Muslims must act upon their fatwa

July 28, 2005, marked a watershed moment in the history of Islam and Muslims in America.

On that day, major American Muslim organizations unconditionally rejected terrorism in the name of Islam through the Fiqh Council of North America, a body of Muslim scholars. The group issued a religious edict — or fatwa, as it’s called in Arabic — against terror.

Not only did the scholars categorically condemn terrorism, they also encouraged Muslim Americans to assist law-enforcement agencies in their activities.

This event is significant because it represents the maturation of the Muslim American community in engaging fellow Americans and addressing concerns about Islam.

The fatwa was widely endorsed by 24 national Muslim organizations, 123 mosques and 127 major Muslim leaders, which effectively represents the entirety of the Muslim American community. This reflects the broad commitment to root out terrorism in their communities.

The very existence of the fatwa acknowledges that there are indeed some Muslims engaged in terrorism. Just ask the people in Beslan, Russia, London or New York and Washington, D.C.

Almost as destructive as the acts of terrorism has been the sympathy afforded to terrorists and terrorism by some members of the community, often signaled with statements like, “We condemn terrorism, but —” Such an environment has indirectly supported terrorism.

The fatwa is a good starting point for change in Muslim communities, but we should not fool ourselves. It is not an end in itself.

In the days, weeks and months to come, American Muslim leaders and communities must act upon the fatwa; otherwise, it is of little use.

If terrorism has taught us anything, it is that those who are disaffected with their lives may take a radical, violent course.

Muslim communities, then, must fervently resolve to integrate their members who show signs of disaffection into the American social life.

Impressionable Muslim youth should be told and retold that the change they seek does not exist in an idealized reading of Muslim history, the creation of a utopian Muslim state or the resurrection of the Caliphate. Rather, it exists through creative political engagement, and it is toward this end that their youthful passions should be directed.

Unlike other religious minorities, American Muslims have not done enough in explaining their faith to non-Muslims. Unfortunately, in the minds of many Americans, Osama bin Laden, al-Qaida and, as of late, the London bombers have come to represent Muslims.

It is the responsibility of Muslim Americans to dispel these false notions by talking with their neighbors and colleagues, attending their children’s PTA meetings and availing themselves of other opportunities for constructive dialogue.

Muslims can no longer blind themselves to the actions of their fellow Muslims “in the name of Islam.”

Whether it is in London, New York, Iraq, Israel or elsewhere, terrorism must be rejected on its face. Terrorism is what it is — murder, period.