Abstract

This paper will discuss how the events of 9/11 have created differences among the Muslims and hose of the other faiths living in US. It will also argue whether the Park51 Islamic Community Center more famously known as the 'Ground Zero mosque' should be built or not. It will also go on to argue that ventures such as the Ground Zero mosque which try to create Islam as a central part of the US religious setting and maintain on the freedom of religion as stated in the American constitution.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Discussion and Analysis3

Controversy Surrounding the Project9

What Can Be Done?9

The Role of Inter-faith Dialogue10

Conclusion10

Works Cited12

Ground Zero Mosque-Challenging Democracy or Disgracing

Introduction

The disagreement surrounding the “ground zero mosque” is considered to be a part of a much larger debate about the position of Islam in American public space. The controversy of building a mosque at ground zero also exposes the ways in which the true identity of American is being debated, frequently through great effort over who counts as a “real” American. It also demonstrates the degree to which Islam is projected and considered as un-American and militant, and also the extent to which all Muslims are required to account for the actions of those who commit violence under the rubric of Islam (Fisher, 29).

During the last few years, there has been great debate and discussion in the US media concerning Islam. The peaceful religion of Islam is portrayed as fierce and extremist and Muslim values as portrayed to be highly antithetical as compared to that of the America's. It is thus necessary to talk about an issue, which is of chief concern to hundreds of millions of people, especially in the post 9/11 period. The United States has had a long history of prejudice and bigotry against those living in minorities. Native Americans as well as others at one time or another suffered year of discrimination. Major events like the attacks on World Trade Center on 9/11 have brought Islam and Muslims into the public focus. Current debate concerning establishing a mosque near Ground Zero has further highlighted the discussion on Islam in America (Wilkinson, 4).

Discussion and Analysis

America is considered to be a country which believes in freedom, its people are tolerant and the basis on which America was found was that every individual had the right to be free in voicing their opinion. America is known to be a free land. Tolerance is derived from a Latin word “tolerate” which means to bear. In the American dictionary we define it as the “freedom from bigotry and prejudice.” (Cohen, 1985). This paper will argue whether a mosque or an Islamic centre should be built two blocks away from ground zero, where the twin towers were destroyed. 70% of the people oppose to this idea saying that this would be an insult to those who lost their lives in that horrible event. America is supposed to be a free nation which means that every person of every race or religion has the right ...