Muslim Americans faced many challenges post 9/11 however they responded well by engaging with the government and the society and countering the misinformation about Islam, said Muslim Bar Association of New York (MuBANY) president Asim Rehman.
Mr. Asim Rehman who is on a visit to Hyderabad was expressing his views in a meeting with selected journalists. Asim Rehman belongs to Punjab province of Pakistan however he studied and flourished in America.
The lawyer narrated what the Muslim Americans went through in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks. The community faced discrimination by both private individuals and public institutions. While noting that the anti-Muslim sentiments in the US rose during last one decade, he said the community tried to overcome civil right challenges by building relationship with law enforcement agencies, providing right information about Islam and through legal battle. He told that misunderstandings spread about Islam by some circles provoked administration to act against Muslims. But Muslim organizations, legal community and citizen’s right organizations raised voice against injustice and harassment to Muslims as a result administration had to change its attitude. He informed that 300 to 400 Muslim lawyers are providing legal aid to the needy.
He noted how the barriers of race and ethnicity disappear in the mosques with Muslims from different parts of the world stand with each other in prayers.
The layer told that 9/11 proved a turning point for Muslims residing in America. American media is presenting wrong image of Muslims. Some people are continuously on this mission however many Muslim institutions are playing active role by countering the false propaganda. There was an increase in hate crime in anti-Muslim perspective; Muslims faced discrimination at workplaces and in recruitment for jobs.
He noted, even after 12 years situation has not changed in New York. Police and administration keep eye on Muslims; the government started spying on the community by sending informants to mosques and congregations.
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