Towards Mutual Understanding

Some Muslims and Americans are willing to kill and even die for their beliefs. How many times have we heard of Americans willing to "die for their country?" Americans call this Patriotism. Also, Muslim fighters frequently sacrifice their lives "for the sake of Allah." It’s not that Allah needs anyone to defend Him, but rather, it is Islam that they seek to protect, particularly from foreign invasion. Muslims call this Martyrdom. Of course, Patriots and Martyrs, are frequently called by alternative labels by the other side--Infidel Crusaders and Freedom Hating Terrorists.

An important question is whether actions such as killing and being killed are necessary components of the American or Islamic Ways of Life. Of course, we may hear echoes of Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty, or give me death." Many a brave hero has gone before, on both sides, prompting others to sacrifice themselves for the cause. But do such examples constitute a directive to take yourself and others out in a suicide mission? What about the killing of innocents? Is it really the American Way to drop cluster bombs on Afghani and Iraqi wedding parties in defense of our lifestyle? Similarly, is it Islam that urges its followers to plow passenger jet airliners into buildings where thousands of people are working?

If we agree that killing oneself and others, especially those who are defenseless and innocent, is incompatible with our way of life, then what about supporting and sympathizing with groups and countries who carry out such acts? Until September 11, 2001, many Muslims and Muslim countries recognized, supported, or sympathized with the Taliban government of Afghanistan. However, most Muslims would not want to live under such a government. Similarly, Americans widely support Israel in its practices against the Palestinian people. It is virtually unthinkable to report or refer to Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Territories in a critical or negative light. Yet, few Americans would want to live in such conditions as the Palestinians have for more than half a century. Why do people support others who commit acts that they, themselves, would not like to do or have done to them?

Why is there such an utter disconnection between explicit beliefs and practices? The answer lies partially in a shared ideal of Self-Righteousness. In short, Muslims believe they are "the best of all nations." Similarly, Americans think theirs is "the greatest country on Earth." With such attitudes, it is hard to find fault with oneself. After all, how can whatever deeds the best people do be less than the best? Nobody's perfect, of course, but the belief is that people cannot be blamed for being the best people doing the best things, which become synonymous with the right things in many people’s minds.

It’s time to pause and reflect on the ideals you claim to believe in, and uphold them as true for both sides. Muslims must come to terms with the reality that most terrorists in the world today are Muslims. The question is: Does Islam condone terrorism? Without qualifications, conditions, blaming, and scapegoating, Muslim citizens must consider where their beliefs lie regarding these particular acts, and take a stand. Similarly, Americans must also do their share of soul-searching, make their viewpoints explicit, and also take a stand against those who violate them in their name. It’s time for everybody to practice what they preach and fulfill the promises of their professed ways of life.

Muslim individuals and American individuals must figure out where they stand regarding their own principles. What we see today is American and Muslim media, government, and other representatives working very hard to convince the other side to accept their points of view. The truth is, they’re just talking to themselves and past one another. America has Fox News, Muslims have Al-Jazeera. Each is busy telling its own audience precisely what it wants to hear. In many ways, it’s about numbers, ratings, advertising, and money. It’s also about influencing public opinion. Maybe it’s time for individuals from both ways of life, free from political and other biases, to begin to try to understand one each other’s beliefs without the interference of biased parties who have much to protect or gain from perpetuating animosity and a lack of understanding.

The first place to begin is to challenge the over-abundance of stereotypes on both sides. Write down five things you heard, think, or believe about Americans or Muslims. Then begin to explore the truthfulness of these ideas. Begin with neutral information sources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and library books. Stay away from web sites that purport to tell you what you need to know about America or Islam; web sites are generally biased, so avoid them until you have done your homework from other sources. Eventually, work towards explaining these issues from the other side. Even if you don’t agree, briefly state the other position in order to see if it sounds coherent. For example, “Muslims believe in One God, whom they call “Allah.” Or, “Americans believe in the right to own guns not only to protect themselves from criminals, but also to protect themselves from the Government.” These are basic statements upon which to build understanding. People will find they have more in common than they think.