Muslims Place Faith in American Freedom

In “Moderate Islam’s Message” (editorial, Oct. 10) Muqtedar Kahn is quoted: “It is time that we acknowledge that the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S. are more desirable to us than superficial solidarity with the Muslim world. If you disagree then prove it by packing your bags and going to whichever Muslim country you identify with.” I completely disagree with this.

I am a Muslim. My family came to the U.S. from Iran. It is true that we choose to live here because of the freedom we receive in the U.S., but we are not going back to our country because of the government situation there. Men who have power decided to apply the laws as they see fit, not the laws of the Islamic faith. For example, many women in the Middle East must cover their face, hair and body when in public. Nowhere in the Koran does it state that women must do this. All the Koran implies is that women should not act or dress inappropriately when out in public. Governments in the Middle East have taken it upon themselves to incorporate the chador and other clothing as a part of the Koran.

There is no need to pass judgment on Muslims who live here and don’t want to go back to a country run by men who have overpowered the people and diminished the true meaning of the Islamic faith.

Pooneh Nasrollahnia

Thousand Oaks

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I am a proud American Muslim who has been living in this great country for over 30 years. This country provided me with free education and, best of all, the freedom to live in dignity. I am paying back by contributing productively to the success of our country--best of all by being a good citizen.

I have two children who would sacrifice their lives to preserve the freedom of our nation. You can also count on them to be productive citizens. American Muslims are waking up and speaking loudly: We are patriotic and will fight to defend our nation. We will speak out against terrorism in the name of our religion. We will also speak out against hate crimes that have been committed against us since the Sept. 11 tragedy. We can tolerate “dirty looks” but not racial profiling. It is illegal and violates our civil rights. We will be vigilant and will never allow terrorism to destroy our society.

America, my kids are yours. They will defend the freedom that makes us the greatest nation in the world. And you must also protect my kids from growing up in fear of backlash, retaliation and intimidation. God bless America.

Mohammed Saleh

West Covina