As Americans, I think we have a very biased view toward Muslim groups. It seems that since the attacks in New York on September 11, 2001, there has been a parochial perspective of Islam. The religion is considered to be evil. It is said by many the sect teaches violence and terrorism. I am not disregarding the fact that Muslims did assail this country; however, I do believe we should be careful in assuming all adherents of Islam have a secret agenda to destroy America. The elements of good and bad exist in every culture; it is seen through all religions. During the middle Ages, as Islam flourished, the caliphs who ruled by dynastic succession, manifested humane treatment toward Christians and Jews. When Muslims conquered a land, both religious groups mentioned came under Islamic control. Since these two factions had monotheistic tenets, protection was provided for them. In addition to this, the ruler gave the two faiths a large measure of autonomy by allowing Christians and Jews to create laws. Each religious statue would be for the governance of that particular group. On the other hand, those who believed in many gods charged higher taxes by the caliphs.
Ironically, the fairness shown by the Islamic monarch occurred at a time when the Catholic Church persecuted millions of individuals who refused to submit to its doctrines. It is in this contrast we see how there are things that are commendable and those not so worthy of mentioning. In our modern day, Americans should endeavor to understand others who are veiled in various cultures and religions. Although a few fanatical Muslims attacked the United States, let us not become so entrenched in our fear and narrow-mindedness that we forget to be human. This applies still with greater force to all those from a varied ethnic and religious background. It can never be said that America is perfect, for history has taught us slavery was once practiced on these shores. By the same token this country has done much to rectify its former wrongs. Still, what if I were to say, because whites in the south displayed racism by instituting segregation laws, all Caucasians during that period was prejudice.
What if I reasoned that since an overzealous Hindu Indian murdered another Hindu Indian and great political figure, Mahatma Gandhi; Indians from this religion therefore, hate each other. It cannot be so, because Hindu Indians showed a large amount of respect for each other during the British Colonial era. All through history and even in our time we have examples of good and bad faiths, religions, and cultures. It has been said that Muslims hate Jews. However, I am reminded of a story I heard on the news. In New York as people rode on the subway train, a group of Aryan Nation Skinheads commenced to beat on a Jew; in the midst of this came running through the on looking passengers a Muslim man. He quickly defended the victim of violence. The photo later shown of the Muslim and Jew together indicated that Islam might not be so bad after all.
