USA: Indiana Muslims | Faith's Image Rehabilitated After 9/11

"It has definitely left a scar on America, and I don't think it will ever be forgotten. But I think people can make a change. Hopefully sometime in my lifetime, it will be more bonding, Americans and Muslims bonding."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Indy Channel
By  6 News | September 10, 2011

Muslim Group Hopes Community Service Overcomes Fear

INDIANAPOLIS -- Muslims who live in Indiana said they believe the mark that 9/11 left on Americans' image of their faith has subsided in the 10 years since the attacks.

Indiana members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said their community involvement, including the Muslims for Life project, has helped make positive steps over the years, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

The organization hopes to collect 10,000 pints of blood in donations. The effort is ongoing in 50 cities all over the U.S.


Members said they know they cannot erase the haunting memories of planes crashing into buildings, but they can try.

"On 9/11, terrorists not only hijacked those planes, they also hijacked the religion of Islam. What we are trying to give is a positive message that Islam is peace, love and belief in the sanctity of life," said Muzaffar Ahmad, of Muslims for Life.

The group said its commitment to its religion and America is unwavering.

Maha Muzaffar, 13, has no independent memory of 9/11, but she's well aware of its impact.

"It has definitely left a scar on America, and I don't think it will ever be forgotten," she said. "But I think people can make a change. Hopefully sometime in my lifetime, it will be more bonding, Americans and Muslims bonding."

Matt Milender, who lives next door to Maha and her family, said the family lives the ideals it espouses.
"They are probably more patriotic than I am, and I was born in America," he said. "They are able to see how the rest of the world lives, and they appreciate coming to America, and we share a lot of the same core values."

Maha's world view is perhaps a bit idealistic, but many think it's something to strive for.

"If only we could all get along, it would make the world better," she said. "Less people would be hurt. Less families would be torn apart."

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