America and Islam

I'm definitely late on commenting on this topic, but I have been wanting to write something, so I should probably do it before it is too late.

I'm sure most of you have heard about the protests and comments that have been made about the plan to build an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero, as well as the plans of pastor Terry Jones to burn Qu'rans on September 11th, also in response to the building of the Park 51 mosque.

The comments that have come from opponents of the Park 51 Mosque have at times been extreme; equating the founders of the mosque with extreme Islamic terrorists. I am disappointed in the ignorance of the opponents who have lumped all of Islam together in one category and failed to recognize that Islam is a religion as varying and nuanced as any other religion. Just as there are many denominations in Christianity, there is a wide spectrum of beliefs in Islam. I get frustrated with people who stereotype all Palestinians as being terrorists and I am just as frustrated with people that propagate ideas that all Muslims are terrorists and linked with Al-Qaeda. In fact, Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf, in charge of the Park 51 project is a Sufi Muslim, a section of Islam that is very open-minded to other religions. Sufis emphasize love, for God and others, a similar value for Christians.

Many have said it's not that they don't want mosques in the United States, but that the Park 51 Mosque is just too close to the "sacred ground" of Ground Zero. Many journalists have pointedly mentioned the irony in the fact that there are strip clubs and bars in the same neighborhood, but somehow these do not desecrate the "sacred ground". Park 51 is not only a mosque, it is a cultural center that is intended to bring people of different faiths together in peace. A prayer room for Muslims is only one aspect of the building. To me, a center that will bring people of all faiths together in the United States is a very healing endeavor. To be located next to Ground Zero, Park 51 could be an example of forgiveness and understanding in face of the tragedies of this world and especially the tragedy of 9/11.

In regards to Terry Jones, the pastor who had planned to burn Qu'rans on September 11th. I am saddened beyond words by this response of some Christians to a people of another faith. It is not an example of Christ's love of reaching out to others. As Christians we should look for ways to see the humanity of all people and move beyond stereotypes. We should look for ways to build bridges through understanding of others and their religions than building hatred.

I pray that we as human beings on this earth would not turn our pain into hatred, but boldly try to transform pain into forgiveness and peace. I myself am aware that I have not experienced a fraction of the amount of pain that others have faced in this world and probably never will, but I pray with all my heart that if I do, I will get through it trying to bring people together and not tear them apart.

Here are some great articles that shed new light on this topic:
Visiting Ground Zero, Asking Allah for Comfort
Muslims and Islam were part of Twin Towers' Life