Sept. 11 attack a disservice to Islam, says Muslim leader

A prominent Muslim leader said yesterday the Sept. 11 attack in the United States was a "great disservice to Islam" and virtually stigmatized all Muslims worldwide.

Zamzamin Ampatuan, executive director of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA), said last year’s terrorist act by a few individuals under the pretext of Islamic jihad has besmirched the reputation of peace-loving Muslims all over the world.

"After the Sept. 11 attacks, Muslims are now subject to suspicions that they have terrorist links. The mark is already there and it will remain forever," Ampatuan told The STAR.

He said the al-Qaeda terrorist network of Osama bin Laden has infiltrated the Islamic faith in carrying out their terrorist activities, particularly against the US and its allies.

Ampatuan said among the targets of these terrorists who styled themselves as religious warriors were the madrasah (Islamic schools) and mosques "where they preach their un-Islamic way of life."

To avert future terrorist attacks in the country, Ampatuan called on peace-loving Muslims to be vigilant against the entry of al-Qaeda members into their communities.

"Every Muslim must keep watch of terrorist infiltration of the most holy places like the mosques and the religious schools. It is very unfortunate that these terrorists were able to gain access to our madrasah and mosques," Ampatuan said.

He revealed that the OMA, in coordination with various law enforcement agencies, has set in place security measures to protect Muslim communities throughout the country, particularly in Mindanao.

Ampatuan also indicated that the Philippines could be a likely target of the international terrorists given the country’s strong links with the US.

"They have done it in the past and they will try to do it again," he stressed. – Perseus Echeminada