“A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir rahmánir raheem.
Al hamdu lillahi nahmaduhu wanasta’eenahu, wanastagh-firuhu, wanatoobu ilayhi, wana’oothu Billaahi min shuroori an-fusinaa, wamin sayyi aati a’maalinaa. May- Yahdillahu fa huwal muhtad, wa may- yudlill falan tajidaa lahu waliyan murshida. Wa ash-hadu an Laa ilaaha ill-Alláh, wahdahoo laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhoo warasooluh”
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This week will mark the 10th year anniversary of one of the most tragic and inhumane acts of terrorism the world has ever encountered. Hundreds of innocent lives were lost to the atrocious 9/11 attacks in the U.S, which left families broken, hearts wounded and communities ruined. At such times we must remember and pray for all victims and try our best to help recuperate from the damages and help rebuild even stronger communities.
Even though the actions of these terrorists were against every principle in Islam, many Muslims around the world were labeled as terrorists because of the unjust actions of these people. Following the 9/11 attacks Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic scholar said that “a Muslim cannot be a terrorist and a terrorist cannot be a Muslim” and it’s important for us to remember this when we are faced with so-called ‘Muslims’ carrying out such heinous attacks.
A verse from the Qur’an says:
“Whoever kills a person …it is as though he has killed all mankind.” (Q 5:32)
Any Muslim or well informed person will therefore know that murder has no place in Islam. Islam is based on justice and equity meaning that there is no place for extremists, terrorism and injustice. Islam condemns all forms of violent extremism and any form of harmful activity on Allah’s (SWT) creations. The foundation of Islam is that Muslims do not harm anyone through their words and actions.
There are numerous conspiracy theories about who the terrorists were, what their motives were and how thoroughly planned the collisions were. Regardless of who the guilty party was, the most important and devastating outcome of this horrible incident was the death of all of those innocent people. It doesn’t matter who they were, where they were from, which professions they worked in – these are all insignificant. They were all Allah’s (SWT) creations. They were our brothers and sisters if not in religion in humanity. Their lives were taken not by the one who gave it to them but by corrupted people who have no idea about the consequences of their actions. Every Muslim would know that hellfire will await those who take away somebody’s life without the will of Allah (SWT). It is He who gave us our life and it is He who will take it away. Murder and suicide are both condemned in Islam.
As the 10th year anniversary of 9/11 approaches let’s take time to contemplate upon the world around us. Let us try to be positive role models for Islam. Let us live our lives as Allah (SWT) would want us to and follow in the sacred footsteps of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Let’s show the beauties of Islam and that it is a religion of peace and forgiveness. Let us not seek to do harm to those who have tagged negativity and destruction upon the name of Islam but instead learn to forgive, pray that they are guided and show them what Islam is really about. Let’s amplify our efforts to build a happy, peaceful world where love and togetherness is what gives the world ammunition to become more united.
Be proud of your religion and who you are. Islam is beautiful and it is our duty to reflect its beautiful colours for the world to see. Do not fall weak to anger when faced with aggressive language and prejudice. See it as a test from Allah (SWT), an opportunity for you to educate the ignorant about what Islam stands for. Allah (SWT) knows best and those who stand opposed to you as your enemy today may be your friend tomorrow as mentioned in the Qur’an:
“It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(Qur’an 60:7-8)
May Allah (SWT) bless you and your families and guide you on this journey we call life. Let Him guide those who have been misguided and plant seeds of peace in their hearts. Ameen.