A Deliberate Insult?
A national controversy rages over the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" in New York City, the site of the September 11 destruction of the World Trade Center Towers in 2001. The project is actually a proposed Muslim community center to be located in an abandoned industrial building two blocks from ground zero.
Robert Moon, a regional coordinator for the Illinois Tea Party from Decatur, said of the proposed community center, "It is an in-your-face desecration on what is hallowed ground. It is an attempt to do a victory dance on the rubble. They know damn well what they are doing. It is a deliberate insult."
"It was Muslims that attacked the World Trade Center. The people go down there because their loved ones are buried in the ashes. They don't want to hear sounds of Muslms praying or minarets going off. Basically because the American Muslims have not stood up and denounced what happened," said Diane Benjamen of Ellsworth. Illinois, who is the McLean County Tea Party coordinator.
"We don't hate all Muslims. We hate radical Muslims, but you can't tell the difference between them because they are not standing up."
A Place of God
Why is it not sensible to have a place of God near where such a tragedy occurred?" asks Tariq Gilani, a board member of the Islamic Center of Bloomington Normal. "The people who did this did not do it in the name of Islam. It was a political act. As misguided and appalling as it was, it was not done in the name of Islam."
"The Center is being supported by the Christian and Jewish members of the New York City Council and by its Jewish mayor."
"What cave are they living in?" wonders Gilani about Muslim critics. He says the American Muslim community has repeatedly denounced the 9/11 bombings.
A Cult?
"Islam is so bloody and savage and violent, it is basically a bloodthirsty cult," said Moon
Gilani says such bigoted statements are rooted in comtemporary electoral politics. "Because of the upcoming elections, the Republicans are trying to make some inroads and this is probably a means to energize their base. I wouldn't be surprised if the issue goes away after the elections."
Violent Religion?
"The religion itself is violent as hell. The Qur'an teaches violence and it was founded in blood," said Moon.
"I would ask this gentleman if he has ever taken the time to study the Qur'an or is he making statements based solely on hearsay. The Qur'an does not and never has taught violence.," said Gilanai. Muslims are allowed to defend themselves but are not allowed to take pre-emptive action, said Gilani.
"People who know us on a one-to-one basis have a very different view of us. If you go and ask my neighbors about me, I am sure they would not even know I am a Muslim because we don't force that notion on people," said Gilani. "They know me for my conduct, not for my religion."
Benjaman confesses to not knowing any Muslims. Moon remembers "good" Muslims from his childhood.
Voices of Reason
"There are also people of goodwill and of reason. I am not that disheartened by the situation.Of course we have a probem but I have hope," said Gilani. Several churches have approaced the Bloomington-Normal Islamic Center about issuing a joint declaration or holding a demonstration in support of Islam.
Isalm Under Assualt
Islam is under assualt by forces of the right. Islamophobia and bigotry toward Muslims is at an all time high. Meanwihile the American Muslim community continues to progress. Muslims are more than twice as likely to have a college degree as the average Amercian. The median family income of the Muslim family is considerably higher than the average American family.
SourcesRobert Moon, telephone interview, 8/25/2010
Diane Benjamen, telephone interview, 8/25/2010
Tariq Gilani, telephone interview, 8/25/2010
"American Islam, The Struggle for the Soul of a Religion," Paul M. Barret, 2007
Rothwell Polk - Rothwell C. Polk, Jr. is a sixty-one-year-old living in Englewood, Colorado.. His interests include independent living, community and ...
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