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America Attacked:
The Religion of Islam
With Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki
Falls Church Dar Al-hijrah Islamic Center
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2001; 1 p.m. EDT
The Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon are being
called the single worst act of terrorism on U.S. soil. The Bush
administration has declared war on terrorism as the country considers
new measures for homeland security. A military build-up continues as
troops, ships and planes prepare for an as yet undisclosed mission.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki of the Falls Church Dar Al-hijrah Islamic Center, will answer questions and comments on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. EDT about the better understanding of the religion of Islam.
Imam Al-Awlaki of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in
Falls Church, Virginia is also the Muslim Chaplain at
George Washington University. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University, a M.A. in Education Leadership from San
Diego State University and is currently working on a
Doctorate degree in Human Resource Development at
George Washington University.
He was born in New Mexico and his parents are from Yemen, where he lived for 11 years and received the early part of his Islamic education. Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki has served as an Imam in Colorado, and California as well.
Below is the transcript.
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Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: Hi everyone. These past 2 weeks have been tough for all of us. This tragedy has been a transformation experience for many people. The Quran teaches us that we should never despair or give up. It also teaches us that you might despise something but God has some good in it for you. We pray that God brings out good from this adversity. We pray for the best.
Dupont Circle, D.C.:
One of the most beautiful things I have ever heard in my life was the recitation of the Koran by an Imam. Last night I found my copy of the book to refresh my memory. What I found was a text not unlike the Old Testament in tone and, indeed, telling many of the same stories as both the Old and New Testaments. I believe that if we administrated the U.S. government from the Bible we would be in serious trouble. Isn't one of the fundamental points here the separation of church and state? Surely we can all recognize that the sacred texts of many religions offer allegorical lessons for the soul, but not a blueprint for governance in contemporary times. Many Americans seem to believe that all Muslims take the Koran word-for-word. How do you feel about this?
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I believe that religious texts have been misinterpreted. At least I can speak for the Quran. People with evil intentions can always find a way to justify their views religiously. If we agree that God would only want good for all of us then we would need to view his scripture from that perspective and interpret it accordingly. Thanks for your comments
Washington, D.C.:
After reading sections of the Koran recently I was interested to see that Mary receives a lot of attention. It seems as though Islam recognizes the Immaculate Conception. Actually, nearly all of the story of Jesus is the same except that his powers are by the grace of God, not by him being an aspect of God. Is this true?
There also seems to be a strong dislike of the Trinitarian view. Is this because the concept of the Trinity has a pagan element to it?
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: The Quran does recognize Jesus as a Prophet of God born to the Virgin Mary. We believe that there are 124,000 prophets sent to mankind and that five of those are the best men that ever walked the face of this earth. These are Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad peace be upon all of them. As you mentioned we believe his miracles of raising the dead and the healing of God gives the blind and deaf to him
The Quran strongly opposes the trinity and the crucifixion. The Quran states that he never really died and that he was elevated to the heavens and will come back at the end of time to rule the world with justice.
Washington, D.C.:
What can non-Muslims do to protect our fellow (Muslim) citizens from harm?
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: Thanks for your concern. I would suggest you visit a local mosque and offer your help. They would appreciate that a lot. See different communities might have different needs. Therefore the mosque might be the right place to start. Also help us out by spreading your word of your concern for your fellow citizens
Silver Spring, Md.:
From everything I'm hearing and reading, the September 11th terrorist highjackers were not really practicing true Islam at all - particularly when they frequented many bars and strip clubs, murdered thousands of innocent civilian men, women, and children, then committed suicide. My understanding of Islam and the Koran is that such indulgences and acts are not proper at all. Were these people really hypocrites and using their perverted form of Islam as an excuse for their murderous behavior? Thanks.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: The news comming out on these hijakers is really perplexing. It doesnt make sense at all for someone to be doing this when they are supposed to meating their lord the next day! It doesnt fit at all. Alcohol and fornication are among the major sins in Islam. To be honest with you I just cant figure out what those people had on mind when they murdered 6000+ civilians! A paradox of our times. Lets pray it never ever has to happen again
Arlington, Va.:
Like most Americans (I hope), I firmly believe that the vast majority of Muslims are opposed to the murderous events of Sept. 11. I have heard President Bush talk about how killing innocents runs contrary to Islam. I have heard the same preached from the pulpit of my Catholic church. I am a "news junkie" and have followed these terrorist attacks from the first and I think it would be very useful for America and for Muslims worldwide if prominent Muslims spoke out specifically against the terrorist attacks. I have heard Mohammed Ali do so, but he is the only one. Have I simply missed the news articles? Have newspapers not covered it? I think if prominent Muslims speak out loudly and often against the attacks and the attackers perversion of Islam, it would go a long way to halt any anti-Arab sentiment (however
misplaced) in this country. Thank you.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: Actually all the prominent Muslim scholars from around the world came out strong against the terrorist attacks. Maybe you need to check some alternative media to hear their views. The US news is pretty monolithic. What you hear on one is what you’ll hear on the other and unfortunately not a lot of Muslims voices were heard. But to be fair I think the media is doing better than in past similar incidences.
Annandale, Va.:
Imam Al-Awlaki,
Just a note of support. I have been a long-time member of the Catholic church just down the street from your Mosque and have had the pleasure of seeing the local community become amazingly diverse in the last 15 years. Every time a Muslim extremist performs an act of terrorism, I fear for the safety of you and your fellow Muslims, as well as your beautiful house of prayer. The members of our church know fully well that the terrorist actions that occurred recently have nothing to do with your community's beliefs, and I wanted to express my sympathy for those of your community who have suffered prejudice, fear, and loss of property because of the ignorance of a few misguided people. Your community is in our prayers along with everyone who has suffered at the hands of these evil people.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: Thank you very very much. We have been getting a lot of support from our neighbors. We really appreciate that. Please convey my thanks to your congregation.
Arlington, Va.:
Thank you for graciously taking the time to answer questions from the public. I would like to know why peaceful Islamic leaders have not come into the national or international spotlight.
Islam is a beautiful religion and the public needs to know that these gangsters who bend and twist it for personal gain do not represent Islam. Why aren't more moderate Islamic leaders gaining world attention? Why, for example, aren't moderate Islamic leaders prominent in the Middle East peace talks, or at least advocating a "non-violent" response to Israel among the Palestinian community? Is it because moderates have been targted in the past by terrorists like Abu Nidal?
The time has finally come for brave Islamic leaders to come forward and advocate peace, in Israel, the Middle East, and around the world, such as the Dalai Lama and Bishop Tutu in South Africa have done in the past. I look forward to your response.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I agree with you. The problem is that moderate views are silenced whenever the US responds in an insensitive way towards the Muslim world. For example the death of 500,000 iraqi citizens where more than 10,000 die each month until this day because of a US enforced embargo doesnt resonate well with Muslims at all. This is what fosters radical views and silences moderate views. Moderation develops in an environment of justice.
Clarksburg, Md.:
Is it true that the council that comprises the ruling clerics of Indonesia's 180 million Muslims yesterday issued a call for a holy war should the US strike Afghanistan? Can you please share with us your opinion as to how "mainstream" Muslims, for lack of a better phrase, will react should strikes occur?
Thank you for being available.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I am not aware if that did happen in Indonesia. Now regarding your question on the reaction of the mainstream Muslims: The position of the Muslims is that what happened was a crime and that the criminals who committed it need to be brought to justice. But then there is this feeling in the Muslim world that the US doesnt have any solid evidence to who commited this crime ( the US has refused to show its evidence because it is classified as the government claims)and it is only using Bin Laden as an excuse to increase its dominance worldwide and set up bases in Pakistan and central Asia and close to Russia just as it did in Saudi Arabia and the gulf. Now whether that is right or not, I am just conveying to you what the general feeling is. Therefore the masses would not appreciate at all an attack which only kill more civilians in Afghanistan.
Annapolis, Md.:
My question is regarding the concept of Jihad. It seems to me that Jihad is a central precept of Islam. Why is it that Jihads are used as threats to intimidate non-Muslims? I have heard again and again that Islam is a religion of peace, but the concept of Jihad seems to run counter to this.
My second point is that it seems that many followers of Islam are incapable of self criticism. I have read many interviews where Muslims swear Bin Laden is not guilty simply because he is Muslim. Why is this?
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: The liguestic meaning of the word Jihad is "struggle" For the individual jihad is the struggle against the evils of ones soul. It is a continuios struggle to become closer to God by purifying ones self. On the community level jihad is the protection of the religion from any internal or external danger. This struggle is done by various means one of which is armed struggle. Therefore armed struggle is part of jihad but it is only a part of it. Islam gives the right to the protection of five things: Religion, life, wealth, the mind, and family. Therefore this portray of jihad as a holy war isnt correct.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: To answer the second part of your question. I think that there is an element of what your saying. But on the other hand there is this guilt by association where Muslims are all guilty because of the action of the few. There is this expectation that Muslim community should apologize for what it didnt do. I think that is forcing some people to deny that a Muslim could commit such an atrocity. Remember when Timothy McViegh committed a terrorist act Americans or Christians where not on trial for what he did and thats how it should be.
Bethasda, Md.:
Al Salam Alikum Imam,
As a Muslim in the US, I find that Islam is
misunderstood by main stream America (Sept. 11th tragedy was definitely a big setback for Islam and Muslims in America), the media is also not helping, what can Muslims do to correct this negative perception that main stream America has about our peaceful wonderful religion, Islam?
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I think we share part of the blame. Many Muslims living in America have been living in isolation from the rest of the society. It is our responsibility not the media to educate our fellow citizens about Islam. Lets also remember that the American public still remains to be one the most open minded people on the face of the earth.
Tina in Falls Church, Va.:
I must confess my ignorance, could you tell me the difference between those who say they are Muslim vs. those who say Moslem? Thanks
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: In order to pronounce the word correctly, the spelling needs to be Muslim.
Clarendon, Va.:
I know Fr. Gerry Creedon at St. Charles Borromeo in Arlington has invited you join him and the parish for a discussion this coming Monday evening. Could you tell us about some of the work you might have done with Fr. Creedon and others in the Interfaith Council to build better relations and work for social justice.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I got to know Fr Gerry after the tragic events took place. Actullay one of the members of his parish visited us in our Mosque and then she arranged for Fr Gerry to visit us. I appreciate his efforts and I think this is a time for better understanding between different religious groups. This is happening all over the country and it is very positive thing.
Downtown D.C.:
One night on the news I see Islamic leaders declaring that bin Laden's view of the Koran is wrong and twisted. The next night on 60 Minutes I see Moslem mullahs openly teaching bin Laden's brand of hatred. Other religions defrock or excommunicate renegade church leaders. Why are not these radical mullahs officially kicked out of the faith? Until Islam deals with their hatemongers, why should I accept that Islam is a "peaceful" faith.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: Among Sunni Muslims there isnt a structure of religous authourity that could excommunicate someone. But all over the Muslim world scholars do not approve such radical views. Now what youve seen on TV must have beent these demonstrations carrying the pictures of Bin Laden. These are not mullahs or scholars, these are scores of people who see Bin Laden as someone who is innocent and is a target of Western imperialism. Again there are many people around the world who see this only as a scenario to expand American influence around the world and that the true perpetrators are not found yet. Know wether we agree with these consperacy theories or not it is important to learn where these people are comming from.
Los Angeles, Calif.:
As a Christian Palestinian American, I'm always grateful when leaders such as yourself go public and "set the record straight." It's a very defensive and vulnerable time for Arabs in the U.S. and we need educated and balanced folks like you to represent us, if you will.
I'd also emphasize again that Muslims and Arabs in general have always been outspoken and generally well-intentioned, but if we Americans rely on mainstream media (Washington Post included) for our base of knowledge, we'll miss a great deal. Although no one wants to hear it, this country has almost always asserted in overt and covert ways its bias against the Middle East. Despite free speech and fair journalism, the media doesn't at all reflect well the views of Middle Easterners and the politics of the region, so more progressive, alternative information resources are crucial if people want a wider spectrum of understanding.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: Absolutley, You've stated it elequently enough that I dont need to comment.
Arlington, Va.:
Could you explain what the term "dhimmi" means? I heard it used recently, and I'd like to hear what someone knowledgable in Islam has to say.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: Dhimmi are the Chrisian and Jewish subjects of a Muslim state. Islam has granted them equal rights as the Muslim subjects. Keep in mind that the Muslim world has experienced religious tolerance and an example would be Muslim Spain
New York City, N.Y.:
Imam,
I found the pictures of people celebrating in the streets of Palestine very disturbing, even if they were isolated as has been asserted. What was your reaction to those images? Thank you.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I find that disturbing too. No matter what they are going through that doesnt justify their celebration.
They feel that what the US suffered in a day they have been suffering for decades. The Palestinian children are dying by US bullets and missiles.
We will not get out of this mindless cycle of violence unless we are willing to understand the suffering of others. Force can suppress terrorism but only justice can eradicate it.
My message to the people who celebrated this tragic event is a passage from the Quran that reads: "Dont let the enimosity between you and others divert you from justice. Be just."
Silver Spring, MD:
Let me speak as a Jewish person who basically admires Islam. As you know, Jews were afforded far more religious toleration historically in Moslem countries - although never full equality - than in Christian countries, and only in the last century or so has there been the sort of bitterness between our peoples that has always existed between us and the Christians. Lately, however, while the Christian world seems to be moderating its attitude toward the Jewish people, Islam, or at least its fanatical elements, seems to be hardening its views. While certainly the conflict over Israel plays a part, how does a mainstream Moslem such as yourself, recognizing that historical tolerance and intellectual tradition, come to terms with the anti-Jewish hate that has nothing to do with Israel which seems to emanate from many Moslem sources?
Thank you.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I think that part of the problem has been not distinguishing between Israel as a political entity and Judaim as a religion. If that distiction is made then there is hope in a more tolerant relationship between Jews and Muslims. It needs to be clear to Muslims that not everything Israel does is approved by Jews. I think many of us including myself are guilty of not making this distinction.
Fairfax, Va.:
I think you're hearing a logical and compassionate viewpoint from your non-Muslim neighbors. We sympathize with the majority of Muslims in this country -- we don't want to see them persecuted -- maybe we have learned something with the WWII Japanese exibit at the Smithsonian.
But back to the comparision with Desmond Tutu and others like him. Where is your voice to clearly and unequivocally stand up against this? These evil men, however misguided, do sit amongst you at Friday prayers. What are the Muslims in this country actively doing to root them out? We need your help -- you are the only ones who can identify and bring these villians inside America to justice. You speak their language, you know if they are sincere in Islam or if they are involved in these bad activities. Please don't hide them by not getting involved and speaking out against them.
Finally, your response about Iraq does not satisfy me. Please don't divert our attention from this attrocity by pointing out another. Quid pro quo does not resolve anything. Get more involved in policymaking if you don't like our response to Iraq. Speak out against evil men like Saddam so his people are freed.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki: I do believe that to bring a solution to this crises the help of Muslims is important, espicially American Muslims. I do also believe that we need to do more to make sure that radical extreme views do not exsist amongst us. But if the US doesnt clean up its mess in that part of the world nobody will listen to us.
Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki:
Thank you all. We ask God to grant us peace.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
Stay tuned to Live Online:
Michelle
Singletary: Protecting Your Assets at 2 p.m. EDT
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