Am I A Terrorist?

by Dr. Shahid Athar

They call my people

blood thirsty terrorists

blowing up buildings and planes

with dynamite tied to their chests

killing civilians by the hundreds

-but am I a terrorist?

True, some of my people

of names similar to mine

do act violently in despair

when their human rights are stolen

when their suffering and plights are ignored

in the refugee camps of Sabra and Chatala.

– but am I a terrorist?

They are not living their faith

just acting on emotions and hate

full with the revenge for the oppressor

with little regard for innocent lives

they are just Muslim in name

–but am I a terrorist?

Islam, the religion of peace

teaches Muslims to respect life

“If anyone had killed one man

except in lieu of murder and mischief

it is as if he killed the whole mankind”

Same verse in Torah and Quran too

by the same God

-how could I be a terrorist?

Prophet Mohammad, Peace be upon him

was a mercy to mankind

he cared for the poor, elderly and sick

even if not from his faith

he stood in respect for a funeral procession of a Jew

he let a cat take a nap on his robe

not to disturb her, he cut his robe

He told Muslim armies not to hurt women and kids

sick and old, cut trees or kill animals just for fun

I love him so much

-how could I be a terrorist?

But why do they call us terrorists?

why not call the IRA, Red Army, Tamil Tigers

Militant Hindus or Serbians terrorists.

Why not call the militia

blowing up government buildings

and killing innocent civilians a terrorist

No, the term is reserved for Muslims

– and I am a Muslim.

We are the victims of terrorism

in Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia and Kosova

by individuals and states

with knives, guns, tanks and rape

-who is a terrorist?

I remember Serb soldiers came to my house

they killed my father and my big brother too

I miss them so much.

They raped my mom and my sister too.

I loved them so much.

Then they burned my house, my books and toys too

– and they call us terrorists.

I got scared, and fled into the woods

joined a caravan going to the border

migrating from oppression to a land of peace and freedom

I have walked two days and climbed a mountain

I am hungry and thirsty, tired and sick

My legs are weak and my feet are bleeding

unable to walk anymore

– do I look like a terrorist?

I am not a terrorist

I am a Muslim

seeking love, peace and justice

My name is Mehmet Poturvic

I am a 6 year old from Kosova

Dear God, please help me and my people.

“You alone I worship, from you alone I seek help”

Shahid Athar

April 18, 1999

Presented at an interfaith conference on 4-18-99 on “Islam and Terrorism” at the

Islamic Society of North America, Plainfield, Indiana.