Assalam-alekum.
Please distribute the following press release (also in
the attachment) to your member lists.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			           
CONTACT:
ymwp_dc@yahoo.com
SEPTEMBER 12, 2001

TO:  Muslim Women in America
FROM:  Young Muslim Women Professionals (YMWP)
RE:  Safety Precautions to All Muslim Women

(Washington, DC)  As the United States reels under the
greatest attack in the nation^Òs history, American
Muslims send their deepest condolences and prayers to
their brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends, and
fellow Americans who were innocently caught in the
middle of this unforgettable tragedy.  We ask Allah to
help those in need and to provide mercy to the victims
who lost their lives.  We ask Allah to give strength
and patience to the families whose lives have been
unduly shattered as they struggle to understand these
devastating events.  And we ask Allah to provide us
with patience and faith as we ourselves must once
again face the repercussions of anti-Muslim rhetoric
that is to be expected from such an incident.

Muslims have a direct responsibility to spread
tolerance and peace, not just in their own
communities, but also in the wider communities in
which they live and work on a daily basis.  Muslim
women, who are able, must be proactive and take part
in the country^Òs efforts to treat its injured people. 
Whether it be donating blood in the numerous blood
drives all across the country, or whether it be
volunteering as counselors at hospitals in the New
York or Washington DC area, Muslim women must show a
dynamic expression of sympathy and support for their
fellow people as the country attempts to regain a
sense of normalcy.

Headlines around the country and throughout the world
are all blaring the same message ^ÓAmerica Under
Attack^Ô.  There are strong implications against
Islamic groups deemed responsible for these cowardly,
so-called acts against the American people. 
And American Muslims must undergo their own 
struggle to alleviate the consequent backlash that
permeates as an undercurrent throughout the society.

Muslim women are especially vulnerable to the attacks
that occur in this period of misunderstanding and
anger.  By donning the hijab, wearing Islamic attire,
or simply being known as a Muslim woman, many will be
obvious targets and will stand out as they represent
Islam.  Many will face hardship and will be tried and
tested.  And many will have the strength to overcome
this challenge insha^ÒAllah.  Just as the two
companions at the time of the Prophet, Sumayya (may
Allah be pleased with her), who was tortured in Mecca
because of her faith and Khansa (may Allah be pleased
with her), who was tested with patience as she lost
her four children, Muslim women today must have belief
in their imaan and must also increase their strength
and endurance to deal with any and all circumstances
that may come their way.

The following are a few pointers to help Muslim women
in this time of confusion as the country undergoes a
period of recovery:

*	Be careful of verbal abuse and do not get caught up
in responding to ethnic slurs and remarks.  If there
is an absolute need, then respond by stating that
Islam forbids terrorism and this kind of behavior. 
Provide the example of the Oklahoma City bombing when
there were over 200 verbal and physical attacks to
Muslims, and in the end, the verdict was completely
unrelated to Islam.  Speak calmly and with patience.

*	Do not argue about nationalist or other such related
causes.  Everyone is rushing to judgments and
speculation; refrain from commenting or engaging in
any conversation related to the incidents.

*	Walk in well-lighted areas, and do not make eye
contact with any passersby who may stare for a
prolonged time period.

*	Take protective measures, be cautious and set up
escort services to go out in groups, especially at
night.  Encourage Muslim brothers to escort sisters. 
Report any incidents of harassment to local
authorities immediately.  

*	Encourage Muslim sisters to have meetings either on
campus or in local communities.  Develop a phone or
e-mail tree where everyone has one or two contact
numbers, so if any occurrence happens, they can reach
their contact.

*	Find isolated sisters who are not active in Islamic
activities, but may also be subject to harassment;
give them contact numbers as well and encourage them
to use escort services.

The situation in the United States is unpredictable
and may get worse.  All Muslims are saddened by those
who have suffered, and pray that all Americans,
regardless of their faith, will unite together to
increase their strength and support for one another. 
And as Muslims, they should set aside any differences
and unite to stand up for peace and justice while
continuing to preserve their Islamic identity in the
face of any hardship, as written in the Holy Qur^Òan:  

The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of
another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is
evil^Åon them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is
Exalted in power, Wise.  (9:71)

###END RELEASE###


YMWP -Dedicated to providing professional and social
services and striving to promote an atmosphere for the
exchange of ideas, support, advocacy, and empowerment
for young Muslim women through its various activities
and functions guided by Islamic values and principles
as dictated in the Holy Quran.