Terror backlash unites Muslims

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Before Sept. 11, Muslims such as Tariq Panni barely dabbled in politics.

Aside from trying to raise awareness about problems in Bangladesh’s garment-importing industry, Panni focused on his Bellevue mortgage brokerage, spending time with his wife and two children, hiking, bird-watching and playing classical guitar.

Then everything changed.

After the hijackings by men characterized as Islamic extremists, it no longer seemed prudent for Panni to keep a low profile.

"I think a lot of us have been content to be basically invisible in some respects," said Panni, 51, and a native of Bangladesh. "Muslims have sometimes been inadvertently demonized. … I think it’s important for us not to hide anymore, to speak out."

Since Sept. 11, Panni has been speaking on radio programs. He’s organized a panel for a radio talk show, met with government leaders and joined activist groups.

Other area Muslims are joining in the push to define their political voice and teach people that true Islam, like any religion, does not promote terrorism.

"To survive in this country, any group has to have a political profile," said Jeff Siddiqui, a spokesman for a group called the Muslim Community of the Greater Seattle Area. "We have to develop a political profile. Starting right now."

Most of the 35,000 to 40,000 Muslims scattered around Western Washington live between Marysville and Tacoma.

They came here from many places — Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Somalia and other countries where political involvement is often dangerous.

The local arm of the American Muslim Alliance is only about a year old. Before the terrorist attacks, it had about 30 active members and rarely drew more than 10 people to its meetings.

Now as many as 100 people attend its events, asking what they can do to get involved.

"Mosques are coming together to agree we cannot just sit there and watch," Siddiqui said.

So Muslims are writing letters to government leaders, giving speeches, meeting with politicians and organizing community workshops.

They’re speaking out against the backlash of hate crimes they’ve endured since the attacks — mosques being targeted by arsonists, Muslims and people of other faiths who wear turbans being harassed or beaten, racial profiling on airlines.

Meanwhile, Panni and area Muslims say they’re eager to show their patriotism. "This will force Muslim Americans to reach out more," Panni said, "to look at themselves more closely, be a little more clear that we’re here in America to enjoy what America has to offer and what it means to be good Americans."