It has been ten years since our nation experienced one of the most tragic events of our history. The experience of September 11, 2001 has challenged our core values as a nation that prides its self in upholding the principles of democracy, equality, fairness, and justice for all.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, prominent Islamic Organizations are actively participating in several inter-faith programs nationwide.

Muslim Organizations throughout the USA are encouraging American Muslims to do their parts in building bridges of mutual understanding with their fellow Americans of all faiths, by participating in their own community-based services.

We believe this 10th anniversary of such an unprecedented tragedy will also be an opportunity to increase a sustained understanding of all Americans through honest dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation to create an environment of peace and harmony for all humanity.

The following links provide sample of different ways Islamic organizations are doing their parts to commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001:

• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
• Islamic Educational Center of Orange County
• Islamic Center of Southern California
• Muslim Public Affair Council (MPAC)
• Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
• Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
• Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders (LACRL)
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
• Islamic Shura Council of Southern California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Asks U.S. Mosques to Mark 9/11 'Day of Unity and Prayer'

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/7/11) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization is calling on mosques and Islamic centers nationwide to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks with a "National Day of Unity and Prayer."
The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is urging local Muslim communities to hold a "Day of Unity and Prayer" interfaith open house after Friday congregational prayers at mosques on September 9. CAIR is also asking American Muslims to organize community service projects on Sunday, September 11, as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance and the president's "United We Serve" campaign.

In a statement directed to American Muslims, CAIR said:

"To honor the memory of the thousands of Americans who were murdered on September 11, 2001, CAIR is urging mosques and Muslim institutions nationwide to declare Friday, September 9, 2011, as a National Day of Unity and Prayer. This expression of unity will offer an opportunity for Americans of all faiths to strengthen the bonds that hold us together as a nation.

"We suggest that those giving the sermons (khutbas) on September 9 mention the sad anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, reaffirm Islam's respect for life and human dignity, and emphasize the need for peace and harmony throughout the world.

"We hope that houses of worship across the United States -- churches, synagogues and mosques -- will open their doors Friday, Saturday and Sunday and greet their neighbors with open minds and hearts. These days of worship will provide an opportunity for people of faith to build bridges of mutual understanding.

"Join with your larger community and interfaith partners in a day of prayer and unity. Ask Allah to use the anniversary to unite our country.

"God explains that as diverse entities within the community of humankind, we can work toward the greater good for all. As the Holy Quran tells us: 'O mankind! We have created you male and female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.'"

Along with the service projects, CAIR is suggesting that American Muslim communities hold outreach activities on September 9, 10 and 11, including:

• Hosting a scripture reading, at which religious leaders read passages from their own sacred texts, focusing on passages that offer spiritual support for mutual understanding and interfaith dialogue.
• Holding a "National Day of Unity and Prayer" open house at which public officials and members of the local community can learn more about Islam and Muslims.
• Calling on local religious and political leaders to speak out against growing Islamophobia and in support of diversity and equal rights for all citizens.
• Issuing a challenge to Muslims in local communities to sponsor the distribution of copies of the Quran to American political and policy leaders. Copies of the Quran can be sponsored at: http://www.cair.com/explorethequran
• Coordinating community-based service activities such as a food drive with a local food bank or a blood drive through a local hospital or the American Red Cross.

To mark last year's 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, CAIR launched a public service announcements (PSA) campaign featuring Muslim 9/11 first responders, with the theme "9/11 happened to us all."

CAIR: '9/11 Happened to Us All' PSA, Firefighter
CAIR: '9/11 Happened to Us All' PSA, Medical Responder
CAIR: 'We Have More in Common than We Think' PSA, Interfaith

CAIR's efforts to challenge terrorism and religious extremism include helping to coordinate a 2005 fatwa, or religious ruling, which stated in part: "All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam. It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians."

Other CAIR anti-terror initiatives can be viewed on its website.

SEE: CAIR's Anti-Terrorism Campaigns

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

Islamic Educational Center of OC

In the Name of Allah, the Infinitely Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

September 6, 2011

Islamic Educational Center Statement on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

As our nation prepares for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, American Muslims join with their fellow countrymen in honoring and paying tribute to the innocent lives that were lost that day.

American Muslims were very much affected by 9/11, not only was their faith brandished as evil, but they too lost many innocent lives that day. American Muslims were innocent passengers on the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers, they were the employees in the towers that crumbled, and they were the rescue workers that raced to the scene and never to be found again.

The events of 9/11 shook the foundation of our nation and in the 10 years since 9/11, many American Muslims are still feeling the aftershocks of that tragic day. For American Muslims, post 9/11 gave rise to Islamophobia, suspicion, interrogation, harassment, hate crime, and political and religious figures peddling anti-Islamic rhetoric; in many ways, the whole community felt excluded of American society.

Despite the odds, American Muslims stand to heal and foster an environment of unity, peace, and tolerance amongst all Americans. American Muslims are patriotic and exemplary citizens. We are committed to our nation in all aspects of civic engagement and political participation. We stand united with our fellow citizens to move our country forward as a positive model for all other nations.

As our nation strives forward in remembrance, we must remain vigil of the continuous global threat of Al-Qaeeda, which is stridently linked to the violent ideology of Wahabbism. Both Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide have fallen prey to the terrorist crimes of such groups and their ideology. We cannot afford to be passive in the face of a deadly threat. We must stand together to combat extremism and radicalization in any form.

On Sunday, September 11th, the American Muslim community will mark the 10th year anniversary of 9/11 by honoring the innocent lives that were suddenly lost and to the families through prayers and community outreach. We share in our nations pain and grief that day, and pray for our nation to heal.

Islamic Educational Center of OC

Islamic Educational Center of OC| 3194 B Airport Loop Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | (714) 432-0060

10th Anniversary of 9/11: A Time for Reflection, Honor and Unification     Advertisement As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and the Muslim American community, stands in unity with all Americans and commemorates this day of national importance by offering our condolences to the victims of the attacks and their family members. Ten years after that historic day, we continue to stand in unity as a nation in remembrance of the heroes who risked their lives, the resilient spirit of our nation and the strength of character exuded by all of those affected. That day will forever be marked with tragedy, sadness and loss; however through that day, we as Americans proved that immediately after the attacks, regardless of religious background, race or ethnicity, that under trying times we will remain a unified and resilient nation. On this anniversary of 9/11 as we gather for vigils, community service projects and interfaith events, it is an important opportunity for us to convey our support, remembrance and togetherness in a time where, more than ever, we need to revisit our nation's enduring spirit and overcome the divisiveness of our current climate. The commemoration of 9/11 should be placed on the courageous men and women who were first to show up to the scene to selflessly protect, save and serve our fellow citizens. The bravery shown by the first responders of that day is a beautiful example of resiliency in a time of crisis. Those heroes will forever remain a part of the indomitable spirit that defines our nation. For 10 years, the families and loved ones of the 9/11 victims have shown courage and valiance in the face of sorrow and must be recognized and their strength should be applauded. They exhibit the true strength of endurance, life and resoluteness it takes to overcome such hardship. The victims of 9/11 remain in our hearts and thoughts. The 10th anniversary of 9/11 is an opportunity to unify our nation and produce a stronger collective conscious. Though service programs, community based commemorations and interfaith vigils are important to attend, the most important thing to do at these events is to continue to keep our hearts and minds in solidarity with all those who lost loved ones on that fateful day. [CONTACT: Haris Tarin, DC Office Director, (202) 547-7701, [email protected]] To download MPAC 911Community Action-Kit Click Here   Copyright 2011 Muslim Public Affairs Council All rights reserved. Muslim Public Affairs Council 3010 Wilshire Blvd. #217 Los Angeles, California 90010