I can vividly remember when the tragedy struck on this day just nine years ago. Eerily, exactly one week before I had gathered with my co-worker and his friends, and I remember them talking about what might happen if the United States were attacked. Maybe they were prophets or something? I remember walking up on that September 11 morning to the distress of my mother and of this nation. I remember ending that day with friends somewhat depressed and with the sound of fighter jets patrolling the airway. That day will always be a memorable day.

Today is the ninth anniversary of that day. Today is a day to give honor to those who died, their families, and those who gave themselves to the cause of finding survivors and cleaning up the mess. Today is a day to remember those who did this, and what they did this for.

Just as importantly, today is a day to remember that those of the same faith as those who did this are not the ones who did this. I remember visiting two Muslim countries—one moderate, one conservative—a few summers back. I remember that the media portrayals of these people are not the same as walking among them. I remember seeing Muslim husbands and wives walking in their grand malls, holding hands and smiling. I remember Muslims looking for taxis, drinking a Starbucks, and a mother looking after her children at the play set. I remember our Indian Muslim driver in Warangal, India who was so patient with us.

I am not excusing the actions of those Muslim’s involved in the September 11, or any other scandal and act of terror, just as I do not excuse any Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, agnostic, or atheist from heinous acts. I just ask that we remember on September 11 that Muslim’s are human beings who have the same needs as the rest of us. Remember on September 11 that hate gets no one anywhere. Remember on September 11 to love your fellow Muslims because many of them go through the same struggles you do.

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Hear These Muslim Voices:

• M. Mahmoud: “First Person: A Proud Muslim and American” and “Walk in an American Muslim’s Shoes”
• Zeenat Rahman: “What We Do on September 11 Matters”