10 September,2024 10:11 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
The attack at WTC. File Pic/AFP
Every year on September 11, people all across the world pause to reflect on the awful events of 9/11. The terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001, which killed over 3,000 people, altered the direction of history. It was a day of enormous loss, grief, and shock that had far-reaching political, social, and cultural ramifications worldwide. South Asian Muslim communities were particularly affected, facing heightened scrutiny, persecution, and an increase in Islamophobia in the years following the attacks.
For South Asian Muslims, particularly those living in Western countries, the aftermath of 9/11 marked a significant shift in their perception. In the days and weeks after the attacks, there was an increase in hate crimes, verbal abuse, and physical attacks on Muslims or those thought to be Muslim, including Sikhs and other South Asians.
The media's portrayal of Muslims as terrorists fuelled an environment of fear and suspicion. This affected not only people but entire communities. Many South Asian Muslims reported feeling alone because their neighbours and colleagues removed themselves, either out of fear or prejudice. Women who wear the hijab, in particular, have faced harassment and intolerance.
One of the most striking effects of 9/11 was an increase in Islamophobia. South Asian Muslim communities, regardless of personal beliefs or behaviour, were frequently held collectively responsible for the actions of a small handful of extremists. Discrimination has become an everyday occurrence, whether in the workplace, schools, or public places.
Many Western governments implemented harsher immigration and security restrictions, disproportionately targeting Muslims and South Asians. Muslims were subjected to racial profiling, including enhanced surveillance and inspection at airports and borders. Travel and job applications for South Asian Muslims were fraught with mistrust and hostility.
For many South Asian Muslims, the post-9/11 milieu triggered an internal battle about their identity. They were pressured to disassociate themselves from their religious and cultural customs in order to avoid being branded as extremists. Young Muslims, in particular, struggled to reconcile their faith with the negative stereotypes that surround them. This internal conflict caused some people to conceal their religious identity, while others were more outspoken in defending their faith and educating others about Islam.
Despite the hardships, South Asian Muslim communities demonstrated remarkable resilience in the years following 9/11. Many community leaders took it upon themselves to encourage discourse, dispel misunderstanding, and improve understanding among diverse cultures. Interfaith gatherings and cultural initiatives were planned to break down barriers and emphasise Islam's peaceful principles.
Muslim organisations have also increased efforts to preserve their communities' civil rights, including legal assistance to anyone experiencing prejudice or hate crimes. Educational programs were launched to raise public awareness about the risks of Islamophobia and the significance of rejecting prejudice.
