5/8/11, Letter to Editor, The St Louis Post-Dispatch

With the death of Osama bin Laden, President Barack Obama fulfilled a promise in ensuring our national security in the wake of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Mr. Obama completed one aspect of the Bush mission that went unfulfilled. As Americans, we are appreciative of the bold leadership and steadfastness of our president in his pursuit of this mission. Moreover, as Muslim Americans, we recognize that the death of bin Laden creates an opportunity to reassert that he never spoke for the broader body of Muslims.

Unfortunately, some clerics and other groups are getting bogged down in whether bin Laden's burial at sea meets the requirements of Islam. Bin Laden was more a terrorist than a Muslim. He was directly responsible for taking lives unjustly, including Muslim lives. There are commands against murder in the Quran. Since 9/11, bin Laden has fomented the death of Muslims and non-Muslims in Afghanistan and others have killed in his name. He and al-Qaida were symbols of death and terror for non-Muslims and Muslims.

As a criminal, his burial is of little consequence. Bin Laden's judgment now is with Allah, and by this teaching he has a great deal to fear and respond to.

With the end of this death merchant, we are hopeful that the families who were directly affected by the events on 9/11 can find some peace of mind. They should rest assured that our hearts go out to them. We stand with them today and are pleased that we can thank our fighting men and women for a mission accomplished.

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