More than two decades have passed since the events of September 11th. Many events have occurred within America and abroad since then, but these events remain the most influential on the foreign policies of many Western countries towards Islam and its nations. They also remain among the most significant events that have led Western individuals to reassess their views on Islam.
First and foremost, we must assert that these events do not represent Islam in any way: not its religion, not its Sharia, not its spirit, and not its message. These events cannot be considered a form of ijtihad (independent reasoning) because they did not come from those qualified to practice ijtihad. They were a grave injustice to Islam and its followers. It’s enough to say that this act was criminal in its goal and means, regardless of who carried it out, their religion, or their nationality.
Islam rejects violence and intimidation directed at innocents. Imam Ahmad narrated from Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Layla who said: “The companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) told us that they were traveling with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) on a journey. One of them fell asleep, and some of them went and took his arrows. When the man woke up, he was startled, and the people laughed. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) asked: 'What made you laugh?' They said: 'We took this man’s arrow, and he was startled.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'It is not lawful for a Muslim to frighten another.'” (Authenticated by the scholars who verified the Musnad).
The description of the frightened individual as a Muslim does not imply that it is permissible to intimidate non-Muslims. It was mentioned because the frightened person happened to be a Muslim. Imam Muslim narrated from Abu Huraira, who said: “Abu'l-Qasim (the kunya of Allah's Messenger, may peace be upon him), said: He who pointed a weapon towards his brother the angels invoke curse upon him even if he is his real brother so long as he does not abandon it (the pointing of weapon towards one's brother Muslim).” Merely pointing a piece of iron or weapon invokes Allah’s curse!
Islam condemns the killing of any human being, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. This is evident in Allah’s words: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (Al-Ma'idah: 32)
As we observe the current state of the Ummah—with its weakness, backwardness, and oppression—we must recognize that this Ummah is enduring. Yes, it may fall ill, but it will not die; it may weaken, but it will not vanish. It may reach a state of insignificance, as mentioned in the hadith of Thawban: “You will be numerous at that time: but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent.” (Narrated by Ahmad and authenticated by the scholars who verified the Musnad). However, it will remain because the complete eradication of the Ummah has been denied by Allah. Imam Bukhari narrated from Mu'awiya who said: “I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say: 'A group of people amongst my followers will remain obedient to Allah's orders and they will not be harmed by anyone who will not help them or who will oppose them, till Allah's Order (the Last Day) comes upon them while they are still on the right path.'” Imam Muslim narrated from Jabir who said: “I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say: 'A group of people from my Umma will continue to fight In defence of truth and remain triumphant until the Day of judgment.'”
The Ummah may be eradicated in part, as happened in Andalusia, but it will not be completely eradicated as happened to the Native Americans or the indigenous Australians when they were exterminated by the British and their allies.
On the anniversary of September 11th, it cannot be denied that these events have had a negative impact on Muslims in the West, especially in America. Muslims, particularly women wearing hijab, have faced repeated instances of persecution and violence, fueled by written articles and inflamed by TV programs and purposefully crafted movies.
However, it must be said that despite their harshness, these events have been a blessing in disguise for Islam and Muslims. Despite the growing anti-Muslim sentiments among some, the past two decades have been a bright and promising period for Muslims in the West, both in Europe and America. The British magazine “The Economist” reported that Muslims were the most prominent religious minority in America in recent years. The magazine noted that the number of mosques has doubled and that educational levels among the Muslim minority have increased. For example, Muslims make up 15% of the doctors in the state of Michigan, despite being only 0.3% of the population. Alongside this, Muslim writers and politicians have emerged in many American states.
The current reality imposes a duty on Muslims to dispose fear and panic from the hearts of others. This requires everyone—individuals, institutions, and organizations—to strive to integrate into society through introducing themselves, communicating, and serving, as people are enemies of what they do not know. How much more so when the other party is either ignorant of Islam or is being fed hatred and malice by spiteful voices, hired writers, and institutions hostile to Islam!
However, integration must be coupled with the preservation of identity. Yes, preserving religious and linguistic constants is essential. It is necessary to integrate into society without melting into the temptations of alienation or falling under the influence of every new cultural update or trend.
We are confident that if non-Muslims knew the goodness Islam brings to all people, to society in all its forms and beliefs, they would accept this religion—either through belief or through respect.
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