishment of Islam in Arabia. Many, such as the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and his family, suffered a lot to establish Islam right here in America.
This is not the time for us as Muslims to back down and whither in our faith. We should increase in our unity and move forward in sharing with the American people the beauty of our religion and way of life.
Now, to the critics and “patriots”–I have some questions for you all. In the midst of the “Ground Zero Mosque” controversy and the Florida pastor reportedly preparing to host a Qur’anic bonfire, a frank discussion about what really happened nine years ago has not been revisited in this country except by a few who dare to question it.
How do you know Muslims really did 9/11? Yes, you personally. What is your proof? Or did you just get caught up in the emotional fray of it all? Did the government lie?
If you can, remove your arrogance for a second and let’s enter the “Upper Situation Room.”
This may be the first time some of you have read or heard these types of questions surrounding 9/11. While others probably have heard them over and over but have chosen to ignore them or label them as “conspiracy theory”.
Remember the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore? Of course you do. He used that documentary to pose some very serious questions about what really happened on 9/11. Was this an inside job? Why isn’t the content of that movie talked about anymore? If you have not seen it, I say get it and watch it.
In a press release dated Sept. 10, 2010, the National Association of Muslim American Women (NAMAW) has declared Muslim innocence and is calling for a new 9/11 investigation and an apology in an upcoming radio program to air on Sept. 11 at 10amEST on The Power of Truth Radio.
“This is our humble effort to free Muslims from the unfair and unjust stigma that has been placed upon us by those who rushed to judgment after 9/11, and wrongly blamed Muslims and Islam for the attacks”, says NAMAW founder and Chairwoman Anisa Abd el Fattah. “Since that time numerous experts in the fields of aviation, aeronautics, demolitions, architects, engineers and other scientists, and first responders have compiled an impressive body of proof, showing clearly that Muslims did not attack the US on 9/11, or at any other time.”
On March 14, 2010, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan posed questions about the accounts given by the government as to what happened on 9/11. In this YouTube clip of that speech, he’s asking questions compiled from various scientists who are not in agreement that 9/11 actually occurred the way it has been documented and reported.
Minister Farrakhan says “9/11 was done by people in our own government and our own banking system to perpetuate the fear in the American people so that they might subordinate themselves, so that the government may get them to do whatever they want us to do. And this was to create this endless war on terror. But the war on terror is a cover and a fraud for the real war–which is a war against Islam.”
Questions about 9/11 read by Minister Farrakhan included:
Why is it that the FBI’s Most Wanted poster of Osama Bin Laden mentions other crimes but 9/11?
Why were lucrative investment bets placed on United and American-Airlines and some corporate offices in the World Trade Center that yielded profits if their stock prices fell?
How was the FBI able to release a list and photos of the hijackers within hours?
Why have at least five alleged hijackers been reported alive and living in Saudi Arabia? And if the perpetrators were from Arabia why are we fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq?
When the Bush administration said Osama Bin Laden was responsible and the Afghans asked to be shown the proof, President Bush arrogantly said turn Mr. Bin Laden over or else. Why didn’t he present proof?
How could these alleged hijackers have known that multiple classified air defense drills were planned for the morning of 9/11–leaving only two fighter jets available to protect the entire northeastern U.S.? How could Osama know that? Who planned the drills that morning?
How come the hole in the Pentagon was 18 feet across but the wingspan of a 757 is 146 feet?
How come that single engine plane that crashed into the IRS office in Austin, Texas did more damage to that building than a 757 jetliner, filled with fuel, did to the Pentagon?
Six months before the 9/11 attacks the World Trade Center was purchased by the Silverstein Group for $3.2 billion and Larry Silverstein took out insurance which included acts of terrorism. The potential payout was $4.6 billion and a huge profit was made off of the attacks based on a court decision, Min. Farrakhan said.
I am just posing questions for Houston Belief readers and I am interested to know your thoughts.
Could it be that Muslims are being persecuted for an attack that was never done by Muslims but by those who run this government? If was proven true, how would that change your view towards Muslims?
Continued prayers and blessings to the families who lost love ones in this disaster.
Ramadan Mubarak and Eid Mubarak to the all of the Muslims throughout the world.
(You’re welcome to follow Brother Jesse Muhammad further onTwitter, become a friend onFacebook, or visit his award-winning siteBrother Jesse Blog)
All Houston Eid 2009 photos by Jesse Muhammad
