9/1/11, Letter to Editor, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

On Sept. 11, 2001, extremists took nearly 3,000 innocent lives — in the name of Islam. "Islam," ironically, literally means "peace." On the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA is seeking to promote the true meaning of Islam.

A nationwide blood drive, dubbed "Muslims for Life" will be held in the hopes of collecting at least 10,000 bags of blood — potentially saving 30,000 lives.

The sanctity of life is clearly stated in the Quran (5:33): "Whosoever killed a person ... it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind."

We invite all people to join in this cause (muslimsforlife.org). As of now, hospitals, religious groups and community organizations from across America, and even Congress, have signed up.

On Sept. 11, let us join hands and take one step closer toward promoting the peace that Americans and Islam both stand for.