Is it really that hard to be a Mulsim and Loyal to America at the same time?

After 9/11 attacks of world trade center, Anti-Islam extremist politicians and groups became active. They were provided with a reason to create a negative image of Islam and Muslims. They started propaganda and pictured Islam as a terrorist religion and Muslims as terrorist, extremists and disloyal to others.

The dilemma of Islam being misinterpreted in America has its profound roots in the anti-Islamic attitude by the Western writers and media as well. They can’t bear Islam to flourish at their homeland. Contrary to this, Islam is a religion of humanity, peace, justice and love. The basic moral values Islam provides are same as all religions. There is no difference between US constitution, Bill of rights and normative values of Islam. They are almost identical. For this reason, people should believe that following Islam and being loyal to America is not a distinction.

The values and teachings of Islam come from two main sources…The Qur’an and Hadith. They provide complete direction in every aspect of life.  Islam respects the values and teachings of other religions as well. It gives the followers of other religions the liberty and freedom to perform their religious duties. The Fiqh Council of North America and the members of FCNA (body of Islamic scholors) strongly believe that Legal, moral and social systems in West are fully compatible with Islamic rules and set of laws. This is the proof that following Islam and being loyal to America are two sides of a coin.

We need to make it clear that there is a misunderstanding and contradiction or negation between being Muslims who are faithful and committed to ALLAH and being loyal and trustworthy citizens of America. It is a misconception especially after September 11 that a Muslim can never be a loyal American.

American Muslims have no issue and problem to follow the laws of the land.  They feel that they have the same duties, obligations and civil rights like all people living on US land. All Muslim Americans feel that they are also participants to solve the social problems because Islam bounds the Muslims to involve positively in the society they belong to. They want to keep social contacts with US citizens and want to live in peace and harmony. Being a “Muslim” or following “Islam” is not at all hindrance in doing so.

Efforts should be made to disclose the propaganda against Islam and Islamic values by anti-Islam agents. It is the time to tell them that American Muslims are faithful and loyal to their religion as well as to America. Following Islam and being loyal to America simultaneously is a moral obligation for them. A lot of hard work is still required to change the perception about Islam and its core values. But nothing is impossible. American Muslims should keep trying by their behavior to tell the opposition that they respect the soil of the land they live on.

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