TCC Muslim students brave retaliation on their heritage
by Pam Garrett and Brian Shults

    After Tuesday’s terrorist attack, many Muslim TCC students and their families became victims of cruelty and retaliation.

    While other students were filled with patriotism, Muslim students were filled with fear of being ridiculed and shunned just because they are of Middle Eastern descent.

    The day after the horrible attack, many students avoided leaving the safety of their own homes fearing they would become the targets of displaced anger.

    Several people have reported ruthless acts of discrimination.

    Nabeel Khan, SE Campus student, said that hurtful words such as “get out of here!” were yelled from passing cars at his mother while she pumped gas at a local station.

    Filled with his own personal anger, Khan urged his mother to stay home.

    When his mother did go out, he asked her to wear regular clothing rather than her traditional Pakistani attire.

    “Some people are afraid to be themselves,” he said.

    Many Muslims have temporarily traded in their customary clothing for apparel that looks more American in order to avoid reprisal.

    The halls of SE Campus are now almost void of students wearing their Middle Eastern attire, according to observers.

    Some Muslim students would like for U.S. citizens to remember that only a few people committed the act of terrorism, not an entire nation or religious group.

    Iman Sazmand, a SE Campus computer animation major, is one of those students.

    “Americans shouldn’t blame it on a religion and focus only on Muslims,” he said.

    People who are Muslims killed, not all Muslims did this. I’m an American Muslim. I believe in the government, but I don’t believe in the government in other countries,” he said.

    Dr. Hamed Madani, SE government professor and department chair, expressed a similar opinion to Sazmand.

    “I am shocked and saddened … I personally condemn the act, which was committed by a group of extremist Muslims. Their acts are despicable, and I offer my condolences,” he said.

    The professor cautioned all people not to make hasty generalizations.

    “I am a Muslim, and I want to let everyone know Muslims are peaceful,” he said.

    “There are 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, and they are not as extremist as those who committed these crimes,” he said.

    Madani said the individuals who may have carried this attack out abused the Jihad, a complicated principle of the Muslim faith, which basically is interpreted as Holy War. Much of Jihad principles have to do with a personal internal struggle.

    He pointed out that the terrorist factions misapply the Jihad and encourage others to violence.

    Madani also explained the political situation in Afghanistan, his native land.

    “It’s time for outsiders to intervene and help stabilize the country,” he said.

    “I want to see change in the government. It has no legitimacy.

    “The Taliban uses their own interpretation of what the government should be. They have improved morality but not

business, and there is no social or political agenda,” he said.
    However, Madani said that U.S. citizens who strike out at innocent people are just as guilty.

    “Those who attack mosques are acting just like the extreme faction of the Islamic group that probably committed these atrocities. They are bigots too and must wipe bigotry from their hearts.”

    Madani also offered suggestions for the country.

    “The United States must focus efforts on strengthening security to prevent further incidences. Compared to European airports, the U.S. society is lax when it comes to security. We should hire professional people to safeguard airports,” he said.

    He offered advice for all Americans.

    “We have to instill an attitude in America to inspire a feeling of responsibility,” he said.