Siraj I Mufti

Muslims at the Crossroads Siraj I Mufti

Publisher Marketing: The crimes of a few responsible for the 9/11 attacks resulted in an onslaught on Muslims. They were subjected to a "Global War on Terrorism" by the U. S. and its allies. And the tyrannical regimes installed and/or supported (or co-opted otherwise) by the Western powers, which deny them basic human rights, instituted Draconian laws against their opposition. All the while Islamophobia is rampant in Europe and the United States. This book, entitled "Muslims at the Crossroads" in accord with its subject matter discusses the above problems as well as the mainstream Muslim responses to these happenings. American Muslims became the immediate targets in the post-9/11 environment with mass suspicion and grave violations of their constitutionally guaranteed rights at home. Through the hastily drafted PATRIOT act, reauthorized by the Congress, the U. S. administration designated groups - most egregiously the common charities as co-opting with "terrorists," stopped their operations, froze their assets, and even imprisoned those running them. Now groups with a vicious agenda raise the specter of fear and demonize American Muslims. This, despite findings of the Pew research and others that they are loyal citizens and well-integrated into the American society. They are active in helping their compatriots, involved in interfaith activities, and are engaged in work for their political empowerment. Unfortunately, the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with occasional bombing raids into Yemen and Somalia and increased incursions into Pakistan have furthered the gulf between the United Sates and the Muslim world. Afghanistan, the poorest and most land-mined country in the world, has borne the brunt of this after a decade-long war against the Soviet Union, and now in the longest U. S. war with no peaceful end in sight. Muslim history is replete with mainstream Islamic movements that came into being to redress their existing situation. A good part of this book is devoted to a discussion of their role in the broader Muslim societies extending from Morocco in the West to Indonesia in the East. They are engaged variously helping their people, and work through peaceful means to educate and enlighten them. Routinely victimized by the autocratic regimes they win elections easily, if given the opportunity. Working in cooperation with other organizations, they have been responsible for the recent Muslim awakening and rise against the rulers that deny their people elements of democracy, freedoms and human dignity. This book aims at creating an understanding of Muslims so that, respecting and respected, they regain their honored place in the comity of nations.