USA: Southern California events will mark 9/11 anniversary

The campaign, organizers believe, is not only an appropriate gesture to the fallen victims but a reiteration that Islam is actually about the sanctity of life.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Los Angeles Times
By Corina Knoll | September 10, 2011
The following is partial excerpt from the original story published by LA Times.

Activities will include interfaith gatherings, tree plantings, concerts, a motorcycle ride and panel discussions. A national Muslim organization is holding a blood drive all month.

For one organization, the entire month of September is dedicated to remembering 9/11.

In the past, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA has used the date to remind the nation that the terrorist act was an isolated event that does not reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of Muslims. Last year, the organization took out billboard ads and sent members door-to-door with fliers.


This time around, however, the 90-year-old national organization wanted to do more than issue statements: The group has launched a monthlong blood drive campaign titled "Muslims for Life."

Throughout September, Ahmadiyya will hold blood drives at 140 mosques and prayer centers across the country, aiming to collect 10,000 units of blood. The campaign, organizers believe, is not only an appropriate gesture to the fallen victims but a reiteration that Islam is actually about the sanctity of life.

"Ten years ago, unfortunately, marks the worst introduction of Islam to a majority of America. It was a crime against humanity," said Naseem Mahdi, vice president of the organization. "The terrorists used the name of Islam, but they did not have that right — Islam means peace and harmony."

Since then, Ahmadiyya has worked to change perceptions of the Muslim community and has found in recent years that many people seem more educated about the religion. The blood drive, Mahdi said, will hopefully also serve as a chance to develop a relationship with various communities. To find a blood drive near you, go to http://www.muslimsforlife.org.


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