American Muslim outreach key for promoting understanding, integration
Regional-USA, Religion, 4/13/2006

"The (American) Muslim community realizes today they are part of the fabric of society, and they have a responsibility and opportunity to bridge the gap between the two cultures," said Khalil Jassemm in an April 11 webchat.

Jassemm serves as chief executive officer of the nonprofit, nongovernmental organization Life for Relief and Development (LIFE), which has provided more than $100 million in humanitarian assistance to ten countries around the world.

Jassemm said the attacks of September 11, 2001, served as a "wakeup call" for American Muslims. The subsequent war in Iraq and War on Terror "forced them to become more proactive, and do more out reach in the community, educate, and explain to the general public what Islam is really about," he said.

He estimated that 6 million to 8 million Muslims reside in the United States, and noted that every city with a population of more than 30,000 has a mosque or place to pray.

Negative media perception "is probably the biggest challenge facing Muslims today," Jassem said. "Only through hard work, positive engagement, a good outreach plan, and help from good citizens, this problem can be overcome."

For example, even though many non-Muslims stereotype the Muslim world as harboring negative feelings toward Americans, Jassemm said, "I don't think Muslims hate the US at all. Islam never preaches hate against anyone." He pointed out that no single aya (verse) in the Quran uses the word "hate."

Although some Muslims may disagree with certain US policies, government policy is only "one element of the relationship" -- with factors such as culture, economy, and human interaction also serving to shape Muslim views about America and Americans, he said.

Outreach is necessary on both sides because many Muslims around the world foster misconceptions about Americans as well, Jassemm added.

Jassemm said he considers American society quite welcoming to both Muslims, and has found that "the average American citizen is very open-minded and fair and willing to listen and engage in positive dialogue."

US law promotes discussion and can "encourage the citizens to express their views and feelings peacefully and within the law. The US Constitution guarantees this right," Jassemm said. He cited government outreach as a "very critical tool" in helping Muslims "face challenges and secure their future" in America.

For Muslims in America, Jassemm credited the combination of American laws and values as helping to expedite the otherwise "long gradual process" of integration. He describes Muslim integration in American society as "smooth and without any major obstacles."

"American Muslims are among the most educated of American society. They contribute in every element and aspect of American life. No, they are not harassed by the police," he told one of his correspondents during the webchat.

Jassemm attributed Muslims' success in America to the country's foundation on the rule of law and its celebration of the work ethic. "[T]here are no limits on success level. Your nationality and background are irrelevant. Islam strongly emphasizes self-discipline, and America provides endless opportunities."

Interfaith efforts and religious tolerance also play a role facilitating Muslim integration in the United States. "In the US, the society view religion and religious people as an asset," he said.

Jassemm used his own experience to illustrate the point: "I feel that I am no different than anyone else. In fact, I feel that I have more at stake in this country, more than most of the other citizens. I have nine children, aged 1 year to 26 years, all of them Americans, and all Muslims, and all part of the fabric of this society. There is no contradiction in being American and Muslim. A good Muslim is a good citizen."

Life for Relief and Development, Jassemm's organization, was founded in 1992 by a group of Iraqi-American professionals and is dedicated to providing health, education, social and economic services to victims of hunger, natural disasters, wars and other catastrophes.

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