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Another Islamic thinker and scholarly writer whose works are
well worth studying is S.M. Atif Imtiaz. I accessed his
essay, "The Events of September 11: Thoughts and
Emotions," from Masud Ahmed Khan's Homepage on the
internet. This particular article prints out 23 pages with
3 pages of footnotes. The title is appropriate, for Imtiaz
uses sensitive self-disclosure alongside thoughtful
reflection.
Imtiaz comments
on the American leaders who, after the 9/11 attacks, began
dividing the world into those who are for civilization and
those who are for terrorism. Imtiaz suspects that the
democratic ideal of freedom really translates as free to be
rich. Personally, I am concerned that anyone might
sincerely put all Americans into this kind of grouping (greedy
and materialistic?), and I would like to address Imtiaz as a
peer in humanity.
There are
usually shades of gray or complex layers to unfold when trying
to understand human behavior and events. Behavior is often on
a continuum ranging from mild to extreme. However, the
horrific attacks seemed indeed to invoke an all or
nothing response personally and globally. There was no
neutrality. It became necessary to choose sides. But this was
not a demand made by American leaders as much as it was the
backfire of terrorism. It was the terrorist organizations
that created the conditions forcing people to choose between
civilization and destruction. Is this such a difficult
choice?
The choosing of
sides was actually an opportunity for individuals and nations
to assess their values and take a public stand. People could
decide for themselves if they wanted to be friend or foe. It
was an open door for former enemies or the ambivalent to
become allies. Yesterday was gone, and today had become a
changed and new era of politics. It was also a golden
opportunity for Muslims to assert the teachings of true Islam.
Free to be
rich? What is wrong with being rich? Are there not wealthy
Muslims? Speaking for myself, I have never made much money as
a social worker, and there are many Americans who make even
less than I do. Yes, I understand that Imtiaz refers to
Middle East oil money, trade agreements, and so on. As
Americans, we all reap the benefits of and have become
dependent on oil. We also pay for this. Perhaps the real
issue is the distribution of wealth in the Middle Eastern
countries that sell the oil.
Imtiaz also
criticizes America for bombing Afghanistan, "one of the
poorest nations on earth." Again, this is not something
that America had any choice over in terms of self-defense.
Afghanistan happened to be the unfortunate country where a
terrorist organization chose to hide out. What was America
supposed to do? Bomb Canada? Of course not. Afghanistan was
bombed not because it is poor and easy or because Afghan lives
are worth less than American lives. Specific areas were
bombed because of terrorist-related activity.
In fact, the
Afghan leaders were asked to cooperate in turning over the
terrorist organizations within their borders. They were given
time to do this, and they refused. Had they cooperated, the
bombing might have been unnecessary. Moreover, the American
military dropped food packets for the Afghan citizens. As soon
as the American defense began, America was already thinking
ahead about rebuilding Afghanistan.
At present, the
Peace Corps is evaluating the possibility of sending
volunteers to Afghanistan. The Christian Children's Fund is
helping 3,000 children in displaced persons camps, with plans
to help thousands more. The C.C.F. has refurbished a school
in Kunduz for refugee children. For many of these kids, this
is the first educational program they have ever attended.
World Vision is working together with U.N.I.C.E.F. and World
Food Programme to provide food, blankets and medicine to
Afghan refugees. An organizational effort known as Operation
Christmas Child distributed gifts to over 100,000 Afghan
children in 2001.
His essay goes
on, "We are passing through a weak phase in our history
and we should not feel the need to defend every Muslim for any
action. Unfortunately, some Muslims can do certain things
which are not only forbidden in themselves, but can also lead
to the dishonoring of Islam and threaten the safety of other
Muslims." This passage shows courage and reflection.
Only by disowning the extremist segments can Muslims preserve
their true religion and live in peace with non-Muslims.
It is very
difficult, probably impossible, to analyze the mind of a
terrorist without actually talking with one. Whatever
motivates them, their behavior is unacceptable and not to be
tolerated. If they perceive that wrongs have been committed
against them by America, and if they are true Muslims, then
their faith should serve as a source of guidance for any
confrontation. If they are not true Muslims, then the Muslim
community need not feel compelled to justify them. They
deserve no sympathy. They are not folk heroes. They are to
be held accountable for their actions. In the end, as I
expect Imtiaz might concur, a Higher Power will judge us all.
(Written 05/06/02 - Revised 12/01/03: bibliography available.)
Until we meet
again....... .......stay sane.
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