Just Do One Thing for Pakistan!

Pakistan is one amazing country. It has enough scientific knowledge and technical know how to build atomic bomb and ballistic missiles. At the same time, however, 51 million Pakistanis have no access to essential medicine. 46 million adults cannot read and write.

One response to our amazingly weak, yet strong, nation is to blame colonialism and criticize one or the other government.

On the other hand there are thousands of Pakistanis and hundreds of organizations who have decided not to give up on improving life in Pakistan. Instead of waiting for some government to do something, they work on changing things by themselves. "Allah does not change the state of people unless they change what is within themselves" Quran 13:11. These are the Pakistanis who are responsible for the privatization of education in Pakistan.

We decided to come up with 55 ideas, which any one of us in America can adopt to serve Pakistan in our individual capacity. It will be a small step, but still a step in the right direction.


1. Celebrate next August 14 with your family
2. Produce a Pakistani better than yourself
3. Buy a buffalo for someone
4. Adopt a public school
5. Translate health information into Urdu
6. Start sponsoring a village in Pakistan
7. Develop a dialog with an Imam
8. Fight tobacco in Pakistan
9. Celebrate Pakistan Day
10. Start sponsoring a Baithak school in Pakistan
11. Help form a PTA in a Pakistani school
12. Plant trees in Pakistan
13. Correct wrong maps about Pakistan and Kashmir
14. Organize project clean up Pakistan
15. Sponsor an intern in the US government
16. Fight pollution in Pakistan
17. Revive the Pakistan Students' Association
18. Challenge ethnic jokes and stereotyping
19. Develop a children's play for Pakistan
20. Give a gift subscription to a Pakistani library
21. Invest in a Pakistani business
22. How your wedding can help Pakistan
23. Teach Pak-americans how to challenge discrimination
24. Welcome new Pakistani immigrants
25. Put Urdu literature on cassette for the blind and elderly
26. Initiate a media watch group
27. Create a "Pakistan reading room" in your community
28. Make your city a sister city to your hometown in Pakistan
29. Organize an essay contest for Pak-American youth
30. Establish a Pak-American speaker's bureau
31. Auction off artwork and donate the proceeds
32. Set aside a portion of your budget for Pakistan
33. Produce a calendar for Pakistan
34. Submit something about Pakistan to a writing contest
35. Talk to your children about tolerance
36. Promote the positive about Pakistan on message boards
37. Interview the "average" Pakistani person
38. Organize an Iqbal night
39. Make an Urdu room in your home
40. Organize a video discussion about Pakistan
41. Build a rural health clinic
42. Start up a discussion group about women in Pakistan
43. Produce a project about Pakistan for your class
44. Establish a Pak-American youth award in your community
45. Start a Pak-American TV program in your city
46. Record "Sound prints of life in Pakistan"
47. Be Pakistani, buy Pakistani
48. Keep your clanin Pakistan briefed about Muslims in America
49. Organize an open house about Pakistan
50. Pay back to Pakistan
51. Publish a book
52. Patronize a sports team
53. Start up a website about some aspect of Pakistan
54. Establish a fund named after your mother
55. Build a dam

Courtesy: w@f@, hunza,m@vr@

10 Things you can do for Pakistan this winter

1. Make Dua

Ramadan is coming up and it's the month not only of charity and fasting but also of Dua (supplication).

There is no power or ability except with God. Make Dua (pray) for the people of Pakistan. May Allah protect them from further civil unrest. May He help them assist their Afghan brethren fleeing the US bombing of their country.

May Allah bring peace, justice and forgiveness to this land ravaged for so long by civil unrest, economic turmoil and injustice. May He make Pakistan's children better than their parents. May Allah unite them with truth so they can help each other build their lives.

2. Support the victims of the tragedy with your money

About $1 billion was collected for the victims of the September 11 tragedy. But for millions of Afghans who are starving and dying, only about $500,000 has been raised.

According to the United Nations, at least four million women and children are at risk of hunger and starvation in Afghanistan. A severe winter is fast approaching.

One of the most important organizations helping the Afghan refugees is the Pakistani Red Crescent Society. They are on the frontlines of this war, helping those fleeing the bombs and bullets. Donate generously to them or other similar organizations who are working to alleviate the pain and suffering of these innocent civilians.

3. Volunteer with the Pakistani Red Crescent Society

http://www.prcs.org.pk/

As mentioned above, this organization is on the front lines in helping Afghan refugees fleeing US bombs and bullets in Afghanistan. If you have the time, get in touch with them and offer to help out. If you are a medical professional, your skills will be very much appreciated, but the more helping hands the better.

Or if you cannot do this, encourage family and friends and Pakistan, who have easier access, to get involved in this urgent effort.

4. Send money to a poor family for Eid

While Eid is supposed to be a happy occasion for Muslims, those in war-torn lands don't experience that way. If you can, arrange to send money to a poor family specifically for Eid, so that the children and parents can have new clothes, maybe some more food than usual or sweets to celebrate, despite their depressing condition.

5. Commit to support one of HDF's long-term projects

While it's always important to contribute to emergency relief funds and for individuals' short-term needs, a project that has long-term positive repercussions is just as necessary.

That's why you should try to devote a portion of your money for a specific project of the Human Development Foundation of North America in Pakistan. It could be to build a well, support a school or some other initiative that is making a positive difference in the lives of those with so little.

6. Educate your neighbors, classmates, etc. about Pakistan.

A few months ago, you could have mentioned to someone that you're from Pakistan and they would have no idea what you were talking about. Today, Americans are more familiar with the country due to the current bombing of Afghanistan. World famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey even interviewed Pakistan's ambassador to the US, Maleeha Lodhi, during her show entitled "Islam 101" recently.

That means you have a great opportunity to teach others more about Pakistan. In class, you can do a presentation about some relevant aspect of Pakistan, whether it's about politics, economics, or just a general overview of the country. You can also talk to neighbors about your concern relatives who live in Pakistan in the current crisis. You can even share Pakistani food (hold the spices though) with them, especially in Ramadan.

7. Visit Pakistan

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, US president George W. Bush advised Americans to go out and spend their money. This was important advice at a time when the American economy is faltering and people are very scared. The same advice needs to be heeded by Pak-Americans when it comes to Pakistan.

Pakistan too, has a faltering economy and Pak-Americans are in a unique position to help.

While there has been harassment at airports, most Pak-Americans who have traveled since September 11, traveling have had relatively few problems. Make sure to fly with Pakistan International Airlines if you can.

Also, while safety may be an issue in a number of cities, especially those near the border of Afghanistan, this is not the case with places like Karachi and Lahore, which are now relatively peaceful.

By visiting Pakistan, not only will you be able to touch base with relatives and friends, but you can also look into some investment opportunities there. Pakistan is in critical need of support of its ex-patriots and by spending money there on a long-term basis, you can help boost the economy in at least a small way.

8. Educate yourself about Pakistan.

This is a great opportunity to educate yourself and your family about Pakistan's more detailed aspects. Beyond the basics, there is much to consider historically and politically about the country, especially in the current crisis.

Pick a topic of interest and read up on it. Make notes and write and article about it so you can retain what you've learned. For instance, Pakistan's nuclear program has attracted a lot of attention in the past, but even more so in the last few weeks. Find out who started it and why, how it affects the current situation and why other countries are weary of Pakistan's nuclear prowess.

Or you can research the Afghan refugee presence in Pakistan. Why did Afghans begin coming to Pakistan? Did they fully integrate? Did they try to return? How are they treated in Pakistan compared to refugees in other countries?

9. Establish a Pak-American organization in your city

Establish an organization in your city, on campus, or just among friends to educate yourself and others about your Pakistani heritage and culture. You can also use this group as a forum to mobilize local Pak-Americans to work on beneficial projects to help those in need in Pakistan.

10. Keep up to date on what's happening in Pakistan

Information gives us the power to make a real difference. That's why it's necessary to know what exactly is going on in Pakistan.

Your local newspaper will rarely cover Pakistan, except in relation to the current crisis in Afghanistan. That's why you need to find good sources of news that can identify clearly the needs and problems of fellow Pakistanis. By following the news on a daily or at least weekly basis, you'll have a better understanding of how you and your family can really help Pakistan.

How to make your child a critical thinker

Pakistan's educational system is notorious for not fostering critical thinking in children. Rote memorization of facts is emphasized over really thinking about the information presented. Discussion and debate in class are minimal and students don't really get a chance to talk about and think through ideas.

While this is not completely the case in America, a number of educators have also been critical of the American system for doing the same thing, albeit on a lesser level.

Give this state of affairs, it is necessary for parents to encourage their children to become critical thinkers, so that they can properly understand the world around them, as well as use information properly, instead of just keeping facts and figures in their heads without applying them in the real world.

Here are some tips:

1. Encourage questions

How many of us have brushed off questions our children have asked us about mundane things?

We may be caught in the middle of a conversation, reading the newspaper or watching television and not want to be disturbed. While this is understandable, it does nothing to help develop a child's critical thinking skills.

Question-and-answer interaction is one of the key ingredients in the development of critical thinking. This is why we must do our best to answer our children's questions to the best of our abilities.

If we are doing something and don't want to be interrupted, the best way to deal with this is to gently tell our child that we will answer their question later and then follow-up. It would be a good idea to ask at this point what the question is, write it down, and then address it later if the child forgets.

2. Encourage kids to think things through

In today's fast-paced culture, we often find ourselves rushing to make decisions and say things without thinking through. This hasty attitude may work in situations involving adults, who have more life experience, but it is a failure for kids.

We must encourage our kids to think things through before giving an answer to things. For instance, one way we can inculcate this quality is by presenting two choices and asking them to select one. You can, for example, ask: do you want to go to the baseball game next Saturday or the zoo? Then ask them to list the pros and cons of each, how both experiences will benefit them educationally and otherwise, and then reach a conclusion.

3. Teach kids to look at the bigger picture

Encourage kids to look at issues in a larger context, instead of relying on only one source for information. This is particularly useful when it comes to current events. Make sure to encourage them to, for example, consult different newspaper, magazines and news websites when looking for information about a specific topic or reading coverage of a specific incident. This will not only hone their research skills, it will also help them see how sources of information are more often than not "objective".

4 . Discuss current events at the dinner table with an atlas or globe

While a number of families do sit together and discuss the day's events together at the dinner table, the conversation rarely goes beyond talking. Take the opportunity to explain things to all family members young and old and make sure everybody knows which part of the world the events being discussed are taking place in. Keep an atlas or globe near the dinner table so you can easily show everyone where, for instance, Afghanistan is, its major cities, as well as where the latest news is emanating from.

5. Encourage them to participate in personal or joint research projects with you

There will be times when of course, you won't know the answer to one of your kids' questions. In this case, don't make something up. Admit that you don't know and spend a weekend afternoon in your personal or the local library researching the answer. Not only will your child learn the importance of research, they will also understand the importance of seeking knowledge when one doesn't know something, based on the example you are setting for them by seeking the answer to their question.

6.E mphasize the importance of being careful

Stress the need for kids to be truthful and careful about the information they read about or find. Help them learn how to check their facts and be precise in their statements. This is very crucial since relying on most media, for instance, when trying to understand current events, requires a mind that is conscious of truthfulness and accuracy where a number of journalists slip in these areas on some occasions.

7. Help them understand the consequences of action

Kids need to be encouraged to consider different choices and the consequences of each of these. This will help them develop the ability to carefully think things through instead of rushing into decisions.

For instance, should Pakistan spend more money towards education or poverty alleviation (that's for the older kids)? Or should Pakistani kids spend more time learning math or English?

8. Help them understand the reasons behind their actions

Challenge them to give reasons for what they say and believe based on evidence, logic, and implications, for all choices


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10 more things you can do for women in Pakistan and America

The list of things you can do to help women in Pakistan and Pak-American women is virtually endless. Here are a couple of more ideas.


1. Raise good Muslim sons and daughters

Who raised those men who treat women badly? Mostly women, although of course, societal and cultural customs have their role to play as well. For all the talk of women going out to change the world, we tend to forget about the one place where women have the most control: as mothers. Use this power.

It's mothers who can perpetuate notions of what a woman's place is, and they also can perpetuate a lot of the misguided notions about the position of women. Think through what messages you are giving your children. For example, how many mothers spoil their sons by not insisting they clean up their own room, put away their own dishes after dinner, help clean up the house or fold the laundry? Mothers can and should challenge gender stereotypes in their own homes.

This may be considered a small step for moms, but it leads to big steps in the long run. A boy with such training grows is likely to have a fairer view towards women and is more likely to be sensitive to women's issues be they in Pakistan or America.

With regards to daughters, mothers must orient them in the right direction on a personal level as Muslims, then at the academic and career levels. Don't forget that mothers are their daughters' first role models. Be an example for her of a solid, strong Muslim Pakistani.

2. Speak out against injustice

There are many, many areas where Pakistani women are the victims of injustice. While it will take generations to root out practices that harm women, the least you can do is speak out against such acts. Start off with your family. If you see this behavior on your next visit to Pakistan, be critical but in a wise way. Also, get your husband or father to also speak out, since his word is likely to make a strong impact as well.

Too often, the status quo is maintained because Pakistani women do not speak up.

And don't just speak out against the bad. If you see positive behavior, make sure it does not go unnoticed and is praised.

3. Don't underestimate the power of social activities

Do you think organizing social activities such as dinners for is just a waste of time? Not if you know the reality of the Pakistani community here in America.

While most Pakistani women have families they can easily turn to for company and support, there are many who don't. Our communities have plenty of women who are new to the country, students from abroad, or those who recently immigrated here with their families but who are hungry for companionship.

Organizing weekly dinners, teas, Islamic classes in Urdu are all small practical steps that Pak-American women can take to help each other not only cope with loneliness, but more importantly become closer to Allah, if He wills. This creates a much-needed social network.

4. Go into professions that are needed in the community

Often, we encourage our children to go into professions that are seen as prestigious or that will ensure them financial security. These may not, however, be professions that are most needed by the Pakistani or Pak-American community. Identify what the needs are and encourage young women to pursue careers in these fields.

For example, there is dire need for Muslim Pakistani social workers, therapists, family counselors, and other support resources. The shortage of such professional skills within the community forces Pak-Americans to go to those who are often insensitive to our values.

Another field where Pakistani women are needed is law. Marriage, divorce, custody of children, and inheritance are all issues which directly affect Muslim women, and for which they will rarely find a Muslim advocate. There is a need for Pakistani women who know Islamic law and the local law to help women deal with issues like these with sincere, sound advice, as well as sympathetic support.

Is there a Pakistani woman doctor in the house? For the most part, the answer is no. It is no cliche to say that there is a crying need for women in the medical field. Women are especially needed in sensitive fields like obstetrics and gynecology, fertility specialists, etc.

These are among many areas where women, especially Pakistani ones, feel most comfortable discussing exclusively with other women who will understand where they are coming from.

5. Teach Urdu and Islamic studies at weekend schools

Does getting an education degree sound too far-fetched? If so, consider helping Pakistanis in America by teaching at the local Islamic weekend school. This is where a number of Muslim kids (most of whom attend public school) find their only Islamic environment throughout the whole week.

The presence Muslim women as mentioned above, is not just in imparting knowledge but it's also in being a positive role model.

As well, teaching in Islamic weekend schools provides you with the opportunity to clarify the position of women in Islam, to clear it of the cultural baggage so many Muslim parents tend to pass down to their kids.

Teaching Urdu on the weekends is also a great way to pass on a part of our Pakistani heritage to the next generation. There are too few young Pak-Americans who know how to read and write Urdu, let alone speak it. Don't let one of Pakistan's official languages die out!

6. Promote and appreciate Pakistani women doing good work

How many of us spend time to appreciate the Pakistani women are doing for positive change in the country or in our local communities?

Whether it's a woman who has given an inspiring speech, written a useful article, established a fantastic program for women in Pakistan or locally at the mosque, a number of Pakistani women tend to beat each other down instead of trying to build each other up.

Promoting and appreciating women who are doing good work will not only serve as encouragement for them, it will also pinpoint acceptable role models for young Pak-American women.

7. Support Pak-American women in need or difficulty

Do you know a woman who takes care of her own kids, plus an ailing mother-in-law? Or someone who needs a night out with her husband after a frustrating week juggling work and home responsibilities? Give her a break. Offer to babysit for a night, or take her kids to the park so she can have some free time to herself. These small gestures give a big boost to sisterhood, not to mention support for a Pakistani family.

8. Teach Pak-American women how to deal with discrimination

How many women know how to respond effectively to discrimination and harassment? It seems that most will tend to ignore it. Others may respond with a rude remark of their own. But neither of these approaches is usually appropriate.

You can help here by developing an effective strategy in consultation with community leaders. Informing and enabling women on how to seek legal recourse if they so choose is another needed service.

9. Become journalists and media professionals

Do you think the ability to write well and communicate effectively has no effect on others?

You're wrong. A knowledgeable, Muslim Pakistani woman who can write and speak well is a powerful weapon in educating the Pak-American community about women's issues. She can also bring to the forefront women's issues in Pakistan and encourage others to help.

10. Use what you have

If you're already a working woman, how can you contribute without necessarily changing careers? Use your professional skills for the community.

If you can write well, establish a well-written, organized and attractive community newsletter. If you're in business, establish a community fundraising project a project helping women in Pakistan. Use what you've got. It'll take some thinking and planning, but you're almost bound to find a way you can contribute, if Allah wills.





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9 things Pak-American women can do for women in Pakistan

Too often, women's issues in Pakistan are either ignored or given the brush off. This is not only to the detriment of women, but to Pakistani families and society in general.

If you're a Pakistani-American woman, there are plenty of things you and other Pakistani women can do to improve the lot of women back home from right here in America. Here are a couple of ideas.


1. Make your intention for the sake of Allah

Where does success really come from? It's from Allah. But without the correct intentions and methods, success at home and work won't happen.

"Actions are but by intentions," said Prophet Mohamed (peace and blessings be upon him) in a Hadith in Bukhari and Muslim. Make your intention to please Allah first and foremost. This is the first and most important thing no matter what type of activism you get involved in.

2. Make Dua (supplication)

Who can really answer your prayers and help you? Allah, of course. Ask only from Allah. Ask Him for Guidance, understanding, and a straight intention. Ask Him to accept your efforts for His cause.

Then watch as Insha Allah, He helps you throughout your work for His Cause.

3. Seek knowledge, a path to power

Once your intention is clear, how do you know what the right method is to help your sisters back home? The key is knowledge.

You may have an inkling or more of knowledge about the conditions many Pakistani women live in, whether they are rich, poor or middle class. But instead of just getting a general picture, try to find a specific area where you feel you can make the most difference. For example, if you're studying education in college or have studied it, then women's literacy will probably be a suitable cause to focus on. Take into account your skills, talents and interests when choosing the right area to help in.

4. Brainstorm ways you can put your knowledge and skills into practice

Brainstorm and research practical ways that you can use your talents to benefit Pakistani women in the cause of your choice. Once you've selected at least two or three ideas, find out if there are any Pakistani-American organizations which already have similar projects in place in Pakistan. But don't just look at the projects themselves. Consider the organization. Are its organizers and members individuals you would feel comfortable working with? Are you comfortable with its philosophy? Is the organization transparent and responsible? Or are its financial records a mystery and its leadership distant?

5. Start your own organization

If none of the organizations you've researched appeal to you, don't hesitate to start up your own. This will take more time and effort, but it's worth it if it provides you the platform you need to help women in Pakistan.

6. Dedicate your time, effort and money to your chosen organization

Once you've found the right organization, make a concerted effort to get involved in its activities. Start off simply by attending events like fundraising dinners so you can observe how things are handled. Then you can offer to help with the organization of an event or project. As you get more involved, you should feel greater commitment to the organization and its cause.

7. Encourage others to join in

As a card-carrying member and organizer, you should now make the effort to recruit other Pak-American women to join so that the pool of skills and talents to help the cause of Pakistani women is larger.

8. Regularly donate your personal money to your chosen cause

While you can give money in chunks to support Pakistani women, development work is better served if donors commit to giving regularly.

You may not have much money, but small things make a big difference. Maybe you can sell some of your jewelry? Or stop those thrice daily trips to the vending machine for a soft drink and chips? Or sell some of your other belongings?

Once you've got your cash, don't just hand over a wad of it to the organizations head honchos. Instead, commit to support a specific project over a year with a monthly commitment. For instance, you can support a girls' school for a full year by paying monthly installments for the project.

9. Write about your cause

Campus and city newspapers usually have a space where any member of the public who can write is welcome to submit articles about an issue of concern to them. Use this platform to write about your cause and generally, the state of Pakistani women, from a positive and negative angle. This will give fellow Americans an inside look into another culture, but also highlight the work you are involved in to make a difference.

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Building A Culture Of Peace & Nonviolence: What You Can Do

Be Creative: Think of ideas that will awaken the imagination of your community.

AS A STUDENT... Connect with other students interested in social justice. Research and do a presentation in your class about a specific case of nonviolence in history. Start a peace studies program on your campus.

AS A PARENT... Learn constructive ways to deal with anger and pass this gift on to your kids. Make a family pledge to express feelings and resolve conflict creatively. Urge your school to teach nonviolence and conflict resolution at every level.

AS A TEACHER ...Teach nonviolence in your classes through studying the Nobel Laureates' lives, a book on Gandhi, King, or Dorothy Day. Have interactive workshops on conflict resolution. Meet with other teachers who have the same interests and share your resources.

AS A SCHOOL ... Organize a Month of Nonviolence to learn about alternatives to violence, to address recent violent events in the community, to brainstorm nonviolent solutions, and to celebrate positive efforts that have succeeded. Schedule a series of videos on social justice issues such as militarism, racism, hate crimes, economic justice, youth empowerment, women's rights, and indigenous people's rights.

AS A CONGREGATION... Start a study circle in your congregation to explore nonviolence, racism, youth empowerment, the growing economic disparity, or homophobia. Join a Religious Peace Fellowship. Explore the spiritual dimensions of nonviolence in your tradition. Sponsor interfaith gatherings so congregations of differing faiths can learn about each other. Sponsor conflict resolution trainings for the congregation. Be an active voice against injustices in your congregation.

AS A LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBER ... Form a coalition of local leaders from schools, religious institutions, local businesses, police departments, and interest groups to learn about nonviolence through workshops, videos, forums, nonviolence trainings, speakers. Meet with the town council to organize a town meeting to discuss problems relating to violence in schools and neighborhoods, and possible nonviolent solutions. Be sure to include individuals who represent the diversity of your community in planning, implementing, participating, and evaluating the event.

AS A PEACEMAKER ... Urge your groups to endorse the Decade of Nonviolence. Join the Abolition 2000 campaign to promote total nuclear disarmament. Join the Jubilee 2000 campaign and call for the cancellation of the Third World debt. Join Moratorium 2000, the movement to abolish the death penalty. Join efforts to lift economic sanctions on Iraq and to stop war and genocide in the Balkans.
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Did We Think???


If charity begins at home, so does hatred, rage, anger, intolerance, injustice, animosity and prejudice. We sow these seeds in our own homes, and in our ignorance think that they will not grow into towering trees that will block our Light.

How do we expect the child, who was raised in hate and abuse, to reach out with a loving, trusting hand to others?

Is it possible that if we treat one of our children with love and the other with hatred and rejection... that the abused one will have any love for us?

Can we expect a child born and raised in violence and war, witnessing devastation and enduring hunger, to understand my hurt when I chip my painted nails?

Why is it that we can continue to mourn the holocausts of the past, while creating it by our own hands... daily? & then act as if we are the poor victims?

Why is it that when one group of people die the whole world is expected to mourn, while the millions dying by their hands are ignored and overlooked?

Why is it that some religious and political leaders have the gall to continue with their hate-filled rhetoric, blaming others just because they are different? & Why is it that we continue to listen to their hate-filled drivel?

How ignorant of us to believe that imaginary boundaries create enemies?

Is is possible that any religion could support violence indiscriminately?

Have we not seen that every religion is twisted and abused in the hands of some people.. be it Hinduism (Kashmir and ethnic cleansing of Muslims in India); Christianity (Crusades, Hitler, KKK, Ireland, Bosnia, Eastern Europe) or Judaism (daily killing of Palestinians in Israel) or Islam?

Did we think that:

-we could abuse kids and there would be no repercussions?
-we could abuse women and it would not haunt us?
-we could oppress men and it would not come full circle?
-we could ignore the poor and it would not affect us?
-we could disown the elderly and it would not matter?
-we could hate each other and it would not backfire?
-we could insult their God and it would not hurt our faith?

Do we even think???

This is a time for all of us to look into our own conscience, to examine our own selves, to question every thought and action... are we the culprit in any way? How have we perpetuated violence in the world... even if it is at the individual level? Are we guilty of being apathetic and lacking in sensitivity? What can we do to transform into better human beings? If we can't learn some lessons today, we might have to repeat the course. (We did not seem to have learned our lesson from Timothy McVeigh)

What we need to focus on is not how to beef up security and create taller walls, but how do we change hatred into love and compassion. What do we need to do to change injustice and prejudice into justice and equality for all? How can we learn to honor, respect and value life... the life of every single individual?

On the authority of Abu Saeed Al-Khurdari: 'I heard the messenger of Allah say: "Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest of faith." (Muslim)