From 9/11 to Trump and Beyond
An American Muslim Journey
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Shock of 9/11
Chapter 2: My Early Upbringing
Chapter 3: Pursuing the American Dream
Chapter 4: The Clash of Weak Scholarship
Chapter 5: The Aftermath of 9/11
Chapter 6: Challenges Emerge
Chapter 7: Abandoning the Constitution
Chapter 8: The Tail That Wags the Dog
Chapter 9: Spreading Fear
Chapter 10: Delegitimizing and Stigmatizing
Chapter 11: The President of the United States
Chapter 12: Open Houses of Worship
Chapter 13: One Thousand Open Houses
Chapter 14: Doors Keep Opening
Chapter 15: Living Islam - Serving Humanity
Chapter 16: September 2010 and Park 51
Chapter 17: Taking a Stand in Hartford
Chapter 18: The Tenth Anniversary of 9/11
Chapter 19: Recognized by the Supreme Court
Chapter 20: Understanding the Hate Radicalizing Our Youth
Chapter 21: Spasms of Hate – More Radicalization
Chapter 22: The Europe we Fled
Chapter 23: Jewish/Muslim Relations
Chapter 24: The Extremist Challenge
Chapter 25: Charting our Future Beyond the Golden Door
Appendix: Islam Explained
Chapter 1: Belief in Islam
Chapter 2: Worship Practices in Islam
Chapter 3: Jihad, Shariah and Other Misconceptions
Chapter 4: Muhammad the Messenger of God
Chapter 1: The Shock of 9/11
Chapter 2: My Early Upbringing
Chapter 3: Pursuing the American Dream
Chapter 4: The Clash of Weak Scholarship
Chapter 5: The Aftermath of 9/11
Chapter 6: Challenges Emerge
Chapter 7: Abandoning the Constitution
Chapter 8: The Tail That Wags the Dog
Chapter 9: Spreading Fear
Chapter 10: Delegitimizing and Stigmatizing
Chapter 11: The President of the United States
Chapter 12: Open Houses of Worship
Chapter 13: One Thousand Open Houses
Chapter 14: Doors Keep Opening
Chapter 15: Living Islam - Serving Humanity
Chapter 16: September 2010 and Park 51
Chapter 17: Taking a Stand in Hartford
Chapter 18: The Tenth Anniversary of 9/11
Chapter 19: Recognized by the Supreme Court
Chapter 20: Understanding the Hate Radicalizing Our Youth
Chapter 21: Spasms of Hate – More Radicalization
Chapter 22: The Europe we Fled
Chapter 23: Jewish/Muslim Relations
Chapter 24: The Extremist Challenge
Chapter 25: Charting our Future Beyond the Golden Door
Appendix: Islam Explained
Chapter 1: Belief in Islam
Chapter 2: Worship Practices in Islam
Chapter 3: Jihad, Shariah and Other Misconceptions
Chapter 4: Muhammad the Messenger of God
TESTIMONIALS
What some readers said...
The real strength of the United States of America has never been defined by land mass, population size or battles won. Indeed, we rank way down the list in many of these and other categories. What we excel in is our acceptance of change and difference.
In his recent work, Dr. Reza Mansoor describes the role of his Muslim brethren in the building of our nation. One has only to understand the precedent setting role of Muslims in medicine over the centuries to give credence to his assessment as to what is going on in his (our) country. Those who revere Islam have as much to do with America's success as do Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Hindus, or any other religious sect.
Sameness did not build America. Difference did. The misdeeds of a few at any given moment cannot blur the fact that we are a country of diverse ethnicity, different religions, different values, etc. What makes us brothers is our love of America.
This is what Dr. Mansoor's book celebrates.
Governor Lowell P. Weicker
Former Governor,
State of Connecticut
This is a compelling and down to earth description of the experience of being a normal American citizen who is Muslim, seeking to practice his faith in post 9/11 USA, in which overt acts of hatred and the willful mis-understanding of Islam on the part of some, have been mixed with acts of friendship and solidarity on the part of others. Dr Mansoor's response to his experience within the Muslim community has been one that seeks in multiple ways to strengthen its identity and its institutions within the USA. His response within the larger American society has been proactive engagement, seeking opportunities to portray Islam in an accurate light and reaching out and working with Jewish and Christian leaders, police departments, political representatives and many more. This is an account that will help those who are not Muslim understand and feel the experience and perspective of Muslims in America, and will help Muslims looking for constructive, positive action, by providing ideas and examples of just such action.
Dr Mansoor tells the reader "It begins with you, the reader taking the first step. You have to decide firstly not to be a foot soldier of hate... It means overcoming fear with education... Remember, learn about the other from the other, not those who fear or hate them." For those who would like to take the first step and learn, this is surely a great place to begin.
Dr. Heidi Hadsell
President,
Hartford Seminary
After the tragedy of 9/11, the body of our nation was bleeding and broken, providing an unfortunate environment for the disease of Islamophobia, this being but the latest form of xenophobia from which our country has suffered. During this time, Dr. Reza Mansoor, being the thoughtful and compassionate doctor that he is, provided extraordinary leadership in our interfaith community, holding in his gentle hands the broken body of our not-so-civil Civil Body Politic, until it had knit itself back together. Throughout this troubled decade, Dr. Mansoor has helped us to see the true face of Islam, a face badly distorted by the fear mongers in our society. In his own example, he has helped us to see that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, courage and resilience. Drawing on the deep roots of Islam, Dr. Mansoor helped us all to go deeper into our own faith traditions so we could find that sacred common ground so necessary for peace and reconciliation. In this book, we have the great privilege of witnessing the personal journey of Dr. Mansoor, his love for our country and his personal perspective on the vital work of our interfaith community. This book is an important book for all those who yearn to see the true face of Islam, but also, it's a book that will inspire us to open the doors of our own faith communities to work together with others to make this world a better and more peaceful place for our children.
Rev. David W. Good
Minister Emeritus
The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
It is a cri de coeur but in a tone that is far from any shrieking or shouting. This is a book written by a man, who has his daily calling to attend to the needs of patients suffering from various heart diseases. Maybe this reality plays into how Reza Mansoor deals with a watershed moment of our time for Muslims throughout the world. It is written in a very personal style. You feel like you are sitting very close to Reza as he is sharing his experiences of what it means to be a Muslim in the US today. It is a cri de coeur, because it is heartrending to read how Islam and Muslims today in many parts of the Western world are being looked upon with suspicion and distrust, the victims of defamation, often driven by hate. “Too many American Muslims are still scared to be known as Muslims due to the negative stereotypes of Muslims and that is a sad but true fact.” Reza rightly asks how the cherished principle of freedom of speech is taken as “an excuse to insult”. How can it be in order for media “to spearhead hatred of any group” in society? It is frightening to read how media personalities, politicians, lobby-groups and Christian and Jewish leaders under the guise of “patriotism” use their platforms to advocate discrimination of Muslims in the US and to realize how this has fed into increasingly intrusive laws and law enforcement, singling out the Muslim community.
It is something worth reflecting on and to take to heart, when Reza writes about those who once left dictatorial regimes and oppression for the dream of the freedom of the USA and now increasingly see how the US through its legislation, the PATRIOT Act, the National Defense Authorization Act is becoming more and more like the states the immigrants and refugees once fled from.
But this book is not only a cri de coeur; it is also a call to Muslims in the US to refuse being defined by the other, to challenge among Muslims themselves any perception that “accepts” being a victimised community. Reza’s book is a call to Muslims to contribute creatively to open houses for new exchanges, new alliances and networks with people of different faiths, prepared to work together for a plural society, where respect for the other is a common value.
Rev. Dr. Hans Ucko,
Former Program Secretary for Interreligious Relations and Dialogue
World Council of Churches,
Geneva.
After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, American Muslims faced an environment of extraordinary pressure and tension. While sharing the anxieties of other Americans living under the threat of more attacks, Muslims were also horrified and traumatized by how their faith was hijacked by militant extremists. Then things got worse. Political and religious bigots generated a climate of hatred towards Muslims and were even successful creating discriminatory legislation and regulations against them. Into this climate of fear and bigotry stepped many heroes: ordinary Muslims who reclaimed the voice of Islam and their interfaith partners who stood beside them for the common good. In his memoir, Reza Mansoor tells the compelling story of his community and how they faced these challenges together.
Dr. Ingrid Mattson,
Past President,
Islamic Society of North America
First, let me say, Reza, what an honor and privilege it was to be given the manuscript of your book to read. And a most interesting read it was. I have always found you a passionate and faithful member of your community but to have had the privilege of "accompanying" you on your personal journey was deeply moving. You are obviously a man of great feeling and enormous belief.
All of this helps to explain the ground out of which your views of history grow and the sensitivity with which you explain what it is to be a Muslim-American today. It is ever increasingly more important for all Americans to see your perspective and to understand one another.
While the lens through which we understand the Middle East and its tragic modern politics are not always the same, we must always be open to each other's narrative. It will only be the mutual hope and confidence that arises out of the commonalities of our faith traditions---the idea that justice and peace are not ours to impose, but are Divine gifts and imperatives---that will help us overcome human antipathy toward the "other," someone different.
Your manuscript is crowned with a faithful confidence that Justice and Peace are possible which will make it a requirement to be read by open-minded people who wish to share your confidence. Your integrity and decency can be found in the spaces between the words.
Reza, this is not easy work but your dedication frankly inspires many of us who may not share all of your ideology, nevertheless are compelled to engage with you, to learn from you, and to reach across any false barriers without fear. And it is personally an honor to do so.
Rabbi Herbert Brockman, PhD
Congregation Mishkan Israel
Lecturer, Yale Divinity School
New Haven, CT
Dr. Rezaʼs awe-inspiring book is a must read for the wide awake person who wants to know the truth about the so-called “Muslim-Threat.” It is full of heart wrenching points that cannot be argued with. This is a story that needed to be told, not by a celebrated Imam or great Islamic scholar, but by a professional person, a medical doctor with hands on experience. A concerned person who decided to not just sit around and watch what is going on, but someone who decided to fight back in the best manner.
Dr Reza lays out a clear blue print for Muslims to be successful in overcoming the Islamophopia that permeates our society. He shows the reader how to build bridges of understanding of the other. He demonstrates clearly the road to take to begin to respect and appreciate others, for anyone who is interested in breaking the ugly cycle of intolerance.
Anyone who takes the time to read this book has to come away with a deeper appreciation of their Muslim neighbors, recognizing that Muslims are not the enemy. The enemy is the hate mongers who are desperately trying to give Islam a black eye.
Dr. Reza names the leading protagonist and their supporters. He gives evidence after evidence of their mistaken notions, as well as the lies that they have put all over the social network.
What I really like about this book is Dr. Reza doesnʼt just identify the problems that exist, he gives examples of successful strategies that can be used to eliminate those problems. He gives the reader countless stories about the great work that continues to be done in Connecticut by those Muslims who have made it their business to be pro-active! Muslims, who have been called to action to improve the image of the Muslims, not by talking or being seen in nicely placed photo ops, but by getting involved with issues that effect and concern the communities.
In describing some of the work that has been done Dr. Reza has textual support from the Qurʼan. Muslims ought to be about getting to know their neighbors. He has done just that, realizing that you never get to truly know a person until and unless you work with them. Dr. Reza tells his story about how he came to America, the land of freedom and opportunity, and how like other immigrants he has grown to love and appreciate this great land. He speaks about the events of 9/11 and the spiral downward of America’s relationship with its Muslim citizens.
Dr. Reza deals with the politics of the day, the Islamophobes, and has something to say about the Israel-Palestine conflict. If you are interested in reading a great account of what’s been happening over the past decade and a half you need to read this book.
If you are interested in repairing the seared image of Muslims in your community you need to begin to duplicate what has been done in Connecticut. I have personally used many of the strategies discussed in my community in New York and can bear witness that they really work! The Islamophobes will not be able to win if you (Muslims) just get involved in your communities and not be exclusivist!
Dr. Reza shows that he is not just a cardiologist dealing with physical hearts, but he also deals with spiritual and social hearts! He also demonstrates that he is truly a religious man that takes his religion very seriously. He also shows that true Muslim men have no problem with their wives being out in the forefront. Dr. Reza and his wife Aida are great examples of a couple who genuinely want good in their communities, thus they are involved with giving a lot back to the community in which they live and work.
I recommend this book to you with no hesitation or equivocation; it will be worth your time.
Dr. Reza, thank you for taking the time out of your already super busy schedule to write this book. I believe it is very timely.
Yours in firm faith
Imam Dr. Salahuddin M. Muhammad
Imam Emeritus – Newburgh masjid
Newburgh, New York.
The real strength of the United States of America has never been defined by land mass, population size or battles won. Indeed, we rank way down the list in many of these and other categories. What we excel in is our acceptance of change and difference.
In his recent work, Dr. Reza Mansoor describes the role of his Muslim brethren in the building of our nation. One has only to understand the precedent setting role of Muslims in medicine over the centuries to give credence to his assessment as to what is going on in his (our) country. Those who revere Islam have as much to do with America's success as do Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Hindus, or any other religious sect.
Sameness did not build America. Difference did. The misdeeds of a few at any given moment cannot blur the fact that we are a country of diverse ethnicity, different religions, different values, etc. What makes us brothers is our love of America.
This is what Dr. Mansoor's book celebrates.
Governor Lowell P. Weicker
Former Governor,
State of Connecticut
This is a compelling and down to earth description of the experience of being a normal American citizen who is Muslim, seeking to practice his faith in post 9/11 USA, in which overt acts of hatred and the willful mis-understanding of Islam on the part of some, have been mixed with acts of friendship and solidarity on the part of others. Dr Mansoor's response to his experience within the Muslim community has been one that seeks in multiple ways to strengthen its identity and its institutions within the USA. His response within the larger American society has been proactive engagement, seeking opportunities to portray Islam in an accurate light and reaching out and working with Jewish and Christian leaders, police departments, political representatives and many more. This is an account that will help those who are not Muslim understand and feel the experience and perspective of Muslims in America, and will help Muslims looking for constructive, positive action, by providing ideas and examples of just such action.
Dr Mansoor tells the reader "It begins with you, the reader taking the first step. You have to decide firstly not to be a foot soldier of hate... It means overcoming fear with education... Remember, learn about the other from the other, not those who fear or hate them." For those who would like to take the first step and learn, this is surely a great place to begin.
Dr. Heidi Hadsell
President,
Hartford Seminary
After the tragedy of 9/11, the body of our nation was bleeding and broken, providing an unfortunate environment for the disease of Islamophobia, this being but the latest form of xenophobia from which our country has suffered. During this time, Dr. Reza Mansoor, being the thoughtful and compassionate doctor that he is, provided extraordinary leadership in our interfaith community, holding in his gentle hands the broken body of our not-so-civil Civil Body Politic, until it had knit itself back together. Throughout this troubled decade, Dr. Mansoor has helped us to see the true face of Islam, a face badly distorted by the fear mongers in our society. In his own example, he has helped us to see that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, courage and resilience. Drawing on the deep roots of Islam, Dr. Mansoor helped us all to go deeper into our own faith traditions so we could find that sacred common ground so necessary for peace and reconciliation. In this book, we have the great privilege of witnessing the personal journey of Dr. Mansoor, his love for our country and his personal perspective on the vital work of our interfaith community. This book is an important book for all those who yearn to see the true face of Islam, but also, it's a book that will inspire us to open the doors of our own faith communities to work together with others to make this world a better and more peaceful place for our children.
Rev. David W. Good
Minister Emeritus
The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
It is a cri de coeur but in a tone that is far from any shrieking or shouting. This is a book written by a man, who has his daily calling to attend to the needs of patients suffering from various heart diseases. Maybe this reality plays into how Reza Mansoor deals with a watershed moment of our time for Muslims throughout the world. It is written in a very personal style. You feel like you are sitting very close to Reza as he is sharing his experiences of what it means to be a Muslim in the US today. It is a cri de coeur, because it is heartrending to read how Islam and Muslims today in many parts of the Western world are being looked upon with suspicion and distrust, the victims of defamation, often driven by hate. “Too many American Muslims are still scared to be known as Muslims due to the negative stereotypes of Muslims and that is a sad but true fact.” Reza rightly asks how the cherished principle of freedom of speech is taken as “an excuse to insult”. How can it be in order for media “to spearhead hatred of any group” in society? It is frightening to read how media personalities, politicians, lobby-groups and Christian and Jewish leaders under the guise of “patriotism” use their platforms to advocate discrimination of Muslims in the US and to realize how this has fed into increasingly intrusive laws and law enforcement, singling out the Muslim community.
It is something worth reflecting on and to take to heart, when Reza writes about those who once left dictatorial regimes and oppression for the dream of the freedom of the USA and now increasingly see how the US through its legislation, the PATRIOT Act, the National Defense Authorization Act is becoming more and more like the states the immigrants and refugees once fled from.
But this book is not only a cri de coeur; it is also a call to Muslims in the US to refuse being defined by the other, to challenge among Muslims themselves any perception that “accepts” being a victimised community. Reza’s book is a call to Muslims to contribute creatively to open houses for new exchanges, new alliances and networks with people of different faiths, prepared to work together for a plural society, where respect for the other is a common value.
Rev. Dr. Hans Ucko,
Former Program Secretary for Interreligious Relations and Dialogue
World Council of Churches,
Geneva.
After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, American Muslims faced an environment of extraordinary pressure and tension. While sharing the anxieties of other Americans living under the threat of more attacks, Muslims were also horrified and traumatized by how their faith was hijacked by militant extremists. Then things got worse. Political and religious bigots generated a climate of hatred towards Muslims and were even successful creating discriminatory legislation and regulations against them. Into this climate of fear and bigotry stepped many heroes: ordinary Muslims who reclaimed the voice of Islam and their interfaith partners who stood beside them for the common good. In his memoir, Reza Mansoor tells the compelling story of his community and how they faced these challenges together.
Dr. Ingrid Mattson,
Past President,
Islamic Society of North America
First, let me say, Reza, what an honor and privilege it was to be given the manuscript of your book to read. And a most interesting read it was. I have always found you a passionate and faithful member of your community but to have had the privilege of "accompanying" you on your personal journey was deeply moving. You are obviously a man of great feeling and enormous belief.
All of this helps to explain the ground out of which your views of history grow and the sensitivity with which you explain what it is to be a Muslim-American today. It is ever increasingly more important for all Americans to see your perspective and to understand one another.
While the lens through which we understand the Middle East and its tragic modern politics are not always the same, we must always be open to each other's narrative. It will only be the mutual hope and confidence that arises out of the commonalities of our faith traditions---the idea that justice and peace are not ours to impose, but are Divine gifts and imperatives---that will help us overcome human antipathy toward the "other," someone different.
Your manuscript is crowned with a faithful confidence that Justice and Peace are possible which will make it a requirement to be read by open-minded people who wish to share your confidence. Your integrity and decency can be found in the spaces between the words.
Reza, this is not easy work but your dedication frankly inspires many of us who may not share all of your ideology, nevertheless are compelled to engage with you, to learn from you, and to reach across any false barriers without fear. And it is personally an honor to do so.
Rabbi Herbert Brockman, PhD
Congregation Mishkan Israel
Lecturer, Yale Divinity School
New Haven, CT
Dr. Rezaʼs awe-inspiring book is a must read for the wide awake person who wants to know the truth about the so-called “Muslim-Threat.” It is full of heart wrenching points that cannot be argued with. This is a story that needed to be told, not by a celebrated Imam or great Islamic scholar, but by a professional person, a medical doctor with hands on experience. A concerned person who decided to not just sit around and watch what is going on, but someone who decided to fight back in the best manner.
Dr Reza lays out a clear blue print for Muslims to be successful in overcoming the Islamophopia that permeates our society. He shows the reader how to build bridges of understanding of the other. He demonstrates clearly the road to take to begin to respect and appreciate others, for anyone who is interested in breaking the ugly cycle of intolerance.
Anyone who takes the time to read this book has to come away with a deeper appreciation of their Muslim neighbors, recognizing that Muslims are not the enemy. The enemy is the hate mongers who are desperately trying to give Islam a black eye.
Dr. Reza names the leading protagonist and their supporters. He gives evidence after evidence of their mistaken notions, as well as the lies that they have put all over the social network.
What I really like about this book is Dr. Reza doesnʼt just identify the problems that exist, he gives examples of successful strategies that can be used to eliminate those problems. He gives the reader countless stories about the great work that continues to be done in Connecticut by those Muslims who have made it their business to be pro-active! Muslims, who have been called to action to improve the image of the Muslims, not by talking or being seen in nicely placed photo ops, but by getting involved with issues that effect and concern the communities.
In describing some of the work that has been done Dr. Reza has textual support from the Qurʼan. Muslims ought to be about getting to know their neighbors. He has done just that, realizing that you never get to truly know a person until and unless you work with them. Dr. Reza tells his story about how he came to America, the land of freedom and opportunity, and how like other immigrants he has grown to love and appreciate this great land. He speaks about the events of 9/11 and the spiral downward of America’s relationship with its Muslim citizens.
Dr. Reza deals with the politics of the day, the Islamophobes, and has something to say about the Israel-Palestine conflict. If you are interested in reading a great account of what’s been happening over the past decade and a half you need to read this book.
If you are interested in repairing the seared image of Muslims in your community you need to begin to duplicate what has been done in Connecticut. I have personally used many of the strategies discussed in my community in New York and can bear witness that they really work! The Islamophobes will not be able to win if you (Muslims) just get involved in your communities and not be exclusivist!
Dr. Reza shows that he is not just a cardiologist dealing with physical hearts, but he also deals with spiritual and social hearts! He also demonstrates that he is truly a religious man that takes his religion very seriously. He also shows that true Muslim men have no problem with their wives being out in the forefront. Dr. Reza and his wife Aida are great examples of a couple who genuinely want good in their communities, thus they are involved with giving a lot back to the community in which they live and work.
I recommend this book to you with no hesitation or equivocation; it will be worth your time.
Dr. Reza, thank you for taking the time out of your already super busy schedule to write this book. I believe it is very timely.
Yours in firm faith
Imam Dr. Salahuddin M. Muhammad
Imam Emeritus – Newburgh masjid
Newburgh, New York.
