As the tenth anniversary of September 11 dawns, people across the nation are coming together to give back to their communities through volunteer projects and donations. Many are working in interfaith groups, with the hope of finding peace and tolerance in the aftermath of injustice and violence.
Muslims for Life was born out of a similar desire to highlight religious accord in a world where groups are often more polarized than ever before. It is a nationwide campaign by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the oldest Muslim organization in the United States – to hold blood drives in honor of the victims of 9/11. The goal is to raise 10,000 units of blood in the month of September, which is sufficient to save 3,000 or more lives.
While the campaign sounds good on paper, it initially raised the hackles of a few other Muslim organizations. Many Muslim Americans feel that they have nothing to apologize for – 9/11 was obviously the act of terrorists and just like Christians are not apologizing for Timothy McVeigh, Muslims need not for the 9/11 attackers. In reality, the religion of Islam has come under attack from all sides because 9/11 took place under its banner. When terrorists hijack a faith to impose their own sick ideology onto others, it becomes the responsibility of others of that faith to take back control, and show the world what Islam truly stands for. Muslims for Life is a practical way of doing just that: proving that Islam holds deep regard for life by donating its very essence: blood.
The simple yet powerful concept has been embraced by a nation eager for compassionate action. Muslims for Life has taken on a life of its own, encompassing more than 170 cities and 220 blood drives not only in mosques but also in churches, temples and synagogues. Realizing the impact of such collective action, one Rabbi in Houston writes on his blog about hosting their own blood drive: “… as we join our Muslim brothers and sisters in their Muslims for Life Blood Drive Campaign… let’s show the world how Jews and Muslim can work together to make a difference.” A noble cause indeed, if out of the pain and terror of 9/11 ten years ago can rise a nation more unified, tolerant and understanding of each other.
Original Post By Saadia Faruqi, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Houston North
Tags: 9/11, blood drive, Muslims for Life, Saadia Faruqi
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