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A recent survey by Pew Research Center and the Pew Forum found that the majority of Americans know very little about the practices of Islam. (Google photo) |
CAIRO — Disturbed by rising anti-Islam sentiments since the 9/11 attacks, Samina Ahmed has started a mission to educate Americans about Islam and clear misconceptions about the faith.
"(People) a lot of times have so many questions," Ahmed told the Springfield News-Sun newspaper on Monday, July 7.
"And I make them comfortable enough so they can ask them."
Since 9/11, Ahmed, 35, has been holding a seminar twice a year to educate people about the teachings of Islam.
This Thursday, the Pakistani-born will hold her seminar "Practicing Islam in Clark County" at the Public Library to discuss the faith as a whole.
She will also distribute free English translation of the Noble Qur'an to attendees.
In previous seminars, Ahmed discussed many Islamic issues such as fasting and Zakah (alms giving).
Ahmed, who migrated with her parents to Canada when she was 5 and later to the US at the age of 17, says Americans are now more receptive than ever to know more about Islam.
A 2007 survey by Pew Research Center and the Pew Forum found that the majority of Americans know very little about the practices of Islam.
The poll indicated that attitudes toward Muslims and Islam have grown more negative in recent years.
There are between six to seven million Muslims in the United States, making up less than three percent of the country's 300 million population.
Tarnished
Ahmed says her mission aims to clear the tarnished image of the Islamic faith.
"Since 9/11, whenever people hear the word Muslim, right away they think terrorist," Ahmed said.
"But that's not what Islam represents."
A USA Today/Gallup poll had showed that 39 percent of Americans feel prejudiced toward Muslims.
Anti-Muslim hate crimes in the US have soared dramatically in recent years.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's recent figures, Islamophobic crimes more than quadrupled from 28 incidents in 2000 to 156 incidents in 2006.
Ahmed says the media tend to portray Islam as a "warlike" religion and that Islam is the province of only certain races or nationalities.
A recent British study accused the media and film industry of perpetuating Islamophobia and prejudice by demonizing Muslims and Arabs as violent, dangerous and threatening people.
Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the president of the US largest Jewish movement, has accused US media and politicians of demonizing Islam and portraying Muslims as "satanic figures."
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