True Teachings: "Islam Means Peace. It Has Nothing To Do With Terror"

"Unfortunately, we have been pushed through elevators we have been called many names and things like that, but we never mind it. We know that they are ignorant people."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |  US Desk
Source/Credit:  Rochester Homepage
By Alex Hinckley | September 2, 2011

The 10th Anniversary of September 11th, 2001 is now just over a week away and many organizations are holding events to remember the lives lost and promote peace and understanding. One local group spent this Saturday commemorating the Anniversary with a blood drive to help save lives.

The Muslim Community is taking the time to promote peace and break wrongful sterotypes. Many members told News 8 they have been personally blamed for the worst terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. For that reason they have made it their mission to spread the truth.

On Saturday, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Communuty set up a blood donation event. There they had the chance to explain the true meaning of Islam.


Long time member, Rafiq Ahmad knows first hand how hurtful stereotypes can be. "Unfortunately, we have been pushed through elevators we have been called many names and things like that, but we never mind it. We know that they are ignorant people", says Ahmad.

He and other Muslims in Rochester regularly run into people who blame September 11th on them. Mubarak Bashir says, that stigma is just not true, "We just want people to know that Islam literally means peace. There's no such thing as an Islamic terrorist. If a person claims to be Muslim and they are committing acts of terror, they are Muslim by name but not deed."

To combat that sterotype and remember the lives lost, the Muslim Community of Rochester held a blood drive. Bashir explains, "What better way to collect 10,000 units of blood and ultimately save 30,000 lives?"

Dozens of donors gave blood and could tour the center to learn more about Islam and the Muslim way of life.

New member, Robert Oliver just joined the Islamic Community a few months ago. He has made it his mission to spread the truth. Oliver says, "Unfortunately, I think 9/11 has created a negative image of islam and this is an opportunity for us to put a positive spin on things for a change."

The Center works year round to educate people who do not know the true meaning of Islam. Ahmad adds, "We are trying to bring a beautiful image of Islam. Islam means peace. It has nothing to do with terror."

This blood drive was part of a national campaign. If you missed the event but want to donate blood, you can find another event at www.muslimsforlife.org

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