A Muslim's view

By TAHSIN KHALID

Although my family did not experience any explicit discrimination after Sept. 11, we have noticed in the media the rhetoric has been getting more and more against Islam and Muslims. Sometimes we feel like people look at us as aliens, if not as terrorists.

Moreover, there have been incidents at various airports where some Muslims had to go through more strict scrutiny at airports or were asked to leave the plane because some passengers were not comfortable traveling with them.

My message: Terrorists are terrorists; they don't have any religion or country. This is a misconception that Muslim terrorists attacked the United States. The fact is a group of terrorists attacked a country and killed thousands of people, including Muslims. If so-called Muslims (they are terrorists, not Muslims) commit similar acts, their God, holy book and their religion are criticized.

One positive thing after Sept. 11 is that people are more curious about Islam. More like to read and ask questions about the Quran. When they study it, they realize that the Quran teaches love, patience, tolerance and care for all humanity.

Tahsin Khalid, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Elementary, Early and Special Education at Southeast Missouri State University.