I continue to hear that we are not at war with Islam, and that Islam was a peaceful and friendly religion. I do not question these assertions, because it is not what one says that is the true reflection of ones beliefs, but what one does. Therefore, the imbroglio that has engulfed the nation following the decision of the Muslim community to build or refurbish a community center adjacent to 911 ground zero, wouldn’t have been if a sprinkle of sensitivity was brought to bear on the project.
This proposed project, and the bad blood and controversies it has engendered is an eloquent manifestation of the scorn with which the Muslim community relates to the wounds and victims of the 911 attacks. I get the fact that some Muslims also died in that attack. I equally get it that America is a beacon of freedom and civilized conducts, and should therefore look the other way. This is not an issue about constitutional rights, but an issue of sensitivity to the sensibilities of a grieving nation.
Think about this for a moment. Wouldn’t it be honorable if the Muslim community should at this stage, rethink this project site, citing the need to respect the mood of the nation in view of the 911 loss of lives? In my mind, this would endear Islam to most Americans, and become a veritable tool for evangelism. But this is not going to happen, because in the eyes of Islam, we are but infidels (sinners) who have only one right;the right of acquiescence.
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