9-11 Anniversary Message from MQM USA

(9/11/2007) Today the American people mark the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States. This day is now known around the world simply as "9/11."  The day is etched into our memory, as vivid and painful now as it was six years ago. And while time cannot erase the pain of those who lost their loved ones, we find comfort in realizing  that the international community is unanimous in its rejection of the nihilist vision of the world, perpetrated by extremists of all kinds.

The Qur'an teaches Muslims that killing one innocent human being is like killing the whole humanity. The Qur'an is a book of possibilities and hope. Despair is nowhere to be found in this book. Therefore, The Qur'an not only prevents wanton killing of others, it even prohibits Muslims from killing their own selves. Yes, suicide is specifically prohibited in the Qur'an. Those who are misguiding young Muslim men and women, to take the path of suicide bombings, barbaric killings, and other extremist acts, are following absurd interpretations of the beautiful religion of Islam.

MQM or United National Movement, the political party which was founded in 1984, is one of the largest moderate Muslim political organizations in the Muslim world. Its constituents are, primarily, from middle-class, lower middle-class and poor segments of the Pakistani society. Due to MQM's message of inclusion, minority rights, women's rights, peaceful existence with Pakistan's neighbors, etc., it has been a target of extremist elements in Pakistan, who find its political philosophy of "Realism and Practicalism" a major hurdle in their dream of the Talibanization of Pakistan.

Within few days after the 9/11 attacks, MQM organized a massive rally in Karachi, and offered solidarity with the international community, in its fight against extremism. MQM has no choice but to fight extremism. It is the only political organization in Pakistan, and possibly in the entire Muslim world, which has the Islamic awareness, the legislative courage, and the street support to bring defeat after political defeat to the extremists in one of the most significant Muslim countries of the world.

The innocent souls, whose lives was mercilessly cut short on 9/11, did not die in vain. Their unjust death has united people around the world to stand against the purveyors of death and destruction. Let's pause for a moment to remember those who lost their lives on that day, and those who still grieve their loss.