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American Muslims in Oklahoma and Virginia are planning special peace rally and prayer service to mark the tragic attacks.
Twelve years after 9/11 attacks shock the world, American Muslims in Oklahoma and Virginia are planning special peace rally and prayer service to mark the tragic attacks which put Islam and Muslims under the pinch of Islamophobia and prejudice.
“This rally is a reminder that, we, as Oklahomans and Americans, will never forget or abandon our principles of freedom and justice, but will continue to show compassion and respect toward all,” Thomaira Babbit, Development Coordinator for the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), said in a press release obtained by OnIslam.net.
“In the past year, we have seen a trend in our state of moving beyond coexistence to understanding our differences and allowing them to unite us as Oklahomans.
Planned today, September 7, the event is host by CAIR-OK to promote peace and mutual understanding 12 years after the tragic 9/11 terror attacks.
The walk and rally is held under the title, “1st Annual Solidarity and Peace Rally in Oklahoma City”.
“This rally is a reminder of how far we have come and that we must continue to work together towards a better Oklahoma for all,” Babbit added.
As a part of the rally, there will be a commemorative solidarity walk around the Oklahoma City National Memorial followed by inspirational words promoting peace from community leaders.
Speakers include Nathaniel Batchelder of the Oklahoma Peace House, Dean Mark Davies of Oklahoma City University, and Adam Soltani of CAIR Oklahoma and the OKC Religions United Committee.
The US will mark the 9/11 anniversary on next Wednesday.
Though there are no official estimates, the US is home to from 7-8 million Muslims.
An earlier Gallup poll found that the majority of Americans Muslims are loyal to their country and optimistic about their future in the United States.
Since the 9/11 attacks on the United States, many Muslims have complained of facing discrimination and stereotypes in the society because of their Islamic attires or identities.
Prayer Service
In Virginia, Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ and the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center of Falls Church were planning to co-host a “Day for World Peace” service this Sunday.
“A Day for World Peace will be observed on September 8 at an interfaith service involving two congregations — one Muslim, the other Christian,” the press release for the interfaith service said.
Themed “Two Faiths, One Creation,” it is the third consecutive year the two congregations have organized the event, which was started on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
“The service will take place at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ in Arlington, which will be joined by the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center of Falls Church. The theme for the day will be “Two Faiths, One Creation.”
“It recognizes that all people, regardless of faith tradition, are citizens of a single planet.”
The service will be followed by a social hour, after which many congregants will go to Washington, DC, for the 9/11 Unity Walk.
“This exciting occasion builds on the memorable interfaith service observed on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in September, 2011 by the congregations of Dar Al-Hijrah and Rock Spring, followed by another in 2012.
“The service will involve elements from each faith, and after a social hour, many congregants will join the 9/11 Unity Walk in DC, which ‘seeks to create a world where we are united, rather than divided, by our many faiths.’”
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