Taped on: January 3rd, 2003

Title: Representing Islam Post 9/11 and Beyond

Speaker: Imam Yahia Abdul Rahman Ph.D.

Location:

     In the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, we, America’s Muslims are at a critical juncture unlike anything our community has ever faced in this country. With our collective response to the threats, accusations and misunderstandings of our religions teachings likely to impact future generations, the nature of that response is the subject of this timely sermon (khutba) by Dr. Yahia Abdul Rahman. Included below is just some of what Dr. Yahia touches upon.

• Praising God (Allah) for the abundant gifts he has provided us, whose bounties extend from the gifts we witness, like family and loved ones, or the food before us-- to those blessings that we cannot directly observe, yet ultimately benefit from nonetheless.

• How have we used the gift of life and the gift of time?

• The greatest of gifts: our fellow human being. Be they Muslim or otherwise, Allah reminds us that we have been brought here to know and learn from another. And most importantly, knowing that only the most righteous among mankind will be rewarded.

• Being optimistic in challenging times. Work increasingly hard to invite others towards a deeper understanding of Islam by opening up our homes and mosques to our neighbors.

• These times do heighten our responsibility to exemplify in our individual character the level of excellence our beloved Prophet demonstrated, rectifying the purity of this last revelation given to humanity.