Simultaneous Eid al-Fitr and September 11: Muslims Concerned by Christian Extremists

Every year Muslims in America have celebrated Eid al-Fitr with joy, and gradually it seemed the celebration and ceremony was becoming part of American culture. However, this year things look different. For the first time, Eid al-Fitr occurs simultaneously with the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. This issue is creating worry for Muslims in America.

There are big concerns this year, especially as there is currently a big controversy over the building of a mosque in the vicinity of the remains of the World Trade Center twin towers. On Aug. 13, the president of the United States, Barack Obama, agreed to the construction of the mosque, despite heavy objection from opponents. Prior to that, the Jewish mayor of New York had also agreed to the building of the mosque.

The American newspaper USA Today reported on Aug. 14 that American Muslims are worried about this year’s ceremony of Eid al-Fitr coinciding with the anniversary of Sept. 11. They are concerned that America’s Christian extremists will abuse the fact that the dates overlap and attack mosques and religious centers as well as harass them. There is even a church in Florida that has ordered the burning of the Holy Quran on Sept. 11.

These days the increased atmosphere of propaganda has been of significant benefit to the Christian extremists. Especially following the announcements of church-related sex scandals, many Christians no longer trust their church. Extremist Christians have made their appeal to win over those Christians who are disenchanted with their church.

Because of this climate of hate, American Muslims have asked police to provide additional security measures during this time so that no harm comes to anyone.

Concerns increased when Kevin Ortiz, New York City transit spokesperson, announced that 26 propaganda caravans will be coming to New York to voice their disagreement with the mosque construction. This movement reminds Muslims of the attack on an Islamic cultural center located near the twin towers by American extremist groups during the events of 9/11.

New York Governor David Paterson announced on Aug. 11 that the United States will help protect any group responsible for the construction of the mosque.

With all the controversy over the construction of the mosque, the volume of threats to Muslims has subsequently increased day by day. Some Muslims say that there are plans to attack Islam and Muslims, and there are groups preparing to burn the Quran. The American newspaper the Christian Science Monitor wrote on June 29 that big American cities are faced with a large volume of propaganda against Muslims and are beginning to fill with masses of people affiliated with American extremist groups.

This newspaper also wrote that recently the group that calls itself “Stop Islamization of America” has been active in attempted evangelism and insults Islam and Muslims. In this regard, a church in United States, Dove Church, has ordered the burning of the Quran on Sept. 11 and has undertaken a vast propaganda campaign, including on Facebook. Rev. Terry Jones, director* of the Dove Church, has also sent people to various American cities and has begun sharp speeches against Islam and Muslims.

Some American observers take the opinion that this volume of opposition and anti-Islamic sentiment is due to many Christians losing their beliefs and trust in their church. They believe extremist churches are trying to prey upon this in order to enlarge their own numbers by using pessimism and anti-Islamic sentiment.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Terry Jones is the pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida.