9/11 and Islam

A Muslim prayer room was destroyed when the World Trade Centers collapsed on September 11th, 10 years ago. A store of Korans was also destroyed. Over 40 muslims died in the attacks.

The fact that 9/11 decimated America's perception of Islam is an unfortunate testament to the ignorance of many. Religion does not breed violence. Misuse of religion breeds hate, which breeds violence. These facts should not even have to be uttered, but that is the world we live in. This world sets the state for the "Muslims for Life" campaign, an organization I believe exists, if not primarily, at least partially to reconstruct this image.

There were some very thoughtful and worth reading comments on today's New York Times series of articles each under the category "Muslims Now", part of their mega-section "The Reckoning: One Decade Later". "Muslims By the Numbers" is also very interesting. Who knew there were muslims in the House of Representatives?

As for Muslim-Christian relations since 9/11, "Christianity Today" had some interesting things to say. Also worth reading.

Here is a list of the Muslims Victims of 9/11. Notice the diverse array of ages and professions, from NYPD cadet to nurse to waiter.

· Muhammadou Jawara - 30 years old - MAS Security

· Zuhtu Ibis - 25 years old - Cantor Fitzgerald

· Sarah Khan - 32 years old - Forte Food Service

· Taimour Firaz Khan - 29 years old - Carr Futures

· Abdoulaye Kone - 37 years old - Windows on the World

· Abdu Ali Malahi - 37 years old - WTC Marriott

· Nurul Hoque Miah - 35 years old - Marsh & McLennan

· Boyie Mohammed - 50 years old - Carr Futures

· Ehtesham U. Raja - 28 years old - TCG Software

· Ameenia Rasool - 33 years old - Marsh & McLennan

· Mohammad Ali Sadeque - 62 years old - newspaper vendor at WTC, missing

· Rahma Salie & child - 28 years old (7 months pregnant) - American #11

· Khalid M. Shahid - 25 years old - Cantor Fitzgerald

· Mohammed Shajahan - 41 years old - Marsh & McLennan

· Nasima Hameed Simjee - 38 years old - Fiduciary Trust Co.

· Michael Theodoridis - 32 years old - American #11

· Abdoul Karim Traore - 41 years old - Windows on the World

· Karamo Trerra - 40 years old - ASAP NetSource

· Shakila Yasmin - 26 years old - Marsh & McLennan

· Shabbir Ahmed - 47 years old - Windows on the World Restaurant

· Tariq Amanullah - 40 years old - Fiduciary Trust Co.

· Michael Baksh - 36 years old - Marsh & McLennan

· Touri Hamzavi Bolourchi - 69 years old - retired nurse on United #175

· Abul K. Chowdhury - 30 years old - Cantor Fitzgerald

· Mohammad Salahuddin Chowdhury - 38 years old - Windows on the World

· Jemal Legesse De Santis - 28 years old - World Trade Center

· Simon Suleman Ali Kassamali Dhanani - 63 years old - Aon Corp.

· Syed Abdul Fatha - 54 years old - Pitney Bowes

· Mon Gjonbalaj - 65 years old - Janitor, World Trade Center

· Nezam A. Hafiz - 32 years old - Marsh & McLennan