Muslims say interest in Islam has grown since 9/11

By: SHAYNA CHABNER - Staff Writer | Friday, September 8, 2006 10:31 PM PDT ∞

President of the Masjed Al-Ittehad mosque Samih Aboutalib and other members of the mosque in Vista spend time together after afternoon prayers on Friday.
HAYNE PALMOUR IV Staff Photographer
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VISTA ---- Local Muslims say that while increased coverage of the Muslim community has driven up membership and interest in the five years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, more needs to be done to combat discrimination and misunderstanding.

"We are still suffering from what some people think ... we are still being labeled and harassed by the authorities," said Samih Aboutalib, the president of Vista's Masjed Al-ittihad mosque.

Aboutalib joined some 200 Muslims for prayers Friday afternoon at the North County mosque. Several dozen knelt outside on carpets and listened to prayers over a loudspeaker, unable to squeeze into the main building.

"Every month, there are more people," he said, noting that as awareness of Islam spreads, the size of the congregation swells accordingly. The mosque's membership, now about 300, is more than double what it was five years ago.

The greater San Diego County Muslim community has grown as well, with as many as 80,000 members today, said Edgar Hopida, spokesman for the San Diego branch of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

Still, the popularity of the religion among new converts and Muslims reconnecting with their homeland roots has not ended discrimination or the growth of misconceptions.

Hopida said the government and media's use of terms like "Islamic Fascists" and "Islamic fundamentalist" casts a bad light on the muslim community as a whole.

"They may have been Muslims that committed the crime, but that does not mean that all Muslims are criminals," he said. That's what "the rhetoric implies," Hopida added.

Jamil Faiq, a 19-year-old San Marcos resident who attends Cal State San Marcos, said that coverage of the community ---- both good and bad ---- has brought out a number of people who are eager to learn more and want to better understand Islam.

"It has helped us with people who are willing to go the distance to learn," said Faiq. But "it's still a struggle. I feel like I have to try twice as hard to show them the positive side of Islam."

A recent Gallup poll shows that when asked to "honestly" assess themselves, four in 10 Americans have some prejudice against Muslims. The same number of respondents also said that they favor stricter security measures for Muslims than for other U.S. citizens, including carrying special identification and undergoing more intensive security checks at airports.

Negative feelings toward Muslims, however, reduced significantly when the respondent personally knew a Muslim. For instance, almost a quarter of those who said they know someone of that faith favored a special identification, while 50 percent of respondents who didn't know a Muslim supported a separate identification.

The differences in responses, many said, are the result of how the religion and community are portrayed by the media and the government.

"They are using Muslims as the source of the fear," Aboutalib said.

He added that discrimination and harassment, as with more intensive security checks at airports, come in waves. As public support of the war on terrorism wanes, the number of reports and references to Muslims as fundamentalists increases, making them the enemy, he said.

For Zainav Molla, an Escondido resident, one of the most frustrating aspects of the varying perceptions of Islam and Muslims is when it interferes with her family's travel plans.

Last year, Molla's 4-year-old daughter was tagged at an airport security check point and had to go into a room alone, for a private screening.

"It's just because of our names," she said. "It's unnecessary screening."

It's not all negative, however.

Molla noted that she is happy to see how many new people are talking about Islam and thinking about the Muslim perspective ---- something that would never have happened five years ago, she said.

Carlsbad resident, Bassam Mustafa, who also attends Vista's mosque, said increased coverage of the community has given Muslims the opportunity to harness the attention paid to Islam to educate people about the religion.

"It's up to us to teach, to talk about it in a positive way," Mustafa said, "to enlighten people and to inform them about what being a Muslim is all about."

Contact staff writer Shayna Chabner at schabner@nctimes.com or (760) 631-6604.

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Rumblfish wrote on Sep 9, 2006 2:45 AM:Muslims themselves better start to use words like 'Islamic fascists' and 'Islamic extremists' and start to acknowledge there is a deep-rooted problem with terms like 'infidels' and 'Jihad.' Groups like the Taliban, Hezbollah and Al Qaida are nothing but Nazi brownshirts in turbans and headbands - extremists and fascists who want one government under Allah and to kill the infidel. That IS fascism at its finest! Perhaps Muslims need to start condemning Muslim fascist attacks on Jews and Christians just like the Germans should have condemned Hitler's attacks on the Jews. Muslims living in free societies need to start speaking out more loudly and condemning Jihad to their frenzied friends in the Mideast.

Rumblfish wrote on Sep 9, 2006 3:00 AM:There is a inherent problem with a religion that promotes killing 'infidels,' and wants to drag us back hundreds of years to the age of ignorance so -- as Jay Leno put it so aptly -- they can all party like it's 1499.

And that's not all: wrote on Sep 9, 2006 6:48 AM:Because the US is willing to bomb virtually anyone on the planet who looks crosseyed at us, we have created another huge natural hate group against us. By necessity, we have to spy and torture US citizens to make up for it. We are in a religious war created by this christian government.

Ann wrote on Sep 9, 2006 6:51 AM:The main stream Islamic followers need to do more to discourage the extremist terrorists. Until then, they are not a peace seeking religion. Its like calling a pit bull a great family dog, and great with young kids.

Phil wrote on Sep 9, 2006 9:05 AM:Ann you are most correct; and you said it in a far more restrained manner than I could have ever have done. Semper Fi!

Zephon wrote on Sep 9, 2006 9:06 AM:It is truly encouraging that perhaps the average American is trying to understand Islam. After all the Jewish,Catholic/Christian religions pray to the same God as those of Muslims. The best way to fight extreme groups is to embrace them and understand their ways - only then can you engage and come to understandings based on common ideals. Unfortunately the Bush administration has done the opposite, using the tools of War, hatred and weapons. Indeed Americans have a responsibility here, in that the true hatred of America by Islam is based on years of disrespect. We used them as pawns to fight communism. And now that Russia's communist expansions have failed, we forget who helped us win the cold war. Indeed, the CIA helped breed extremist muslim hatred of outsiders, funding schools of such thought and providing weapons and military training for insurgent activities against Russia. The ancient history of Islam has shown it as a religion of peace and acceptance of those that do not believe in their religion. After muslims conquered what is now present day Israel several thousand years ago they allowed other religions to flourish. Now, if we can only stop giving the Israeli Defense Force billions of dollars every year of weapons to kill muslims we can truly have a chance of attaining peace and harmony with those that currently wish Americans harm.

Duh wrote on Sep 9, 2006 9:23 AM:The Muslims love the Bush Administration because it has brought them more converts to that religion and will continue to do so. The Muslims want to keep the Republicans in office so their numbers keep increasing. The love to hate our government and thanks to Bush this hatred will continue.

Harry wrote on Sep 9, 2006 9:33 AM:Dear Anna, Many American feel the same way about the fundamentalist Christians. These so- called Christians rival the fundamentalist Muslims with their rhetoric of hate and their stated objective of making every knee bend to their version of God. I cite the Terry Schiavo fiasco, the attempts to prevent dispensing of birth control, blocking stem cell research, inserting "under god" in the pledge of allegiance, subverting high school curriculums, the Soledad Cross and other government sponsored displays of one and only one religion, assaulting the environment and letting a virulent version of world history shape our foreign policy. The religiosity of Bush and Bob Jones and Rev. Farwell and most public officials is as much like a savage wolf masquerading as the family pet.

Randall wrote on Sep 9, 2006 10:01 AM:What is a "peace seeking" religion? Name one. Definitely isn't Christianity. The soil of America is red with the blood of the native peoples here who were murdered in the name of Christianity. Definitely isn't Judaism (Israel has the bomb, 'nuff said). Definitely isn't Hinduism (that whole border business with Pakistan is all about religion). I haven't heard of any "militant bhuddists" -- but other than that, I think anyone would be hard pressed to find a religion anywhere in the world where its practicioners are truly peaceful.

Rachel wrote on Sep 9, 2006 12:32 PM: When the Liberty College crowd and the Southern Baptists and the Assembly of God and all the born-again "bound for glory" folks, denounce Bush and his war from the pulpit, then and maybe then you have some ground to talk.

To Ann wrote on Sep 9, 2006 12:46 PM:Right point, but stupid analogy.

s wrote on Sep 9, 2006 2:01 PM:The religion of Islam isn't fooling anyone here! It's not peaceful or tolerant of other faiths and when I see them bombing each other's holy mosque, it's proof of its violent nature to kill us or convert us

Phil wrote on Sep 9, 2006 2:32 PM:"Muslims say interest in Islam has grown since 9/11" - it certainly has . . . Semper Fi!

I agree with Ann wrote on Sep 9, 2006 2:52 PM:Do muslims preach against terroism? I haven't seen much of it and when I do, its one muslims opinion. Muslims in this country don't speak out because there will be a backlash against from Muslims and non-Muslims. I know this makes me sound prejudice but I feel that many Muslims in this country agree with the terror groups. if the Muslims had any power in this country, which they don't, you would see or hear them make demands on the US govt. I use to be against Isreal but now I'm begining to side with Isreal. True, the arabs did lose land to the Isrealis but unfortunatley, that was the past and its time to move on. The Muslims in this country should be thankfull that a Christian nation allows them worship as they chose.

To " I agree with Ann" wrote on Sep 9, 2006 3:31 PM:The christo-facists have spoken. ..."they should be thankful that a Christian nation allows them (to)worship as they chose" It's In The Constitution!!!!!

To " I agree with Ann" wrote on Sep 9, 2006 4:22 PM:I'm a christo-facists! Maybe I am, although I don't go to church as much as I shoud. The point is, what arab nation allow Christians, Jews, and other faiths to worship freely. Last I read the Iranian presdient wanted Jews in his country to identify themselves as jews. I spoke with an Iranian of a different faith who left Iran for religious persecutions. This country was founded by Christians, Why does that bother you. It's the truth. The govt. doesn't crack down on your faith so chill out. Freedom of religion except the Christian religion. Just remember, Nazi Germany and communist did away with religion and look what happaned. Oh yes, I am also a conservative latino and not a democrat liberal.

To: I agree with...... wrote on Sep 9, 2006 6:10 PM:I don't need a history lessons about the founding of America; my family arrived here in the late 1600's and helped settle Boston. The founder's were main stream Christians and Unitarians, Deists, Transcendentalists, Quakers and Atheists and probably many more. They knew enough to separate church and state and to enshrine that principle in the Constitution. Of course in America, Christians have the freedom to worship as they see fit,--they just don't have the right to shove it in everyone else’s face. The US Constitution says you can't do that! Of course I appreciate how special America is and I love my country! If you don't like the freedoms that America stands for and, if you think Christians have it so bad here I will say, to you what so many have said to me...,if you don't like it here, why don't you go somewhere else?

Rob wrote on Sep 9, 2006 6:13 PM:You said it all Rumblfish! These people who say that our actions as a Nation are what has caused these nutcases to blow anything and anyone to pieces in the name of 'allah' are residents of the state of denial. Their hatred of this Country and our President are so great that they may as well belong to the taliban or al queda. They are probably the same ignorant people who believe that 9/11 was an inside job.

jeffrey wrote on Sep 9, 2006 6:40 PM:IF YOU WANT TO LIVE AS THEY DID IN THE DARK AGES,ESPECIALLY YOU FEMALE TYPES, THEN BY ALL MEANS JOIN UP IN THIS RELIGION. YOUR BASIC JOB WILL BE TO BREED CHILDREN AND BE TREATED LIKE LIVESTOCK. THIS RELIGION HAS ONLY CAUSED DEATH AND HATRED THROUGHOUT THE AGES. HEY PHIL, I LIKE YOUR COMMENT.SUBTLE BUT SAYS IT LIKE IT IS.

911Victim wrote on Sep 9, 2006 7:46 PM:As a direct victim of 9/11, I ask you to think on this: Of the 9/11 terrorists, how many were Muslims? Of the WTC bombing, how many were Muslims? Of the USS Cole bombing, how many were Muslims? Of the Marine Corp barracks bombing, how many were Muslims? Yes, war is bad.

Phil wrote on Sep 9, 2006 8:44 PM:Thanks Jeff, there is alot more I would say about this Dark Aged religion, but it would never get past the censor! I recall and endorse the line of the character play by Al Pacino at the end of the movie, "Scent of Woman." Semper Fi!

911 victim wrote on Sep 9, 2006 8:53 PM:With the same logic you could say of all the people killed in the civil war, how many were killed by Americans? Of all the people killed in Hitler's concentration camps how many were killed by Christians? answer: All of them. It doesnt mean all Christians were Nazis nor that all Americans hate Americans. It doesnt prove anything.

Sarah wrote on Sep 9, 2006 10:12 PM:There are many responses, but i think that most can be covered by saying: read about islam .. go directly to the sources, the Quran, etc, and not with the intention of confirming ur own vague notions of it, but of really understanding what the religion is about, im sure if u did that many of the negative opinions mentioned here would be changed In response to muslims denouncing terrosim: Its not that muslims arent saying it, its more that the microphones are all pointed in the direction of the looney yelling "Death to America" .. believe me if u looked ud find the denouncement everywhere ... go ahead talk to ur local muslim, ull see im right

Ann wrote on Sep 9, 2006 11:53 PM:Its simple. Try and live like Jesus and Mohamad did and mellow out. Quit judging one another. We are no that smart nor our we God. Extremist Islam suck. and main stream Islam should speak out against them. No need to bring the sad story of pit bulls into the human tragedy.

Rumblfish wrote on Sep 10, 2006 1:31 AM:If you listen to what the Muslim fascists are saying, they believe that ALL American citizens are fair game because they elected the U.S. government which they oppose. They opposed it under Clinton and Bush, so they don't care if it is a Republican or Democrat government. Plain and simply, they want to kill ALL Western infidels. I'm sure there were Muslims in the Twin Towers when they went down. Zephon - and you want to embrace THAT ideology?

Rumblfish wrote on Sep 10, 2006 1:44 AM:Muslim communities need to speak out LOUDLY and condemn Muslim extremists for exactly what they are - a fascist military regime. Fascists do not embrace democracy and freedom to better understand our ways. They just want to kill all who oppose the masterplan. Now instead of Hitler's Mein Kempf, we face Osama bin Laden and Jihad. Ironically, bin Laden wants to take out the Jews, just as Hitler did. The Islamic facsists want a pure Islamic state, just as Hitler wanted a pure Aryan master race in The Fatherland. We have already seen Pearl Harbor with the 9/11 attacks five years ago. After Pearl Harbor Japanese Americans were rounded up and detained. This is not happening to Muslims in 2006. And as far as travel inconveniences go - Muslims can thank their extremist brethren for that.

austen wrote on Sep 10, 2006 9:08 PM:come on american... don't just shout "you're evil! we're innocent!!" without looking in a mirror.. remember the first nuclear bomb? vietnam war? and christian too.. remember bosnia? whose genociding them? do you remember ever condemning the serbs? don't just absorbs all you see in tv.. analyze it..

Phil wrote on Sep 10, 2006 9:20 PM:Rumblfish, you speak volumes. Semper Fi!

All American wrote on Sep 10, 2006 11:19 PM:Every religion has it's fanatics. The belt buckle of the Nazi soldiers read "Gott mit uns" - "God is with us". Many evil deeds such as the holocause, slavery, abortion clinic bombings, crusades etc. have been justified by fanatics based on their religion. It is important that we not judge a religion by the acts of fanatics but by teaching followed by the mainstream. Anyone wishing to sincerely learn about Islam should read the Quran, stop by a mosque or talk to a Muslim. Hating a religion or it's adherents based on misinformation is unamerican.

fhwfowhfowhfohfohdh wrote on Sep 11, 2006 7:20 AM:So if America is evil too...does that mean we should all be killed? That's what it sounds like some of you are saying....

HEY AUSTEN!!!!!! wrote on Sep 11, 2006 9:14 AM:Why don't you be the first to sacrifice yourself to the poor terrorists if the USA deserves terrorist attacks???????

Phil wrote on Sep 11, 2006 8:33 PM:Austen - you do have to look a bit into history. This terrorism today is a religious war. WW2, Vietnam were not fought in the name of Christianity. This war by the Muslims is fought in the name of their middle ages religion. Semper Fi!

Vista Man wrote on Sep 12, 2006 6:30 PM:When is NCT going to ask and get answers to what this GROWING Muslim population is doing about terrorism? Ther have been numerous articles amd those kinds of questions have never been addressed! The American Muslim population needs to stand up and be counted as being against terorism and IF there are turly 80,000 then that would be quite a demonstration! How about it Muslims, WHAT IS YOU POSITION?

Harry To Phil, wrote on Sep 14, 2006 6:52 AM: George Bush made a speech on 9/12 in which he cast this war as part of a "Third Awakening of Christianity in America". He seems to feel this is a war between good and evil and Christian America is the good and the Muslims are the evil. He sees himself as one of the leaders of this Christian re awakening. Not only is our President incompetent, but now he shows himself delusional and grandiose. Veritas Vincent!

Gee Harry wrote on Sep 14, 2006 2:33 PM:You just love to take everything out of context and make it as emotional as possible! It's all the President's fault, we know! Mr. Clinton had absolutly nothing to do with any terrorist! He was completely innocent! As I recall you are the one ready to vote for Mr. Gore who stood in Suadi Arabia and called this country evil and bad! Then you defended a slim bag like murtha who basically did the same thing! What is WRONG with you man! Get the emotion out, go see a shrink or something, your hate is pathetic!!!

hell there wrote on Sep 14, 2006 4:30 PM: Do you really think every white is good fellow and all colored are bad people? Have you ever been in contact with other than your own people? How about with the people of different faith or different culture? Every culture & faith is unique in its own. If you call yourself us, and others them than you need to ask yourself is it not prejudice. You will find fanatic & lunatic in every nation & religion. To understand other religion read the basic book of that religion, in case of Islam it is Quran, not what media is yelling to get high rating. All are created equal by the CREATER & will be judged by their actions. Love for humanity.

WOW wrote on Sep 16, 2006 10:44 PM:oh yea this nation would survive all right, if only you look at our own problems you have a mind to be prejudice towards all muslims.... HAH. how childish. if muslims were truly a terrorizing religion, then 1 in 4 would be committing some terrorist acts right about now. decide on who REAL terrorists are; America has shamed ourseleves to an undeclared war on HOME grown terrorists. its called CRIME. "159 million American lives touched by crime in 13-years and more Americans killed by drunk drivers than in all our wars combined!" there really isn't such a thing as bad and good anymore. maybe we should take a bigger step to deporting ALL criminals. this is as pro-american as it gets; we should be standing for humanity, and we've stooped into a shameful level of dehumanizing others while we're our own worse enemy. we're not even surviving the violence in America that has totaled over 2 million crimes with approximately 50,000 murders, that are grizzly and greusome as the war crimes over seas, I am Muslim and I stand by MY country, I just don't agree with OUR tactics. And if you hadn't noticed, there is such a large number of Muslims standing up that media doesn't like to show it much, because just in case you didn't know, they like to bias us in thinking in one way. Go to the source and stop reliying on the media that apparently turned into your favorite teacher.

saad wrote on Jul 11, 2007 1:40 AM:in fact some parts of world dont understand the Islam well.so i want to see to the world Islam is indestructible...................................................................................................,

ItAREALshame wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:31 AM:Oh gosh.. Where do i start? Im shocked at the sheer ignorance people hold against islam.. Its the most beautiful religion iv come across.. Islam is a wonderfull faith. It tells us to be faithful to God, to believe in him. It promotes understanding and brotherhood.It is a pity that the actions of a few misguided terrorists who by some chance happen to be muslims, are bringing a bad name to the whole faith. It brings in dicipline in a person and tells us to fight the bad qualities in ourslves. All of us need to take these qualitites into our lives.

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