Actions of a few zealots don’t represent majority

Dr. Jamal Mustafa, M.D.

BY DR. JAMAL MUSTAFA

Good Morning,

I would like to thank everyone at Compass Health for their support and encouragement in this extremely difficult time for all of us.

It has been a test for all of us Americans, but somewhat more so for the people who are Muslims and of Arab descent.

I have a unique and interesting position because I am Muslim, I am American and also of Pakistani birth and Arab ancestery.

Like everyone else in America, personally I too am still trying to overcome the shock, horror and terror of the events which probably are going to reshape the world as we know it.

As any other American, I too am concerned about the future, and for the welfare and safety of my children, my family and my honor. We all want to live in peace and harmony, in a society that values freedom and liberty. And where there is mutual respect and tolerance.

In the World Trade Center approximately 30 percent of the people who died were of Arab or Asian descent.

Terrorism knows no religion, no boundaries and no philosophy but to spread chaos and confusion.

Unfortunately, even in Seattle, we have seen senseless violence and threats against the Muslim community in the past few days.

Let me assure you that living in (domestic) terror is not any different from being terrorized by a faceless international terrorist. In this time of trial we as Amercians must prove that we are not a society of terrorists, we must not endorse violence and terrorism against the Muslim Americans.

Islam, like the other major Middle-Eastern religions (Christianity and Judaism), does not preach terrorism, hatred or violence. It is unfortunate that the terrorists have been labeled time and again as being Muslims zealots. The fact is that murder is a mortal sin according to Islamic belief, and anyone who commits such an act is by definition not a Muslim, and destined to eternal hell. These people were terrorists and not Muslims, and they should be labeled only as such.

Arab culture has been around since the dawn of time. There are many things that make me proud of being of Arab descent including humility, respect and tolerance. Furthermore, Islam does not, in any way, shape or form, endorse violence; people who claim that Islam does promote violence and hatred are wrong. In fact, the very word Islam means peace.

Before forming opinions (one way or the other), I would encourage all to learn about Islam and Arabs and people of that region, beyond the media frenzy of targeting a particular "type" of people or belief system. Please let us not allow the hatred of bigotry and racism to flourish in our society.

As an item of interest I want to share some factoids about Arab Americans and Muslim Americans. I am hoping that these things are common knowledge but if not they still might be interesting reading:

  • Muslims first came to North America in the 18th century as African Slaves.

  • The first wave of Arab immigration to America was during 1870 to 1900.

  • Approximately 35 percent of people who died when the Titanic sank were Arab immigrant laborers.

  • At present approximately 3 million Americans are of Arab descent. There are approximately 6 to 8 million Muslims in the USA.

  • Many prominent Americans are of Arab ancestery. A prime example is Ralph Nader the presidential candidate in the last election for the Green Party. The governor of New Hamphsire is Arab American; James Bellushi (the actor) is of Baluch (Arab/Pakistani) origin).

    Most Arab Americans/Muslim Americans are patriotic citizens. However, statistically, like in any other community there can be criminals, and zealots; but their actions should not dictate how we view the community at large.

    I once again am thankful to all for your continued support.

    God bless America.

    Dr. Jamal Mustafa, M.D., is associate director of child/adolescent psychiatry at Compass Health, which is based in Everett.

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