Brothers and Sisters, the time for Dawah is now. With the tragedies that hit New York and Washington (as well as Pennsylvania) recently, the focus and attention of the world is on the Middle East and, more importantly, on the Muslims. Whether or not there is any basis for this added attention, we are being criticized while our religion and way of life is scrutinized to the most minor of details. There have been comments made that our entire religion is based on violence, with the intent to convert others by the use of the ?sword.? Americans are now calling on the President to seek and destroy not only the alleged perpetrators of this attack, but also everyone else whom is/was ever suspected of such behavior, regardless of their location. We as Muslims do not condone such acts of violence on the innocent civilian population, and want just as much as anyone else for those who take part in such acts to be punished accordingly. The media, however, has not helped us in projecting this viewpoint, and we cannot sit back during this time and act like the victim.

While the country in general remains uneducated about the true meaning of Islam, mainly because of our own shortcomings, the academic environment that we live in and are greatly involved with, Rutgers University, seems to be as curious as ever about Islam. This is an opportunity that we can not pass up, because for far too long, we have been stereotyped as something we are not. We have periodically tried to spread the word of Islam, but most were uninterested. In the past weeks, however, many requests have been made for Muslims to come and speak about Islam and its views on this tragedy, at various forums, rallies, and other venues. Never before have people actually requested US to come to their events to speak about OUR views. And the fact that Muslims are being approached by others, and not contacting them on their own, shows that there is some real interest concerning this issue. We have taken part in many vigils in and around the school, as well as many other efforts that have to do with the attacks. I just heard a story a few days ago about a sister, who while standing in a line at a store overheard two students commending the Muslims for their show of support in this time of crisis. And recently, a few students came up to me, thinking that I was a Muslim, to praise the Muslims on campus for their support. One student was extremely pleased with the Islamic Society?s flyer (the flyer, along with inviting the people to the meeting, also condemned the acts of terrorism that had taken place the day before) and said that it was greatly needed at this time. The students that came up to me with smiles on their faces, genuinely seemed to care. These are just two of the stories that I have heard of, but there are probably many more.

By the grace of Allah (swt), it seems that our efforts are having an effect on the people. Students, if nothing else, are learning more about Islam, and breaking down their own misconceptions of our religion as taught to them by the media. We should thank Allah for his mercy and generosity, and at the same time, guard ourselves from the trap of contentment. We should never think that our efforts are enough, and should strive to do even better to please Allah and his beloved Muhammad (saw). It is only with this intention that our past actions and good deeds will be accepted, as well as anything that we do in the future.

I pray that Allah blesses each and every one of you for your support in this effort, and pray that he empowers you to go out and give Dawah to the people in the kindest of manner and with the best of words, as prescribed in the Holy Quran. Ameen.