Like everyone else, Muslims outraged over attacks
NEW YORK CITY (BP) -- Extremists who attacked the
World Trade Center and the Pentagon are not typical of the world’s
1.2 billion Muslims, most of whom are as outraged over the attacks
as anyone, missionaries say. Christians must be sure they don’t
succumb to any anti-Muslim hysteria inspired by the attacks.
Several television news programs have replayed footage of Palestinians
rejoicing at America’s plight. Scattered attacks on mosques
and harassment of Arabs and Muslims in the United States have raised
fears of vigilante actions against innocent people simply because
of their race or religion.
“You have to realize the Muslim world is huge, and there is diversity
within the Muslim world,” said Robert Douglas, professor of intercultural
studies at Lincoln (Ill.) Christian Seminary. “My sense is that,
yes, Islam does have a few extremists, and so does Christianity. We ought
not to stereotype.”
On Sept. 11, three hijacked commercial airliners wreaked destruction
as they slammed into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon. Another
hijacked jet crashed outside of Pittsburgh, Pa. Initial reports estimate
almost 5,000 people are missing and feared dead in New York City alone.
Investigators reportedly believe the attacks may have been orchestrated
by Islamic extremists.
Douglas said one student, an Arab Christian, expressed worry about
how people would react to her now.
“There is a little bit of fear in not knowing what is going to happen
as she meets the average American,” Douglas said. “And that
is tragic.”
A Palestinian Muslim, on hearing of the attacks, quickly sent a
message to a missionary serving in the Middle East.
“Really, we are very sorry for New York and D.C.,” he
wrote. “We pray for all families who lost their members in
this incredible and cowardly work. Please tell all of your friends
that we are with them and we pray for all of USA people.”
Another missionary in Palestine said Muslims there have been offering
sympathy and condolences since the attacks.
“I’m writing to share with you the nonstop ringing of our telephone
from Palestinians grieving over the New York and D.C. tragedies,”
the missionary wrote. “I have heard that there are rumors of ‘rejoicing’
and believe that, if this is true, it will be from a vocal minority of
those opposed to U.S. policy in the area, and not the true representation
of the Palestinian people.”
As for the actual attacks, a missionary familiar with Egyptian
Muslims, said most are not sympathetic with fundamentalist extremists.
“It is typical of the Muslim’s worldview that they believe
they should be in domination,” the missionary said. “But
the majority of Muslims are peaceful.”
Extremist factions within the Muslim community focus on the teachings
of an Egyptian writer, Sayyid Qutb, and the translation of particular
words.
Qutb wrote that non-Islamic forces had compromised the Quran. According
to Allah, Muslims were to rule over non-Islamic people and the Quran makes
provisions for “jihads,” or holy wars, for the cause of Allah
and the defense of Islam, he said.
Qutb’s views freed ‘true’ Muslims to attack others—even
societal Muslims—who in their view had corrupted the Quran. Such
teachings have led to attacks on Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Algeria—all
Muslim nations.
Anything that the fundamentalist Muslim interprets as not being
true to their ideal of Islam is subject to attack by this very small
minority, the missionary said.
Given the fear Muslims in the United States are feeling toward
possible reprisals, Douglas said Christians need to make concerted
efforts to show love.
“Christians need to be loving toward their neighbors,” he said.
“After all, our Teacher has said to us to love one another and to
love our enemy. We have to recognize that our neighbors and the colleagues
that we work with are not our enemies.”
A former Muslim who now is a follower of Jesus also encouraged
church leaders to meet with local Muslims.
“Christian leaders and communities need to meet with Muslim
communities and assure them that as Christians we do not hate them
and are not planning to attack them,” he said.
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